DDE vs DDP question

[rie'smom]

Sorry, I know this question has probably been asked a bajillion times but: we are DVC members and have the DDE card-should we get the DDP or does the DDE card provide as big a savings? Because we book through MS,we can't prepay the DDP and that's the biggest plus that I see. Am I wrong? Please, I need advice. Thanks so much.

 

[Chuck S]

It depends entirely upon your family's normal dining habits.

For us, two adults, we've always come out cheaper using the DDE than the DDP would cost us, and we eat what we want, when we want.

Remember that for 2008 the standard DDP no longer includes appetizer or server gratuity, at approx. $38 per adult and $10 per child per night. The Deluxe plan also does not include gratuity, but does include appetizer, and 3 meals per day, your choice of TS or CS, and 2 snack credits plus 1 refill mug per person at $70 per adult and $20 per child per night.

 

[rie'smom]

Thanks Chuck.

 

[tacomaranch]

I have always wondered which is better also. I have to agree with Chuck that it does depend on your family and dining habits.

I drank water many times this trip despite being able to have coke. I ate a dessert or many a few bites because I felt obligated not to waste food.

If we didn't have the DDP we would not order the amount of food given. We would share food and I would cook at the villa.

For us, after they switch to the new DDP, while we are our DVC we are going to use my DDE. Eat less, have less weight to loose. I am not at 107. I left at 100 even....DDP!

 

[Disney MAINEiac]

For our family with our eating habits, the DDP always required us to eat way more food than we normally would to feel like we got value for our money. Then i factor in a perceived loss of flexibility and the DDE is the best deal for us.

 

[BCV23]

Because we book through MS,we can't prepay the DDP and that's the biggest plus that I see. Am I wrong?

Are you saying that prepaying is a plus? As members we do prepay but just at checkin. That is a great advantage in my book as the money stays in our pocket until we're actually there. We also have great flexibility to add or remove the DDP as long as we do so through MS prior to check in.

I agree with Chuck. It just depends on your family. If you enjoy a mix of CS and one credit TS meals, the DDP may offer you greater savings than DDE. If you like signature restaurants most nights, hate CS meals, make some meals in your villa, etc.., DDP may not work well for you.

 

[lagunn]

What is DDE please?

 

[Chuck S]

What is DDE please?

Disney Dining Experience - a discount card available to a Florida resident or any Annual Passholder. DDE yields 20% discounts at almost every table service or buffet venue, and a handful of Counter Service eateries.

 

[Disney MAINEiac]

Disney Dining Experience - a discount card available to a Florida resident or any Annual Passholder. DDE yields 20% discounts at almost every table service or buffet venue, and a handful of Counter Service eateries.

Including 20% off for your alcohol, which can really add up if u like mixed drinks

 

[rie'smom]

Thanks for the information. I think that we'll use the DDE card.

 

[canwegosoon]

This year I was so ready to get the DDE card...but we are going over Easter(and the DDE is not valid on Holidays)...we still might get it-have to run the numbers. Just wanted to be sure you knew that. Right now I am leaning toward the DDP(and I didn't want to do that again this year). You will get no discount on Thanksgiving...but you can use the DDP

 

[JimMIA]

I think the answer depends on several factors. Already mentioned is your normal eating pattern at WDW. Two other factors which are equally important, IMHO, are whether you have a car, and the composition of your family.

If you have a car, the best comparison would be to compare how you actually anticipate eating if you don't do DDP vs. the cost of DDP. We come out a lot better eating offsite in my calculations, but your math may be different.

If you don't have a car, you are a captive audience and your choices are limited to DDP and DDE...or just paying regular price in cash. (Keep in mind that you have to be a Florida resident or AP holder to qualify for DDE. If you are not either of those, you would have to add the differential between the tickets you would normally buy and the cost of one AP to the DDE cost in order to get an accurate comparison.)

IMHO, the only accurate comparison is anticipated cash cost vs. cost of DDP vs. cost of cash - DDE discount, less the cost of the DDE. If you make the bogus comparison of DDP cost/menu price of DDP meals, of course you will come out ahead on DDP every time. But that's a Fantasyland comparison.

The 2008 DDP reductions are a big letdown for many families who have enjoyed DDP over the years. Our family has enjoyed DDP, although we are getting pretty tired of the standardized menus. It has not saved us a lot of money, but it has been convenient and we've enjoyed it.

However, with the changes with DDP 2008, we will no longer use it. And, because of not using DDP, we will rarely dine onsite in 2008. Over on the DDP board, I have seen a number of comments from non-DVCers who have previously stayed onsite specifically to get DDP...who now say they will stay offsite specifically because DDP is no longer attractive for their families.

We always have a car, so that makes our choice between eating primarily offsite and using DDE. That's a really easy choice for us -- eat at better restaurants offsite, for less money, and do an occasional character meal onsite paying cash. To be honest, we are really looking forward to eating offsite.

All that said, families with several kids <10 may well find DDP still advantageous.

 

[bluslag]

Can someone tell me if the DDE cannot be used only on Easter. We are arriving the Wed after Easter and want to be sure we can use it then if we decide to get it.

 

[Caskbill]

Can someone tell me if the DDE cannot be used only on Easter. We are arriving the Wed after Easter and want to be sure we can use it then if we decide to get it.

You should be able to use it for your trip. I don't have the sheet available right now, but I'm pretty sure it was only the actual holiday day itself, such as Christmas, New Year's day, etc. All other days around the holiday should be OK.

You can call and get the information. Remember it takes about 24 hours to process the card, so if you order it ahead of time it'll be ready when you get there. Don't forget, at least one person will have to have an AP (or be a Florida resident) to be eligible to purdchase the DDE card. I think it's still $65 but someone who has purchased it more recently can verify that.