When I was a little more conservative with snacks, appetizers, and used the average priced option, OOP was about $130 cheaper. For that little of a difference, DH agreed that we would probably just stick with the DDP. The convenience of just using credits is worth it to us. I think if we were doing OOP I would be scrutinizing every meal, every price, every last snack that we bought to make sure we got the best value for our dollar. I don't want to have to be stressing about that at WDW.
But I seem to be in the minority anymore.
I would think I would be more scrutinizing if I paid for the dining plan to make sure I am gettign my money worth. Doing the math I figured I needed to spend a 15-20 for my counter and 35-40 and 5 bucks for a snack, by doing the math I didnt even come close to those amounts.
Eating at Earl of Sandwich and Sleepy Hallow for a spicy chicken sandwich doesnt even come to 10 bucks and we did not do desserts with every meal. Some meals I wanted an appetizer instead of the entree (T-rex)
and most of those I didnt want the dessert.
I am way ahead by paying OOP even with including tax
So dining plan plan would cost me 770 for 2 people. I put 800. on a gift card to pay for dining and and tips. Its like prepaying but i can order anything i want