DDP for 2

[Simba22]

I have read a hundred threads on the DDP and I am truly torn on what to do for my trip in October. My boyfriend and I are going from 10/5 - 10/14. Since the DDP must be purchased for the number of nights you are staying, we would have to purchase 9 days worth. We are flying in on Friday night, will spend Saturday - Saturday in WDW and then we leave on Sunday 10/14. So for 8 days, it will cost the 2 of us $700 to be on the DDP. It really doesn't seem to me that 2 people will eat $700 worth of food in an 8 day time period.... Can anyone shed some light on this for me and give their honest opinion?

Here are some other things to take into account:

We have ADR's at Ohana, Le Cellier, Coral Reef, Sci-Fi, and LTT.
We never order appetizers when we eat out.
We occassionally order desert....

TIA

Added 06/20/07: I was looking at the menu's today and this dumb question popped up. For a CS place like Casey's, say I want a hot dog and fries, will the fries count as a snack credit, will they count as desert since they are under $4, or will they be extra?

[dzorn]

Just go to the menues on allearsnet or wdeinfo and see the prices of what you would order and compair. Don't for get currently DDP includes the tip.

Denise in MI

[Snow_White]

Honestly, you really just have to crunch the numbers like dzorn suggested. It will probably be close, $$$-wise...however, I find it enjoyable to be on the plan and trying things you wouldn't normally try because you don't normally get appies or desserts.

[ParkPrincess]

It's approximately $40 per adult per day for all that food. I know that my DH and I rarely have dinner for that amount. We usually get an appetizer and share. Almost never dessert. The DDP is way worth it for us. If we didn't use it, we'd be spending alot more money.

[cheshirekitty]

On past trips we would usually eat mostly counter service meals. However, on our last trip, we ate at a few more table service restaurants...we just got sick of the CS food all the time. I calculated how much we had spent on food last trip and figured it would be well worth it to do the dining plan for us.

You would just need to decide if you are going to eat at a few more TS places other than the ADRs that you already have. If you are, then it will probably be worth it.

[LizinSTL]

I have read a hundred threads on the DDP and I am truly torn on what to do for my trip in October. My boyfriend and I are going from 10/5 - 10/14. Since the DDP must be purchased for the number of nights you are staying, we would have to purchase 9 days worth. We are flying in on Friday night, will spend Saturday - Saturday in WDW and then we leave on Sunday 10/14. So for 8 days, it will cost the 2 of us $700 to be on the DDP. It really doesn't seem to me that 2 people will eat $700 worth of food in an 8 day time period.... Can anyone shed some light on this for me and give their honest opinion?

Here are some other things to take into account:

We have ADR's at Ohana, Le Cellier, Coral Reef, Sci-Fi, and LTT.
We never order appetizers when we eat out.
We occassionally order desert....

TIA

If you are going to eat 9 Table service lunches or dinners (with one or two of those as possible character breakfasts or breakfast buffets instead), then you'll get your $$ worth out of the plan. If you aren't going to enjoy that many sit down meals, then skip the DDP and pay out of pocket.

Look at the prices of meals on allearsnet.com or this site and see what you're facing. It's easy to spend $12-15 on a counter service lunch for one on the DDP ($9 combo meal + $3 bottle of water + $3 dessert.) Snacks are up to $4. Dinner at le Cellier can be $37+ for just an entree, tax and tip.

[The Sweetness]

I agree with the PP. If you arent going to use all of your TS credits, it wont be worth it:confused3 If you plan a few more lunches or dinners, it would be worth it without question. You can order 2 different aps and desserts, just to taste (I dont think that its a sin to not clean your plate(s):)

[ZekeKelso]

I find it *really* nice not to have to worry about dining money and costs while on vacation. Unless you guys would have to struggle to come up with the money for the dining plan, I'd suggest you get it.

It sounds like you enjoy eating TS meals. Even if you don't always get appetizers and desserts, the plan probably won't cost you more than what it would cost you to pay OOP.

[beroh2253]

I find it *really* nice not to have to worry about dining money and costs while on vacation. Unless you guys would have to struggle to come up with the money for the dining plan, I'd suggest you get it.

It sounds like you enjoy eating TS meals. Even if you don't always get appetizers and desserts, the plan probably won't cost you more than what it would cost you to pay OOP.

Last year several of the TS for Me and DW were over $105 then you add in the CS and Snack this could add up to $140 a day for 2 of us.

[bigbabyblues]

DH and I ate at Coral Reef in Feb, and our bill was $111 and some change, not counting the two alcoholic drinks we had. I was shocked! That didn't include dessert either, as DH had ordered an anniversary cake for us that was separate.

[LoveMyLAP-BAND]

Definitely go to allearsnet and crunch the numbers.

Even though I am on the free dining promotion, I did that for my upcoming trip. If I were paying for the DDP, it would be $160 (it's just me) and I figured the cost of what I planned to order was $260.

Then I figured the cost of what I would eat if I were not on the plan (I would choose different restaurants- like more CS- and different foods- like not the surf and turf at Narcooses!) and it would be $175. So even though it is about the same, the quality of the food and restaurants would be better.

Crunch the numbers and see!:goodvibes Oh, and let us know, too!

[brandijo5]

You can always do a Signature Dining Experience and use two TS at one meal.

[Claire&TheBoys]

I agree with the others - crunch the numbers. I am an accounting geek and I set up a spreadsheet listing all the meals I was planning for our 5 days in the parks (not including days of arrival/departure). We were planning 2 character meals for 2 adults, 1 child and 1 toddler (free) - those would cost at least $75 each, plus tax and tip. I have reservations for Le Cellier and I figured $100 for that meal. I wound up calculating at least $500 in food over those 5 days and only 3 table-service meals. I did book the free dining plan and I'm looking forward to ordering whatever we want and not constantly thinking, "Ugh! A cheeseburger basket for $8? Large drinks for $4?"

Have a great time!

[Simba22]

Thank you all so much for your responses! I started going through the menu's yesterday and it seems like it would work out in our favor to be on it....we have 3 character meals scheduled, plus Le Cellier and Coral Reef which I know are going to on the pricey side...what is really working to persuade me is the fact that tax and tips are included....That makes it REALLY worth it!

Thanks again! I'll let you know what we decide! :goodvibes

[BaldEmu]

I would add one other consideration - one option is to use the Signature Dining options. So for the 9 meals, use 6 for Signature Dining, 3 for regular table service. That way you have dinner for 6 nights, and use counter-service for the other nights.

The advantage of this is you get EXCELLENT food at a far cheaper price than you could get it anywhere else. California Grill, Jiko's, and Artist's Point are good enough to compete with all but the most expensive restaurants in some of the great food cities (e.g. NYC, SFO, LA). Some of the other ones are also very good.

There's a question about whether you should compare your savings based on what you would've spent without the DDP, or based on the restaurant meal costs compared to the per night DDP cost. In general, though, you'll end up with a meal that's worth twice what you actually paid for it, and you'll get great food.

[Golden Rose]

We're actually currently planning two trips... one in September and one next May. We've never done the dining plan before, and are planning to try it out (on Free Dining!) in September. We're big TS fans. We like the rest in an air-conditioned venue and the generally superior food, and we figure we spend enough time waiting in lines for the rides. We're actually hesitant about the dining plan because on a normal trip, we would have MAYBE 3 CS meals in a week. We'd probably only have three or four snacks in a week, as well. Money wise it almost makes sense for us to use the DDP for the TS meal and forget about the CS, although we'll certainly use the snack credits since we have them. We've currently got all our dinners booked (about half signature dining) and about half our lunches booked for TS. We're planning to pay OOP quite a bit...

From all I've heard, if you like leisurely TS meals, DDP is generally a great deal. Just remember to make all your TS reservations in advance, so you won't find the places you like already full. As I mentioned, we actually made a few extra TS reservations because we do prefer TS meals and we want to have backups if we end up having to cancel meals because of our DS2...

[Simba22]

OK everyone we have decided to go for it! I called Disney last night and added it on to our package!

We have generally planned to eat breakfast at CSR each morning, with a couple of exceptions...we have Ohana booked one morning and we will probably eat at Seasons one morning and Starring Rolls as well. But for the most part, our breakfast meals (except Ohana) will be OOP and then we will use CS credits for lunch. Also, I cancelled our ressie for Le Cellier and replaced it with San Angel Inn, only because there were more things on San Angel's menu that we are interested in. I know, most of you are going WHAT?!?!?! :scared1: but there are 4 of us travelling together and the consensus was SAI. We were thinking about doing both but we're trying to keep out OOP costs down so we will hit up Le Cellier on the next trip (assuming is doesn't go the way of Alfredo's)

Here is what our schedule looks like at this point in time:

We are arriving on Friday 10/5, we should be at CSR no later than 6:30. our flight leaves CT at 3:15 and it takes about 2 hours to get to MCO. I made dinner reservations for Planet Hollywood at 8:30, so I've allowed plenty of time for us to get to the resort, check in, freshen up a bit, and head out to DTD. We will use one TS credit for dinner.

Saturday 10/6: We'll be at MGM this day...TS credit for dinner at Mama Melrose's

Sunday 10/7: Magic Kingdom today. TS credit for breakfast at Ohana and then TS credit for dinner at Tony's Town Square

Monday 10/8: Today is AK and we are going to MNSSHP at night. We have no ADR's for this day. I know that most people make a TS ressie for party nights but we would rather take advantage of the shorter lines for rides and enjoy walking around the Scary Kingdom :thumbsup2

Tuesday 10/9: Epcot - TS credit for dinner at San Angel Inn

Wednesday 10/10: MGM again....TS credit for dinner at Sci-Fi

Thursday 10/11: AK - again no ressie's today. After AK closes, we will be headed to DTD for Cirque du Soleil!!

Friday 10/12: Epcot - Lunch ressie at Nine Dragons but we will be paying OOP because we have dinner ressie at Coral Reef which is a Signature Dining Restaurant and requires 2 TS credits.

Saturday 10/13: MK - TS credit for dinner at LTT.

Thanks again everyone for all of your help! We are SOOOO excited!! The DDP really does open up your meal options....without the DDP we would never have so many TS ressie's...and certainly not at places like Coral Reef! Thank you so much! BTW, if anyone has any info re: my french fry question in the OP, please let me know!! Thanks!

[LizinSTL]

OK everyone we have decided to go for it! I called Disney last night and added it on to our package!

We have generally planned to eat breakfast at CSR each morning, with a couple of exceptions...we have Ohana booked one morning and we will probably eat at Seasons one morning and Starring Rolls as well. But for the most part, our breakfast meals (except Ohana) will be OOP and then we will use CS credits for lunch. Also, I cancelled our ressie for Le Cellier and replaced it with San Angel Inn, only because there were more things on San Angel's menu that we are interested in. I know, most of you are going WHAT?!?!?! :scared1: but there are 4 of us travelling together and the consensus was SAI. We were thinking about doing both but we're trying to keep out OOP costs down so we will hit up Le Cellier on the next trip (assuming is doesn't go the way of Alfredo's)

Here is what our schedule looks like at this point in time:

We are arriving on Friday 10/5, we should be at CSR no later than 6:30. our flight leaves CT at 3:15 and it takes about 2 hours to get to MCO. I made dinner reservations for Planet Hollywood at 8:30, so I've allowed plenty of time for us to get to the resort, check in, freshen up a bit, and head out to DTD. We will use one TS credit for dinner.

Saturday 10/6: We'll be at MGM this day...TS credit for dinner at Mama Melrose's

Sunday 10/7: Magic Kingdom today. TS credit for breakfast at Ohana and then TS credit for dinner at Tony's Town Square

Monday 10/8: Today is AK and we are going to MNSSHP at night. We have no ADR's for this day. I know that most people make a TS ressie for party nights but we would rather take advantage of the shorter lines for rides and enjoy walking around the Scary Kingdom :thumbsup2

Tuesday 10/9: Epcot - TS credit for dinner at San Angel Inn

Wednesday 10/10: MGM again....TS credit for dinner at Sci-Fi

Thursday 10/11: AK - again no ressie's today. After AK closes, we will be headed to DTD for Cirque du Soleil!!

Friday 10/12: Epcot - Lunch ressie at Nine Dragons but we will be paying OOP because we have dinner ressie at Coral Reef which is a Signature Dining Restaurant and requires 2 TS credits.

Saturday 10/13: MK - TS credit for dinner at LTT.

Thanks again everyone for all of your help! We are SOOOO excited!! The DDP really does open up your meal options....without the DDP we would never have so many TS ressie's...and certainly not at places like Coral Reef! Thank you so much! BTW, if anyone has any info re: my french fry question in the OP, please let me know!! Thanks!


Sounds like a plan. FYI- Coral Reef is only 1 TS so you can pay for Nine Dragons w/ a TS credit as well (or add another meal if you want.)

ETA: Fries are a snack credit at Casey's.

[Jaime]

You are going to have so much fun! We found the portions at Planet Hollywood to be huge and couldn't even order dessert. If you are not big eaters you might want to share. That would give you another TS to use elsewhere. We decided to share at Sci-Fi and WCC...that way we can go to both on DP...if we are still hungry we'll order more OP since we normally don't order app or dessert I am sure it will be enough food.

have a fun trip!

[beroh2253]

Friday 10/12: Epcot - Lunch ressie at Nine Dragons but we will be paying OOP because we have dinner ressie at Coral Reef which is a Signature Dining Restaurant and requires 2 TS credits.


Yes Coral Reef is only 1 TS credit so use the other for Nine Dragons

[Simba22]

Yes Coral Reef is only 1 TS credit so use the other for Nine Dragons


Hmm...the guy I talked to at Disney last night told me it was 2.... Thanks for letting me know!

[ParkPrincess]

According to WDW site, Coral Reef is only 1 TS credit.

[Jaime]

I was told by a CM last week that it is now 1TS when we went in 2005 it was 2TS.

Have a great trip!

[BaldEmu]

So glad you decided to get the DDP - no way you'll regret it. It's so convenient!!!

Just one small comment on the plan. Not sure if you've done these restaurants before, but some of them don't get the greatest reviews. Particularly I'm thinking of Mama Melrose's, Tony's Town Square, Sci-Fi and Nine Dragons (the last two in particular)..... Of course, a lot depends on your food preferences and what reservations are available, so these might be great choices, but just want to make sure you've had a chance to think about it!

There are other options that might be worth at least looking at that generally get better reviews and are 1 TS (for instance at MGM Hollywood & Vine, at Magic Kingdom Crystal Palace, at Epcot pretty much all the other restaurants). Sadly MGM and MK don't have great non-buffet options, but these two buffets are at least worth considering.

Just my two cents :)

[septbaby]

I noticed that other than Ohana's all your meals are in the parks. I would recommend considering a meal at The Grand Floridian, its the grand daddy and an absolutely beautiful place.

We did a character meal at 1900 Park Fare a few years back. An excellent buffet and Cinderella, Fairy Godmother, Prince Charming etc. all attended. There is also Narcoossee's and Citricos for 2TS and finally the GF Cafe. Its an easy monorail ride from MK, so if you decide to trade out Tony's those or Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary would be really easy to get to.

We are trying Boma at the AK Lodge for dinner. It gets a lot of excellent reviews. We're looking forward to getting a peak at the Lodge, savannahs, etc. It would be easy to get to on your AK day (breakfast is too).

Our package includes a $15 Planet Hollywood voucher, so if you are getting one of those you may want to use it and cash for that meal. Voucher cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.

Glad you decided on DDP and hope you have a great time and eat beyond your wildest dreams!

[Simba22]

Just one small comment on the plan. Not sure if you've done these restaurants before, but some of them don't get the greatest reviews. Particularly I'm thinking of Mama Melrose's, Tony's Town Square, Sci-Fi and Nine Dragons (the last two in particular).....
There are other options that might be worth at least looking at that generally get better reviews and are 1 TS (for instance at MGM Hollywood & Vine, at Magic Kingdom Crystal Palace, at Epcot pretty much all the other restaurants). Sadly MGM and MK don't have great non-buffet options, but these two buffets are at least worth considering.

We have eaten at Sci-Fi and Nine Dragons before and do like both places. I'm not a HUGE fan of Sci-Fi but my brother and boyfriend love it...It's OK though, we have the credit available. I have not eaten at Mama Melrose's or Tony's Town Square before but I'm always willing to give a place a try and see if we like them. I haven't heard much about either, but to be completely honest, I don't read reviews very often.

We are trying Boma at the AK Lodge for dinner. It gets a lot of excellent reviews. We're looking forward to getting a peak at the Lodge, savannahs, etc. It would be easy to get to on your AK day (breakfast is too). Our package includes a $15 Planet Hollywood voucher, so if you are getting one of those you may want to use it and cash for that meal. Voucher cannot be used for alcoholic beverages.

After reading your post, I actually called Disney and changed some reservations around...I added in breakfast at Boma on Thursday 10/11! We will use our meal vouchers for PH the night we arrive and use the TS credit instead for Boma. This just keeps getting better and better!

Thanks to everyone for all of your help and encouragement! How many more days til I leave????? :surfweb: