DDE to Dining Plan comparison

[yitbos96bb]

At the time, CM were familiar with the FnF plan as well. Others may not be that familiar with the FnF history. Here are some of the variations that the program took.

• The original version was good for sitdown and counter service restaurants for 2 meals including app, entree & desert. It did exclude a number of the nicer restaurants and was more restrictive in that area than the current DP, IMO. It also included unlimited recreation (fishing exc, trail rides, watercraft & bikes (no surrey's). The first price I have is $47/13.50 and included tip but I don't recall about tax. It was for "Entire LOS" for all in the party with a min of 3 days.
• They then started tampering with it keeping the price about the same but changing recreation options. First removing fishing and substituting parasailing. Then they instituted limits of two 1 hour coupon's per day.
• Later they changed the plan entirely by making it essentially a prepaid cash card and also changed the name to Disney Dining Style where you paid $50 for adults and got credited for $55 & $22 for kids and got credited for $25. They further reduce the recreation options. At some point they reduced the min to 2 days after then changed to the prepaid dollar plan.
• They then quickly separated the recreation for a separate and additional charge calling it Disney's World of Recreation. Price $33/23 but went back to unlimited usage and included the fishing excursions.

The DDE was a 20% discount and could not be combined with this program even though it was simply a prepaid plan and thus the DDE was a better deal for many then as well. There were a couple of other minor variations but these are the main ones I recall or have info on. Others may remember other info or additional differences along the way. And like the current plan, each could be good for certain people and not for others depending on your circumstances.

We only got the FnF once, for 3 days. We did fishing excursions twice, trail rides and ate ourselves silly. By the end of 3 days, even the kids were saying no desert. I did keep up with the costs and it was quite a deal. We spent $363 I believe (don't think tax was extra). Had we paid cash, it would have been just under $1000. Had we not had the plan we would likely have spent about the same as the $363 but had less to show for it.

Hopefully this helps.

Agreed that FnF was not good. But I think that FnF (besides being overpriced) fell into the DI trap. While I think the DI concept was amazing and loved it immensely, as Disney found out, most people aren't coming to WDW to take classes. It is a small minority (although I wish SSR let you rent Golf carts. I loved driving around DI in golf carts) of people. I think the numbers going out fishing and other recreation is a small minority as well. So none of these people took advantage of it making the price paid way too much. The Disney Style was not much of a discount at 10% and was obviously limited to what you put in to it.

The DP is being done much better than these previous plans. The price is better, etc, and the value is much higher.

 

[Dean]

Ok, thats cool. Just seemed to be getting a little adversarial, but I obviously misinterpretted the tone. My apologies.

You did, no need for an apology.

Ok, Yes, every single person is technically eligible for DDE. BUT, for many, pursuing it is WAY more expensive and not worth it. For the non DVCer on a week vacation, the price of a MYW expire is $233 or so pp. The Cost for an AP is $399, plus $50 for the DDE. So even if one person gets the AP for the DDE you are talking about a $216 cost layout. So one must spend more than $241 in discounts to break even, and make sure the DP isn't a better deal for them as well.

Remember there are other options to get the DDE besides simply getting an AP for the entire party. You can buy a single pass, you can buy a pass but save it for future trip. It's likely you can continue with the DDE long term once you're a member if you don't renew your pass. Of course there are other ways to get more value from an AP but that's another thread. And there are multiple other discounts to include DVC. Safari club works at most Laundry's including Rainforest. There are also many Orlando options that save far more than even the DDE.

I think you are nuts for saying the DP is only good for a small amount of people and think you are really misestimating the value of the plan here. Yes, there is a small inherent risk of emergency, but my bet is that the emergency issue will affect only a small number. As for people eating less as time goes by, no one I know has done that as they wanted their full value. I know we took FULL advantage of the plan. Yes, I know some won't eat full value and I have seen those posts on DIS as well. But again, that seems to me a small minority of people.

Your option of course, if it works for you you should use it. There have been posts on this BBS on other recent threads confirming that groups did eat less and not take full advantage as the time wore on as well as posts by people confirming it did not save them money. And there are many posts about having to use the snack options for water and soda to take with them. But as I noted earlier, I feel the plan needs to actually save you real money to be a viable option. One of the problems I think is that people are looking at the menu at the more expensive options and simply adding it up. Unless you have enough history and experience to know you would eat that way consistently, it is a POTENTIALLY false interpretation.

I respect you want people to evaluate their best options. However, you don't seem to present the DP in an objective way at all. I think DDE and DP are both good things and have repeatedly stated that. SO compare the other discounts... however, most visitors staying on site aren't DVC (to their dismay) or AP so they get no discounts. I am not sure about the AAA or Safari club discounts.

And I've always said it's reasonable to have choices as well as stating specific situations where the plan likely would make sense for many people. However, I am convinced there are MANY people, including people on this board, who are falsely assuming it is a good deal for them when it is not. And I've mentioned in the past, it does tend to encourage people to overeat, not a small problem unto itself. But if I get people to think about their choices, I have fulfilled my agenda.

Ok, Yes, every single person is technically eligible for DDE. BUT, for many, pursuing it is WAY more expensive and not worth it. For the non DVCer on a week vacation, the price of a MYW expire is $233 or so pp. The Cost for an AP is $399, plus $50 for the DDE. So even if one person gets the AP for the DDE you are talking about a $216 cost layout. So one must spend more than $241 in discounts to break even, and make sure the DP isn't a better deal for them as well.

 

[yitbos96bb]

You did, no need for an apology.

Remember there are other options to get the DDE besides simply getting an AP for the entire party. You can buy a single pass, you can buy a pass but save it for future trip. It's likely you can continue with the DDE long term once you're a member if you don't renew your pass. Of course there are other ways to get more value from an AP but that's another thread. And there are multiple other discounts to include DVC. Safari club works at most Laundry's including Rainforest. There are also many Orlando options that save far more than even the DDE.

Your option of course, if it works for you you should use it. There have been posts on this BBS on other recent threads confirming that groups did eat less and not take full advantage as the time wore on as well as posts by people confirming it did not save them money. And there are many posts about having to use the snack options for water and soda to take with them. But as I noted earlier, I feel the plan needs to actually save you real money to be a viable option. One of the problems I think is that people are looking at the menu at the more expensive options and simply adding it up. Unless you have enough history and experience to know you would eat that way consistently, it is a POTENTIALLY false interpretation.



And I've always said it's reasonable to have choices as well as stating specific situations where the plan likely would make sense for many people. However, I am convinced there are MANY people, including people on this board, who are falsely assuming it is a good deal for them when it is not. And I've mentioned in the past, it does tend to encourage people to overeat, not a small problem unto itself. But if I get people to think about their choices, I have fulfilled my agenda.

Fair enough. If you CAN continue with the DDE, that is good news to hear (has anyone done this?).

In my dollar figure of $216, that includes only 1 Pass for non DVCers, PLUS the DDE. Obviously with DVCers, the price becomes less.. about $110 which is much better. Although, this was a DVC thread, I was also looking at this from the POV of a non DVCer as well, such as someone renting points.

The snacks do become a pain at a time.. I would rather they cut 2 bucks off the price and just not have it, although with DVC and the Fridge, you could get bottles of pop as you leave and put them there for the week. But they are an afterthought in the value.


I agree your posts do make people consider and I AGREE 100% they should. That is why I posted my original Food for Food comparison of DP vs DDE... because a vocal minority kept insinuating that the DP was a rip off when it really isn't. It is a fantastic deal IF YOU EAT ALL THE FOOD INVOLVED, as both of us have said. It just seems that even though your goal was to make people consider what is best, that your posts were not objective. I am thinking that this was not intentional, based on our "conversations" on the subject here, but to me the best way to make people think is to post objectively and if the conversation bears overwhelmingly to one side, play devils advocate. Of course this is just my opinion.

Either way, the end game should always be the same... HAVE A GREAT TIME AT WDW.

 

[Dean]

I agree your posts do make people consider and I AGREE 100% they should. That is why I posted my original Food for Food comparison of DP vs DDE... because a vocal minority kept insinuating that the DP was a rip off when it really isn't. It is a fantastic deal IF YOU EAT ALL THE FOOD INVOLVED, as both of us have said. It just seems that even though your goal was to make people consider what is best, that your posts were not objective. I am thinking that this was not intentional, based on our "conversations" on the subject here, but to me the best way to make people think is to post objectively and if the conversation bears overwhelmingly to one side, play devils advocate. Of course this is just my opinion.

To be honest, I wasn't trying to be all inclusive and give an overall of the plan. I merely acknowledged the general situations where the plan may work out for many people and tried to hit the points I think many people are missing. And I have been known to play the devil's advocate at times. Many Disney regulars tend to opt for convenience over price (using points for cruises, CC, DC, etc), their choice. It is my impression that many people would look at this plan and assume it's a good deal and many times it's not for them. I can guarantee you that even given my stance and DDE membership, I could plan a trip that would give me a significant savings. But in my micro planning way I'd be going through the menu's and planning not only specific restaurants but meal choices. Isn't the internet great for those of us who are OC.

Fair enough. If you CAN continue with the DDE, that is good news to hear (has anyone done this?).

Too early to tell but knowing how their system works, I'd be very surprised if you were even asked about the pass on renewal. However, if you approach it like I have over the years by letting it expire then renewing when the need arose, I'm sure it would be a different scenario.

 

[Dean]

Agreed that FnF was not good. But I think that FnF (besides being overpriced) fell into the DI trap. While I think the DI concept was amazing and loved it immensely, as Disney found out, most people aren't coming to WDW to take classes. It is a small minority (although I wish SSR let you rent Golf carts. I loved driving around DI in golf carts) of people. I think the numbers going out fishing and other recreation is a small minority as well. So none of these people took advantage of it making the price paid way too much. The Disney Style was not much of a discount at 10% and was obviously limited to what you put in to it.

The DP is being done much better than these previous plans. The price is better, etc, and the value is much higher.

Actually the FnF was a great deal earl on as my numbers represented. Kids were not limited to kids meals, the recreation was a great experience and the prices for food was reasonable IF you planned correctly. But DVC found out it was too good a deal and couldn't leave well enough alone. I was sad to see it change into something that was only helpful if you had no other discounts.

 

[BCV23]

When I renewed our DDE the other day, I was asked for both the number on my DDE card and my AP number. So yes, it appears you will need the AP to continue with DDE.

I continue to think the dining plan is a great option for some families. I also don't subscribe to the theory of only buying it if you always do appetizer, entree, dessert. That will certainly maximize the return but I think you can still get good value doing an appetizer, entree and beverage for instance.

 

[yitbos96bb]

When I renewed our DDE the other day, I was asked for both the number on my DDE card and my AP number. So yes, it appears you will need the AP to continue with DDE.

I continue to think the dining plan is a great option for some families. I also don't subscribe to the theory of only buying it if you always do appetizer, entree, dessert. That will certainly maximize the return but I think you can still get good value doing an appetizer, entree and beverage for instance.

I guess that's a fair point as well. If everyone got dessert and you only got two appetizers for a table of 4 or 5 you still get good value.. especially ordering the Filet or Porterhouse with the add on lobster tail... MMM... Surf and Turf...

As several of us have said all along, you just need to look at your eating habits and do the math. For Foodies like my wife and I, the DP is a no brainer (as is adding the DDE as well... What can I say, I like to eat, and with the fact I will be dieting this year heavily, I am sure come my Disney trip Jan 2007, I will feel like splurging and regaining a few of those pounds.) because we will get our value on it (and the DDE thanks to party of 6 with Wine at V and A). I am curious what the cost would be if the premium plan is put on here, OR if they do a premium plan, sans the tours and recreation. The ability to eat TS every mean... OH HECK YA!!!

Ok, must quit food talk. Making myself hungry.

 

[beacher]

I've seen it referenced a few times in this thread and wonder if anyone can confirm - is it possible to purchase the Dining Plan then use the DDE card to get 20% off alcohol purchases at a DP meal?

Thanks,

 

[yitbos96bb]

I've seen it referenced a few times in this thread and wonder if anyone can confirm - is it possible to purchase the Dining Plan then use the DDE card to get 20% off alcohol purchases at a DP meal?

Thanks,

Currently, yes. Of course this could change at any time as we all know.

 

[gamomof2]

If we have a trip that runs Sun - Wed and we buy the dining plan do we get credits for checkin and checkout days? Does it matter what time of the day we check in? Whether it be 9 am or 9 pm? If I figure right we would get 4 days of credits. Correct?

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

It's based on the number of nights you stay...you would get three days worth of the meal plan: 3 counter service, 3 sit-down, and 3 snacks for each person. The time of day you check in or check out isn't going to make a difference in how many credits you get. I believe all the credits are no longer useable @ midnight on the day of check out.

 

[yitbos96bb]

It's based on the number of nights you stay...you would get three days worth of the meal plan: 3 counter service, 3 sit-down, and 3 snacks for each person. The time of day you check in or check out isn't going to make a difference in how many credits you get. I believe all the credits are no longer useable @ midnight on the day of check out.

TO verify, yes you are correct. The credits expire at Midnight of Checkout day. It was nice they did this, instead of them expiring at checkout from the hotel. Lets you enjoy time at the parks if you have a late flight.

 

[Ksp]

I read the information posted on DVC's website--can anyone tell me if I must buy DP for each day of my stay, or can I only purchase a portion of my stay--like 3 days of DP although I'm staying 4 days?
Does everyone in the room (barring toddlers) have to buy into the DP if we decide to try it?

 

[yitbos96bb]

I read the information posted on DVC's website--can anyone tell me if I must buy DP for each day of my stay, or can I only purchase a portion of my stay--like 3 days of DP although I'm staying 4 days?
Does everyone in the room (barring toddlers) have to buy into the DP if we decide to try it?

Yes to all questions. Yes, you must buy for every night of your stay and yes all in the party have to buy that are in the room.

 

[Chuck S]

I read the information posted on DVC's website--can anyone tell me if I must buy DP for each day of my stay, or can I only purchase a portion of my stay--like 3 days of DP although I'm staying 4 days?
Does everyone in the room (barring toddlers) have to buy into the DP if we decide to try it?

Yes, it must be for the entire length of your stay, for the number of nights (not days) of your stay, everyone in the room, age 3 or over, must have the plan.

 

[Ksp]

Thanks, yitbos96bb and Chuck S! I'm sitting here trying to decide which dining plan to use--DP, or DDE--reading over all the previous posts sure has been helpful. Now I just have to do the math.

 

[Laurajean1014]

I can only comment on DDE. I love it. In 4 days, we broke even and now are in the black for our April trip with 8 of our friends. So, everybody wins!

We love CA Grill, Citrico's, Jiko, etc. So we maybe better off with DDE.

When they offer DP, I'll check into it.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Thanks everyone for your input! My head is spinning from the math Anyway, we have in the past, been the "once in a lifetimers", and found a way to avoid ordering meals in the park for our family. Last year my DH and I enjoyed being able to eat when and where we wanted to, and not spend half the day leaving the park to eat.

We are thinking the plan would be good, as we can just indulge the family and know up front what the cost will be. Maybe we will "share" a little if we are not real hungry - although I guess if you have to purchase for the whole party it probably isn't necessary to try to combine credits.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Thanks for that comparison Chuck S! I think we'll be sticking to DDE as well. Perhaps I'm just being lazy, but I hate the thought of having to deal with a point system to eat.

 

[londonderrydisneyfan]

Is the price definitely going to stay at $37.99/$10.99 for DVC members? The current DP price is based on two incentives - to get people to stay on property and then to get them to eat there too. Disney doesn't need the first incentive for DVC so I think they would raise the price to reflect that.