DDE VS DDP (sorry, couldn't help it)

[Sammie]

We like the DDP.

We like the food that is offered and we like the convenience and we did not stuff ourselves just because we could. We are capable of restraint and do not need anyone else to police that, thank you.

For our needs we found the DDP to be a great deal and very convenient. We used 2 of our credits for a signature meal. We used our snack credits and our CS dessert credits to purchase muffins, fruit, etc for our breakfast. We loved the convenience of being already paid for.

We used up our last snack credits on the last day to purchase water and fruit to have in the car on the drive home.

So we vote for the DDP and will get it again our next trip.

 

[mowog]

Thanks for everyones feedback. I think I'll get the DDE card again. We usually eat breakfast in the room (except for mandatory tonga toast at Kona). We usually do a TS once a day and sometimes twice. Enjoy wine or drinks with dinner and sometimes skip dessert for a pastry or Beaches and Cream. We'll definately do Artist Point and maybe Carifornia Grill. So Thanks for the insites, and maybe if we go on a non AP year we'll try DDP.

Thanks, Jean and Bob

 

[Sammie]

Thanks for everyones feedback. I think I'll get the DDE card again. We usually eat breakfast in the room (except for mandatory tonga toast at Kona). We usually do a TS once a day and sometimes twice. Enjoy wine or drinks with dinner and sometimes skip dessert for a pastry or Beaches and Cream. We'll definately do Artist Point and maybe Carifornia Grill. So Thanks for the insites, and maybe if we go on a non AP year we'll try DDP.

Thanks, Jean and Bob

What affect would a non AP year have on the DDP? You do know as a DVC member you do not have to purchase tickets to purchase the DDP.

 

[ScottOKW2K]

We did a number of trips this last year both long and short and I could never sit down and make the numbers for the DDP work for us. The first thing we found out is that we could not eat all that the DDP would offer. A typical lunch for us ( me, my wife and our 13 y/o daughter ) might be my daughter & I sharing the fish and chicken at Columbia Harbour House, my wife getting the salad and the three or sharing a large coke and a couple of glasses of water. If we were doing DDE that would have been an entree each, a drink each , and a dessert each. Way too much food !
Another example is Le Cellier. Between the delicious pretzel bread and the filet and potatoes it is all we can do to finish all that. For each of us to each have an appetizer and a dessert would be too much - we couldn't eat it all. In addition, we might not have tried Jiko ( 2 TS) if we were on the ddp, but we are sure glad we did. Best filet I have had since my last trip some years ago to Ruth's Chris - so tender that I actually was able to cut it with my fork.
So for us - DDE , not DDP.

 

[crisi]

I'm not real familiar with the DDP but this is how it looks to me. It's $39 for adult,if it's broken down 1 credit for a snack(roughly $4),1 for counter service(roughly $7/8) which leaves sit down meals and according to my math,it leaves $27/28.If you average out a table of 2 to 4 share an appetizer and possibly dessert(which I don't get). It doesn't sound to me like it's that great of a deal. Can someone explain it better to me. And what is the DDE?

Its a good deal if you don't want to share. Remember as well that tax, tip and a beverage is included.

And your prices are low - go to Pecos Bills and get a chicken wrap ($7.59), dessert ($3.59), and a drink ($2.39), add tax, and you'll have spent much more than $7-8. Now, we skip the fries on the wrap, which brings the price down, and tend to split a large drink, and never order dessert, but for a lot of people, they want the fries and dessert and a drink for everyone. Then go to San Angel Inn for dinner - order cervache ($8.50), the combination ($28) and bread pudding ($6), add tax and tip. Plus your snack. That's about $70 "worth" of food.

Its possible to eat cheaper at Disney, more counter service, ordering the "top of the menu," eating one course instead of three or sharing courses. Skipping all the courses on counter service. Smaller portions have made it more difficult to share courses, though. Used to be we never had any problem sharing and feeling satisfied - that's changed. I do think that people have gotten stars in their eyes over $70 worth of food for $40 - and completely forgotten that they may have been content with a daily average of $30 worth of food to start with. We love our sit down dining and spend a lot on it - both time and money - and its slowed down our trips and made them so much more pleasant - however, I wouldn't make that trade as a first timer trying to fit all of WDW in five days with a toddler in tow. Too much time spent dining - and the accompanying hassle (getting to the restaurant, waiting to be seating, plus reservations, etc.).

But a lot of people really like the dining plan because they don't have to compromise if they want the creme brulee and their husband wants the cheesecake. They can order the most expensive thing on the menu every night for dinner and don't worry about it. For people who were on the edge in terms of wanting sit down every day but not feeling comfortable affording it (or affording it under the terms of sticking to a single course and/or sharing), its a real boon.

 

[keys2kingdom]

What affect would a non AP year have on the DDP? You do know as a DVC member you do not have to purchase tickets to purchase the DDP.

Not having an AP would exclude you from being able to buy the DDE leaving you with only the DDP as a choice. I think that's what Jean is saying, if she can't get the DDE she'll try the DDP.

 

[JimMIA]

One thing that people sometimes miss in this frequent discussion is that DDE/DDP is not an either/or decision. You CAN do both. For example, in the past, we have gotten DDP and still used DDE for alcohol or other non-DDP items, or for people dining with us who were not on DDP.

 

[crisi]

One thing that people sometimes miss in this frequent discussion is that DDE/DDP is not an either/or decision. You CAN do both. For example, in the past, we have gotten DDP and still used DDE for alcohol or other non-DDP items, or for people dining with us who were not on DDP.

Although, breaking even on a DDE in those circumstances would probably involve a lot of days at Disneyworld.

 

[BCV23]

Although, breaking even on a DDE in those circumstances would probably involve a lot of days at Disneyworld.

Right but for DVCers who make more than one trip per year it can work well.

IMO the signature restaurants aren't a good use of the DDP yet we love them. So we have used DDE for those meals and DDP for lunch. CS for breakfast and/or lunch for the flight. DDE for wine whether on DDE or DDP.

It is however true that your DDE loses a little value each time you use DDP for a meal.

 

[JimMIA]

Although, breaking even on a DDE in those circumstances would probably involve a lot of days at Disneyworld.

Not necessarily. If you're traveling as a couple, that is probably true; but if you are traveling with others who are not on the DDP, the math changes drastically.

On our first trip with DDE, we had four adults and one child. We recovered about 90% of the cost with the first meal. So if you use the DDE for one meal with people who are not on DDP (you can use it for up to 10 people at a single meal), you'll go a long way toward paying for the whole year's worth of use of the card.

In our particular case now, we don't use DDE because we prefer DDP for our small family (2A and a 4 y/o). But it might work well in concert with the DDP for other situations...especially those large gathering on the owner's points that we warn everyone against!

ETA: I think the only real answer is there isn't a cookie-cutter answer. People have to look at the composition of their group, and also at how they plan on dining at Disney, and then see how the various available discounts and plans work for them. DDP works great for us, but it wouldn't work well for a family with 4 10-12 year olds who eat like birds, but have to pay adult prices.

 

[crisi]

Not necessarily. If you're traveling as a couple, that is probably true; but if you are traveling with others who are not on the DDP, the math changes drastically.

Your right, I should be thinking in terms of meals instead of days.

Because the DDE is a fixed price and fixed discount, if you have a lot of meals (big party or lots of days or both), it can be far more cost effective than the DDP. If you have two people for a short week once a year, you'll have trouble breaking even on the costs (annual pass + DDE) of the DDE and might find the DDP a much better deal.

 

[bcvillastwo]

Earlier someone said the following.

I think the only real answer is there isn't a cookie-cutter answer.

I totally agree. In my humble opinion (IMHO) we all should consider how we eat, what we eat, where we typically eat, lenght of stay, fequency of visits, etc. and then run the numbers. What's best or most convenient for one set of circumstances isn't likely to be best or most convenient for others.

For what it's worth the DW and I prefer DDE but only because it makes the most sense for us. If circumstances change we will reevaluate and perhaps in the future use DDP.

 

[JimMIA]

... length of stay, frequency of visits, etc...

I agree with both of these factors as well. In our case, we go twice a year for 3-5 days at a time because we live within easy driving distance. We enjoy DDP for 3-5 days, but I don't think I'd do it for a 10 day stay! Not that it wouldn't be good value, but I'd just get tired of eating onsite every night.

Also, the combination of menu standardization and four trips in 18 months has started me rethinking our DDP plans for May '07. We might skip DDP and explore some places offsite. We might even take a hike over to Tampa for dinner at Bern's or one of the Ybor City places.

 

[Judique]

Also, the combination of menu standardization and four trips in 18 months has started me rethinking our DDP plans for May '07. We might skip DDP and explore some places offsite. We might even take a hike over to Tampa for dinner at Bern's or one of the Ybor City places.

3 trips in 7 months were enough for us on DDP. we enjoyed it for 5 nights each of the first 2 trips, but the third trip was a split stay where we only used it two days and that was plenty. I would use it again for a couple of days on another split stay, but not for more then 2 to 3 days. We also had DDE and found it a good value and it paid for itself after 3 meals (2 people) at Le Cellier, Bistro and I forget the third place. The novelty has sort of worn off DDP for us because we visit often, but it's still a good value and I would recommend it for anyone to do at least once or twice. We are less into planning a lot of preplanned Disney sit down meals in the parks, and more into eat when you are hungry although I'm aware that may require planning if you stay in the parks. There are always resort restaurants where you can eat just about anytime, with a few exceptions such as Cali Grill or mabe 'Ohana, where it's wise to have an ADR.

 

[NMW]

We use both together. We always order alcohol with dinner and sometimes lunch if we do TS lunch. The DDE is great for that and we do really recoup the cost in one 9 day trip. Not just on alcohol! We also do a lot of TS/character breakfasts that we pay oop for and use the DDE card. We had a couple oop lunches this past trip that we payed cash for insted of using the DDP. I know we saved more than the $60 the card cost us.

The DDE card works really well with the dining plan. The dining plan itself saved us quite a lot of money. We were 3 Adults (my oldest son is 10) and 2 children. We always eat TS dinner and do CS lunch so this was perfect for us. You can even use your snack credits for a lot of breakfast items. An excited man in the elevator at BWV told me that he got a box of 8 doughnuts at the Screen Door for one snack credit. We tend to always order several appetizers because everyone wants something different, and sometimes do desserts. The DDP is perfect for this and we saved money on our dinners ALONE. It was like getting CS lunch and snacks for free!

My advice is to try it and see how it works out for your family. If you don't like it, you don't have to buy it again.

Oh, and it's also way more than $27 per person to eat at MOST TS restaurants at Disney. The DDP also covers tax and an 18% tip. For example at Le Celliar-get the shrimp cocktail, the mushroom filet, and any dessert, add tax and tip and you are over $27. Plus 7/8$ for CS is low. The DDP covers any meal, a large drink and a dessert per person. The food itself is $8 without any drink, even if you skip dessert.

Did anyone see the new Year of a Million Dreams planning DVD? It really makes it seem like the DDP is THE way to go. LOL

 

[IWantMyDVC]

What worked well for us about the DDP was that we could give a room key to our two DS (17 & 16 yrs old) and they could go off without my DH and myself and still be able to get food (unlike cash, where I am not always so sure what they have spent it on).

Plus we tried some counterservice places that we hadn't tried in the past and really liked them.

 

[byoung]

Can save a little with the DDE card, but a lot less food. With the DDE in 5 days we paid about $300. With the DDP $370 but a lot more food, with the DDE we only order the main course. No appt or desert.

 

[graygables]

We've used the DDE before (and recommend it when people ask), but this last trip, we used the DDP. DD is a CM, so we got their special holiday rate and decided to give it a try. It really does depend on your dining style. DH is a BIG eater (dinners, he eats for 3, and no, he's not even close to obese ) We usually do buffets or family style b/c we know he will eat our money's worth. This last trip, though, we tried some different things and I can't tell you how relaxing, stress-free, and liberating it was not to have that "look" across the table after seeing the menu pricing. I had to reassure DH several times that it really wasn't going to cost *that*. For the first time, he was able to relax and order what he really wanted without worrying about the cost. When I got back, I did the math and even if we'd paid DDP full price, we still would have saved a good chunk of money. We also wound up with a bunch of rice krispie treats and bags of pretzels in the end, but do plan to use the DDP again.

As far as restaurants "dumbing down" goes, I think that has very little to do with the DDP/AP-DDE and more to do with corporate Disney trying to fill their restaurants in order to fill their coffers. When (as my mother calls them) the hoi polloi see the menu with lobster at market price ("if you have to ask, you can't afford it"), they automatically assume they can't possibly eat there. If, however, you see penne pasta, then maybe you CAN afford it and they won't have empty seats.

 

[mowog]

What affect would a non AP year have on the DDP? You do know as a DVC member you do not have to purchase tickets to purchase the DDP.

AP gives $50 discount on DDE (i think) and don't you have to be a FL resident or AP holder to get it?

 

[chevyAZ]

For us it simply did not make sense. 2 Adults 2 children ages 5 and 3 for a 15 day stay would have cost us about $1500. We had a 1BR at SSR, so we decided not to go with it. Instead we stocked the 1 BR with about $300 worth of groceries.
Breakfast for children was:

• Waffles / Pancakes
• Cereal
• Eggs
• French Toast

Lunch:

• PB & J
• Cold Cut Sandwiches
• Mac & Cheese in the room the days we left to the parks later in the day

Snacks:

• Pretzels
• Chips
• Microwave Pop-Corn - The kids loved it
• Fruit Snacks
• Cookies (Individual packs)

Drinks:

• Capri Suns
• Water (We had 2 cases left over)
• Soda - (We had tons left over)
• Milk

We spent approximately:
$300.00 Supermarket
$80.00 Character Dinner - Liberty Tree Tavern
$75.00 Character Bkfast - Hollywood & Vine
$90.00 Dinner Marrakesh
$130.00 Character Bkfast CRT
$160.00 Dinner 3 times at Turf Club (SSR) - My wife loved the Salmon Salad.
$85.00 Dinner 4 times at Artist Pallete (SSR)
$85.00 Dinner at Tony's Town Square
$20.00 Late Lunch at ABC Commisarry
$10.00 pastries in Norway
$15.00 pastries in France
$15.00 Fish & Chips in England
$35.00 Dinner 2 times at Lotus Blossom (China)

Prices reflect DDE Discount where applicable.

In total we spent about $1100, which left $400 savings for Souveniers. We definitely did not go hungry. Unfortunately I will also add that I gained about 7 lbs.

My next trip is in October and we're not staying in a 1 BR. I plan to get a rental car and explore dining in the surrounding areas for some of the nights we're there. The money saved will pay for the car. As for the DDE, it definitely paid for itself. We were pleasantly surprised that in addition to our resorts main TS restaurant, the discount was also valid for the Artists Pallete which is CS.

Sorry for the long post, but I painstakingly collected this data in order to assess whether we should do the DDP for our next trip in October. For us it just doesn't pay off.