DDP cost vs. my menu plan cost...interesting

[schoolmom]

First time post here....:goodvibes

I just sat down with the menu prices and figured out our meals/snacks for our stay (2/09).
If we pay as we go: $820
DDP: $720 (2Adults and child age 11- so really 3A)

So with the DDP we will come out ahead about $100. Actually more than that bcause DH will not be eating lunch for 3 days (work) so I didn't figure his lunch cost for 3 days.

The only OOP will be our CRT breakfast. I pre-paid for this.

We will be eating at the following:
Whips Canyone Cafe -dinner
Tony's Town Square- dinner
Le Cellier- 2 times- dinner
Crystal Palace -dinner
50's Prime Time -dinner
Flamin Tree BBQ- lunch
Cosmic Rays- lunch
Electric umbrella- lunch
Toy Story Pizza Planet-lunch
Pecos Bill- lunch
Tusker House-breakfast
Cinderella's castle- breakfast -OOP
snacks: Norway bakery, Aloha Isle, Main street Bakery, America in Epcot, micky mouse ice cream, rice cripsy mickey and drinks/snacks for the room.

So for us, DDP is a great option, and plus no carrying cash or check card.
I also think that if your are flying and bringing snacks/drinks is limited, then the DDP is really great..

Also: wanted to add that we are eating at places we would normally eat while on vacation.

Hope all that rambling helps someone else. I have got alot of great tips on here.:thumbsup2

[princesswendy720]

First time post here....:goodvibes

I just sat down with the menu prices and figured out our meals/snacks for our stay (2/09).
If we pay as we go: $820
DDP: $720 (2Adults and child age 11- so really 3A)

So with the DDP we will come out ahead about $100. Actually more than that bcause DH will not be eating lunch for 3 days (work) so I didn't figure his lunch cost for 3 days.

The only OOP will be our CRT breakfast. I pre-paid for this.

We will be eating at the following:
Whips Canyone Cafe -dinner
Tony's Town Square- dinner
Le Cellier- 2 times- dinner
Crystal Palace -dinner
50's Prime Time -dinner
Flamin Tree BBQ- lunch
Cosmic Rays- lunch
Electric umbrella- lunch
Toy Story Pizza Planet-lunch
Pecos Bill- lunch
Tusker House-breakfast
Cinderella's castle- breakfast -OOP
snacks: Norway bakery, Aloha Isle, Main street Bakery, America in Epcot, micky mouse ice cream, rice cripsy mickey and drinks/snacks for the room.

So for us, DDP is a great option, and plus no carrying cash or check card.
I also think that if your are flying and bringing snacks/drinks is limited, then the DDP is really great..

Also: wanted to add that we are eating at places we would normally eat while on vacation.

Hope all that rambling helps someone else. I have got alot of great tips on here.:thumbsup2

I think the DDP is a great deal as well. I'm not sure if you know this already, but tip is not included in the meals on the DDP, so you may have to carry around some cash or a CC with you to cover that.

[schoolmom]

thanks for the tip- DH is taking care of that....:laughing:

But someone did say that you can put your tips/ shopping or anything on your room card and pay at checkout..is that correct?
thanks!

[Good Ol Gal]

thanks for the tip- DH is taking care of that....:laughing:

But someone did say that you can put your tips/ shopping or anything on your room card and pay at checkout..is that correct?
thanks!

yes, you can still use your KTTK card for your tips.

[keelyhealthnut]

Great post. I need to sit down soon and make a pricing list as well. I keep on going back and forth on whether to get the DDP or not! I just don't think we would ever want that many drinks or desserts if we were paying OOP...:confused3

[ChelleinNC]

First time post here....:goodvibes

I just sat down with the menu prices and figured out our meals/snacks for our stay (2/09).
If we pay as we go: $820
DDP: $720 (2Adults and child age 11- so really 3A)

So with the DDP we will come out ahead about $100. Actually more than that bcause DH will not be eating lunch for 3 days (work) so I didn't figure his lunch cost for 3 days.

The only OOP will be our CRT breakfast. I pre-paid for this.

We will be eating at the following:
Whips Canyone Cafe -dinner
Tony's Town Square- dinner
Le Cellier- 2 times- dinner
Crystal Palace -dinner
50's Prime Time -dinner
Flamin Tree BBQ- lunch
Cosmic Rays- lunch
Electric umbrella- lunch
Toy Story Pizza Planet-lunch
Pecos Bill- lunch
Tusker House-breakfast
Cinderella's castle- breakfast -OOP
snacks: Norway bakery, Aloha Isle, Main street Bakery, America in Epcot, micky mouse ice cream, rice cripsy mickey and drinks/snacks for the room.

So for us, DDP is a great option, and plus no carrying cash or check card.
I also think that if your are flying and bringing snacks/drinks is limited, then the DDP is really great..

Also: wanted to add that we are eating at places we would normally eat while on vacation.

Hope all that rambling helps someone else. I have got alot of great tips on here.:thumbsup2

How many nights are you going for? I added up your meals and you have 7 TS credits planned (plus CRT OOP) only 5 CS. At $39 per nt x 3 adults that's $117 per nt.
6 nights would be $702 (6 TS & 6 CS credits avail)
7 nights would be $819 (7 TS & 7 CS credits avail)

I'm not sure if I'm missing something or if you missed something when adding it up :confused3

One other thing to consider, as the mom of an 11yr old, sometimes the kids want the "adult" food and sometimes they just want a kids meal. That greatly affects the value of the DDP.

[connie1042]

We just returned from WDW on free dinning. First time using the DDP. When I got home I added the tips and OOP meals (1 at Kona Cafe for Breakfast) There were ususally 2 of us ,but we did have 4 at times and 2 small children under 3. We ate alot and at places we would not have had the dinning not been there. We had 250.00 for tips and extras. I guess that is not bad for 5 nights. Would I do it again. If it was free, I would, but I really didi not like the have to be there at a certain time. I did not do the bounce back this time. I am going to go for a good room discount instead.

[DjdBrit]

I will be using the DDP again in May 09. I used it this year and found it to very useful. We are a party of 6 so we get screwed on the 18% tip that being said I knew this going into it and just went with it. I did look at whether I thought I was getting a "deal" or not before hand. I ended up just going into it with an open mind and the idea that I have pre paid for things. We all got whatever we wanted and when all was said and done I was glad to not have that extra $1,000.00 on my charge. I am not flush with money but also don't want to be penny pinching on vacation. It was nice to know my KTTWC only had my extra special "Mommy" drinks on it and tips.

I do realise that everyone has a different idea about this :)

[mbanks21]

you wouldve had to pay the 18% tip even if you werent on the DDP if you have 6 people

[DjdBrit]

I know that I would have had to pay the 18% tip whether or not we were on the DDP, whether I was happy to or not isn't really the point.

I felt that the plan worked for our family as a way to pre pay our meals :)

[schoolmom]

Chelle- we are going for 6 nights.
We will have 6 TS, 6CS, 6 S.- so estimating $720
DH will be working so he will not use 3CS (our lunches)

Even with figuring without DH not eating for those 3 meals, we are still ahead.
If he was to eat those 3 lunches, our menu plan bill would be OVER $820 therefore, I savings would be more than $100..

does that make sense....ha!

So much work for figuring out meals/cost/ADR's...seems crazy sometimes, but I anjoy it...weird huh?

:rotfl:

[schoolmom]

Oh, wanted to also add that dd- age 11, does not like conveniece food and she enjoys a great meal. We do the sit down meals and home and when we travel. So for my dd, CS for all her meals is just not a possiblity (well, not for dh either..ha!)

When we went in 2005, we did not do ADR's and we did not meal plan.
So we ended up eating in the Contemporary's Steakhouse (were we stayed) for most of our meals. Which was GREAT food but really added up fast. I will never again go without ADR's...dd made me promise her that...

I read somewhere that most people either break even with the DDP or come out ahead by about $5-$7/day, but for us it will be about $16/day....that works for me..:cool1:

Now if my dd was a picky eater and ate like a bird, then savings would not be as much, or if any at all.

[JulieEck]

How many nights are you going for? I added up your meals and you have 7 TS credits planned (plus CRT OOP) only 5 CS. At $39 per nt x 3 adults that's $117 per nt.
6 nights would be $702 (6 TS & 6 CS credits avail)
7 nights would be $819 (7 TS & 7 CS credits avail)

I'm not sure if I'm missing something or if you missed something when adding it up :confused3

One other thing to consider, as the mom of an 11yr old, sometimes the kids want the "adult" food and sometimes they just want a kids meal. That greatly affects the value of the DDP.

Their trip isn't until February 2009. I believe the price for the regular dining plan is 39.99/adult/day in 2009, so $40 x 3 = $120/day x 6 days = $720.

[ChelleinNC]

I understand what you're saying, but I still think you're missing something.

You have 7 TS meals listed plus CRT
1. Whispering Canyon Cafe -dinner
2. Tony's Town Square- dinner
3. Le Cellier- 2 times- dinner
4. Le Cellier 2nd time
5. Crystal Palace -dinner
6. 50's Prime Time -dinner
7. Tusker House-breakfast
($568-$676 depending on cheapest meal ordered by all 3 or most expensive by all 3)

Then you have 5 CS planned. You'll each have 6 so if your DH won't be using 3 of his, you'll have 3 CS credits extra/leftover plus 1 each for the 6th meal for a total of 6 leftover credits (of course those could be used for breakfasts)
Flamin Tree BBQ- lunch
Cosmic Rays- lunch
Electric umbrella- lunch
Toy Story Pizza Planet-lunch
Pecos Bill- lunch
(CS averages $10 per adult. $150 if all 3 eat 5 CS meals)

I just want to make sure you include your extra meals when you're adding everything up (and left over credits deduct from the value) to compare apples to apples :teacher: . Right now, you're at $720 for DDP (6 TS meals & 6 CS meals and 6 snacks) plus a 7th TS(Tusker House breakfast for 3 adults is $57 + tax & tip) plus CRT. That's $777 + CRT. If you paid OOP for all going with the highest $ amount meals, $676 + $180 = $856 (total of 6 CS meals to compare apples to apples ;) )

$856-$777= $79 savings with DDP (plus CRT)
If you chose the lowest prices it would be $481 + 180= $718 (or $2 less than the DDP) (plus CRT)

We play with the numbers, make spreadsheets for each and every trip to decide which way will work best for that particular trip (we go a couple of times a year) I'm not saying the DDP isn't a good deal for you, but I do think it's a lot closer to breaking even than you may have realized.
For us, breaking even isn't worth it. If anyone gets sick or you miss a meal for any reason you lose out because you've prepaid it. Just my 2 cents :goodvibes

[schoolmom]

Chelle- you are so right. I am so glad I posted this because you know what I was doing? I was not EVEN thinking that the breakfast at Tusker House is considered a TS..I guess I can pass that off as a serious blonde moment right? :teacher: I am SO glad you replied to my post--thank you! Now I can make better use of DH left over CS...:thumbsup2

I am going to revamp my menu plan and see how much I will save switching a few things around.....I still think we will come out ahead on the DDP...

BTW- when you have done your spreadsheets how did you guys fair out with the DDP....

THANKS AGAIN- your help is greatly appreciated, so I am giving you this my friend....:worship: :worship: :worship: ...ha!!!!

[ReneeA]

This is how I figured out for our family.

Without the DDP, we would typically eat 2 CS meals and have a snack or 2 apiece per day, along with an additional TS or 2 thrown in.

For our 7 night trip, the DDP was $672 plus tips and extras (we only paid an extra $35 OOP for extras not included like alcohol, etc.)

Without, we figured 2 TS for the week would cost about $160 plus tips.

We'd probably end up eating an additional 12 CS meals (based on the menu prices online, average price of $32 per meal with no desserts), total cost $384

I figured about 6 snacks a day - each person eating one or 2 a day, plus the occasional fancy coffee drink for me (average cost about $3) at a cost of $126.

That is a grand total OOP of $670 plus or minus. Now that does not include desserts at CS, it's normally DH and I sharing a large drink at the CS, and included no bottled water since I would have it shipped in from Costco whether or not we were on the plan.

So, for an extra $2, we got an additional 5 TS meals, desserts with each of our CS meals, and as many snack as we needed. I also didn't have to feel guilty about ordering what I wanted at the restaurants. Normally, I would pick one of the less expensive meals to eat (because I'm cheap) and I got to pick whatever I pleased.

Things may change when my kids become adults on the plan, but my almost 7 year old eats like a machine now - I'm sure in 4 + years it's only going to become worse. It will have to be reevaluated at that point if the plan is still around at that point.

[Candice30]

i have priced it out so many times and it never comes out to a better deal with us. that just isn't how we eat. i think the dining plan is great for people that do eat according to plan but it doesn't give enough freedom to me. when ever i compare, the extra costs (breakfast, appetizer at dinner, gratuities) always put us over and like another poster said, i wouldn't like missing a meal i had prepaid for. all this for the 2008 plans though. i will definitely be working some figures out for the quick service plan offered in 2009.

[ChelleinNC]

Chelle- you are so right. I am so glad I posted this because you know what I was doing? I was not EVEN thinking that the breakfast at Tusker House is considered a TS..I guess I can pass that off as a serious blonde moment right? :teacher: I am SO glad you replied to my post--thank you! Now I can make better use of DH left over CS...:thumbsup2

I am going to revamp my menu plan and see how much I will save switching a few things around.....I still think we will come out ahead on the DDP...

BTW- when you have done your spreadsheets how did you guys fair out with the DDP....

THANKS AGAIN- your help is greatly appreciated, so I am giving you this my friend....:worship: :worship: :worship: ...ha!!!!

I'm glad I could help :goodvibes I know what it's like to look at something over & over & over and add it up wrong each time :rolleyes1 :guilty:

We came out ahead/broke even last December for several reasons. The tip & appy were included, it was mid-December and the holiday surcharges were in place (we had several buffet/family style meal adrs). DS was 10 at the time, but didn't want most of the adult meals. So we were able to take advantage of that by paying OOP for his kids meals and using his "extra" adult credits for another TS meal for DH, DD & I.

The big reason it worked well for us on that trip was my Dad & Stepmom came down with us and I knew my Dad would have sticker shock at the TS restaurants and I wasn't about to miss all of my good meals and eat CS all week :scared1:

For our recent June trip and our upcoming holiday trip we aren't using the DDP. We're AP holders and have the DDE/TIW card and that works better for us. We're not big CS fans, we enjoy sitting down for meals and we like to try 1-2 Signature dining restaurants each trip.

Post back when you figure out your new plan and let us know how it works out :goodvibes

Chelle

[MickeyMomOfThree]

We really enjoyed the dining plan when we used it for the first time last trip. It was so nice to not have to order the cheapest thing, water, no dessert (like I do normally). It was nice to have the scheduled meals to insure we would take breaks (and eat healthy things as well). It was also nice to say yes when the kids asked for a treat. We too are not made of money so I made absolutly sure it was going to be worth is. I read everone the menus at the places we were planning on dining and said if we were there today, what would you order. I totaled up all of that (minus drinks and desserts because if not for the plan we would not order those.) For us, we felt like we were getting a free CS each day.

Now the decision is even sweeter, as with the Disney Visa we got a credit for our dining plan, so we will be eathing for free.:banana:

Also, if you go with the DDP, they will issue you a credit for the pre-paid CRT if you want to use your credits for it instead.

For us, it works, but I know it doesn't for everyone.

[Stitch's mom]

I am trying to follow this and have never had the DDP before. I just registered for BB with free DDP next Sept. We drive down and don't arrive typically until late afternoon. Does the DDP start the first day we check in? I.e., could we use it for dinner/snack? Or would it actually start the first full day we are there (the second day)? This could fall into math and I don't like the *smell* of math at all. I am sorry I am repeating any questions already put on another thread...I couldn't find anything about it but I haven't read more than 10....:surfweb:

[MickeyMomOfThree]

I am trying to follow this and have never had the DDP before. I just registered for BB with free DDP next Sept. We drive down and don't arrive typically until late afternoon. Does the DDP start the first day we check in? I.e., could we use it for dinner/snack? Or would it actually start the first full day we are there (the second day)? This could fall into math and I don't like the *smell* of math at all. I am sorry I am repeating any questions already put on another thread...I couldn't find anything about it but I haven't read more than 10....:surfweb:

Dining starts as soon as you check in (it's on your KTTW) and it is based on number of nights you are staying. So, if you are there 5 nights you get 5 TS, 5 CS, and 5 snacks Per Person.

[Stitch's mom]

Dining starts as soon as you check in (it's on your KTTW) and it is based on number of nights you are staying. So, if you are there 5 nights you get 5 TS, 5 CS, and 5 snacks Per Person.

Boy, that sure was fast. I appreciate it...not like I don't have a year to find it out but I was curious. Have a great trip in a month. Wish I was going back then too!:rolleyes:

[JulieEck]

Dining starts as soon as you check in (it's on your KTTW) and it is based on number of nights you are staying. So, if you are there 5 nights you get 5 TS, 5 CS, and 5 snacks Per Person.

Stitch's Mom - Just in case you didn't already know, you also have until midnight on the day you check out to use up all the credits. :)

[Stitch's mom]

Stitch's Mom - Just in case you didn't already know, you also have until midnight on the day you check out to use up all the credits. :)

Now THAT I could find on the Disney website or some other site. I appreciate your reminding me!:)

[accountingbabe08]

I love the dining plan. with the meals we have planned its a $360 savings compared to paying OOP. I'm so excited about leaving :banana: :banana: :cloud9: :cheer2:

[Singinglizzie]

You mentioned that your DH would not be eating with you on 3 days. Did you double check this with Disney? When I called to see about adding my DH for a portion of our trip, I was told by a CM that he might need to make a separate room reservation if he did not join us in the DDP, huh???? Other posters mention that party members join them later or leave earlier, but what I understood from Disney regarding the DDP is that all your party members in the same room need to do the same thing. Probably I am missing something here???? I guess what I am wondering is if your DH is allowed to not be on the DDP for 3 days?

[schoolmom]

Yes, DH will be on the Ddp, he just won't be using 3 of his lunch credits- he will be working those three days and his lunch will be provided thru his work.

So he won't be going off and on plan, he simply just won't be using it those three times...

And yes from what I read and understand, everyone staying in your room needs to be in Ddp, no exceptions.

[schoolmom]

Lizzie- Also remember that your credits are based on the number of nights you stay, let's say 5 nights. Each one in your room would get 5TS, 5QS, and 5Snacks (on regular DDP), it is then up to you for you to choose HOW you use them. You can go for 3 days and not use any and pay out of pocket (wouldn't be a smart thing to do- but it is your choice). You can use all 5 snacks in one day if you wish too.

There is alot of flexibility with the DDP. For us, dh just won't be using any credits for 3 days UNTIL dinner time. So that means more snacks credits for dd and me...ha!

How was you dh wanting to do his meals. Post and I am sure someone can help you figure it all out. This board is awesome for help.

[MarieA]

For us the DDP is not worth it any longer. Using your calculations the DDP would cost us $720, however OOP costs with the DDE would be $656 (based on 20% off the $820 OOP you estimated). We have two trips planned one in Nov. and the other in May and will not be using the DDP for either. I guess it's still a good value for people who do not have the DDE but for our family it is now cheaper without the DDP.

[SarahD]

I know you can use a table service credit at a counter service restaurant (when you just can't eat one more long sit down meal!), but can you exchange 2 counter service credits for one table service?

Also, I've read where you can use leftover snack credits in your resort's gift shop for certain items, like Minnie's Bake Shop cookies.

One more tip...you can get cinnamon rolls from the Main Street bakery in the MK for breakfast with a snack credit.

[ChelleinNC]

I know you can use a table service credit at a counter service restaurant (when you just can't eat one more long sit down meal!), but can you exchange 2 counter service credits for one table service?

Also, I've read where you can use leftover snack credits in your resort's gift shop for certain items, like Minnie's Bake Shop cookies.

One more tip...you can get cinnamon rolls from the Main Street bakery in the MK for breakfast with a snack credit.


From the DDP 2008 FAQ:
Can I use TS credits for CS meals?
No. During the 2006 free dining promotion, Disney did extend an offer to use TS credits for CS meals (plus two snacks and a lanyard), but that offer has expired. Prior to that offer, some (but not all) hotel front desks allowed some (but not all) guests to convert some of their remaining TS credits in the CS credits, with the understanding that once converted they cannot be converted back. However, that is not an official part of the Dining Plan, and may or may not be successful in getting them to do that for you.

2007 trades have not been offered at this time.

Can I use two (or three) CS credits for a TS meal?
No. There is no way to combine CS credits to "pay for" a TS meal.

Can I exchange CS credits for snacks?
No. However, some eateries which support both CS and snack credits will allow you to use one CS credit for two or three snacks. That's not a standard, though, and may not be consistent either.

There were a lot more things you could use snack credits for last year. We saw on our June trip that many things that we were able to use Snack Credits for last year were no longer an option as a snack on DDP (boxes of cookies, boxes of doughnuts.....only single serve items now)