Closed: Should I get the DDP?

[TIGGER81582]

I have 4 adults and one very picky child that are traveling to Disney March of 09. It will be everyone's first trip to Disney. I know that the adults will eat quite often so I'm leaning towards the DDP for them. But which plan should I get? For the child, should I get a plan for her or would it be better to pay for her meals? Please help.

 

[Condorman]

There are too many factors about your party and tastes most of us would need to know before giving you an educated response.

However, I can narrow it down like this: If you plan on doing some if not many meals from counter service then forget the DxDP. It is geared towards those who will do at least two TS per day and/or signature (two credit) restaurants.

If you feel like you might do at least one CS and one TS per day (perhaps a nice one, i.e. signature) then go for the DDP.

Without extensive planning, some people lose a lot of money using the DDP. If you plan ahead, make ADRs and know where you're eating and why, you could save hundreds.

 

[bookmama]

like op i need more info but here's some help

quick service: those who don't want to spend 2 hrs a day eating one meal. counter service meals aren't all burgers and fries. you just gotta check the brochure and work it.

basic: for those who don't mind eating at a sit down restuarant every day. great for buffets and character meals. this is good if you got a child into character. Although i must say, not such a great deal as last year. The no tip and no appetizer are the reasons we won't be doin the basic plan next year.

Deluxe: you get three squares a day. either table or counter your choice. same flaws as the basic though.

hope this help.

 

[snykymom]

One more thing - everyone in your room must be on the same dining plan. So unless the child is staying by him/herself you can't just get the plan for the adults and pay OOP for the child!

 

[septbaby]

At $10.99 for a child the Basic DP is an easy deal. Especially if you go to a Character meal. The least expensive character meal I can think of cost more than $10.99 and the child will still get a CS and Snack credit too!

If the adults want to avg a TS per day then the Basic DP is often a good deal there too.

 

[TIGGER81582]

Thank you everyone. I think I will go with the basic for everyone.

 

[septbaby]

I think that's a great decision. Getting the Deluxe may take too much time away from the parks for eating. So this time go enjoy your meals and the parks. Then you can decide if you want to explore restaurants and cuisine for the next trip.

Though you didn't ask I'll still share some or our meal experiences with you:

Boma - We had dinner there after leaving the Animal Kingdom. It is a very quick bus ride to the Animal Kingdom Lodge and since the park closes around 5pm on most days you have to go somewhere so it was a convenient dinner plan; no issues with wanting to stay in the park and having to leave just to eat. We had our ressie for 6pm, we actually left the park after 5pm (Nemo ran past 5pm) and weren't rushed or stressed to make the meal. They also serve breakfast, so you could choose Boma for breakfast before entering the park too.

Chef Mickey's - We had a late breakfast there. We'd had a really long park day and night the day before so it as nice to sleep in a bit. The meal was really good and the characters were awesome. Though I hope to get to Crystal Palace on our next trip for the food, Pooh and friends don't excite me like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and Donald who were at Chef Mickey's.

Narcoossee's This would be a really nice adult meal and comfy for the picky eater as well. The food, service and atmosphere are just amazing. Keep in mind it cost 2TS credits. We had booked an extra meal so we paid cash ($6) for our 5yo to eat. He only wanted pasta and a drink, it was better to save that TS credit for the buffets we booked.

Coral Reef Not a character meal, but the underwater setting and full wall aquarium are really cool. This is definitely a place that kids and adults can enjoy. We had lunch there and left nothing on our plated!

Again you didn't ask, but if you were considering any of those places that information helps!

 

[TIGGER81582]

Thank you so much. I appriciate any tips and suggestions that anyone can give. Does anyone know if there is a character breakfast, lunch or dinner with the Alladin characters. My daughter loves Jasmine.

 

[septbaby]

Thank you so much. I appriciate any tips and suggestions that anyone can give. Does anyone know if there is a character breakfast, lunch or dinner with the Alladin characters. My daughter loves Jasmine.

Jasmine may be found at the Norway Princess meal in Epcot, but there isn't a guarantee that she'll be there. Hopefully those who have been can report if she seems to always be there. Rumor has it a lot of the Disney Dads like her too!

As for TS meals the only other one we did was Hollywood & Vine for the Fantasmic Dinner package. We enjoyed our meal, loved the crisp AC on a REALLY hot August day (they brought my mother an ice water while we waited for our table) and our 5yo was entertained by the kids activity sheet, more so than at any other place. Having the Fantasmic seating "reserved" was convenient as we didn't have to stand in line, but you'll have to judge that for your group. You'll read some strong opinions against H&V, ours was "it was fine", not Boma, no characters like Chef Mickey's but I wasn't hungry when I left! Mama Melrose offers the same pkg and you'll read some similar "yuck, fine, awesome" comments on that place too. If you want the package, just go with the place that appeals to your group. If you do the pkg at Mama Melrose even on the DP you'll get an appetizer. At a buffet like H&V appetizer is a moot point.

Have fun planning then enjoy a magical visit!

 

[kcashner]

50s Prime Time is also a lot of fun. THe food is sort of old fashioned home cooking (think 1950s,,,) and you will be scolded to finish your vegetables before you can have dessert. Again, kid coloring sheets, etc. for entertainment.

Personally, I think the kid deal is a great bargain. The only question in my mind is how the adults in your family choose to eat.

 

[TIGGER81582]

None of the adults in the party are picky at all. Thanks for everyones input. I am only going to see Jasmine for my daughter