DDE vs AP discount

[esk]

I can't buy my AP until I get to Orlando (have to go to SOG to get the military rate) so I can't get DDE in advance. The nice CM on the phone today did tell me I can get it my first day there, after 5:30 PM.

But my question is --- DDE gets me a 20% discount at TS, and AP gets me 10%.....but DDE costs me $60. So, am I going to be eating $600 more of food to make up the difference?

Can someone shed some light....do all resturants in the parks offer the 10% AP discount, and is it on the whole bill? I couldn't get much off the WDW website. Which, for a 6 day stay, would make me wonder, why bother with DDE?

 

[newholidayx2]

are you going by yourself?

My DDE card expired end of Aug and No I wont be renewing it. As you know we'd need to eat alot of food to make up the $60 price

I looked around (maybe on Deb Wills site?) and found a chart w/the discount comparisons. (Hopefully someone knows what Im referring to and can post a link). I believe the 10% AP is mostly M-F and mostly for lunch at EpCot. Thats where I spend most of my time (Off Kilter) so Im going w/the 10% AP, not the DDE.
If youre DVC they also give 10% on some dining

 

[n2mm]

First off, the price is $65 for AP holders. The AP discount is usually only for lunches as mentioned and only M-F and only select EPCOT WS locations and Some Resort dining locations. I would never buy the DDE card if is was for one trip. Since we take many trips a year and sometimes we are a group of 4, sometimes a group of 12, the card is a big savings in my family. You do need to crunch the numbers. The AP discount is just a small amount of places compared to the many places and times you can use the DDE. The DDE also gives you a discount off of alcohol at TS locations and some resort lounges (not pool bars). You do need to see the breakdown to determine if this is right for you. Also, in regard to purchasing the card. After you get your AP, you need to call the DDE office, which is only open M-F during business hours. They can arrange pickup of a temporary card at EPCOT, but if you arrived in the evening or on the weekend, you will not be able to order the card. Some folks who buy the DDE, like to order their AP in the form of a voucher and with the voucher you can order the DDE card in advance.

 

[raidermatt]

Some differences:

The AP discount list is far less extensive than the DDE list.

Many of the AP discounts are lunch only, and some are Mon-Fri only.

The AP discount is good for the passholder and up to 3 guests, while the DDE is good for the cardholder and up to 9 guests.

The DDE discount also includes alcohol, most of the AP discounts do not.


So whether it's worth it depends a lot on how many people are in your party and how many table service meals you will be eating, whether they are lunches, dinners, etc.