I am debating on whether to pay for Disney dining with 1 full service meal per day or pay as we eat.
We are 4 adults going. Has anyone done the math to figure this out?
I did the math and it was almost a wash. I think I will continue to use the meal plan.You really do have to do your own math to see if it actually makes sense. Use the pricing online (just about all menus with prices are available at the Disney website and Touring Plans) and figure out how you would NORMALLY eat during your vacation. I picked out the things my family would most likely order, including drinks and desserts. Then compare it to the cost of the dining plan for the trip. it's a bit of work, but worth it.
When you're doing that, keep in mind that tax is included with the dining plan, but tips are NOT (except for the places where it specifically states your cost per person includes gratuities). Even on the dining plan you need to tip your servers.
I’ve seen this tool recommended a lot:
https://www.distripplanner.com/
But it is nice knowing when I check in, my room, tickets and food are paid for and there is ZERO need to carry around any cash......
I hear ya and had something similar with a CC machine at a place we ate at locally....Oh well if the machine/system is down then that is THEIR issue, not mine....Well, there is one reason to carry some cash or some type of payment other than your MB. As recently as last week, the whole system was down and NO ONE was able to pay using the DDPs or charge to their room, so if you don't have cash or a CC and this happens, you won't be eating.