Can someone smarter than me do the math?

[vwlfan]

We are going to VWL from 8/5 to 8/13. We have booked all our ADRs although we don't plan to do a big meal every day. In fact we actually plan to leave DW here and there to check out Celebration and maybe IOA. So here are my questions:
1. Should I get an AP instead of buying admission in a length of stay package? Even on the days we are out of DW we reserve the "right" to go into a park at night if the urge strikes.
2. If I buy an AP should I get the DDE card? It looks like a pretty decent deal. We aren't sure if we are coming back to DW over the next year but could for sure.
3. Or should we get the DDP? I must say I am not sure that I want to do this. The "formula" kind of locks me into doing some things I might not want to do, if I understand the system correctly.

Any advice is welcome!

 

[Gus]

It depends. Are you DVC members, or are you paying room-only? How many in the party? If you're not in DVC, it would probably be worth it to get the AP for the room discount and the DDE, particularly if you have a large party.

Bottom line: Need more info.

 

[shellybaxter]

My opinion - I would not buy an AP for the room discounts. They are NOT guarenteed. We only buy an AP if we are going to be going to the parks more than 10 days or coming back within a year. If you are going to buy an AP then I think the Disney Dining Expirience card is worth the expense. We always buy an AP (ususally stay more than 10 days and come back within a year) and the DDE card. We love being able to go where we want (two sits down per day - or signature restaurants several nights) not worry about credits and still get a 20% discount

 

[vwlfan]

I'm beginning to see the point. We ARE DVC members but we are staying there for 13 days. So the AP is worth it I take it. Is the DDE still preferable to the DDP?

 

[vwlfan]

Forgot to add, it is my wife and me.

 

[shellybaxter]

My husband and I are also DVC. We feel that the DDE is better than the DDP. We feel that way because of the reasons I gave before. We like more sit down meals than couter service and like several of the signature restauants (Jiko, Artist Point, Cali Grill, Yachtsman, etc). We also like to buy wine or drinks with our meals. Alcohol is not included in the DDP but the 20% discount includes alcohol.

 

[vwlfan]

Thanks so much. Your advice makes sense to me!