DDE advice please!

[RickinNYC]

I'm currently a PAP holder and was considering buying the DDE to save some money on a possible trip. My question, however, is if the savings are really worth it for us? We're just two adults and that's it. If we go, we'll be there for 10 nights and will likely have 5-6 nice sit down dinners but that's likely it.

I'm thinking the DDE might not be the best bargain for us if that's the case. Thoughts?

And before I get totally confused with acronyms, the DDE is the discount card program, right?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

First of all, the DDE card is good for slighty over 12 months. If you have PAPs you will probably make more than one trip during the period of validity.

Second, consider that it does include alcoholic beverages.

Not only is it good at all the table service and buffet restaurants (including character meals) except Japan, but the food courts at the value resorts, the counter service locations in Animal Kingdom and the lounges in the Deluxe resorts. Plus a few other places.

It can also be used for breakfast (same rules apply).

Last consideration is the break-even point is a little under $235. This is because not only do you get the 20% discount, but that the sales tax (either 6.5% or 7.0% depending on where) is also affected by the discount.

And you actually get one card for each of you for the $50 fee (on the application there is a space for spouse/SO).

 

[christinou]

Just look at where you would be eating and the price of the meals, with the DDE card you get 20% off each meal, and the card cost $50, so if you spending $250 on melas will give you back the cost of your card, anyhting after that will be money in your pocket.

 

[EthansMom]

We used the DDE card in April. Yes, it's a discount card that gives you a 20% discount at most sit-down restaurants and a few counter service places. On our trip in April, we saved $75 using the card for two adults and one young child. Since the card costs $50, we made back the purchase price and then a bit. But, seeing as how we'll be making two more week-long trips, the DDE card will save us a bit over the course of a year.

Check here: http://allearsnet.com/pl/discounts.htm

I was surprised to find that DDE got us a discount at our resort food court, the resort sit-down restaurants, and at a few places at Downtown Disney. Also, it's good on your entire meal, including alcohol, appetizers, and desserts.

Plus, with DDE it was about the same cost to eat lunch at one of the less expensive sit-down places as it would be to eat counter service.

Basically, if you're planning just one trip and only 5-6 sit-down meals, you might not make your $50 back. But it bears looking into.

 

[RickinNYC]

Thanks for the info guys! Since we'll be doing 5-6 sit downs and all the restaurants we chose are listed at 20% off, plus we'll be doing an evening of monorail resort lounge hopping with friends one evening, it seems we'd be saving a good $$. I'll order it once our trip is made solid.

Thanks again!

 

[pearlieq]

Don't forget the free valet parking--it's a beautiful thing!

You can also use it at food courts where there is no sit-down restaurant. So, if you're looking for an inexpensive dinner one night, stopping by Pop Century, or POFQ would save you a few bucks.

Also, it's good at the counter service restaurants at AK. Don't forget to factor that in as well!

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

Also, the DDE gives you free valet parking while you dine. That alone was a great savings to us.

 

[NJOYURLIFE]

We broke even on our first trip and since we have annual passes and plan to return 2 more times during our year, the rest will be icing on the cake for us.

 

[isla bonita]

It will be so worth it for you. Even drinks the adult kind are 20% off. Its a great thing thats all I have to say. When you are out and about DTD it is wlcome almost every where. Not in the walk ups in the parks but in the sit down restaurants. I have to say we went to dinner with a group one night and in just one night we saved over $100. I should not brag about that now shoul I. Well we loved it. Good luck let us know how it turns out. You can either thank us or ream us out.

 

[patsal]

Totally worth it. We have used it for two vacations and will get another if the offer still stands next year. The 20% adds up and the nicer the restaurant of course the greater the savings. It was noce at POFQ as well since we were able to apply the discount there. This is the first year I bought an Entertainment book and never used it! We only ate off site once this trip (Olive Garden I had gift cards!) and usually we eat off-site several times. I will not purchase another Entertainment book for Orlando if I can have the DDE. It certainly helped to stay onsite for meals and the kids were able to get more swim time this vacation because we barely left the WDW. DH and I indulged a bit more with wine at most sit down dinners--I know we would not have without the card.

 

[hercamore]

Yes, it was worth it fo rmy DD and her GF who are college students an were on very tight budget for their Jan trip.

They used it daily at Pop Food court and at AK and a couple table reestaurnts.
Surprising, how discount added up over the week's time.

herc.

 

[Disney_1derland]

On a 6 day trip in May with just me and my 5 year old we saved $35 so I would definitely think that you could make your money back in a hurry and then some.

 

[ryanmilla]

Man, this sounds great. Okay, two questions;

1) I am getting ready to buy my first AP. After I purchase that, where do I purchase the DDE?

2) My family is planning on bringing another family in March. When we all go out to dinner (or whatever location we choose within the discount), can I use the 20% for the entire meal (both families)? So, I would just pay and then have the other family pay me back however we decided to split it up.

 

[Disney_1derland]

Man, this sounds great. Okay, two questions;

1) I am getting ready to buy my first AP. After I purchase that, where do I purchase the DDE?

2) My family is planning on bringing another family in March. When we all go out to dinner (or whatever location we choose within the discount), can I use the 20% for the entire meal (both families)? So, I would just pay and then have the other family pay me back however we decided to split it up.

You have to have your AP in hand to buy DDE and then you call the DDE number (which I'm sure you can search for here and find, I don't know it offhand). You save 20% off the cost of meals at some sit down places for up to 10 people. All must be billed on the same bill to do this.

 

[Amyrlin]

I will be getting one of these. WE have a meal booked at V&A so that alone should pay for it!

 

[byoung]

Saved over $60 5 days in January---------In May 7 days staying with family 10 of us saved over $600.

 

[kjustice]

We spent an evening at California Grille and it paid for itself right there!

 

[anditoo72]

I read on a post that you can pick up a DDE card in person (In EPCOT or something) if you have a AP. Can anyone tell me if it is true? and where you can pick it up Epcot or elsewhere?

 

[CarolA]

IF you order it late, they will fax a letter to the Guest Relations at Epcot for you to use.

Phone number 407.566.5858

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

YES the savings are worth it. You also get can purchase up to 2 tickets for half price to Pleasure Island per day.

We had DDE for Memorial day weekend, so I picked up my sisters PI ticket (in exchange for babysitting), hubby used it for PI when he went. Used it for Trails End for a group of 8 or 9 so we broke even on the cost. Used it for drinks at the Poly as well. Then we went back and used it for Chef Mickey's on DD5's b-day.

Essentailly--with the discount, tip, and tax--you are basically paying final price of what something is on a menu--so a $10 appetizer...is indeed only roughly $10 when you add back in tax and gratuity. More if the service was impeccable. I don't recall if they tax before the discount or after though.

I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the money you save even with shelling out the initial investment.

Sadly--you cannot use it on drinks at PI .