DDE vs. Pkg. dining option

[ncbyrne]

I'm trying to decide if DDE 20% discount(cost: $75 or $50 w/AP) or the dining plan $35 pp per day(must book a package) is the best deal.
Scenario: 8 nights Coronado Springs - Oct 15-23 (no chance of another trip within 12 months)
7 day My Way base ticket: $208
Annual Pass: $420
IF there is an AP room discount for CS, it would save about $45 off rack rate. So, the difference of the AP cost vs. base ticket, minus the room savings, would still cost me an extra $67.
But, with an AP I can buy a DDE card for $50 and save 20% on dining (same restaurant choices as the dining package).

Using the prices from DEB's menu site, here is a sample:
Columbia Harbour House counter service -
Sandwich ($6.69) Beverage ($1.99) Apple Pie ($3.79)
Cinderella's Castle sit down dinner -
Salad ($5) Pork dish ($24) Cake ($6) Coffee ($2)

The total of both meals is $42.78 (before tax and tip)

Using the DDE discount I would save, $8.54 BUT...then I would still have to add tax and a 15% tip bringing the total to $41.94
With the dining plan added to a package, I would pay only $35 for all of the above food, PLUS I'd also get a $2-4 snack.
The dining option with a package, even though the room is rack rate, is still the better bargain.

 

[hercamore]

The DDE card is only good at table service restaurants in Epecot, MGM, and MK.
It is good at the counter service restaurants in AK, because there is no table service in AK.

herc.

 

[Chuck S]

You are doing exactly what you should be doing looking over all your options, doing the math, and then deciding what is best for you.

IfF the MYW plan fits you dining "style" and the restaurants that are on the plan are ones you normally eat at anyway...it is probably an OK deal for you. Be aware, though, that if you get sick or simply don't use every option, it may wind up costing more $$$ than it is saving.

As a DVCer I can not (yet) get a plan similar to the MYW plan, but...
I most like would not use the MYW plan and I've purchase a DDE...simply because most of our favorite places are considered "signature" restaurants by the MYW plan, and we don't spend $140 (2 options, 2 adult) for two meals when we dine at any of them. We just find the MYW does not fit our dining habits or desires.

 

[LBurg93]

Bump

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

I'm trying to decide if DDE 20% discount(cost: $75 or $50 w/AP) or the dining plan $35 pp per day(must book a package) is the best deal.
Scenario: 8 nights Coronado Springs - Oct 15-23 (no chance of another trip within 12 months)
7 day My Way base ticket: $208
Annual Pass: $420
IF there is an AP room discount for CS, it would save about $45 off rack rate. So, the difference of the AP cost vs. base ticket, minus the room savings, would still cost me an extra $67.
But, with an AP I can buy a DDE card for $50 and save 20% on dining (same restaurant choices as the dining package).

Using the prices from DEB's menu site, here is a sample:
Columbia Harbour House counter service -
Sandwich ($6.69) Beverage ($1.99) Apple Pie ($3.79)
Cinderella's Castle sit down dinner -
Salad ($5) Pork dish ($24) Cake ($6) Coffee ($2)

The total of both meals is $42.78 (before tax and tip)

Using the DDE discount I would save, $8.54 BUT...then I would still have to add tax and a 15% tip bringing the total to $41.94
With the dining plan added to a package, I would pay only $35 for all of the above food, PLUS I'd also get a $2-4 snack.
The dining option with a package, even though the room is rack rate, is still the better bargain.

Thanks for posting your figures. I have also been going back and forth on this issue.