Any 20% off Disney Dining Experience tips?

[CarolA]

DDE can be used at the Rose and Crown pub. (Only inside not the beer cart outside)

Have patience if you use it there, they have to track down a manager to process the credit.... I generally do have to wait a few minutes, but that's not a biggie to me.

 

[Rozzie]

Also, if you do drink, you can use the DDE at some of the bars. We used it at Victoria Falls and at the lounge at the Poly while waiting for our table at 'ohanas.

Enjoy!

We love to use our DDE at the lounges/bars. Adding to the list, Martha's Vineyard (BC) and Turf Club (SSR), Bellavue Lounge (BWI/BWV), Outer Rim Lounge (CR), Gurgling Suitcase (OKW)---this really saves money as our pool bar tab really can get pretty high. Drinks at the bar at Raglan Road is always fun too.

Happy discount drinking!!

 

[vascubaguy]

We love to use our DDE at the lounges/bars. Adding to the list, Martha's Vineyard (BC) and Turf Club (SSR), Bellavue Lounge (BWI/BWV), Outer Rim Lounge (CR), Gurgling Suitcase (OKW)---this really saves money as our pool bar tab really can get pretty high. Drinks at the bar at Raglan Road is always fun too.

Happy discount drinking!!

Oh yeah, we used it at the poolside bar at Luna Park (BWV) - I think...
wow, that seems like so long ago!

Here here to the discount drinking!!!

 

[cinderlexa's mom]

Thanks for all the replies! It will be interesting to see if I save much. Thought we'd at least try it once. I did free dining last year, and I'd do it again if offered for such a deal--but wouldn't pay for it. We ate TOO much-and focused way too much on eating...

Anyone have a link to all the CS restuarants that will take DDE?

 

[wintergreen]

When the major holiday block out dates first happened, I called DDE. They said there are some restaurants who still allow DDE discounts on holidays -- but that is up to their descretion. So if the discount is important on a holiday, ask first.

Good point. We had a Fantasmic package at H&V (won't ever eat THERE again, but that's the subject of another thread . . . ) on July 4. Was not expecting to be able to use DDE as it was both Fantasmic package and a holiday. I wasn't even going to ask, but DH presented our server with the DDE card, and he took it!

On the other hand, we tried to use the DDE for lunch at CRT, and were told that we could not use it. Not sure if it is actually accepted there or not, but I had thought it would be.

As others have mentioned, don't forget the card when you are at one of the bars/lounges. Usually a manager has to be brought in to approve, but we've never found that to be a problem.

Finally, with respect to tipping, we (usally, if service was good) simply add back the 20% discount on the bill, and it makes everything very easy!!!

 

[lawyergirl]

It's not really smart to travel anywhere without ID and most of the time when I'm at WDW I have my AP with me anyway. I do not go anywhere at WDW without my DDE, AP, and ID. 3 cards instead of 1 - not a big issue, and certainly not a PITA in my book

I have yet to be asked for ID when using my DDE card... Then again, I usually pay for meals with my Key to the World, so the names match up. Maybe that's why they don't ask me...

And FWIW, DH and I have saved almost $30-40 per day on our trip, and we would be eating in these restaurants anyway. Granted, it makes it easier to do wine flights/pairings with our dishes, so we may be spending more than we ordinarily would. But, these incredible meals are sooo worth it!! And even if we are spending more on wine etc., it's something we wouldn't have had without the card, so it is definitely improving our already amazing WDW trip! And that's all I can ask for at this point!!

 

[JustKryssi]

I can't believe anyone would throw away the chance to save 20% on anything! Our card paid for itself the first night.

Went to V&A for fiance's birthday dinner. The check was $534.00 (we had the wine pairing and yes, I had to have the caviar, lol). Taking off the 20% was a considerable savings.

Considering we go down once a month and we are drinkers...this really adds up!

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I can't wait to use my DDE card! I ordered it about 3-4 weeks ago and the CM told me it would probably be here in time for my trip (August 16).

I love that it works on drinks, too. Even just four drinks overy other day (2 for each of us) works out to close to 300. Twenty percent of that is a big savings. And since I need my ID to show I"m over 21, I always have my ID on me anyway.

I wish the Swan/Dolphin took DDE though. I am staying there and really want to try bluezoo.

I think what's so cool about DDE is that you don't need tips and tricks- you just save 20% - most restaurants accept it- just double check before you go because a few places is DTD, and Teppanyaki at Epcot, plus a few other places I don't know offhand *don't*accept it.

Also, you can use your 20% on a lower cost meal like Trail's End and end up spending less overall for a meal, or a higher cost meal like V&A's and end up spending more overall but also *saving* more. It's all up to you, and the what you prefer.

 

[BCV23]

Anyone have a link to all the CS restuarants that will take DDE?

I don't have a link for you but in general, DDE is not for counter service.

The only CS places that take DDE are in locations that don't have a TS alternative. So AK CS restaurants accept it because there are no TS Disney owned restaurants there. The food courts at Pop, All Stars and FQ accept it for the same reason. Reports vary on POR. But you can't use it at CS in MK, DS, Epcot or the deluxe resorts or other moderates.

 

[whiplash]

Used our DDE card on our June trip (9 of us). Figured it up when we got home, saved over $300.00!!! Going again in December and expect to save big bucks again, can't beat it!!! No hassles either, just tell you server you have the card.

 

[webray]

We purchased this card with the AP discount. I'm pretty sure I understand how it works...just wondering if there are any "little-known tips" out there from experienced users?

A received a LOT of tips last year before I used the free dining plan...but haven't read much about DDE...

TIA!

It is what it is. 20% off your food/alcohol bill at certain restaurants. Just don't forget, you tip on the total bill, before the discount.

 

[nanalisa]

It is what it is. 20% off your food/alcohol bill at certain restaurants. Just don't forget, you tip on the total bill, before the discount.

That is important to note. I figure the server shouldn't be slighted because of my discount. Plus the discount usually more than makes up for the tip.

My husband said that we needed to do more counter service this year to save on food. Not that I'm against CS, you just can't use the DDE. I let him figure it out on his own. We ate at the Harbor House, which is very good and spent around 30.00 for 3. The next day we ate at the Plaza, cool, quiet and relaxing. Our bill for 3 (2 adults, 1 child) for a simular meal + iced teas and a milkshake minus the 20% was 26.00. That was it for CS except a Peco Bill's cheeseburger. The nice thing is that the card is good for a year, not just your trip. We got 2 10 days trips out of it.

 

[ReallyFunMom]

That is important to note. I figure the server shouldn't be slighted because of my discount. Plus the discount usually more than makes up for the tip.

I wouldn't say 'more than makes up for the tip' if you tip off of full amount. If tipping 20%, its exact, you can see how much to tip by noting the amount of the discount.

Order $100 of food, discount $20, taxed on $80 (I think) so total bill = 80 x 1.065 = $85.20.

If tip 20% of food purchased, pay 85.20 + 20 = 105.20. Discount covered tip, you paid food and taxes.

If you tip 18% of undiscounted food cost, $18.00, you are ahead $2 after tip.

If you tip 20% off the total with discount and tax (which everyone agrees seems unfair to server) $85.20 x 1.2 = $102.24 for a tip of 17.04, you are ahead $2.96 [Discount less Tip]

For me, about any way you slice it fairly, the DDE card covers the tip, which is a significant cost to dining so thats a nice perk. CS at AK is probably where you get your best "deal" on the card b/c no tipping at CS!

 

[mkygrl]

NOt sure if it is still done but in Aug 06 my family was able to get separate checks a few times at a few different restaraunts. At the time didn't seem like a hassle....but again I don't know if they still do it.

 

[nanalisa]

I wouldn't say 'more than makes up for the tip' if you tip off of full amount. If tipping 20%, its exact, you can see how much to tip by noting the amount of the discount.

Order $100 of food, discount $20, taxed on $80 (I think) so total bill = 80 x 1.065 = $85.20.

If tip 20% of food purchased, pay 85.20 + 20 = 105.20. Discount covered tip, you paid food and taxes.

If you tip 18% of undiscounted food cost, $18.00, you are ahead $2 after tip.

If you tip 20% off the total with discount and tax (which everyone agrees seems unfair to server) $85.20 x 1.2 = $102.24 for a tip of 17.04, you are ahead $2.96 [Discount less Tip
For me, about any way you slice it fairly, the DDE card covers the tip, which is a significant cost to dining so thats a nice perk. CS at AK is probably where you get your best "deal" on the card b/c no tipping at CS!

I guess I should have said the 20% discount pays the tip, although I usually tip 15% unless service was better than average. Either way, I agree with you

 

[TSWJan78]

Does the DDE card say how you bought it? AP, FL Res or DVC

 

[magsmom]

No, the DDE card just has your name, DDE number, and expiration.

You can use the card at POFQ food court. I used it there in February and my new list says we can use it there as well.

I would think that using the DDE card at POR would be discretionary because they have a TS restaurant, but you never know if you don't ask.

We used DDE on 5 trips last year and LOVED it. We are going on DDP in 2 weeks and will use the DDE card on libations and will be using it for our trip in October as we will be at the Dolphin. I can't wait to compare the 2 programs - DDE worked very well for us and IMO DDP has a steep hill to climb.

We will see!

 

[Beachangel]

We purchased this card with the AP discount. I'm pretty sure I understand how it works...just wondering if there are any "little-known tips" out there from experienced users?

A received a LOT of tips last year before I used the free dining plan...but haven't read much about DDE...

TIA!

The DDE card is great. The only "tip" is to "tip" your server the amount billed before the discount.

 

[Mom2Ashli]

We normally just add the 20% discount back in for the tip.

Darn it. We had drinks at the Poly the other week with friends and forgot to use our DDE Card.

And I had a drink at the pool at CSR - I wonder if I could have used it there.

 

[las3888]

The only tip I can think of is to try to remember to use the card if you just go for drinks in the lounges. We always seem to forget and drinks add up pretty quickly at WDW. They do take DDE and it is a nice perk!