Can someone explain DDE

[DeeCee735]

Never used DDE before, but I now have an annual pass, so I understand I can get the DDE, but how does it work, how much does it cost and does it actually save money (over its own cost)?

Thanks,

 

[TDC Nala]

For annual passholders it costs $60 for a year's membership. They charge you for an extra card for a spouse, so you might be better off just having one card. One card can cover up to 10 guests.

It is good for 20% off your entire bill at participating restaurants - including alcoholic beverages.

It is good at most WDW table service restaurants, a few counter service restaurants, and at bars/lounges in the resorts and parks. It is not good at kiosks or stands in the parks. It's not good in the PI clubs, but that won't be a consideration much longer. There are 8 blackout days when DDE cannot be used (usually major holidays).

If you are not planning to eat and drink about $300 worth of food at WDW table service restaurants within the year, you won't recoup your investment in the discount program.

An 18% gratuity is automatically added to all bills for DDE users at table service and at bars/lounges, so you are basically getting your tip free.

 

[davinakb]

There is more info here. As mentioned, it covers up to 10 people, on one check. It includes discounts on wine and alcohol, and includes parking at various resorts. So if you will do a lot of special and signature dining, it can save money. FWIW.

 

[vicki_c]

With a dinner at Whispering Canyon, breakfast at Akershaus with the princesses, a lunch at Sci-Fi, a few uses at Artists Palette (one of the few CS that take the DDE), our family of four broke even on our 4 day trip. We have 2 more trips this year, for another 13 days total, so it will be totally worth it for us.

If you don't do many TS meals, it would be much more difficult to cover the cost.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

We'd never be without the DDE. It saves us a bundle. From a single Guinness at Rose and Crown or Raglan Road, to a family dinner at a full service restaurant we save every time we go to WDW.

Depending upon where you dine, and how large your party is, you can recoup the cost of the AP price in one meal. It's only $60 and that is easily 20% of a large family meal with wine and other drinks at a nice restaurant.

We far prefer the DDE over the hideous DDP!

 

[crisi]

One of the nice things about the DDE is that it covers alcohol - or at least its a nice thing if you are prone to getting a bottle of wine with dinner or a martini in the evening.

There are ten of us this year - and I have an AP SPECIFICALLY to get the DDP (otherwise a seven day pass would be more cost effective). With ten, the DDP was a no brainer.