LIVE blog - Dining: The Final Numbers

Happy Thursday, everyone!  Today I board the Disney Dream, and will be only checking in sporadically here and on social media. I wanted to wrap up the Live blog about the dollars and cents of the Dining Plan so let's go!

As of this writing, I have not used my last Counter Service credit yet; however, I am using it for breakfast on this final morning and have already selected what I am ordering, so I can report back to you and then do the final tally.

I will also be doing a pros and cons post about the Dining Plan in the coming weeks!

So here is the Wednesday and Thursday AM information:

Wednesday: 

Breakfast - I used a Snack credit at Hollywood Studios to get a muffin.
Actual cost if paying OOP: $2.99
Dining Plan: 1 Snack credit

Lunch - Pepper Market.  I ordered the Empanadas, a soda and a piece of German Chocolate cake (which is in my fridge as we speak, and might be a snack later tonight).
Actual cost if paying OOP: $18.57
Dining Plan: 1 Counter Service credit

Dinner - Maya Grill.  I had a soda, the Shrimp Tacos and a piece of the Coconut Flan for dessert.  That was my favorite dessert of the vacation so far!  So good.
Actual cost if paying OOP: $34.93
Dining Plan: 1 Table Service credit

Thursday:

Breakfast - Veggie omelet with an orange juice.
Actual cost if paying OOP: $10.98
Dining Plan: 1 Counter Service credit

I also have 2 remaining Snack credits left; I am going to pick up two bags of Goofy's Candy Company candy at the gift shop and either take them home or share with friends on the cruise.
Actual cost if paying OOP: $7.00
Dining Plan: 2 Snack credits

So......drumroll please......

Cost of Dining Plan: $242.56

Actual cost of food ordered: $226.08

So, as you can see, had I paid for the Dining Plan I would not have saved any money (although the totals were very close).  However, as I said I also did not order typically higher-priced items or even look for the most pricey snacks to get the "best deal."  And of course, this was a Free Dining promotion so I came out money ahead, as I didn't pay for the Plan.

I do think the Dining Plan has merit for many reasons, and in the coming weeks we'll chat about it more in a Pros vs Cons post, so be on the lookout for that.

Today I depart on the Disney Dream!  I will be trying to post a picture or two, here or there but won't have as much internet access while on the ship. But I look forward to sharing LOTS of pictures and videos with you when I return to land on September 7th.

Thanks for reading - and have a magical day!