DDE or DDP?? CS included?

[jeast]

We're Florida residents trying to figure out which one is better. We would like the flexibility of the DDE, but wonder if it includes counter service? Also, we'll be staying at Old Key West and will spend some time at DTD. I didn't see that DDE covers any restaurants there.

What has been your experience with DDE?

 

[TDC Nala]

We're Florida residents trying to figure out which one is better. We would like the flexibility of the DDE, but wonder if it includes counter service? Also, we'll be staying at Old Key West and will spend some time at DTD. I didn't see that DDE covers any restaurants there.

What has been your experience with DDE?

You can use it at counter service only at the value resort food courts, the POFQ food court, and Animal Kingdom park.

At OKW, you can use it at Olivia's. You can sit in the Gurgling Suitcase bar and order from Olivia's menu, and use it there. However, you must eat there. Olivia's doesn't allow carryout.

At DTD, it's accepted only at Cap'n Jack's, Planet Hollywood, and Raglan Road. I use it at Raglan Road quite often.

If you plan on eating a lot of table service on multiple trips to WDW, and you like to order alcoholic beverages, it's a great deal. If you won't be at WDW much, you prefer counter service meals, and you stick to nonalcoholic beverages, DDP may work, but you have to sign up for that per trip, and you have to buy park tickets to get it (unless you are a DVC member).

Be advised that all DDE checks will have an 18% automatic gratuity added.

 

[LSchrow]

we found that DDP works better for us (with 2-3 trips in 2008) b/c:
- no blackout dates
- the surcharges for holiday periods are moot with DDP
- bigger selection of restaurants
- counter service included
-we enjoy a dessert with dinner
-we don't go with large parties not on the DDP (just large parties on the DDP lol)
-we prefer a drink later in the eve, rather than with dinner (norm on the BW, on our resort balcony, or walking around WS)

other considerations:
-paying adult price for very light eaters ages 10+ can be a waste
-the need for a package (park passes, rack rate room ~ neither applicable with DVC , we have DDV & AP's, so another reason for us to get DDP)
you really need to look at where/when/how you will be eating cos there is no clear answer for everyone (btw, we "bottom lined" it, & found that our dining would cost substantially more with DDE than DDP )
hth