Alright, help me out with this thing called DDP

[cookieswithangel]

I've been to Disney 8 times before, and we've never used a DDP. The more I read about it, the more compelling it sounds. If we got it, we'd probably just get quick service, since we don't like eating at TS places every day.
So here's my questions to the experts:
-Is it worth it? Our party size is 2, a mom and a DD of 16.
-We have a package already booked for June, if we got it, would we have to add it on, or make an entirely new reservation?
-I saw someone had free dining for early June. I'm arriving June 17th, is free dining still available?

Thanks so much, I know DDP isn't that confusing, but my brain apparently processes it weird.

 

[TDC Nala]

You can add it onto your existing MYW room/tickets package, as long as you do it no later than 72 hours before arrival.

Free dining for the general public expired on December 20, 2010. There is a current PIN free dining offer but I don't know if those dates are available. If you did not receive a PIN via email or snail mail, you can ask when you call if there is one available to you. If you are not assigned your own PIN you can't use one.

Do you each eat your own meal (no sharing?) Do you order beverages (other than a cup of water) and dessert with all your meals? If you do, it may be worth it. Plus you will receive refillable mugs at your resort (they're not good for refills in the parks though).

 

[catra121]

As PP said, you can add the dining plan to your existing reservation.

As far as it being worth it...I find that it's incredibly convenient and I value that over the few dollars plus or minus I may end up at the end of the trip. I love being able to just walk up to a stand in the park and ask for a bottle of pop and just hand them my room key and using a snack credit. I like not having to worry about the extra cost of food and carrying cash or credit cards into the parks. That's what makes it worth it for me...but not everyone is like me and they really put a lot of stock into crunching the numbers and getting the MOST out of the plan or saying it's not worth it. That's fine too...just offering a different perspective on the 'worth' of the plan.

 

[kaybird]

SOOOO worth it with a 16 yo!!!!

 

[cookieswithangel]

Thanks for your input!
DD eats on weird schedules, so sometimes she eats three huge meals a day, and sometimes she can just have one meal and be fine.
I did the math, and since we're going during peak season, it would be 980 dollars (regular DDP) or something of that price. When our package is already 5,000, I'm wondering if it would still be worth it.
We would love the convenience, but the price...

 

[TDC Nala]

If you don't like eating at TS every day, don't get the regular plan. The quick service plan should suit your needs if you want a dining plan.