Are these DDP calculations correct? WWYD?

[Narawen]

We've never used the DDP but I was running calculations to see if it would work for our upcoming trip, since each day we are typically doing 1 small breakfast, 1 TS, and 1 CS meal. However, we do have 2 TS meals that would be 2 credits each, so we'd have to pay OOP for a couple. Here's the rundown of our planned meals:

Arrival day:
Dinner at Ohana (1 TS)

DHS day:
Small breakfast (snack) + milk OOP
Lunch at Brown Derby (2 TS)
Dinner at backlot express (CS)

AK day:
Small breakfast (snack) + milk OOP
Lunch at Yak and Yeti (CS)
Dinner at Boma (1 TS)

Epcot:
Small breakfast (snack) + milk OOP
CP lunch package @ San Angel Inn (2 TS)
dinner at world showcase (CS)

MK 1:
Small breakfast + milk (2 snacks)
Lunch @ Pecos Bills (CS)
Dinner on main st (CS)

MK 2:
Breakfast at CP (1 TS)

Since we'd be on the standard plan, we'd have to pay OOP for 2 TS credits, I was thinking pay OOP for the CP lunch package. So we'd have:

cost of DDP- $460 ($46/night * 2 adults * 5 nights)
Candlit Package OOP- $80
OOP breakfast drinks- $15
OOP few adult beverages- $30
Total= $585 + taxes and gratuity

My estimates for paying everything OOP is about $575 + taxes and gratuity. This estimates we'd be sharing entrees sometimes (to make a lighter dinner after the 3 course CP package, for instance), and not ordering dessert unless it's included in a package. So, for only about $10 more and a little extra tax + gratutity, we'd get our own entrees and dessert at every meal.

For those who usually use the DDP, would this be too much food, or is it a good value for all that dessert?

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

The cost of the Dining plan includes tax, so you'd only have additional tax on the OOP meals. It seems like the Dining Plan would be the better choice. Also, if you'd rather split a CS meal later in the day you can use that extra CS and split a CS breakfast that includes a beverage instead of buying anything OOP.

 

[JimmyV]

It gets a little confusing since so many of your meals are buffets, because I am not sure what you plan to drink at them. If only the non-alc drinks that are included in the price of the buffet, then here is how I break it down:
Ohana=$66
Brown Cerby Lunch=$78
Boma Dinner=$79
CP Lunch=$50
CP Breakfast=$46
Total TS with tax=$340
(Totals assume no split meals, and dessert with every meal.)

5 CS meals @$15 per person per meal (average) x 2 people=$150 after tax.
(Total assumes no split meals and no dessert with CS meal.)

4 light breakfasts @ $12 per meal=$48 after tax.

This gets you to $538 before any additional snacks or adult beverages. You can spend more or less at a CS meals. Just depends on what you order. And if you enjoy appetizers, these would be OOP no matter what you decice to do. However, if you tend to eat appetizers instead of dessert, as opposed to in addition to dessert, then OOP is the way to go for sure. But since you are eating mostly at buffets, this doesn't really factor in.

 

[lesabrowning]

By looking at your list, it seems the dining plan may be the way to go.

 

[Cafeen]

Since DDP includes tax, you'd add the covered amount to that. So OOP is ~$612 (575 * 1.065 rounded down to nearest dollar) after tax, and DDP is ~$593 after tax (this is tax applied to the OOP costs and not the DDP itself). So, it's a difference of ~$19. Not a whole bunch. But this frees you up to confuse yourself even more! (Erm, I mean it frees you up to choose better!)

Since it's so close, you're going to do fine either way. If you'd prefer the individual desserts and the inclusions on DDP, then go right ahead. If you'd prefer the freedom of ordering apps instead of desserts, or sharing, or whatever, then go ahead and go OOP. You aren't strictly better off one way or the other.

 

[sharonabe]

I'm wondering if you'd come out cheaper doing Brown Derby OOP. To me, that is the hardest one to get your 2 TS credits' worth. With the CP pkg, you do get an app added in even on the DDP. Check the Brown Derby and see if you can eat cheaper than what the CP pkg will cost.