Confused...DDE counter service?

[tekmom]

Sorry for yet another DDE question, but is the discount only for table service or does it include counter service, as well? I can't find the thread, but I believe I saw that some one used it for everything, including Fantasmic package...anyone know for sure? Thanks!

 

[Tony Toon]

Here's a link to the DDE benefits including a list of participating restaurants.

http://allearsnet.com/din/dde.htm#list

Although it says "table service restaurants" it appears as though several buffet restaurants are included in the list too. I certainly hope so as we recently acquired our DDE card for our forthcoming visit. Can't wait to use it. With a family party of 10 it looks like good value.

As regards the Fantasmic DP there appears to be some confusion by CMs as well as customers as to whether the DDE card is valid. Some people are getting the discount while others are being rejected . Hope it's sorted before we go as FDP is a must for us (haven't yet made my PS though - better do it sooner rather than later).

 

[kandmwedding]

DDE is reserved solely for table-service restaurants, although there are a few counter service places that accept it - namely those at resorts that don't have table-service restaurants (ie. Pop, All-stars). You techinally are not able to use the DDE discount on Fantasmic Dinner Packages, although some servers are honoring it. You have to decide which is more important to you when booking. If the discount is key, then don't book the package at all. If the reserved seats are more important, book the package and hope for the discount.

Good luck!

 

[ciera321]

You can use the DDE at AK at most of the counterservice restaurants, since they don't really have but one (Rainforest) table service. Unfortunately, Rainforest won't except it...

 

[shellybaxter]

There are also some counter service resturants in the Animal Kingdom that except the DDE card. The only sit down resturant in Animal Kingdom (Rainforest Cafe) does NOT except the DDE, however they will give a 10% discount for AP holders. The counter service (food courts) at resorts without a sit down will accept DDE including All Stars, POP, and POFQ. It has been reported that some CMs at POR food court are also accepting the card.

BTW for the poster that was concerned about buffets, Disney considers buffets to be "table service" so they will be covered.

Shelly

 

[EthansMom]

There are also some counter service restaurants in AK that accept the DDE card, since there is no sit-down restaurant in AK. I was able to use the DDE with no problems at Tusker House.

 

[Tony Toon]

You techinally are not able to use the DDE discount on Fantasmic Dinner Packages, although some servers are honoring it.

Good luck!

Can you explain why "technically" this is the case, when H&V is clearly on the DDE list of participating restaurants?

 

[tmfranlk]

Can you explain why "technically" this is the case, when H&V is clearly on the DDE list of participating restaurants?

Somewhere, I believe that it is also stated that the DDE card is not good for packages or special events. I believe that's why FDP is not supposed to be discounted. Here is the wording I found:
"Certain restrictions apply during holidays and special events, please check with the restaurant when you make your reservation. Blackout dates include major holidays: Mother's Day, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years' Eve, New Years' Day."

I believe that Fantasmic is considered a special event, though I don't know for sure. (Apparently, the restaurants don't either sometimes. )

 

[kandmwedding]

Can you explain why "technically" this is the case, when H&V is clearly on the DDE list of participating restaurants?

Disney does not allow you to use the DDE discount on any meal packages - Fantasmic, Candlelight Processional, or otherwise.

 

[kandmwedding]

Can you explain why "technically" this is the case, when H&V is clearly on the DDE list of participating restaurants?

Disney does not allow you to use the DDE discount on any meal packages - Fantasmic, Candlelight Processional, or otherwise.

 

[Tony Toon]

OK OK I give up. I don't have any choice but to agree now since my DDE card validation letter dropped into my mail box this morning (cause for great excitement ) with the list of participating locations but with the unfortunate words "NOT VALID FOR FANTASMIC DINNER PACKAGE" .

Game set and match to Disney, ah well.

Never mind, I can still look forward to my AP discount - can't I.............

Might even still be worth feigning ignorance as some CMS don't seem very sure of this ruling either, particularly as there are ten of us - quite a saving @ 20%. Could I live with myself though ?

 

[aubriee]

OK OK I give up. I don't have any choice but to agree now since my DDE card validation letter dropped into my mail box this morning (cause for great excitement ) with the list of participating locations but with the unfortunate words "NOT VALID FOR FANTASMIC DINNER PACKAGE"
Never mind, I can still look forward to my AP discount - can't I.............
Might even still be worth feigning ignorance as some CMS don't seem very sure of this ruling either, particularly as there are ten of us - quite a saving @ 20%. Could I live with myself though ?

When I was there in January I had the Fantasmic pkg and used the DDE at Hollywood & Vine with no problem. When I came back I read where some had been able to use it for the Fantasmic Pkg and some hadn't, so when I made PS for my May trip I asked and was told the official policy was no, but because it was so new in January (for AP holders) that alot of the waiters didn't know, but that they had all since been informed and DDE would not be honored at any of the three restaurants. When I was there last week I asked at Mama Melrose about both the DDE card and AP and was told no discounts were valid at this time for the Fantasmic pkg.

 

[n2mm]

I think my fellow posters covered everything. Let me throw in that there are no discounts on any dining package to include Fantasmic, CP or special dining package from food and wine or flower and garden (mother's day). This is not directed to DDE holders only, this policy is also for cast member dining discounts (and has always been the case). We too have the same blackout dates. Bottom line, if it's a package, then no discount.

For back ground since the Disney Dining Experience (DDE) card has been around for a long time for Fl residents, this was designed so that folks could Experience some of the wonderful table dining located on property. This discounts was not designed to save you money just to eat at counter service--however, since there are no sit down restraurants at several areas--Pop, All Stars, French Quarters, and AK, the discounts is offered for the counter service at these locations because it's the only experience to dine available.

BTW: I guess if disney wanted to make this a card that just provided discounts for all eating areas, they would have named it the DDD Disney Dining Discount. I was glad to see this offered to the loyal passholders, who spend alot of time in WDW and alot of time eating. I just hope it is for the future and not only for the 50th celebration.

 

[Grumpy92]

Sadly, in previous years many counter service locations had been part of the program. A good example was the POR food court, which is no longer included. None of MK counter locations and only a few in the other parks participated. We also used to get the discount on holidays. But when they opened this up to AP holders they decreased the number of restaurants and the days you could use it. Nothing against AP holders, I am one myself.

Since widening the number of participates they have also seen an increase in PSs for the sit down locations. All the more reason to plan some ahead of time.