Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2023 Edition

The one time we went late summer with a free DDP package, this was totally us. I have a spreadsheet to track this, and that trip was a great value for us.

Yeah, the DDP works out well for some people and not others, For my eating habits it generally wasn't worth it, but I can see where it could be. If you could get it as part of a package too, it can become a very good deal.
 
Yeah, the DDP works out well for some people and not others, For my eating habits it generally wasn't worth it, but I can see where it could be. If you could get it as part of a package too, it can become a very good deal.
Now that my 11 year old would be charged the adult price it really wouldn't work for us. He still eats very little and it's all chicken nuggets and Mac and cheese still. If he ate like some of his friends it would be a different story!
 
The one time we went late summer with a free DDP package, this was totally us. I have a spreadsheet to track this, and that trip was a great value for us.
I would never pay OOP for the DDP but FD really is a great deal for a family not staying deluxe. We once took advantage of the “magical” deals the one TA used to offer and did that instead of FD one summer. We paid $200 a night for Poly and BC and paid OOP for food. It was still a better deal than FD at a deluxe. Room discounts on deluxe rooms can be better than FD. It just depends.

The last time we did FD was 2011. Those were the days!
 
The only way the dining plan made sense for us was the one time we got it "free" as part of a package because there was no room discount offered for our preferred resort / room category. But even then, it was annoying. We aren't dessert people - rarely order it. But we do love appetizers! We've been known to make a meal out of just appetizers. And while we drink alcohol, we don't necessarily want it at every meal, and usually don't want to fill up on a shake or specialty drink when water or iced tea would suffice. I remember going around on the last day buying random crap to use up our snack credits. We were so full from all the meals, we rarely snacked at all. Thankfully, our son was in college so he took all of that stuff back to school with him and shared it with his roommates.

Since then, we've bought into DVC so the only way we could get it is to pay for it and that's never going to happen. Still, I know some people love it and have been anxiously waiting for it to come back. I'm happy for them!
 
I am probably renting points for our February trip and I wondered this too. Not that it would matter much because we will probably skip the dining plan anyways because it wouldn't be worth it for me personally since I'm more of a kids meal eater.

I am so excited about the park reservations going away! WOOHOO!
I'm not sure if I would buy it either. My former travel partner and I used it in 2011 and spent our last day using up all the snack credits we hadn't used. My last trip in November I didn't eat that much but did have 3 decent signature dining experiences so depending on overall cost compared to what I spent last trip, we shall see if it makes sense. This trip I do plan to hit some of the restaurants I didn't go to last time because I didn't want to waste the time. Now that I've had my WDW fix and am "current" I don't mind spending the time for a sit down meal.
 
The last comment I'll add about the DDP and snack credits is that it turned the last day into a "Yes Day." Mickey bar for breakfast? Yes! Want another Dole whip? Yes! Mickey cookie for the flight home? Yes!
To me all my snacks were gone by the middle of the week as I made my way around the World Showcase. I started "borrowing" credits from my kids haha.
 
Disney Eats: New Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya Opening at EPCOT This Summer
Foodies know that one of the best places to explore a variety of global cuisines is at EPCOT, which will soon be home to a new location at the Japan pavilion – Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya. This table-service restaurant will offer a festive dining experience in a sharable Izakaya-style for you to create memories and good times through flavors.

Here, you’ll be able to experience the essence of Japan’s seasonal festivals, where each month brings a new celebration to your table. From hanging tanzaku to celebrate Tanabata in July to savoring moon-viewing dumplings in September, a cultural representative from Japan will guide you through each unique festival experience, one bite at a time. The atmosphere also embraces the festivals of Japan, with the atmosphere featuring beautiful, hand painted artwork and lanterns highlighting some of the natural wonders that Japan offers as well. Each and every visit is designed to create unforgettable memories that capture the spirit of Japan’s vibrant seasonal festivities.

In addition to a full menu filled with mouthwatering Japanese delights like sushi and teppan items, there will be an open sushi bar and grill. Located on the second floor of the Japan pavilion, Shiki-Sai offers stunning views of EPCOT, the World Showcase Lagoon, and, of course, fireworks!

Sushi lovers will marvel at the first-hand look at sushi being made right before their eyes by the chefs when sitting at the sushi bar. This unique spot provides a can’t-miss dining experience along with a magnificent trellis inspired by the roof of the Phoenix Hall in Kyoto that will mesmerize your eyes while the food captivates your taste buds.

Speaking of taste buds, let’s take a look at some of the dishes that will be served up at Shiki-Sai.

Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya at EPCOT - food

If you fancy yourself a sushi aficionado or you’re looking to expand your palate to a new bite, this menu has no shortage of delicious bites for you to try. Some highlights from the sushi bar include the Kobore Sushi, Tokyo Negi Roll, Funamori, and The Monster Roll.

Kobore Sushi translates to “overflowing sushi” and this item is “overflowing” with flavors. It features negi toro and nakaochi tuna elegantly paired with salmon roe and green onion. The Tokyo Negi Roll combines green onion tempura rolled with tuna tataki and topped with jalapeno aïoli, shredded carrot, and sliced jalapeno for a delightful roll that you simply need to try.

Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya at EPCOT - food

The Funamori features sashimi and sushi arranged on a boat-shaped platter. This iteration of Funamori is even served with the festive pomp and the boat procession of the famous Tenjin Matsuri!

You’ll also be able to sample dishes from the delicious world of Japanese Izakaya, a type of casual pub-style restaurant. One of the main highlights of Izakaya culture is the emphasis on sharing plates of food while enjoying drinks and conversation with friends. The menu at an Izakaya typically features a wide range of small dishes, and here is no different. From savory Karaage Chicken to succulent Salmon Misoyaki, even a refreshing Tomato Salad with Avocado, Izakaya cuisine is all about offering a variety of delicious small plates that can be indulged in a social and relaxed atmosphere.

Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya at EPCOT - food

Not only can you get dishes from the sushi bar, but the grill will also be serving up delicious options commonly found in Japanese cuisine. Among the grilled items to enjoy, Okonomiyaki is a highlight. This Japanese savory pancake is made with a batter of flour, eggs, and water, and then filled with shredded cabbage and bacon, and topped with tangy okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, aonori, bonito flakes, and pickled ginger.


Welcome to EPCOT, Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya. I hope you’re as excited as I am for this new location to open its doors this summer!

Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya at EPCOT - food
I'll admit, I always forget Tokyo Dining even exists despite it being right next to my favorite fireworks spot. An Izakaya is a great idea...a shame this will probably not be open by our trip.

Now they just need to do something about that shabby QS. It's in such a gorgeous area but the food screams generic mall food court teriyaki spot.
 
I'll admit, I always forget Tokyo Dining even exists despite it being right next to my favorite fireworks spot. An Izakaya is a great idea...a shame this will probably not be open by our trip.

Now they just need to do something about that shabby QS. It's in such a gorgeous area but the food screams generic mall food court teriyaki spot.

There are some decent Japanese places around me, so I never really think of eating there. This new place though seems to really offer a unique experience. The only place I've ever had okonomiyaki was in Kyoto!
 
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I'll admit, I always forget Tokyo Dining even exists despite it being right next to my favorite fireworks spot. An Izakaya is a great idea...a shame this will probably not be open by our trip.

Now they just need to do something about that shabby QS. It's in such a gorgeous area but the food screams generic mall food court teriyaki spot.
Mitsukoshi is one of my favorite spots to shop in all of Disney (and now that my kids are into Pokemon I am sure they will have a renewed interest).

Has anyone been in there recently? Is the sake bar still there? I LOVED it back there...it was a hidden gem and the Japanese Cast Members would always (while pouring) love to chat about their home.
 
I'll admit, I always forget Tokyo Dining even exists despite it being right next to my favorite fireworks spot. An Izakaya is a great idea...a shame this will probably not be open by our trip.

Now they just need to do something about that shabby QS. It's in such a gorgeous area but the food screams generic mall food court teriyaki spot.
I forget Tokyo Dining exists too. If this isn't Takumi Tei level expensive I'll check it out. If it ends up being super expensive, then I'll save the money to eat at an actual Izakaya style restaurant in Japan.
Mitsukoshi is one of my favorite spots to shop in all of Disney (and now that my kids are into Pokemon I am sure they will have a renewed interest).

Has anyone been in there recently? Is the sake bar still there? I LOVED it back there...it was a hidden gem and the Japanese Cast Members would always (while pouring) love to chat about their home.
The sake bar is gone. It was permanently removed and that space is now a register.
 
There are soem decent Japanese places around me, so I never really think of eating there. This new place though seems to really offer a unique experience. The only place I've ever had okonomiyaki was in Kyoto!
Mitsuwa Marketplace in NJ is the only place I've ever had it, but it's a bit of a hike from the city. This place sounds pretty fantastic though, they had me at karaage! I really like the idea of a seasonal menu too.
Mitsukoshi is one of my favorite spots to shop in all of Disney (and now that my kids are into Pokemon I am sure they will have a renewed interest).

Has anyone been in there recently? Is the sake bar still there? I LOVED it back there...it was a hidden gem and the Japanese Cast Members would always (while pouring) love to chat about their home.
Sake bar is gone :( . That and the wine cellar in Italy were my fave quiet spots for a drink and chatting with the international CMs.
 
There are some decent Japanese places around me, so I never really think of eating there. This new place though seems to really offer a unique experience. The only place I've ever had okonomiyaki was in Kyoto!
They had it at a food booth at Universal for Mardi Gras. It looked good, but I think I was too full to get it.
 
I would never pay OOP for the DDP but FD really is a great deal for a family not staying deluxe. We once took advantage of the “magical” deals the one TA used to offer and did that instead of FD one summer. We paid $200 a night for Poly and BC and paid OOP for food. It was still a better deal than FD at a deluxe. Room discounts on deluxe rooms can be better than FD. It just depends.

The last time we did FD was 2011. Those were the days!
I really miss those "magical" deals. They were the best!
 
I usually tell people that the dining plans aren't exactly a great value. If you're given one for free as part of a package, great, have fun. But like for us, we always want to rope drop, so breakfast isn't something we stop for - we do grab and go from our room. And after that, it's unlikely that either of us spend, what was it, like $55/day on food. If we were to order that much we'd waste a lot of it. I found myself ordering off the kids' menu more often than not, because the snacks are the best part of WDW, so you want to save room :D
 

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