Cant make the DDP numbers work??

[Raenstoirm]

DDp has never worked out for us because we do a lot of signature meals (or so i thought that was the reason). We are doing a 3 way split stay so I thought it would be fun to try the DDP on one the segments (2 nights). We are AP/DVC so we get 10% off meals automatically.

We are two adults and 2 two year old twins. I chose this particular segment because there are two expensive buffets planned. (We spend very little time at the resort so the refillable cups mean nothing to us.)
DVC DDP is $67 a person
Chef mickey with AP discount is $36
QS is $12
2 snacks $10

So $58 this day, thereby costing us $9 more per person


DVC DDP is $67 a person
Ohana with AP discount is $31
QS is ~$12
2 snacks ~$10

So $53 this day, thereby costing us $14 more per person

Are my numbers right or am I missing something? Maybe qs would be $16 or $17 but not all snacks are $5 each so I figure its a wash.

 

[sharonabe]

Are my numbers right or am I missing something? Maybe qs would be $16 or $17 but not all snacks are $5 each so I figure its a wash.

QS includes a drink, so it can easily be in the $15-16 range, but even with that, you're still under the cost of the DDP. Your AP discount is what's making it not work for you. It looks like the individual AP discount is better than the DVC discount on the plan.

If you switched to some signatures and did the DxDDP for one of your segments, it might make sense. Do some character breakfasts and then signature dinners.

 

[Lesverts]

DDp has never worked out for us because we do a lot of signature meals (or so i thought that was the reason). We are doing a 3 way split stay so I thought it would be fun to try the DDP on one the segments (2 nights). We are AP/DVC so we get 10% off meals automatically.

We are two adults and 2 two year old twins. I chose this particular segment because there are two expensive buffets planned. (We spend very little time at the resort so the refillable cups mean nothing to us.)
DVC DDP is $67 a person
Chef mickey with AP discount is $36
QS is $12
2 snacks $10

So $58 this day, thereby costing us $9 more per person


DVC DDP is $67 a person
Ohana with AP discount is $31
QS is ~$12
2 snacks ~$10

So $53 this day, thereby costing us $14 more per person

Are my numbers right or am I missing something? Maybe qs would be $16 or $17 but not all snacks are $5 each so I figure its a wash.

Also it looks like you are doing breakfasts instead of lunch/dinners. That makes a big difference. There are character breakfasts that are not good value at the deluxe level of DP, so not even close to a value on the regular.

 

[supersnoop]

The kids plan is where you save money. You're paying for two adults. That's never going to end up ahead financially when you qualify for any sort of discount. The deluxe plan has the potential to save you some money if you frequent signatures and skip the QS meals.

 

[sharonabe]

Also it looks like you are doing breakfasts instead of lunch/dinners. That makes a big difference. There are character breakfasts that are not good value at the deluxe level of DP, so not even close to a value on the regular.

Actually, doing character breakfasts and then a signature are a great value on the DxDDP. Each meal on the DxDDP has a rough value of $32 whereas on the regular DDP a TS credit is worth about $40. So even the character breakfast is a good value on the DxDDP.

 

[Faldred]

A couple of things to note:

As stated above, $12 for a CS is kind of low. Many entrees/combos are more than that by themselves, before you add in a beverage. Is that including an AP discount?

Sales tax also has to factor in. The DDP price includes all taxes, so you need to add 6.5% to menu prices for a direct head-to-head comparison.

As to the analysis... getting your money's worth on basic DDP (or QSDP) with adults only, when paying for it yourself, is hard to start with. Harder still if you're choosing less than optimal dining locations to use your credits. Then, when comparing to a discounted (AP) prices? Yeah, I think cash + discount is going to win out over QSDP or basic DDP.

Running the numbers with kids (age 3-9) included or using DxDP instead? Might very well come up with a different answer.

 

[Debbie Jean]

I actually have a split stay in May and again in July both including a single night. So I elected to get the DxDDP for one night in May and the regular DDP for one night in July. May ressies include Boma dinner, Coral Reef lunch and Cape May Cafe dinner. July includes late BOG breakfast, which I would never pay OOP for, and Cape May Cafe dinner again. I figure the snacks will come from Starbucks... love the green tea frappacinno. The refillable mug is something I always buy in any event so that is definitely value added for me.

Even with the AP discount, I will still come out ahead. Would I necessarily include these ressies without the DDP? Hard to say... Cape May Cafe for sure since it is one of my favorites, the mug and Starbucks as well. Love both Boma and Coral Reef, however, so am looking forward to enjoying both meals.

 

[StuckInKS]

The breakfast buffets are what is keeping you slightly under the DDP price. Just switching CM to dinner instead of breakfast would likely eat up the $9 savings that day. Also, I don't know where you plan CS, but $12 is low for some. For example, a small bowl of chips with some meat on top at Pecos Bill is $13 without the drink and that's the cheapest entree on the menu there. A burrito will be $14, the fajita platter $16 and the taco burger $17, all before the drink. A complete adult meal at WPE runs us $20-$25 all in. I think you are pretty close on the snacks, unless you're getting a banana or bottle of water. Even the ice cream cones at Storybook Treats are $4 after tax and they are nothing fancy.

Now next year when your twins turn 3, you can save a lot more on the DDP!