Cost / Benefit of DDP

[Dan1]

Since I am still earning my ears (and even if I wasn't ), please redirect this to a more appropriate thread if warranted.

Is there some analysis by a numbers oriented Mickey or Minnie which attempts to quantify if the Quick Service and / or the standard DDP is financially worth it?

I have issues with being forced to look for that darn (for my eyes ) DDP logo at a place to eat when I am trying to find a quick service for a meal, the cost, etc.

I know, there are a gazillion and a half permutations and combinations possible (perhaps we need a fun loving actuary to figure this out?).

I just can't make up my mind if the Quick Service or Standard are worth it.

Even general experiences, hunches, thoughts, etc. are welcome!

Thank you,
Dan

 

[havoc315]

There are thousands of posts debating that very subject!

The truthful answer is it is different for all people, it depends on your eating habits, and the only way to know for sure -- is to look at the menus, and price out your preferences.

But in some -- The QSDP -- especially under 2012 pricing, is NOT very economical. Best case realistic scenario, it's a break even plan, with a refillable mug thrown in.
Remember, it's $35 for 2 QS meals per day -- QS breakfasts are all under $10, and most QS lunches/dinners are within the $14-$18 range including dessert. (And not everyone wants QS desserts).

The basic DDP for 2012, can be cost-effective for adults --- IF you want desserts with every meal, IF you are going to use all of your credits, and IF you are going to primarily use your credits for above-average-priced meals. If you're going to skip some desserts, if you don't break down to exactly 1 TS and 1 CS per day, if you eat cheaper meals, then the regular DDP is a rip off.

 

[Dan1]

There are thousands of posts debating that very subject!

The truthful answer is it is different for all people, it depends on your eating habits, and the only way to know for sure -- is to look at the menus, and price out your preferences.

But in some -- The QSDP -- especially under 2012 pricing, is NOT very economical. Best case realistic scenario, it's a break even plan, with a refillable mug thrown in.
Remember, it's $35 for 2 QS meals per day -- QS breakfasts are all under $10, and most QS lunches/dinners are within the $14-$18 range including dessert. (And not everyone wants QS desserts).

The basic DDP for 2012, can be cost-effective for adults --- IF you want desserts with every meal, IF you are going to use all of your credits, and IF you are going to primarily use your credits for above-average-priced meals. If you're going to skip some desserts, if you don't break down to exactly 1 TS and 1 CS per day, if you eat cheaper meals, then the regular DDP is a rip off.

This is what I was thinking. We typically have breakfast in the villa (staying in a DVC studio this time), a light-ish meal and a snack when in a Park and then sometimes if we had a full kitchen (which studios don't) dinner back in the villa or dinner out. Without a full kitchen, preparing dinners in are rather limited.

Yet, you are right; we don't typically each have a desert with every meal.

Sounds like I should not select it this time. Then again, I do have a lot of time to decide.

Dan

 

[havoc315]

You have the time to made your reservations now. And then afterwards, take a look at the meal pricing at those reservations, and figure out if the meal plan is worthwhile.

Assuming you are talking about 2012 pricing, If your QS lunch will run over $15, and your TS meal is going to run over $35, then the meal plan starts to make sense.
I just booked the dining plan, because it is "free" for my dates. But I wouldn't pay for the basic DDP unless I was confident in significant savings 15% or more. If it's only going to save a few dollars, then I don't like how it limits my flexibility.