I need advice on the Dining Plan

Well... because of the price increase and we talked it over with my Dad and were now on the fence for it next year. My parents are going at the end of April next year, so there plan is to book as normal, and just take the cash that would be required to buy the dining plan, and just use it to spend down there and see if they come back with extra money.

But to settle your mind on your little one and we did the regular dining plan with a quick serve and sit down. We took both our kids, 1 and a half and 8, and both did very well with quick serve and the dining. Brooke ate off of everyone. They gave us so much food that it was never an issue. We even asked for a plate for her, and 9 times out of 10... we didnt even have to ask. They just knew. So I guess its up to you.

I like the fact that we didnt have to carry anything extra for it. Just said we were on the dining plan and we were good to go. If its a bit extra in the end... it is worth it.

we did the regular dining plan last year with my niece (18 months at the time) and my nephew (turned 4 while we were there). They both loved it, they could pick things off the kids menu or have anything from the buffet, if Maggie only wanted fruit thye kept her in fine supply as well.
I like the fact that I don't carry anything except tip, and that I can make my ADF's and book exactly what we want, This time we are doing a couple that take 2 credits butit manages to all work out in the end.

I am a HUGE DDP fan and will sing it from the rafters.

I have to say that I would probably pay dearly to see that and hear you singing out as well.

Bella, I'd say that as long as you won't lose money on it, go for it. I think that it sounds like for you and DH, its as much about convenience as anything, yes? Can you use quick service points toward table service? I'm so clueless.

We did the Quick-Service DP last year with out 2 year old. He ate off our plates a lot or we would buy a little snack like fruit, etc. We also packed snacks in the park for him and if he was really hungry we would buy him a small meal. I think you should do it!

I would go with the dining plan. I think the pros outweigh the cons.

I loved the dining plan my last trip. It's so convenient and I really do think in the end it saved me money.

Did the DP once in the last 3 trips I was there. For my family in no way was it worth it. Food is probably at the very bottom of our list when we go to Disney. You can really eat on the cheap if you put in just a little bit of effort. We usually treat ourselves to one big dining event but thats about it. You have to decide how important dining is. Do you eat for fuel or eat for fun. For me sitting down and eating takes up time I would much rather use for something else, not just at Disney but anywhere. As I am reading here I seem to be in the minority on this so I figured it would be good to give an opinion from someone who is on the non dining plan side.

I think that's an excellent point, Roundbo! While we usually come down firmly in the foodie camp, for all of my dreaming about cupcakes and fancy meals, we're normally very, very cheap when we go to WDW for the day, electing to take food for the kids, getting kid meals for everyone, and skipping fancy snacks. I agree - if you put your mind to it, you can definitely save money if the special foods you can get at Disney aren't something that interest you. Thanks so much for posting an alternative position!