DDP and large families

[BiggFam8]

AMEN!!! Agree 100% I still can't understand how folks say they "saved money" IF they generally eat in the room/off-site or CS ALL the time! YES, you do get to eat at the TS places once a day, and the splurge would be nice for anyone, but to actually say "we saved money" you need to compare it to the amount you NORMALLY spend, not to the total on your receipts which would include a BUNCH of stuff you would not normally buy. If the OP wants to splurge....GREAT! But to say that they will save $$$$....I just don't see it!

I don't believe anyone has told me that they saved money on the DDP if they usually ate in their room. Those that told me they save usually ate at those restaurant anyway. We know this will cost us more and was just wondering if anyone thought the added expense was worth it. Thanks for the reply and I appreciate all opinions given.

 

[BiggFam8]

10 days until vacation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[JimMIA]

I don't believe anyone has told me that they saved money on the DDP if they usually ate in their room. Those that told me they save usually ate at those restaurant anyway. We know this will cost us more and was just wondering if anyone thought the added expense was worth it. Thanks for the reply and I appreciate all opinions given.

I agree with you here. I think it's important NOT to compare the cost of the DDP to the menu prices. You need to compare it to what you would ordinarily spend, not some inflated "savings."

I love the DDP, but we have a smaller family (2A, 1C) and we typically eat a TS each night, plus character meals, anyway. I doubt if you will save money on the DDP. You'll certainly eat well, but I think it will cost you more.

I would go for the DDE. You will need one AP, if you don't already have one, but you can take advantage of the great DVC discount on that. Then you only need one DDE card, which I think is $60. You can get an additional card for an additional fee, but you would only need that if your group was going to be dining in different restaurants. ONE DDE card is good for a 20% discount on EVERYthing for up to 10 people, for 13 months. You would save a fortune on that card.

And one final point. You are obviously going to be in at least a two-bedroom at OKW. Those units are HUGE. And they are great places for real family togetherness, without other people around and servers fussing over your orders.

Get the DDE and treat everybody to 3-4 nice dinners and spend the rest of the time as you usually would...together.

 

[BiggFam8]

I agree with you here. I think it's important NOT to compare the cost of the DDP to the menu prices. You need to compare it to what you would ordinarily spend, not some inflated "savings."

I love the DDP, but we have a smaller family (2A, 1C) and we typically eat a TS each night, plus character meals, anyway. I doubt if you will save money on the DDP. You'll certainly eat well, but I think it will cost you more.

I would go for the DDE. You will need one AP, if you don't already have one, but you can take advantage of the great DVC discount on that. Then you only need one DDE card, which I think is $60. You can get an additional card for an additional fee, but you would only need that if your group was going to be dining in different restaurants. ONE DDE card is good for a 20% discount on EVERYthing for up to 10 people, for 13 months. You would save a fortune on that card.

And one final point. You are obviously going to be in at least a two-bedroom at OKW. Those units are HUGE. And they are great places for real family togetherness, without other people around and servers fussing over your orders.

Get the DDE and treat everybody to 3-4 nice dinners and spend the rest of the time as you usually would...together.

Thanks for the great post! I think the DDP is a done deal for us. To take 8 people to Le Celliers and not look at the cost will be great! Working on ADR now! Several Character meals on the way!

Thanks also for the OKW tip. We are getting a 2BR and we have heard their huge! We normally stay at BCV (our home DVC) but wanted to try something different.

 

[BiggFam8]

Just got back a week ago. The DDP was expensive for us (2,500.00) but was well worth it! We had a relaxing time and the food was incredible! When you are used to CS and eating in the room, the TS meals were great! One bill of ours approached $400.00 (CAP'N JACKS). The snacks and CS were easy to use and convenient. If anyone has doubts, leave them at home and enjoy! Thanks for all the help!

 

[HaleyB]

I just found this thread and read through it, I was so glad to see you went for the DDP. I think I was holding my breath for awhile there

Our oldest is in college, but he will manage to meet us in WDW for a long weekend this year.