DDE and Annual Pass Quetions???

[mhmcduff]

If I am staying off property can I buy the DDE? We are buying annual passes when we arrive late may as we are just closing this week on a SSR with DVC My question is don't you get the same food discounts with an Annual pass that you would with the DDE? If not can you buy DDE if you are staying off property (Why are we staying off property- we have planned this for a year with other families to stay at Caribe Royale and saving our points for trips in Oct 08 and April 09

 

[Tricia1972]

The AP offers a small discount at a few places, much more limiting than the DDE.

The DDE gives 20% off at almost all TS locations and a few CS locations. It also gives you free valet parking for dining and a few other perks too.

If you plan on spending $300 or more on-site eating then you'll be ahead with the card. (So long as you're buying AP's anyway you don't need to factor their cost in order to experience savings)

You will be charged an 18% gratuity at all TS locations, but it's still a money saver.

 

[mhmcduff]

Do I have to already have my Annual Pass to buy DDE?

 

[Tricia1972]

You used to be able to buy it with your voucher for your AP, I am not sure if that changed this year.

 

[daisy112878]

It definitely gives you more eating discounts then the AP. Anyone with an AP or FL resident can buy it no matter if you're staying onsite or not. The easiest way to buy it is to go to guest relations at any park. You just show them your AP and your drivers license then pay them $60. This is the location where you activate your AP voucher so you could do it all at the same time.

 

[TDC Nala]

Since this is not a Disney Dining Plan question, moving it to the Restaurant board.

 

[LilGMom]

The AP gives you a 10% discount on select restaurants and it is usually only during lunch, and I believe some restaurants also will only accept the AP during Mon. - Fri.. The DDE will give you 20% off of more restaurants, you aren't limited to lunch but it will also add an automatic 18% gratuity to your bill.

Congrats on SSR as a new "home". We love it!!

 

[BriarRosie]

The only criteria for buying the DDE card is that you have to either have an annual pass or be a Florida resident. Since you have the AP, you can purchase the DDE card.

DDE also has a better discount than the AP, and the AP discounts have restrictions on days/times where valid. The restrictions on the DDE are only whether the eatery accepts the DDE card or not.

However, if you don't eat many table service meals, DDE would not be a good value for you at all. If you can't go over the break even savings of the $60 cost of the card, I wouldn't suggest you buy it.

 

[ntsammy5]

DDE discount also includes alcohol which is important to me!

 

[Tricia1972]

I just reread your post and if you're making three trips with the family this year and eating even one meal on site per trip, there is no question that you'll spend at least $300, which is your break even. If you buy your DDE card now, it'll be good until the end of April 2009, which will cover all three of your trips.

ALSO important (which I forgot) is the discount on alcohol!

To me it sounds like the card will be a good fit for you and your family.

 

[mhmcduff]

We are definately buying the DDE!!! Thanks to all of you- we usually have a TS a day on our trips so it seems well worth it! Thanks to All!