DDE....how do you like?

[i3utterfli82]

I am thinking about getting the DDE card since we just got AP. We will only be doing a few 2 day trips here and there (MVMCP, pirates/princesses) until next years week long vacation.

I am crossing my fingers for free dining (didn't get it this year) but if not I know it will come in handy then.

I am not sure why I am on the fence about this, just like some reviews.

 

[Samsma]

I loved it, and for me, it saved me more money than I saved on room discounts. No problems whatsoever.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

When is your trip next year? If you can time getting the card to include it, then you really will save a great deal.

We have used ours on 3 trips and feel it's a great deal for us.

 

[i3utterfli82]

We would be taking our big trip next year in September or early October. So a year from now. I would probably apply for the DDE card a couple weeks before our next trip in December. So far I only have an ADR for LTT on that trip...so I would save a little then. I only wish the DDE included counter services.

 

[cupcake]

If you spend $300 at DDE places and use the card, you will save $60, which is the cost of the DDE card for passholders. Hence, it is worth it if you will spend more than that. Yes, it would be great if it was accepted at more places, but we aren't complaining... it was a very good deal for us.

Cupcake

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

It's a no brainer. As cupcake said, if you are going to spend more than $300 at TS or AK CS over the next year, then it will pay for itself.

I love it because you can sometimes get a TS meal for a CS price that way. For instance, getting a burger at the MK in The Plaza or LTT for lunch is the same price after the DDE as a chesseburger combo from a fast food stand.

NED

 

[eeyoreiscool]

We have had the card for 3-4 years now and love it. We come out ahead each year.

 

[CamColt]

We just used our for the first time on a trip in August. While we had the free dining it still just about paid for itself. We saved a few cents under the $60.00 cost.

I will now use it for 2 more trips in December, possibly one in May, and one again next summer so we are definitely saving money with this.

 

[O2BNWDW]

have had it for 2 years now and love it! If you at all like to relax in any of the lounges for a cocktail keep in mind that you can use the discount for your beverages as well.

 

[oogieboogie]

also, you can use the discount at the POP and All Stars food court because they don't have a TS restaurant.

Think of the DDE as saving you your tip. Since the discount is 20%, we just apply that discount as the tip.

 

[Floridamouse]

Sorry, I'm new to the lingo. What is the DDE card and do you need the AP to get it?

 

[webray]

If you eat sit down meals and enjoy adult beverages you will want to have it.

It is not good on holidays.

 

[roryc]

I used mine for the first time the weekend of July 4th, a spur of the moment 3-day trip. I figured I wouldn't come close to saving the $60 and I actually saved $75, so I'm $15 to the good and still have 2 week-long trips planned for January and June.

So, I'd definitely recommend it. The Hoop Dee Doo Revue savings was fantastic (I think $45 for 3 adults/3 children), especially now since you can't get HDDR Tier 1 seating (Close to the stage downstairs) if you're on the dining plan.

I'm still thinking of getting the Dining Plan and using the DDE card to fill in gaps. (We're big TS fans; not for the food as much as the dining experiences)

We've got a 1 year old and a 4 year old so we generally do at least 1 character meal a day plus another TS to satisy the adults (i.e. Liberty Tree Tavern and Le Cellier one day, and Park Fare and Whispering Canyon another). I'll still come out ahead $$$ wise even if I don't use all the Counter service meals that come with the Disney Dining Plan. I figure I'll buy some family's lunch at a CS the last day and spread some pixie dust around...and still save money over what I would have spent otherwise.

 

[ADP]

We love it. We prefer it over the Dining Plan. The flexibility is great. We can use it just about anywhere and it includes alcohol.

We also love the free valet parking at the resorts when we dine there!

 

[oogieboogie]

Sorry, I'm new to the lingo. What is the DDE card and do you need the AP to get it?

The DDE = Disney Dining Experience. It's a card that is available to AP, Seasonal Pass, and Florida Residents. It gives you 20% discount on food and beverages at the table service restaurants. It also gives you 20% discount on alcoholic beverages.

The card is good for 1 year and costs $50. Very well worth it.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

also, you can use the discount at the POP and All Stars food court because they don't have a TS restaurant.

In addition to the food courts at the values, it is also good at the Counter Service at the AK (since there is not a Disney owned TS there).

Hopefully that won't change with the Asia TS coming, as that one will be owned by the RFC people as well.

NED

 

[Rock A Hula]

We love it!! For us it is like it the card pays for the tip!

 

[gatrbait]

I have it and had it last year...I go to the parks alot at least once a month and we celebrate everything there...it is so nice to eat like a princess and get all the best Disney has to offer for a discount...sometimes it works out that you are paying the same you would at say Bennigans or TGIF or some other rest along the same lines...and you can take up to 9 people...image that savings...
Micky

 

[robinb]

Do you drive? We broke even on the free valet parking alone.

I used it alone and in conjuction with the Dining Plan for alcohol and kids meals. Every little bit helps!

 

[i3utterfli82]

I am going to go for it! Yes, we drive and that valet parking would have came in handy at the GF last week...that is a walk!