Yes, you definitely need to do the math and see what works for you and where you can save some money.
In your post you mentioned your family loves to eat (play hard, eat hard). I think the Dining Plan probably has your name on it.
One thing I have done in the past is add up the per day cost of the Dining Plan for my party (yours will be: adults - $37.99 x 3, children - $9.99 x 2 = $133.95). Then I go to
Deb's Unofficial Walt Disney World Vacation Information Guide - WDW Planning Guide - Walt Disney World click on “Dining” at the top of the page and select a restaurant for my counter meal and a restaurant for my table meal. I write down what I think everyone in my party would probably order (Counter Meal @ Lunch – 1 meal, 1 dessert, 1 drink, Table Meal – 1 meal, 1 dessert, I drink). I would do that for two or three days using different restaurants and see how the bill for each day comes out in comparison to the price of the Dining Plan for that day. Depending on where you eat and what you order, the Dining Plan can save you a lot.
“lovemysons” mentioned the Disney Dining Experience above. You can also take your total bill from the table meal and deduct 20% to see how that compares to the Dining Plan (that would be the cost of your table meal if you purchase the $65.00 Disney Dining Experience and purchase one annual pass). From my experience the DDE works at most of the table service restaurants and several of the resort food courts (all three all-star food courts, both port oleans food courts). Call (407) 566-5858 (Monday - Friday, 9 am - 6 pm EST). They should be able to fax/e-mail you a copy of who accepts DDE. Here’s a link to a list but not sure how accurate it is (
MouseSavers.com - Disney Dining Experience)
As far as a discount on your hotel room, from my experience, if there is an AP discount offered, it is usually about $100.00 a night for deluxe resorts.
+$448.00 - Annual Pass (theme parks only)
-$700.00 - Approx AP Savings at Contemporary ($100 x 7 nights)
-$252.00 - Approx Savings
+$579.00 - Premium Annual Pass (theme parks, water parks, disney quest, pleasure island)
-$700.00 - Approx AP Savings at Contemporary ($100 x 7 nights)
-$121.00 - Approx Savings
Unfortunately it is one or the other: 1) purchase annual pass, purchase DDE & receive room discount 2)leave reservation as is with Disney Dining
If you did purchase 1 annual pass, the money you save off your room for 7 nights will cover your DDE membership ($65.00).
One plus about adding the Dining Plan is that the meals are on every room key for your trip. If anyone splits apart from your group, they will not have any problem accessing their meals.
One negative about the Disney Dining Experience . . . You are issued one card ($65) and you can order an extra card for your spouse ($25) . . . and if you try to use the card but it is not your name on the card, you might have a challenge getting your discount.
Most important . . . if you are even considering doing the Dining Plan, be sure to call and make your reservations (180 days before your reservation). Go to
PS Calculator 8.0 and use their calculator. It shows you when you can call and start making other reservations too. You can always cancel or change them but be sure to make a reservation for every night.
Hope something above helps.