In regards to the DDP segment this week...

[ShesAPirate]

Happened to find a link to this calculator/spreadsheet on a thread on the Budget Board just after listening. This is pretty damn cool... and a good extra tool for those who want to know the best way to take advantage the the DDP -- or whether they should get it at all.

The segment was great, too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jMDgzoJLI8&feature=share&list=UUkY9dkUEV93HxeRkD456VJg

The video explains how to download and use to use the spreadsheet/calculator, but I found it pretty self-explanatory once I had it downloaded.

 

[dansyr2514]

Just wanted to say Thanks. Most Disney podcasts will tell you the dining plan is not worth it. I'm glad you offered insight that for some, it is a good idea. When Jeff and I go together...our trip is more about relaxing, some park touring, hanging by the pool and fine dining. For us, the dining plan works great! Not only the dining plan...but the deluxe dining plan. It's couple time, so long leisurely dinners are welcome.
However, on trips when I go without him and I can spend as much time in the parks as my tired feet will carry me, I won't do the dining plan. I'll eat at some counter service when I'm hungry and maybe a few sit down meals.

I'm glad to see for once, the dining plan is not getting bashed!

 

[SA mom]

I enjoyed that segment, too! We certainly made great use of DDP when our kids were younger. Now that they are "adults" it isn't a value for us anymore. It just kills me to pay the adult price for a pair of 11 year olds. Maybe in a few years we'll use it again.

 

[doconeill]

I don't tell people it's a bad idea...I tell them to do the math.

I did out a spreadsheet, actually going to web sites and pricing out my meals that I'd likely get if I was on the DDP. There was a savings, but it wasn't huge. But then I realized - we wouldn't eat nearly that many table service meals during a stay normally. So I would actually be spending more to save a little!

If I was planning a trip with with the idea of more TS meals, I'd consider it again, but I'd still do all the math. And I'd compare against TIW as well.

If "Free" Dining is offered in August, I might consider it for part of a split stay, but I'd also compare against available room discounts and the fact I'll probably already have a TIW card.

(P.S. Splitsville has been added to TIW - got the email today)

 

[mytripsandraces]

I just heard that podcast today. Pete kept talking about the food courts for the quick service plan, but you can use the DDP in the parks and at Downtown Disney, too. My sister and I do it when we travel together, because we eat small meals throughout the day and share them as we go (Epcot is the best park for this - lots of variety, which we love!), but you can get quite a lot of value out of the quick service plan in the parks. I get the cake for dessert and bring it with me and I always get a bottle of water to drink, because I can carry it through the parks. We use the snacks for frozen cokes and ice-cream treats.

I am very intrigued by the platinum plan. That could be a wonderful trip, if I kept it to just a couple of days. Can I buy it if I'm staying at a value resort?

 

[DisneyDaddy-O]

I just heard that podcast today. Pete kept talking about the food courts for the quick service plan, but you can use the DDP in the parks and at Downtown Disney, too. My sister and I do it when we travel together, because we eat small meals throughout the day and share them as we go (Epcot is the best park for this - lots of variety, which we love!), but you can get quite a lot of value out of the quick service plan in the parks. I get the cake for dessert and bring it with me and I always get a bottle of water to drink, because I can carry it through the parks. We use the snacks for frozen cokes and ice-cream treats.

I am very intrigued by the platinum plan. That could be a wonderful trip, if I kept it to just a couple of days. Can I buy it if I'm staying at a value resort?

I think I remember them saying you can only get that while staying at a deluxe resort . I was thinking the same way it would be a really cool way to spend a few days!!!

 

[doconeill]

I think I remember them saying you can only get that while staying at a deluxe resort . I was thinking the same way it would be a really cool way to spend a few days!!!

Yes, the platinum package is only available for Deluxe resort guests. There is a premium package that is similar that is available at any level, although it lacks some of the options like the pre-arrival planning and free recreational activities.

 

[WebmasterJohn]

I think I remember them saying you can only get that while staying at a deluxe resort . I was thinking the same way it would be a really cool way to spend a few days!!!

The Platinum Package can only be booked at a Deluxe Resort.

Kathy told us about a client she had that booked the Platinum Package for just one night as a special treat - so you can experience it for one night if you like and then go back to another resort under another package (or no package) if you like.

The Premium Plan can be booked at any Disney Resort - so if you don't need to go with all the bells and whistles you could do the Premium at the All Stars if you like.

Premium Plan - http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/packages/2013-packages.htm#mypp

Platinum Plan - http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/packages/2013-packages.htm#myplatinum

 

[mytripsandraces]

I think I remember them saying you can only get that while staying at a deluxe resort . I was thinking the same way it would be a really cool way to spend a few days!!!

Yes, the platinum package is only available for Deluxe resort guests. There is a premium package that is similar that is available at any level, although it lacks some of the options like the pre-arrival planning and free recreational activities.

The Platinum Package can only be booked at a Deluxe Resort.

Kathy told us about a client she had that booked the Platinum Package for just one night as a special treat - so you can experience it for one night if you like and then go back to another resort under another package (or no package) if you like.

The Premium Plan can be booked at any Disney Resort - so if you don't need to go with all the bells and whistles you could do the Premium at the All Stars if you like.

Premium Plan - http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/packages/2013-packages.htm#mypp

Platinum Plan - http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/packages/2013-packages.htm#myplatinum

I didn't realize I hadn't heard the whole episode until this morning when I heard the rest of it. Sorry! I will definitely look into this. Thank you for your responses! Sorry for being a dope!