Can someone explain the DDE?

[dissy_dee]

I have been reading about this and wanted more information.

If I am understanding it correctly you can purchase this if you have an annual pass. We are staying off site and I was thinking of purchasing one AP to get free parking. Would it be worth it to purchase the DDE?

I also noticed that some dates are blacked out for discounts. I will be there December 16-24. Would my dates be considered blackout dates?

I guess my first question should be can anyone purchase an annual pass?

 

[wdwrich]

Most of your questions can be answered here:
http://allears.net/din/dde.htm
Not sure if your dates fall into the holiday blackout period.

 

[dissy_dee]

So no discount with any counter service meals?

If anyone uses this does it actually save you any money?

I see they automatically add an 18% tip so it is actually only a 2% savings. Yes I would leave a tip anyway but depending on the service it might not be 18% or could be more.

 

[goofy4tink]

I always have an AP, and then always get a DDE card. Would I get an AP just for free parking? Probably not....not unless you are going to be in the area and going to WDW for over 10 days. But, that's up to you.
As far as the DDE card goes...it gives me 20% of most table service meals, as well as at the POP food court. Yes, they do add that pesky 18% meal tip, but I guess that's saving me 2% most of the time because I usually tip at 20%!
You have to sit and do the math. The card will cost you about $60 for a year. Figure out what you'll be spending on table service meals and then what the savings would be if you used the DDE card. If the savings comes to more than $60, then go ahead and buy one. Otherwise, it isn't worth it.
If you get less than stellar service, you can ask to get that 18% tip lessened. It used to be that I figured the tip was my discount....my bill was for the cost of the actual meal. Now, I get a bit more of a discount....2% actually...because of that 18% vs my usual 20%.

 

[ChelleinNC]

To answer some of your questions:

-Blackouts for the DDE are not periods of time, but specific dates.
-Fla residents and AP holders over the age of 21 may purchase the DDE
-There are several CS that accept the DDE, but it is mostly for TS

Here is a link to more info: http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneydiningexperience.htm

How often will you be going to WDW (or how long is this trip?) It's generally considered that 10days of going to the parks is the break even point on an AP. At $60 for the DDE card, it will take a good bit (too early to do math) to break even on the DDE card.

We love the DDE card and have had it for a couple of years. We are DVC members with AP's and travel to Disney a couple of times a year. It has saved us a lot of money. We are a family of 4, with 2 kids that are "Disney adults" (14 & 11). We eat mainly TS and several signature meals each trip.

Look at the menus, see what you would order and then do the math to see if the DDE will work for you.

 

[donnajz]

How often will you be going to WDW (or how long is this trip?) It's generally considered that 10days of going to the parks is the break even point on an AP. At $65 for the DDE card, it will take a good bit (too early to do math) to break even on the DDE card.

Has the price gone up. I thought it was $60.

 

[ChelleinNC]

Has the price gone up. I thought it was $60.

Sorry, I was still on my 1st cup of It is $60 and I've corrected my post

 

[dissy_dee]

Thanks all.

I will do my math.