AP Dining Discount Card or AP Discount?

[LuckySadie]

OK, I have an AP and get 10% off SOME restaurants but is it worth it to "upgrade" and get the $50 dining discount card thus getting 20% off and having more restaurants to choose from? There are 4 of us, 2 kids and 2 adults, and we go to at least one sit down meal per day. I just wondered if it was really worth it. I think it probably is because the CP alone was about $100 in May and the 20% off card would save us about $20 on one meal alone. Also wondering how service is when presenting either of the cards to CM? Anyone have any problems with either card? Do you show the card before ordering or when paying at the end? Thanks!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

We save a ton of money with the DDE. The fact that it includes the booze really makes this a no brainer for us (we are all adults).

One meal can easily cover the $50 cost of the DDE. We visit four times per year, so...

The server doesn't even know until the bill is about to be paid. It is a total non-event for them.
Just remember to tip on the pre-discounted amount of the bill.

25% post discount = 20% pre discount.

MG

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

We love our DDE card! Just give it to the server when you get the bill. I never had a minute of trouble. Some CMs ask for an ID, but most did not.

 

[n2mm]

The dining discounts with the AP card is so limited. Only Monday thru Friday and generally lunch only. No food courts (value resorts and FQ). No counter service discounts at AK. I got the DDE for my September trip and had it paid for after only 2 meals (with a party of 9). Since my DDE will cover 6 trips this year, it will be a real savings for us. It also covers alcohol at many lounges and restraurants.

 

[dzneelvr]

I'll chime in as a champion of the DDE as well. Do a quick analysis of your daily meals and then subtract 20% from the total--you'll be pleasantly surprised. And if you stay at a resort without a sit down restaurant ( we stay at the ASMo), you'll start your savings with any and all food court purchases. I agree that the AP was a good start, but as our kids grew, so did their appetites and thus the DDE.

 

[4greatboys]

The DDE saved us a good chunk of change. It paid for itself in about 2-3 meals for my family.

 

[CarolMN]

Do you think you will spend more than $250 at participating restaurants? That's the break even point for the DDE card. Anything beyond that will save you money.

If you really go to one sit down a day, I'm betting that you will break even in about 3 days.

I got the DDE card and plan to use it for 2 week long trips for just 2 adults. I'm quite sure we will save $$ (and probably eat at some restaurants we wouldn't have chosen other wise. I tend to think of the DDE card as paying for the tip.

IMHO, the AP dining discounts are not all that valuable. They are only 10% and with only a few exceptions, for lunch only. There are none in the MK or the Studios, only the Rainforest Cafe in the AK (that one is for dinner only) and only for lunch in EPCOT.

Take a look at this chart that compares AP dining discounts with DDE:

AP & DDE Dining Discounts

Best wishes -

 

[SJC1984]

Glad you posted this! I was just wondering the same thing. I believe we will get one now, as I am sure we can at least break even on this trip. Actually, I'm sure we would.

 

[LuckySadie]

Thank you one and all!! Definitely will get a move-on for the card!

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

When can you not use this card.....I heard that New Years Eve and day are not included. Is that true? Also the candlelight packages are also excluded? Thanks!

 

[Chuck S]

Candlelight Packages and Fantasmic Packages are excluded, it is also reported that after Feb 1, Cinderella's Royal Table will be excluded.

Major holidays (Easter, Christmas, New Year, etc) are excluded.

 

[isla bonita]

We went with friends to Ohanas and saved $106.00 the first meal. We had a very good time. Well worth the price of the card for us!

 

[wdwfan1]

When I booked Candlelight, the CM told me to present my DDE card for the discount. We will see.

 

[n2mm]

When I booked Candlelight, the CM told me to present my DDE card for the discount. We will see.

Unless this has changed there are no discounts at CP or Fantasmic DP. Which includes no discounts for CMs or DDE. Of course, it would be nice if it does change. Let us know.

 

[CarolMN]

When I booked Candlelight, the CM told me to present my DDE card for the discount. We will see.

That doesn't make sense. I think the CM misinformed you.

The CP packages are prepaid - the restaurant would have to refund you the discount. Unless the CM gave you a 20% discount on the price charged to your credit card when you booked (doubt it), I just don't see the restaurants refunding 20% directly to the customers.


Best wishes -

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

Can you tell me where you can buy the DDE. Is there a different telephone number or do you just call disney dining. Thank you

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

Can you tell me where you can buy the DDE. Is there a different telephone number or do you just call disney dining. Thank you

All the info you need ..

http://www.allearsnet.com/din/dde.htm

 

[lizstas]

we will also be utilizing the DDE and we told that they discount is good for all character meals/fantasmic/candlelight. The CM told us that we would be credited back the 20% because they have no way of verifying our membership. We will be there 12/9-12/18 so we shall see. I hope that was accurate info we were told.

 

[CarolMN]

we will also be utilizing the DDE and we told that they discount is good for all character meals/fantasmic/candlelight. The CM told us that we would be credited back the 20% because they have no way of verifying our membership. We will be there 12/9-12/18 so we shall see. I hope that was accurate info we were told.

It would very much surprise me if that CM had good info - IIRC, the CP packages have not been discounted in the past and none of the info on All Ears, the DIS or any of the more popular sites have posted anything on discounts for these packages.

It sure would be nice, though!

Best wishes -

 

[goofy4tink]

I love my DDE card. I think of it as paying for the tip in just about every instance. I booked HDDR last fall, for next fall. We are going to the late show, which is discounted with several things...either AP, DDE, DVC...I can't remember but I know I qualify!! But when I made the reservations, they told me I couldn't get the discount since they wouldn't know if the discount would be offered in '06.....I have to call them back next month. Hopefully they can just credit me the difference and I won't have to cancel the existing reservations and make a new one!!!
But, I will be renewing my DDE for that trip. My present one expires the end of May '06.