DDP, how does it work?

[ILIKEWDW]

Hi,

I need some help to decide between DDP and TIW. I have never used any plan before.

The point is that we will travel on September. We will be a total of 16, maybe 17 (I am not sure if my DM will go), Me, DH and our four kids, DM, my two sisters and their eight children.

A total of 5 adults and 12 children. 6 kids are 10+ years and the rest 3-9.

So if making DDP we will pay for 11 at adult price and 6 at kids price.

My question is if doing the plan we will be limited to certain parts of the menu, or if we could choose freely from it.

Another concern is if a kid doesn´t like what is on kid´s menu, could he have any option?

So, what do you think, would be better to buy DDP or TIW (considering that to buy TIW I must pay two AP)?

How would we save the most?

Thanks

 

[kaytieeldr]

Well, first, you would have to work out how you would save the most. There are menus here http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/disneydining.cfm on the DIS; on allearsnet.com; and some at disneyworld.com (hey, they're trying ).

At table service restaurants, there are generally three "preset" meals and two a la carte choices on the kids' menu. If you mean, substitute an a la carte entree for one on a preset plate? Maybe, it's up to the restaurant. If you mean, substitute an item from the adult menu? Probably not; shouldn't be expected.

 

[septbaby]

Your choice really is for the Dining Plan.

1. The Tables in Wonderland card is only good for up to 10 people, so you couldn't use it for even every adult.

2. The owner of the TiW card has to be present each time you use it. The DP credits are on Key To The World Card, so if the adult "kids" are out and about having a great time they'll have the ability to grab food while they're out.

3. The DP will be grouped by room. So your sisters families will have their own pots of credits if they are staying in different rooms from your family and each other. The sisters can link rooms.

4. There are very few restrictions on the DP, generally anything on the menu is available. Items like Surf & Turf at Narcoossee's are indeed included, but at CA Grille there are a couple of sushi selections that are not available on DP. There are also some specailty drinks not included on the plan.

5. The basic DP does not include appetizers, so you'd have to pay for those. The same is true for any alcoholic beverages. If you had the TiW card you could use that card to get a discount on those extra items.

5. You are allowed to share on the DP, so if the kids want something else they'll need to share with an adult, you can spend a snack credit to add to their meal. However, you won't be able to get an adult meal using a child credit.

 

[ILIKEWDW]

Thanks for your answer....

but, what if we buy 2 TIW for all of us. We used to eat together or we can make two groups of eight to eat together and can make use of TIW......

could it still be good for us?

About 10 years old, I have a 10 YO and a 9 YO and sometimes the younger wants to order from the menu (not kids menu) and the 10 YO wants to order from kids menu.

I don´t want to limit their choices, what could I do with DDP?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Again, you would really need to work that out for your particular party yourself.

Menus, with prices, are available at the links or sites I posted above. You know what your party would be likely to eat, and drink. We don't. The menus will at least give you an idea what your meals will cost; you can then determine if the 20% discount is better, or the DDP is better, for YOUR party/parties.

 

[ILIKEWDW]

Yes, you´re right,

I will take a look on the menus and make calculations.

Thanks!!!

 

[ILIKEWDW]

Oh!

One more question, I found that most of the restaurants we would like to visit have buffet service.

So, how does a buffet works for kids (3-9) with DDP. Could they choose anything or just things from the kids buffet?

 

[Faldred]

Oh!

One more question, I found that most of the restaurants we would like to visit have buffet service.

So, how does a buffet works for kids (3-9) with DDP. Could they choose anything or just things from the kids buffet?

They can choose anything. There's a "kid friendly" section, usually, but adults can use the kid's section and vice-versa.

If you're doing lots of buffets, DDP works well for kids (one buffet pretty much covers their daily DDP cost), but not as well for adults (entree+drink+dessert ala carte usually runs higher than buffet prices).

Since you're such a large group, you may also want to consider one or more of the Grand Gathering experiences.

 

[septbaby]

With the DP it is all pre paid and you really needn't consider prices when you dine. There are at least 5 adults in the group so someone would always need to be there with the TiW card and you'd have to figure out how to break out the bill too. I think there are so many other dramas that could come up, for peace of mind and not having to get someone to pay me I'd let them get the DP. If you are in a separate room and really want the TiW card, get it, but I would not take on anyone else's dining bills/choices on MY vacation.

I love the family plans you have. We just all know that family can sometimes offer the greatest challenges and have the longest "impact". So many DISSERs have come to the boards to vent post trip; just don't want you to need to be one of them.

As for the little one who wants something else, there will be so much food at your tables it should be easy to share to get 'em something they'll like.