Average adult CS: $13, TS: $28, Snack $3

[VacationDad]

Adding in the standard 18% WDW gratuity would increase the OOP daily expense by just over $5 to $43.04. (18% of the $28 average TS meal is $5.04.) This reduces the average daily savings to 96 cents or 2.5 percent. Still a savings, but minimal according to these average figures.

You pay gratuity for both the dining plan and out of pocket, so your math makes no sense. This is simply comparing the cost of the food plus tax. Out of pocket versus the 2008 DDP.

 

[TLSnell1981]

You pay gratuity for both the dining plan and out of pocket, so your math makes no sense. This is simply comparing the cost of the food plus tax. Out of pocket versus the 2008 DDP.

I keep reading this on thread after thread. I don't understand how something so simple is made into something so complicated. The gratuity does not factor into the equation. As, you say Dad, it is the same for DDP or OOP.

 

[Merriwind]

You pay gratuity for both the dining plan and out of pocket, so your math makes no sense. This is simply comparing the cost of the food plus tax. Out of pocket versus the 2008 DDP.

You're right--my bad. I think my brain thought it was comparing 2007 DDP to 2008. Sorry.

 

[DVCJones]

I also think you can save more if you know where to eat to get the most bang for your buck.

Examples:

*Never use it on a 2 credit TS meal.
*Get bottled water at CS meals- don't use snack credits. WE bring our own water too.
*Use snack credits for high priced snacks- dole whip, icecream, BW bakery, etc. I sometimes use these for breakfast items.
*Save snacks from CS meals for later.
*Wolfgang Puck Express for a CS credit- UNBELIEVABLE!!!
* Plan on bringing cash for tipping what you feel is appropriate. Buffet meals do not warrant a 18-20% tip- JMHO

In my case I plan on using the DDP for our next trip. I have 2 adults, 1 child and one DD a week shy of three. My DH and I like to enjoy good food while on vacation. (we don't go out much in "real life") We plan on doing 4 buffets for which I will probably tip 10% (maybe more) on. I plan on going to LeCellier and Kona and tipping 18-20% or more in cash! All are dinner ADR's and CP is a before park opening breakfast. I also plan on visiting Wolfgang Puck Ex. 2 times. The food is great and it is a CS credit. It is also more expensive. While in the park I will enjoy some down time at a CS restaurant. I never could understand the thought that you can't enjoy down time a CS restaurant. I am sitting the kids are quietly eating we are not rushing.

Also any unused snack credit (we usually have a few) are used to buy snacks for the long roadtrip home (MA) Something we would have done anyway.

I think in our case, the DDp is still a good deal for us.

 

[disneydaveb]

But that's just what would make it inconvenient for us if we were paying for it. With free dining, we don't have to worry about the "biggest bang for our buck." I know how to do it (thanks to the DIS) - I'm just glad I don't have to. If we travel outside of the free dining plan period, I won't purchase it because it is now just a little too inconvenient to come out ahead (and for me that would be the point). I realize that others have different opinions - this is just how it is for our family.

I agree. We have been lucky enough to have received free dining for the past few visits. But, at this point, I definitely will not pay for it if and when we visit during a time when free dining is not offered.

 

[wezee]

The DDP works for DH and I.. Also, to the poster who said this is not the way normal people eat.........It's exactly the way we eat. I calculated our average TS(evening), counter service and snack for several days and think the spreadsheet figures are low. And yes, when on vacation, I always order either an appy or desert and so does my DH. We like to make our dining at WDW an event and and adventure and never rush.

We do not spend all of our time eating, but definantly enjoy it when we do. We love spending weeks planning out ADR's and events, together.

PS.....I am a veteran of Weight Watchers and rarely gain any weight at WDW and we have used the DDP on our past 3 vacations. Without the DDP, we would eat lots of CS and way too many snacks. I can eat much healthier on the DDP, which keeps me more satisfied and allows me to avoid the temptations of muliple snacks everyday in the parks.

Keep in mind also, DH and I take vacation to WDW for 1 week each year. Not really enough days for purchase an AP, thus making DDE not an option. I feel overall that most people outside of Florida are in the same boat and are unable to use the DDE.