Disney with Dining option-Worth it or not?

We are looking at booking a stay at Disney Port Orleans Rivierside with the Dining Option. Has anyone done this and do yo feel it is a value or not? I appreciate any comments or suggestions about staying at this resort and the dining option also. I am new to the Disney forum and need lots of help with planning our trip.

Disney with Dining option-Worth it or not?

You will like the resort. The dining option is a big money saver if you like eating in table service restaurants. You will get a table service meal, a counter service meal, and a snack, for each night you have reserved at PO. You can mix and match the meals, having two table service meals one day and two counter service the next, if you like. The table service meal gives you an appetizer, entree and dessert, so you definitely won%26#39;t go hungry. I would recommend it to anyone staying at Disney (with the exception of the DVC resorts with full kitchens, where they might want to eat in a lot).

Disney with Dining option-Worth it or not?

Thanks! I heard the food was expensive and thought it may be a cheaper way to go. I was concerned about how many places were excluded and if we would be walking around looking to find a table service restaurant on the plan. I know there are some exclusions but in general I hoped the majority of the dining places were on the dining option.

Check www.allearsnet.com for a list of the participating places and their menus. There are plenty to choose from.

Unless you plan to really budget and eat counter service most of the time, then do the plan. The dining plan is great if you don’t plan on eating fastfood counter service for most meals. If you want to eat at the better table service restaurants also then it is a great savings. You can get whatever you want regardless of price and the tip is included. You don’t have to worry with cash/credit cards because you just use your “Key to the Kingdom” card. Each person in your party gets 1 table service meal, 1 counter service meal, and 1 snack per night of your stay. (note: it is based on the number of nights you are booked in a resort and not how many days you are there) You can use them in any order you wish until they are all gone. You can use 2 table serves each and 1 counter and 3 snacks each in one day if you are really hungry and use 1 table serve and 2 counters the next day and so on until they are gone. They will give you a print out each time you use the plan so you know exactly what you have left so you don’t have to keep up with it or be caught off-guard after ordering a huge expensive meal and discover you have nothing left. Counter service includes one entrée (or combo meal), one drink and one dessert per person, table service includes one appetizer, one entrée, one drink and one dessert per person and price is not an issue. You can order the most expensive things on the menu if that is what you want. Most all ice cream and pop carts are considered for the snack option. We love the dining plan. It is approximately $38 per adult per day and $10 per child (age 3-9) per day. We are a family of three (2 adults and 1 child). So that is approximately $100 per day for us to eat with the plan since we have to buy very light snack breakfast (we use our refillable mugs for drinks). When we get our tickets for our table service meals (you still get a ticket it is just paid for already with the plan) it is normally $100-$150 just for the one meal. We won’t ever go without the dining plan again.

There are very few places that don%26#39;t participate. Here are sites for participating places, menus and the reservation number.

…go.com/media/…2006DiningLocations.pdf

http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm

(407)-WDW-DINE or (407)-939-3463 or Rainforest Café at (407) 827-8500

Thanks for your help! I think we are going for the dining plan. I thought it sounded like a good deal but then again I have no idea what the meals cost but I know everything will be expensive. I need to save whereever we can since I know the kids will want to spend money on everything else.

Can you eat really great meals for $35 a day when you go on vacation!!!! Just think what you spend at a McDonalds just for a meal deal.

First year we went to Disney stayed off property and still spent alot. last year we stayed on property and boy was THE MEAL PLAN WORTH EVERY PENNY.

Have a great trip.

Shellgirl

I think you will really be glad you have decided to go with the meal plan. You have also chosen a great resort. We have loved it when we have stayed there. Make sure you take the boat launch to DTD at night. It is great!!!

I highly recommend that you book all of your table service restaurants in advance. You can do that 180 days in advance now and most people do take advantage of that so things fill up quickly. If you are going to do any character dining, you really need to call ASAP. If you need any advice on restaurants, please tell us what you like and we can help you.

Enjoy your trip!

The very best part other than good food. That part of your vacation is paid for. Rather, 2 of your meals for the day are paid for. We took breakfast bars and some cerial with us. Or the pastries ( which are huge can be shared cost about $3 )You can use your counter for breakfast if you are big on breakfast.

I am rambling what I am saying is that you are paid for. All you need to really plan on is for your souvenires.

I guess if you order beer or wine with your dining-plan meal they bill you separately?

The dining plan sounds too good to be true. Won%26#39;t the restaurants offer us a worse menu, like chicken fingers etc? What if i wanted to eat lobster or steak etc every day with my dining plan?