Hey again :)

Thomas and I are wondering if the two of us need a dining plan. It seems more of a headache than it's worth.

As AP's at Disneyland, we usually eat in the park a lot, but in small amounts...kinda like grazing so we can get lots of things without eating a boat load.

I've tried to look at the other posts here, but usually they include a kid, so I was hoping someone could shed some light for those of us without youngsters. :)

Thanks!

It really doesn't make much difference in the calculation if youre adults only or with kids - you still have to run through the math.

There are Many MANY more restaurants at WDW than at DL, so eating and making ADRs is much more involved for most visitors at WDW. Also, based on the other thread, if you're going in May, you'll want to make your ADRs as soon as you can - especially if you want to eat at 'prime' meal times and at the more popular restaurants.

My husband and I are going with out the kids in May and we will be doing the DP. Just one less thing to think about IMHO, paying the tip OP doesn't seem like to big a deal to me. I do wish it was a choice between Apps and desserts, then we could each get one to share like we usually do.

I found the food at WDW to be a step up-sometimes several steps-to what I was used to at DL. And at least one TS at Epcot is a must IMO-it really adds to the experience. Make those ADR's-NOW. YOu can always change them or drop them with a phone call.

Only you can decide if the DDP is right for you-but if you want to eat any sit downs at all, you truly need that ADR.

Last year, I found the DDP is be a money saver as well as a budget saver, in that I knew the costs going in. This year-I truly believe it depends on what you'd eat anyway-do the math and go from there.

Last year my older brother and his wife went to WDW for their first time together, without kids. They did the DP, and had a good strategy. Instead of doing a one-credit table service meal every day, they did only 2TS places, so they got to enjoy more upscale dining, but not every day, and did not overeat. For other days, they just did counter service for their main meal of the day. I would cost it out, and consider the option of, maybe every other day, doing a nice place such as Artist's Point (at the Wilderness Lodge), or Jiko (at the Animal Kingdom Lodge). It should be easier to book your meals that way. Check out the menus on www.allearsnet.com, or another site, which will also chart out whch meals are one and which are two credits. Another well-reviewed place is California Grill. I booked it for our June trip for four, thinking to take our kids, but, as luck would have it, another family we are friendly with will be there at the same time. They rebooked their Friday dinner, and we are going to use the reservation, for a nice adults-only meal, and our children, who are good friends, will play together at a Kids' Club.

It seems more of a headache than it's worth.

I did the DDP one time, and while I came out ahead a bit moneywise, I also thought it was too much work for the benefit. It's great for those who don't usually eat at the table service restaurants, but I've enjoyed Disney fine dining for many years now. I agree with above comments - get your dining reservations in NOW. Due to the popularity of the dining plan, many of the nicer restaurants book up solid during prime dining times. You don't want to wait till you get there and find out that you have limited or NO options for table service, and have to settle for a burger. Dining at WDW is one of the more important features for me, but unlike DL you really have to plan in advance.