considering DDP for the first time - please help

[WendyLovesPeter]

I am putting together a last minute trip - just me and 2 little girls in August. I've always had teenagers & my hubbie (HUNGRY) with me before. I am thinking the DDP for an 8 & 4 year old and me is a no brainer.

Any thoughts. It looks like the vouchers can go for a lot of things.

 

[pjynx]

I was torn too when I was doing my planning. I put together a planning spreadsheet (nothing fancy, didn't even save it....just something to help calculate the costs). In it, I calculated the cost of the DDP for 2 adults and 1 child. Then I also created a section figuring the actual cost if we paid OOP. I looked at the menus online and figured an average cost for each restaurant based on what we were likely to order. I also had to figure in sales tax for the OOP costs. For the adults, it was pretty similar in total cost. But for the child, it was way cheaper to go with the DDP. But we also planned on having a TS meal every day (most of them being buffets or a set-price). Since buffets for kids are at least $12, the DDP pays for itself (the DDP is only $10 per day for kids). So not ony does the DDP cost less than 1 buffet, but it also includes a CS and snack each day. It also includes the sales tax (which you would have to pay for if you pay OOP).

Since you've got 2 kids, I think if you are going to have several TS's, the DDP would be well worth it. If you'll eat mostly CS, then DDP would probably NOT be worth it, as CS's for kids are roughly $4.50 and include the beverage and 2 sides (carrots, grapes, apple slices or applesauce, cookie, pudding).

Pam

 

[WendyLovesPeter]

one of my next questions.... I know the answers are out there somewhere, but I'll be lazy and ask

can the TS be used for a breakfast character meal - child or adult or is there an extra cost?

 

[pjynx]

TS credit can be used for a character meal (adult or child). Most character meals count as ONE TS credit. I know for sure that CRT counts as 2 credits and I'm pretty sure that Hoop-de-Do counts as 2. I know there's a list somewhere and if you search around, you'll find it. But I'm pretty sure it's just CRT and Hoop-de-Doo that count as 2. CRT also includes the tip already and you get a picture package as part of the 2 credits.

Pam

 

[jellybeans0607]

to be honest i think before you purchase it, i would call and see if any of the restaurants are available for the week you are going. 2 years ago we booked our trid 6 weeks before we left, i got the dining plan. the next day i called and everything i wanted was booked. we didnt even get a single character meal. had i known ahead of time, i wouldnt have bought the ddp,it ended up being a waste of money.
so call today and book the restaurants then call and book the trip.