DDP for large parties

[momof3girls6712]

We will be in Disney from Jan 27 - 31. At this point, there are the 5 of us. We have invited 2 more children (11 and 12). In our 2 past trips we have not used the DDP. Do you think it would be a good plan for a large group? Do you save money or is it just nice to have everything prepaid?

 

[momof3girls6712]

I forgot to ask about the FL discount plan as well. Would that be better for us? Does each of us need the discount plan?

 

[scrapperjill]

I think alot will depend on what sort of meals your thinking about eating. IMO if your planning a sit down meal each day or plan on using a couple double credit meals during your stay then yes it will save money...BUT if your planning on eating mostly or all quick service meals..then you could probably get buy spending less by paying each meal. You really have to consider the amount of food you get on the ddp each meal and each day and compair that to what you'd be looking at ordering anyways. The meal costs on the DDP really add up...BUT how many of us really order an appitizer, entree, dessert and beverage each time we do a sit down meal? Maybe an appitizer to share with the table...or a dessert to split..but EACH person on the DDP gets all of that...so is that really something that you'd be ordering or just something that you'll end up with on the plan? Myself..I love the DDP..the ease of use, the fact that things are pre paid and the ablitly to order what ever (just about). Okay...I admit it...I'll normally look at the menu and may not order what I really want due to the cost...with the DDP...I don't even worry about the listed price..I order what I want even if it's the most expensive item on the menu... That alone is worth it to me. And even though ordering an appitizer and dessert each isn't something we'd normally do when we go out..we've found the over all cost of the ddp and the food we get is totally worth doing the plan. BUT then again "IF" your not planning on doing the sit down meals it won't pay off....I don't think.

I'm not sure about the FL discount....never had the option to use it.

 

[JimMIA]

We will be in Disney from Jan 27 - 31. At this point, there are the 5 of us. We have invited 2 more children (11 and 12). In our 2 past trips we have not used the DDP. Do you think it would be a good plan for a large group? Do you save money or is it just nice to have everything prepaid?

You just have to price it out for yourself and see. The way I do the math is I try to figure out what we would actually spend if we paid cash, and then I compare that to the price of DDP.

For 2008, DDP is $37.99 per adult (which means 10 or older) and $10.99 for kids 3-9. For that price, each person gets one TS meal per day (entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage), one CS meal with dessert and non-alcoholic beverage, and one snack. The big changes for 2008 are that DDP no longer includes the tip for the TS meals, and appetizers are no longer included.

 

[JimMIA]

I forgot to ask about the FL discount plan as well. Would that be better for us? Does each of us need the discount plan?

I assume this means the Disney Dining Experience Card (DDE), which is available only to Annual Pass owners and Florida residents. I believe the prices are $65 for AP holders and $75 for Florida residents. Actual proof of FL residence is required for the FL card.

The DDE card is good for about 13 months from purchase, so you can use it for multiple trips. In addition, one DDE card can be used for up to ten people, as long as you're all dining together on the same check. (You can settle out the bill later among yourselves)

The DDE gives you a 20% discount on ALL food and beverage, including alcohol. It is good primarily only at TS venues, although some CS venues might accept it. There are also a few holiday blackout dates when DDE is not accepted.

ALL DDE checks, regardless of party size, will include an automatic 18% gratuity added in 2008.

With DDP (or any other payment method), only parties of six or more will have 18% added to their bills.