Help! DDP vs. DxDP

[nklooz]

Ok, so, we are going in March w/Free Dining, and I'm trying to decide whether or not to upgrade to the Deluxe Plan. I've laid out our itinerary how I see it flowing both with and without. The reason driving the potential need for it is the number of 2 TS meals we have planned. Can you please review and let me know what you think? Is the DxDP worth it? Basicalliy, we will pay ~ $500 to upgrade or based on my calculations, ~$185 in OOPs.
Thanks!

WITH DELUXE DINING
3/3: Arrive MCO @ 9:30, CR by 11:30, CS Lunch, Nap, MK @ 1:00, Tour from 1:00-4:00, CR ADR @ 5:00, Back for 7:00 Parade
3/4: MK RD, Tour, 10:20 CP ADR, Leave Park by 12:30, 1-4 nap/pool, Back to Park for 4:30 Barber Shop Apt, 5:20 at CRT
3/5: HS RD, Tour, CS Lunch, 3:00 Pixar Parade, Depart Park by 4:00, CS Dinner @ CR, Pool/Relaxing Evening
3/6: MK RD, Leave Park by 11:30, CS at CR, Pool/Nap, Back @ MK for 3:00 Parade, 5:45 1900 Park Fare ADR
3/7: 8:20 Akershus ADR, Epcot, Le Cellier 1:00, Depart Park, Pool/Nap, DTD if people want, CS Dinner or just snacks
3/8: AK RD, 11:30 Tusker House ADR, Depart Park by 1:30, 2:30-5:30 Pool/Nap, Head to MBYBBQ @ 5:30, MBYBBQ @ 6:30
3/9: CRT ADR @ 8:05, MK RD, Tour, Back to CR, Late CS Lunch, Depart via Magical Express

WITHOUT DELUXE DINING
3/3: Arrive MCO @ 9:30, CR by 11:30, CS Lunch, Nap, MK @ 1:00, Tour from 1:00-4:00, CR ADR @ 5:00, Back for 7:00 Parade
3/4: MK RD, Tour, 10:20 CP ADR, Leave Park by 12:30, 1-4 nap/pool, Back to Park for 4:30 Barber Shop Apt, 5:20 at CRT
3/5: HS RD, Tour, CS Lunch, 3:00 Pixar Parade, Depart Park by 4:00, CS Dinner @ CR, Pool/Relaxing Evening
3/6: MK RD, Leave Park by 11:30, CS at CR, Pool/Nap, Back @ MK for 3:00 Parade, 5:45 1900 Park Fare ADR
3/7: RD Epcot, No Le Cellier, Akershus as Lunch ADR vs. breakfast, Depart Park, Pool/Nap, DTD if people want, CS Dinner
3/8: AK RD, 11:30 CS Lunch instead of Tusker House, Depart Park by 1:30, 2:30-5:30 Pool/Nap, Head to MBYBBQ @ 5:30, MBYBBQ @ 6:30 Pay OOP (~$155)
3/9: No CRT Breakfast, MK RD, Tour, Back to CR, Late CS Lunch Pay OOP (~$30?), Depart via Magical Express

With DxDP
TS: 12
CS: 6
With DDP
Remove CRT Breakfast, TH , LC, make Akershus Lunch vs. Breakfast
TS: 8 (pay OOP for MBYBBQ)
CS: 7

 

[havoc315]

Ok, so, we are going in March w/Free Dining, and I'm trying to decide whether or not to upgrade to the Deluxe Plan. I've laid out our itinerary how I see it flowing both with and without. The reason driving the potential need for it is the number of 2 TS meals we have planned. Can you please review and let me know what you think? Is the DxDP worth it? Basicalliy, we will pay ~ $500 to upgrade or based on my calculations, ~$185 in OOPs.
Thanks!

With DxDP
TS: 12
CS: 6
With DDP
Remove CRT Breakfast, TH , LC, make Akershus Lunch vs. Breakfast
TS: 8 (pay OOP for MBYBBQ)
CS: 7

So what you're saying is, that MBYBBQ would cost you about $185 oop... but if you get deluxe, at a cost of $500, you would add four more TS reservations?

In terms of the math, I would need to know the number of people in your party and whether they are adults or children.

But assuming that the extra $325 is financially "worth" the extra 3-4 meals, then it really comes down to the subjective question of the type of experience you want.
Remember, the DxDP will allow you the extra meals, as well as additional snacks, and additional appetizers. Do you have any interest/need for those extras?
Will you miss those 3-4 extra meals if you don't get them?

Personally, if I was in your shoes -- I would not upgrade to deluxe, just to add 3-4 total meals. But I would upgrade as a way to get more 2-credit meals, and to eat TS instead of CS.
In terms of value, the upgrade would be certainly financially worthwhile, if you dumped some of your CS plans, and put in TS instead, and if you added a couple more signature restaurants.

BUT -- it still comes down to your subjective preferences. If you have no interest in more signature dining, if you are happy eating a CS meal every day... then I'd probably just stick to the basic DDP, and cut out a couple of the TS meals.

 

[nklooz]

So what you're saying is, that MBYBBQ would cost you about $185 oop... but if you get deluxe, at a cost of $500, you would add four more TS reservations?

In terms of the math, I would need to know the number of people in your party and whether they are adults or children.

But assuming that the extra $325 is financially "worth" the extra 3-4 meals, then it really comes down to the subjective question of the type of experience you want.
Remember, the DxDP will allow you the extra meals, as well as additional snacks, and additional appetizers. Do you have any interest/need for those extras?
Will you miss those 3-4 extra meals if you don't get them?

Personally, if I was in your shoes -- I would not upgrade to deluxe, just to add 3-4 total meals. But I would upgrade as a way to get more 2-credit meals, and to eat TS instead of CS.
In terms of value, the upgrade would be certainly financially worthwhile, if you dumped some of your CS plans, and put in TS instead, and if you added a couple more signature restaurants.

BUT -- it still comes down to your subjective preferences. If you have no interest in more signature dining, if you are happy eating a CS meal every day... then I'd probably just stick to the basic DDP, and cut out a couple of the TS meals.

Thanks for the advice. It is me, DH, DD12, DDalmost2. We are staying at CR so I may add CG dinner for me and DH one evening after our long day at HS when DD2 will be beat. Are there other 2 credit places that DD2 would like? Would she like the Luau? I think we would use snacks on keeping up with DD2's milk addiction, ice cream breaks, breakfast foods for days we don't have a TS breakfast, and late night snacks for DD12. I also like the idea of the appetizers. Any thoughts on TS or 2 credit dining experiences to add based on our party and our itinerary?

I know some people say DxDP is too much food or too much time not park touring, but we can't do commando touring w/DD2.


Thanks!

 

[nklooz]

I guess it seems like once you pay for a few things OOP, it isn't that much more to just add the Dx plan and get all of the add'l credits and benefits even if you don't use every bit of it. But, the general consensus I've seen doesn't seem to agree w/this so I'm not sure what I'm missing. Or, if I'm just not putting enough value on the ~ $300 for other things.

 

[havoc315]

I don't mean to be cavalier, but to some people... $300 is a ton of money, the difference of an extra day on vacation. To others, $300 is one less fancy dinner some time in the year.

The monorail resorts do open up a ton of good 2-signature dining, all of which are fine with young children. We did California Grill and Narcoose's with a 3-year-old and 6-year-old.

From the Contemporary, it's fun to take the boat over to Fort Wilderness, where you can do HDDR.

Can't comment on the Luau, but we are trying it this year (4-year old now).

 

[nklooz]

I don't mean to be cavalier, but to some people... $300 is a ton of money, the difference of an extra day on vacation. To others, $300 is one less fancy dinner some time in the year.

The monorail resorts do open up a ton of good 2-signature dining, all of which are fine with young children. We did California Grill and Narcoose's with a 3-year-old and 6-year-old.

From the Contemporary, it's fun to take the boat over to Fort Wilderness, where you can do HDDR.

Can't comment on the Luau, but we are trying it this year (4-year old now).

Just to clarify, I'm not suggesting that $300 isn't a significant sum of money, didn't mean to sound like that was what I was saying. Just trying to determine if that's the only disadvantage (increased cost) or if there's something else I'm missing because the reviews/feedback I get seem to be pretty blah on it. I have looked at HDDR and wasn't sure if it would be too similar to the MBYBBQ experience. Thoughts? Thank you!

 

[havoc315]

Just to clarify, I'm not suggesting that $300 isn't a significant sum of money, didn't mean to sound like that was what I was saying. Just trying to determine if that's the only disadvantage (increased cost) or if there's something else I'm missing because the reviews/feedback I get seem to be pretty blah on it. I have looked at HDDR and wasn't sure if it would be too similar to the MBYBBQ experience. Thoughts? Thank you!

The disadvantages of the DxDP is it "can be" too much food, it "can be" too much time in the restaurants and away from the park. All depends how you use it.

I haven't done MBYBBQ, but HDDR is pretty unique. Though I didn't love the food, the kids loved the show and experience.

 

[nklooz]

Thanks for all of the help!

 

[sharonabe]

I guess it seems like once you pay for a few things OOP, it isn't that much more to just add the Dx plan and get all of the add'l credits and benefits even if you don't use every bit of it. But, the general consensus I've seen doesn't seem to agree w/this so I'm not sure what I'm missing. Or, if I'm just not putting enough value on the ~ $300 for other things.

While you may not do commando touring with a 2 yr old, you also don't know what will catch their attention at any given time. I think one of the drawbacks some people see with the DxDDP is it seems you're always stopping something you're doing to get to that next ADR.

Example from your own schedule is your Barbershop appt and your CRT appt. You don't have ANY room for the barbershop to be backed up. If they can't keep your appointed time, you will be late for your ADR which could be a problem or you will have to skip the barbershop.

So it becomes a question of value of time to be relaxed and not be rushing to get one more thing in before you have to get to that next meal.

 

[TDluvsDaisy]

Please don't forget the extra tips that go along with the deluxe plan.

Now I am all in favor of upgrading. It's what we normally do because it helps keep us on a regular eating schedule and the necessary down time. But you really need to budget in that tip money so it's not a shock to the system.

I found that signature dinners really worked well for us on the deluxe plan. It gave my DS some really nice options that weren't readily available at other restaurants. We really enjoy Brown Derby in Hollywood Studios, California Grill, Citricos and Narcoossees.

 

[hannahdrewmom]

Dxdp is nice when at the deluxe resort (especially with younger ones) because you have the option of room service as well. We were able to plan a couple of meals i the room or order pizza in the room instead of a cs meal.

My kids 4/2 LOVE flying fish. It's a louder restaurant, cool food, open fire kitchen and right on the board walk that they loved to walk on when done.

 

[3pletprincesses]

To us it's worht spending the extra money for deluxe but you might not use all the snack credits during the day. We usually have more then half left at the end of the trip that we usually enjoy spending at the caramel shop in Germany at Epcot to take home.

We love the deluxe plan with our 4yo triplet. To some, it's a waste of time to go from one adr to another but to us, it's perfect time down. We suually try to plan for a morning breakfast or early lunch and then our dinner is either aroudn the time we would leave the park or right before we would head to the park after our afternoon at the resort. For us, it works and it's worth the extra $$. It gives us extra meals and better meals IMO when we go to a signature restaurant. We have been to eveery signature except for flying fish and Albert and Victoria(which they girls coulnd't go anyways) and the girls always found something to eat and we all loved our meals except for Narcossees.

We did MBYBBQ last May and it was a desaster. It was way too hot outside and the girsl got cranky really early... we barely had time to eat. Now you are going in March so I'm sure the weather will be just perfect.

 

[Sosplashy33]

Ok, so, we are going in March w/Free Dining, and I'm trying to decide whether or not to upgrade to the Deluxe Plan. I've laid out our itinerary how I see it flowing both with and without. The reason driving the potential need for it is the number of 2 TS meals we have planned. Can you please review and let me know what you think? Is the DxDP worth it? Basicalliy, we will pay ~ $500 to upgrade or based on my calculations, ~$185 in OOPs.
Thanks!

WITH DELUXE DINING
3/3: Arrive MCO @ 9:30, CR by 11:30, CS Lunch, Nap, MK @ 1:00, Tour from 1:00-4:00, CR ADR @ 5:00, Back for 7:00 Parade
3/4: MK RD, Tour, 10:20 CP ADR, Leave Park by 12:30, 1-4 nap/pool, Back to Park for 4:30 Barber Shop Apt, 5:20 at CRT
3/5: HS RD, Tour, CS Lunch, 3:00 Pixar Parade, Depart Park by 4:00, CS Dinner @ CR, Pool/Relaxing Evening
3/6: MK RD, Leave Park by 11:30, CS at CR, Pool/Nap, Back @ MK for 3:00 Parade, 5:45 1900 Park Fare ADR
3/7: 8:20 Akershus ADR, Epcot, Le Cellier 1:00, Depart Park, Pool/Nap, DTD if people want, CS Dinner or just snacks
3/8: AK RD, 11:30 Tusker House ADR, Depart Park by 1:30, 2:30-5:30 Pool/Nap, Head to MBYBBQ @ 5:30, MBYBBQ @ 6:30
3/9: CRT ADR @ 8:05, MK RD, Tour, Back to CR, Late CS Lunch, Depart via Magical Express

WITHOUT DELUXE DINING
3/3: Arrive MCO @ 9:30, CR by 11:30, CS Lunch, Nap, MK @ 1:00, Tour from 1:00-4:00, CR ADR @ 5:00, Back for 7:00 Parade
3/4: MK RD, Tour, 10:20 CP ADR, Leave Park by 12:30, 1-4 nap/pool, Back to Park for 4:30 Barber Shop Apt, 5:20 at CRT
3/5: HS RD, Tour, CS Lunch, 3:00 Pixar Parade, Depart Park by 4:00, CS Dinner @ CR, Pool/Relaxing Evening
3/6: MK RD, Leave Park by 11:30, CS at CR, Pool/Nap, Back @ MK for 3:00 Parade, 5:45 1900 Park Fare ADR
3/7: RD Epcot, No Le Cellier, Akershus as Lunch ADR vs. breakfast, Depart Park, Pool/Nap, DTD if people want, CS Dinner
3/8: AK RD, 11:30 CS Lunch instead of Tusker House, Depart Park by 1:30, 2:30-5:30 Pool/Nap, Head to MBYBBQ @ 5:30, MBYBBQ @ 6:30 Pay OOP (~$155)
3/9: No CRT Breakfast, MK RD, Tour, Back to CR, Late CS Lunch Pay OOP (~$30?), Depart via Magical Express

With DxDP
TS: 12
CS: 6
With DDP
Remove CRT Breakfast, TH , LC, make Akershus Lunch vs. Breakfast
TS: 8 (pay OOP for MBYBBQ)
CS: 7

I would go with the DXDP, rather have more than less. Last April we ran out of credits on the DP, My three boys ages 12, 10, 6 like to eat so for our trip in May 2012 they have reminded me to pick the DXDP.

 

[Mikey'swife]

Yours in a tough call. Normally I think upgrading is a lot of fun but a lot of your choices are really low end for disney extras. DXDP is great use for signature meals or other al carte places where you can get your apps.

CS $30
MBBQ $155
CRT breakfast is abou $120
TH lunch was $54 but may be more since it is a character meal.
LeCellier lunch would be around $90 for more expensive entrees (steaks) and desserts. would include more with apps on dxdp

Meals difference $449
extra snacks 18 snacks about $60 since you will probably get some fruit/drink/ candy things not really costing or worth $4 dollars

Difference not including mugs $609

Mugs included in dxdp in 2011 on both in 2012 some value as a souvenior otherwise a few free soft drinks if you want them at the resort.

Good Luck

 

[Colleen27]

With an under-3 the extra snacks of the DxDDP are a nice perk. On the basic plan we'd have had a significant number of OOP snacks for our youngest on both of our last two trips because she often needed to stop for a little something between meals when the rest of us didn't. On both trips with her we used up all our DxDDP snacks without difficulty, rather than taking home to-go treats to use them up at the end of the trip, and it was mostly due to all the bottled water/juice/milk and fruit for her.

One suggestion I would make if you go with the DxDDP - instead of some of the CS you have planned at your resort, take advantage of in-room dining. Lunch on the balcony is just so nice when you've got a little one napping in the room!

 

[nklooz]

With an under-3 the extra snacks of the DxDDP are a nice perk. On the basic plan we'd have had a significant number of OOP snacks for our youngest on both of our last two trips because she often needed to stop for a little something between meals when the rest of us didn't. On both trips with her we used up all our DxDDP snacks without difficulty, rather than taking home to-go treats to use them up at the end of the trip, and it was mostly due to all the bottled water/juice/milk and fruit for her.

One suggestion I would make if you go with the DxDDP - instead of some of the CS you have planned at your resort, take advantage of in-room dining. Lunch on the balcony is just so nice when you've got a little one napping in the room!

Hadn't thought about the snacks and the in room dining. Big plusses. Thank you!

Yours in a tough call. Normally I think upgrading is a lot of fun but a lot of your choices are really low end for disney extras. DXDP is great use for signature meals or other al carte places where you can get your apps.

CS $30
MBBQ $155
CRT breakfast is abou $120
TH lunch was $54 but may be more since it is a character meal.
LeCellier lunch would be around $90 for more expensive entrees (steaks) and desserts. would include more with apps on dxdp

Meals difference $449
extra snacks 18 snacks about $60 since you will probably get some fruit/drink/ candy things not really costing or worth $4 dollars

Difference not including mugs $609

Mugs included in dxdp in 2011 on both in 2012 some value as a souvenior otherwise a few free soft drinks if you want them at the resort.

Good Luck

So helpful, thanks for laying out like that. Really appreciate it.

I am leaning toward Deluxe. I know that we could better use it to try more Signature dining, and I know DD2 would behave but I don't necessary think she'd have "fun". Thanks everyone!!!

 

[nklooz]

While you may not do commando touring with a 2 yr old, you also don't know what will catch their attention at any given time. I think one of the drawbacks some people see with the DxDDP is it seems you're always stopping something you're doing to get to that next ADR.

Example from your own schedule is your Barbershop appt and your CRT appt. You don't have ANY room for the barbershop to be backed up. If they can't keep your appointed time, you will be late for your ADR which could be a problem or you will have to skip the barbershop.

So it becomes a question of value of time to be relaxed and not be rushing to get one more thing in before you have to get to that next meal.

I think I probably have to go into it understanding that there is a risk that there may be some "wasted" money if we end up having to skip an adr. I guess that's part of my consideration.

Please don't forget the extra tips that go along with the deluxe plan.

Now I am all in favor of upgrading. It's what we normally do because it helps keep us on a regular eating schedule and the necessary down time. But you really need to budget in that tip money so it's not a shock to the system.

I found that signature dinners really worked well for us on the deluxe plan. It gave my DS some really nice options that weren't readily available at other restaurants. We really enjoy Brown Derby in Hollywood Studios, California Grill, Citricos and Narcoossees.

Thanks for the reminder on the tips!

Dxdp is nice when at the deluxe resort (especially with younger ones) because you have the option of room service as well. We were able to plan a couple of meals i the room or order pizza in the room instead of a cs meal.

My kids 4/2 LOVE flying fish. It's a louder restaurant, cool food, open fire kitchen and right on the board walk that they loved to walk on when done.

How does the in room dining work? 2 TS credits per person that order meal and then 4 TS for a pizza delivery? Is that accurate?

To us it's worht spending the extra money for deluxe but you might not use all the snack credits during the day. We usually have more then half left at the end of the trip that we usually enjoy spending at the caramel shop in Germany at Epcot to take home.

We love the deluxe plan with our 4yo triplet. To some, it's a waste of time to go from one adr to another but to us, it's perfect time down. We suually try to plan for a morning breakfast or early lunch and then our dinner is either aroudn the time we would leave the park or right before we would head to the park after our afternoon at the resort. For us, it works and it's worth the extra $$. It gives us extra meals and better meals IMO when we go to a signature restaurant. We have been to eveery signature except for flying fish and Albert and Victoria(which they girls coulnd't go anyways) and the girls always found something to eat and we all loved our meals except for Narcossees.

We did MBYBBQ last May and it was a desaster. It was way too hot outside and the girsl got cranky really early... we barely had time to eat. Now you are going in March so I'm sure the weather will be just perfect.

This is my thought, that we'll enjoy the down time.

Thanks everyone!!!

 

[hannahdrewmom]

[/QUOTE]
How does the in room dining work? 2 TS credits per person that order meal and then 4 TS for a pizza delivery? Is that accurate?
![/QUOTE]

Yes and we loved it! It was also really nice for breakfast. We aren' huge breakfast eaters but the little ones are. So often we would order a stack of pancakes (HUGE by the way!) and split it between us for breakfast. You can order the night before and have it delivered for when you first wake up. Great 2 credits used and the little ones can eat while we get dressed! Bonus is we got fresh "real" coffee. We also used our extra snack credits for milk that we would keep in our fridge. Note: It will spoil you though!

The pizza was nice too! There is no way I would have payed $65 oop for a pizza, 2 drinks, and 2 dessert, but on the plan it was free. It's also worth noting that gratuty is included on room service so no tipping!

 

[nklooz]

Thank you!

 

[Montegut]

We decided to go with the Deluxe Dining Plan because we are celebrating our 30th Anniversary next year at Disney. We went for our Honeymoon, and although Husband went with son on a Father-Son trip, I have not been back since. Since son is now in college, we want to enjoy some nice restaurants while there, and noticed many of the Signature restaurants take double table service points. The lower plan also only offered one snack, and since we'll be drinking at least two sodas a day, we knew the cost of OOP beverages was going to add up quick. I agree with above posters about the break, too. We're both over 50 and heavy, and we will likely often take a break to sit down and have something to eat before moving on to the next ride or exhibit.