[Bathsheba]

I'm doing a lot of research for our future trip. Trying to figure out the best and least expensive way to do this. My family doesn't usually eat 3 meals a day and was thinking that the current "silver plan" thru WDW sounded pretty good. My concerns are: 1) is the dining part of the silver plan worth the money and 2) do the "more than 125 participating restaurants throughout the Walt Disney World Resort" offer a wide range of convenience, choices, difference and atmosphere? I'm concerned that this package would wind up being a waste of money and too much trouble. Although if we had purchased it we would definitely use it. Are there other plans offered thru other programs or are they pretty much the same? Is this a good deal? Thanks for any help.

[mickey]

I think a lot of the value of the plan depends upon where you eat. The Silver Plan offers meals at just about any restaurant in WDW. There is a wide variety, I wouldn't worry about that, and everything from counter service to some of the finest restaurants in Florida. You can also find just about any kind of food you can imagine, with the exception of Indian, unfortunately.

The problem with the plans is that, when you price it out, you have to average about $34 per meal to make it work for you. That is $34 per person per meal, not as a family. Many people can make it work, but it usually is a break even situation.

As a travel agent, I love selling the packages, since I make a commission on the meals as well, but honestly, I usually suggest that you just go for the room and tickets, and just pay for your meals. The problem is that many people who are travelling with their children don't like to go to nice, expensive restaurants every night, and therefor, end up just grabbing something quickly, and never get their money's worth. If you happen to be a big eater, and like having appetizers and deserts with every meal, then it can easily be worth it. I guess it is up to you, whether you can make it work or not.

As far as other plans, I am not aware of any that are offered by others rather than Disney. Since almost all of the restaurants are owned by Disney, they usually don't deal with others.

If you are only going to eat two meals a day, you could make it work. Just eat a character breakfast late in the morning, all you can eat and expensive, and then eat at a nice restaurant for dinner.

Let us know if you have any other questions.

[jgriff2388]

We did an all inclusive package for our honeymoon 15 years ago. The packages they offer now are still similar to the one we had then. The package is expensive, and unless you use most of perks that come with it, you don't get your money's worth. The one thing the all inclusive package offers, however, is convenience. You can eat at the most expensive restaurants and have soup to nuts (alcohol is excluded); you don't have to worry about what to eat because of the costs. Also, the dinner shows are also include, i.e. Hoop De Doo and Polynesian Luau. Also, the all inclusive plans allow you unlimited use of recreational activities, i.e. boats, golf, etc.
The plan is definitely not worth the expense if you are doing a short trip, say 4 days, 3 nights, because there are not enough days to do all the activities.
While I did love the convenience of the plan, I doubt I would purchase an all inclusive plan in the future because of the expense. Also, if you are travelling with children, it is difficult to stick to a schedule.
Hope this helps.
:)

[quartz7]

Hi Bathsheba,

I don't know if this is cheaper, but check it out. We are going to DW for 13 days and we are staying at the Poly. We decided to go with the congeirge upgrade. I didn't want to pay for breakfast everyday, we aren't big breakfast eaters, and that will save me at least $40.00 a day. Same with getting a coke. The machines are at least $2.00. That will add up quickly. You really have to find out what you will spend a day and then fiqure out if there are any deals on the congierge. I believe there is one going on now, checkout mousesavers.com to make sure. I don't know if this is going to work for you, but it gives you another idea.

Good luck and have fun planning

Janelle

[snowmanz]

From my personal experience, I dont think it's worth it if you're traveling with children. To break even, you have to eat at pricey restaurant and children dont really appreciate filet mignon or king crab legs. They would rather have an hot dog or a hamburger.