I also love the dole whips as it's one of the few gluten free dessert options out there and I do love pineapple. We stayed at Aulani a few years ago and visited the dole whip station daily.
While I haven't experienced it personally, I'd put the Dining Plan as overrated -and somewhat dangerous. And I accept this is probably flame worthy as there is clearly a ton of love for Disney Dining.
I've heard families of 4 at QS restaurants sitting at the table next to us, overloaded with boxes of fried food, giant sodas and so forth that can't even fit on the table, doing their best to stuff it all in while hearing them talk about how they are all so stuffed. can't eat any more, but sit there and keep stuffing it in until it's gone. I saw this at least 3 different times on our last trip in 2014 and one had 2 kids under 10 who were both obese which made me very sad. Overeating to the point of feeling sick just because you're on a dining plan encourages unhealthy eating habits not to mention gives you less energy to actually enjoy the parks. Not to say I have great eating habits 100% of the time and I definitely splurge when on vacation compared to home. But I order what I'm able to eat - often sharing a meal w/ DD or DH and ordering extra sides of veggies.
The dining plan sets people up for massive overeating and also is what drives the scarcity of all these ADR's that we all have to obsess over. I can't believe I'm planning a trip for April 2018 but already have a basic game plan of what ADR's I need to get when (marked on the calendar 180 days out) so we can have lunch at BOG (loved it in 2014 when we had a FP) and lunch at CRT (which we were never able to get in 2014 even after checking 4x day for months and now DD is close to aging out.) For our 7 day trip I have a list of 3 ADR's and 2 special dining packages I'm hoping for which is probably iffy that I will even get since I would have to be up at 3AM Pacific which is not likely. If I was on a dining plan I'd be trying to make at least 7 ADR's. (and then make extras in case my plans change but cancel most a day before) and would be planning almost every day based on not what we want to experience at the parks, but how to fit in rides and shows in between meals.
I get the ease of pre-paying for meals but if it was really only about that Disney would allow us to just buy the credits we think we need and not force everyone on the reservation to sign up. If I was able to do a dining plan with 2 TS + 2 QS + 2 snacks/day for my family of 3 to share (we drink water) - we could buy extra food if needed instead of a plan that gives us 3 TS and 3 QS + 6 snacks and 3 refillable mugs to fill with soda all day), I'd be all for it.
I would love to respectfully argue with you. The Dining Plan is certainly not for everyone, but I think calling it "dangerous" is an unfair statement. It is the consumer's responsibility--no matter how much the "dining plan sets people up for massive overating" or not. My family always does the dining plan and that is because we are true foodies. With that said, there are considerations.
-Some people can eat a whole portion at Disney simply because they have a larger appetite.
-A majority of the restaurants in Disney offer healthy options such as the salmon with veggies at Columbia Harbour House which also offers typical fried fare. Again, it is up to the consumer to choose what works for them. Also, my family will use snack credits on expensive items like fresh-cut up fruit which is healthy.
-I have struggled with my weight my entire life, so I am no stranger to overeating. With that said, one of the largest lessons I have learned is to stop when I am full. Again, as a consumer, this is my responsibility. I cannot depend on anyone else, or the Disney company for that matter to tell me when to stop eating.
-In regards to finance, it is up to the consumer to decide if the
DDP is worth it for them. If you know that it is too much food, do not purchase the DDP option. Most snack options can be redeemed with water bottles and pre-packaged snacks to take home as souvenirs.
-Typically healthier options are more money anyway (in the U.S). Look at any menu and you will see the salad is respectively more money than the hot dog. My family gets more bang for our buck by ordering the lamb chops or the filet mignon on the menu.
-My family enjoys the "down time" we receive as a family to sit down and have a meal every night, which we value as personal time that doesn't cut into our park time. If you do not like sit-downs, there is a QS only dining plan.
-With the new FP+ system you have to adapt to planning anyway. Some people enjoy planning out their vacation with ADRs. I respect you do not, but I would like to offer the flip side of the coin as well.
In conclusion, everyone does Disney differently. I respect your opinions completely and I'm sure others would completely agree with you; However, I would not call the DDP "dangerous."
) so the classic ice cream treats are out for me anyway, usually left over with a boring fruit bar.
