Back from 1st trip with DDE

[BCV23]

We returned last Friday from our first trip since we were able to join DDE as AP holders.

Using it was very easy. At a couple of restaurants, the server apologized for taking longer since a manager's OK is required. It really didn't seem that much of a delay.

The first part of the trip, we were a party of 4. On Sunday, our eldest returned to grad school and there were just 3 of us the rest of the week.

We're missing receipts several receipts but from the ones we have, we saved $168 with the card.

We also were able to use our DVC card to get a 20% discount at Fresh.

Our new experiences were Fountainview for a counter service breakfast and Blue Zoo. Blue Zoo was very good as was the service.

Breakfast included Kona Cafe* (twice), Fresh (twice), Fountainview and Starring Rolls as well as eggs a la BCV23 in our villa three times.

Lunches included Liberty Tree Tavern*, Wolfgang Puck Cafe*, Brown Derby*, Beaches and Cream*, RFC at AK, the Plaza*, Mama Melrose* and Le Cellier*.

Dinners were room service at the Polynesian, Yachtsman's Steak House*, Blue Zoo, San Angel*, Beaches and Cream*, Crew's Cup*, California Grill*, Rose and Crown*. My husband and son also picked up spaghetti at Uno's after golf one day.

I'd be happy to answer any questions.

*used DDE

 

[SleepingUgly]

Did you use your DDE card at all those places you listed?

Is the card good only for that visit, or for all trips made during your one-year AP period?

Thanks!

Linda

 

[SleepingUgly]

Oh, and another question -- Did you have PS for all sit-down restaurants? How soon in advance did you book the PS?

Thanks!

Linda

 

[1MegMeg]

Can the DDE be used at Epcot restaurants, or only the resort restaurants?

 

[BCV23]

Did you use your DDE card at all those places you listed?

Is the card good only for that visit, or for all trips made during your one-year AP period?

Thanks!

Linda

Good question, Linda. I edited my post to reflect the places where we used DDE.

RFC at AK we used either AP or DVC discount....can't remember which!

Fresh offers a DVC discount.

No discounts at Blue Zoo. In fact, our server told us that even the waitstaff doesn't get discounts!

The card is good for a year from the time you order it plus a little grace peiod up front. It does not coincide with the AP expiration date. We should be able to use it for at least two and possibly three more trips (our May trip is up in the air).

 

[BCV23]

Oh, and another question -- Did you have PS for all sit-down restaurants? How soon in advance did you book the PS?

Thanks!

Linda

I typically make our PSs about 90 days out and I do make them for all sitdown restaurants.

But then I tweak as necessary. This time, we changed a lot. First night we had a CG PS but our room wasn't ready when we checked in. It wasn't a very long wait but by then we were tired and decided to do Polynesian room service which we enjoy anyway. Added CG later in the trip. Two nights we cancelled Citricos and AP because it was pouring and we were tired. Once we knew DS1 could join us, I tweaked our PSs to get him to some of his favorites.

It's funny because we used to really stick with the plan. Lately, we seem to change more often.

Anyway, for most restaurants it is usually easy to change a day or so ahead. Of course, not for CRT, etc. nor during holidays.

 

[BCV23]

Can the DDE be used at Epcot restaurants or only the resort restaurants?

Yes, it can be used for Epcot full service restaurants (except for Teppanaki.....sp?) but not counter service. The same is true at MK and MGM restaurants. Since AK doesn't have any WDW owned full service restaurants, you can use it at counter service in that park.

At resorts that don't have full service restaurants, you can use it for the food courts.