Another AP & DDE question

[jpolak]

Does the DDE need to be purchased in advance or can I buy it when we go to pick up our APs? TIA

Edited to add-Nevermind I found the answer.

 

[spruce]

You can buy it at both entrances to EPCOT. ( Front and International Gateway) I was told by the concierge at AKL that the DDE card can only be bought at EPCOT or in advance. No other park or no resort sells them.

 

[jpolak]

I was told guest relations at DTD sells the DDE.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

I have 6 days left on my MYW park hopper, I'm trying to figure out if it would be worthhile to turn one of our passes into an AP, to get the DDE, not sure if we will be back within the year or not, and just can't tell if using DDE would be any cheaper than doing the DDP? UGGH - I hate all these decisions!

 

[hakepb]

I have 6 days left on my MYW park hopper, I'm trying to figure out if it would be worthhile to turn one of our passes into an AP, to get the DDE, not sure if we will be back within the year or not, and just can't tell if using DDE would be any cheaper than doing the DDP? UGGH - I hate all these decisions!

I bought my DDE card at MK guest services (actually 8 months after buying my AP, so my DDE will be valid after my AP's expire. I first used the 2007 DDP which was a better value than '08)

As far as I can see, DDP is cheaper if you get ADR's and use all your TS credits on desirable dinners (i.e. leCellier), and would normally get desert. You really start losing the DDP value when you use the TS credits on breakfast and buffets, and/or would not eat desert if paying OOP. Since I like some character breakfast buffets, and some non-plan options (not everything is on the plan) I think DDE will be cheaper overall for me.
You can sometimes maximize your value with both DDP and DDE, which is a good value if you normally add non DDP included appetizers, and especially several drinks or a bottle of wine. (which would be included in the DDE discount)

 

[ClarabelleCow]

we may re-consider DDP if they drop the desert and add appetizer. I really wish they would give you the option either/or. Kids like the desert, parents like the appy!! My next trip is 5 nights, and I have booked LeCellier, Chefs de France, Brown Derby and Cinderella's Royal Table. I think only CRT is 2 TS credits, but not sure, is there a place to check?

 

[JaxFLBear]

we may re-consider DDP if they drop the desert and add appetizer. I really wish they would give you the option either/or. Kids like the desert, parents like the appy!! My next trip is 5 nights, and I have booked LeCellier, Chefs de France, Brown Derby and Cinderella's Royal Table. I think only CRT is 2 TS credits, but not sure, is there a place to check?

From the dvc member website:

One (1) Table-Service meal may be exchanged for One Character Dining Experience (All meals at Cinderella's Royal Table in Magic Kingdom® Park require Two (2) Table-Service meal exchanges). Merchandise or photo imaging products that may be offered at Character Dining Experiences are not included, except at Cinderella's Royal Table.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

thanks - i searched and searched, but never thought of looking at the DVCmember site!! DUH!! So depending on when the 2009 prices come out, it may just be worth it for us to get the package? We arrive late on our first night, so it will probably be a counter service meal for dinner anyway.

 

[Kmango]

we may re-consider DDP if they drop the desert and add appetizer. I really wish they would give you the option either/or. Kids like the desert, parents like the appy!! My next trip is 5 nights, and I have booked LeCellier, Chefs de France, Brown Derby and Cinderella's Royal Table. I think only CRT is 2 TS credits, but not sure, is there a place to check?

Brown Derby is also 2 TS credits. Once you start getting into the 2 TS meals, unless you order the most expensive things on the menu, you're better off with DDE than DDP.

 

[Kmango]

we may re-consider DDP if they drop the desert and add appetizer. I really wish they would give you the option either/or. Kids like the desert, parents like the appy!! My next trip is 5 nights, and I have booked LeCellier, Chefs de France, Brown Derby and Cinderella's Royal Table. I think only CRT is 2 TS credits, but not sure, is there a place to check?

Brown Derby is also 2 TS credits. Once you start getting into the 2 TS meals, unless you order the most expensive things on the menu, you're better off with DDE than DDP.

 

[JaxFLBear]

we may re-consider DDP if they drop the desert and add appetizer. I really wish they would give you the option either/or. Kids like the desert, parents like the appy!! My next trip is 5 nights, and I have booked LeCellier, Chefs de France, Brown Derby and Cinderella's Royal Table. I think only CRT is 2 TS credits, but not sure, is there a place to check?

The member website has pdf versions of the dining plan brochures. Those list all the locations that take it plus those that require 2 TS credits.