DDP or DDxP?

[Tam1067]

Is there a basic breakdown for when the DxDP becomes more cost effective than the DDP?

I'm thinking of upgrading, but it's so overwhelming to decide when it's better to do the deluxe and when it's better to just pay OOP for the meals not covered under the DDP.

We'll be there 8 nights, 3 adults and 2 kids.

I've got reservations at these restaurants, and if we stay on the regular DDP we'll be paying OOP for a few of them:

Kona (dinner)
Chef Mickey's (dinner)
Tusker House (dinner)
Coral Reef (dinner)
'Ohana (dinner)
'Ohana (breakfast)
Teppan Edo (lunch)
50s Prime Time (lunch)
Hollywood Brown Derby (dinner--Fantasmic package)
Narcoosee's (dinner)
1900 Park Faire (dinner)

If we do the basic, we'll pay OOP for the two signature meals and probably 50s Prime Time.

We are not interested in doing 3 TS a day--no way. I'm just curious about when the threshold is for CS vs. TS that the DDxP becomes cost effective.

Any advice?

 

[Superspectral]

I did a lot of computing comparing the DxDDP vs the DDP before my last vacation a few weeks ago. I went with the DxDDP.

As an approximate rule of them, the DxDDP becomes more cost effective than the DDP when just under 1/2 your credits are used on something else than CS. I count that you'd use 13 of your 24 DxDDP credits, which is over 1/2 of the credits. Also, the DxDDP is more cost effective for children than it is for adults, on average. Based on my analysis, I'd suggest you are an excellent candidate for the DxDDP.

FYI on 8 day stay with 2 adults and 1 child, I used 17 credits for TS, signature, etc. and saved $462 vs OOP. I could have done fewer TS and still saved. You have more people, so total savings may be more.

One strategy I used, since I did California Grill, Narcossees and the Hoop Dee Doo, was to every so often use some of the 2 snacks per day to augment CS and only buy 1 meal and share with adults, which save a couple of meal credits for TS or signature (this is not possible on the DDP).

 

[septbaby]

Not sure where you are staying this time, but keep in mind the credits can be used for room service too. Generally that's a 2TS minimum, but its a nice option to have.

 

[Trina7020]

We are staying 6 nights and have these ADRs

Dinner @ Chef Mickey's
Breakfast @ Crystal Palace
Dinner @ Tony's
Breakfast @ Tusker House
Breakfast @ Ohana's
Dinner @ LeCellier
Breakfast @ Cape May Cafe
Breakfast @ Hollywood & Vine
Dinner @ Sci-Fi Dine in
Dinner @ Liberty Tree Tavern


WHen I figured it all out it was cheaper for us to do DDP and pay OOP for the extra TS than to do DxDDP

 

[sarcasticblonde]

Well, my fiance and I will be doing 5 different signature dining restaurants for dinner during our 8 day, 7 night stay so it is definitely worth it for us to get the Deluxe Dining Plan. We will just pay cash for the alcohol/wine that we order.

 

[Tricia1972]

The DxDDP will cost you about $2,000

The DDP will cost you about $1,072

So the difference is $928.00

What you need to ask yourself is - will dining at Narcoosee's, Hollywood Brown Derby and 50's Prime Time Cafe cost you $928.00?

Narcoossee's
Surf and Turf x 3 = $174.00
Beverages x 3 = $6.57
Desserts x 3 = $24.00
Kids Meals - Fillet & Dessert x 2 = $34.00
Tax 6.5% = $15.51
Total Bill - $254.08

HBD - Fantasmic Dining Package
Adults - $140.97
Children - $23.98
Tax 6.5% - $10.72
Total Bill - $175.67

50's PTC - Lunch
Adult's Pot Roast (most expensive item) x 3 = $50.97
Adult's Desserts s'mores x 3 = $22.47
Adult Beverages x 3 = $6.57
Kids Meals x 2 = $15.18
Tax 6.5% = $5.76
Total Bill - $94.38

Total Spent OOP for additional Meals $524.13

Now another consideration is that the DxDDP will give you appetizers. I don't know how much that will weigh into your decision. I am assuming since the DDP is an option for you, that getting them won't be that big of a reward. I also can't imagine that you'd spend $404 over the course of 8 days on the appetizers. Now also, you'll pick up an extra snack per person per day and also the refillable mug for that $404.

I don't see the DxDDP being a money saver for you. If you're fine with what the DDP offers you, you'll save by doing the DDP and just paying OOP for your extra meals.

 

[Superspectral]

The DxDDP will cost you about $2,000

The DDP will cost you about $1,072

So the difference is $928.00

What you need to ask yourself is - will dining at Narcoosee's, Hollywood Brown Derby and 50's Prime Time Cafe cost you $928.00?

Narcoossee's
Surf and Turf x 3 = $174.00
Beverages x 3 = $6.57
Desserts x 3 = $24.00
Kids Meals - Fillet & Dessert x 2 = $34.00
Tax 6.5% = $15.51
Total Bill - $254.08

HBD - Fantasmic Dining Package
Adults - $140.97
Children - $23.98
Tax 6.5% - $10.72
Total Bill - $175.67

50's PTC - Lunch
Adult's Pot Roast (most expensive item) x 3 = $50.97
Adult's Desserts s'mores x 3 = $22.47
Adult Beverages x 3 = $6.57
Kids Meals x 2 = $15.18
Tax 6.5% = $5.76
Total Bill - $94.38

Total Spent OOP for additional Meals $524.13

Now another consideration is that the DxDDP will give you appetizers. I don't know how much that will weigh into your decision. I am assuming since the DDP is an option for you, that getting them won't be that big of a reward. I also can't imagine that you'd spend $404 over the course of 8 days on the appetizers. Now also, you'll pick up an extra snack per person per day and also the refillable mug for that $404.

I don't see the DxDDP being a money saver for you. If you're fine with what the DDP offers you, you'll save by doing the DDP and just paying OOP for your extra meals.

This is a good analysis, however there are potential OOP expenses (as mentioned) covered by DxDDP not covered by DDP:

Refillable mugs for 5 persons @ $12.49 + tax = 66.50
3 breakasts covered on DxDDP (5x breakfast platter 5.79 + milk 1.49 + tax; $38.76) = 116.28
Appetizers, 6 locations, 3 adults @ $7 (low estimate) = 126
40 extra snacks, estimate of $2.80 snack = $112
Total extra DxDDP covered approx = $421

Neither the DxDDP nor the DDP cover 2 of the breakfasts. However, I had no problem using the generous number of snacks to cover breakfasts buy sharing a CS combo platter.

Some will buy the appetizers, mugs and breakfasts while on the DDP, some would prefer not to. I'd guess that the DDP and DxDDP would come out within $100 above or below the DDP depending on preferences. Based on my family's eating habits, the DxDDP and and DDP would be about at the equivalent point. As the DxDDP seemed more convenient in some ways, I preferred the DxDDP. BOTH the DxDDP and DDP would save money, just possible the DDP or DxDDP vice versa would save more.

 

[Tricia1972]

This is a good analysis, however there are potential OOP expenses (as mentioned) covered by DxDDP not covered by DDP:

Refillable mugs for 5 persons @ $12.49 + tax = $66.50
3 breakasts covered on DxDDP (3x breakfast platter 5.79 + 2x Kids breakfasts 3.99 + 5 x milk 1.49 + tax = 34.93) = $104.76
Appetizers, 5 locations, 3 adults @ $7 (low estimate) + tax = $112
40 extra snacks, estimate of $2.80 snack = $119
Total extra DxDDP covered approx = $402.26

Neither the DxDDP nor the DDP cover 2 of the breakfasts. However, I had no problem using the generous number of snacks to cover breakfasts buy sharing a CS combo platter.

Some will buy the appetizers, mugs and breakfasts while on the DDP, some would prefer not to. I'd guess that the DDP and DxDDP would come out within $100 above or below the DDP depending on preferences. Based on my family's eating habits, the DxDDP and and DDP would be about at the equivalent point. As the DxDDP seemed more convenient in some ways, I preferred the DxDDP. BOTH the DxDDP and DDP would save money, just possible the DDP or DxDDP vice versa would save more.

I agree with your analysis also (other than the breakfasts where they're only entitled to three adult breakfasts and two children's. Also the appetizers are only at 5 locations, the Fantasmic Dining Package includes an appetizer already, then I tacked on tax for snacks and appetizers, just to make the fairest comparison.)

I was just (as I am sure you could tell) basing my opinion on DDP vs DxDDP for the OP from the tone of their original post. They mentioned the meal costs only, and I just looked at the meal costs for my break down. I believe that they also mentioned that there is no way that they would do three meals in one day.

In fairness too, I only looked at the absolute most expensive items, which may not be a fair comparison because who knows what another family will order once they get to the restaurant.

As you mentioned, it depends on your personal dining style. The additional items that the DxDDP offers are really only a deal or savings if the OP was going to order those items anyway. If they weren't going to order those items then it's not a savings.

Certainly if you maximize what you are entitled to for the DxDDP the OP can save doing the DxDDP vs the DDP. As the PP said, those are pretty low estimates on the appetizers. You can truly easily hit the $409 mark if you want to. It's up to you to do whatever you want to. It's your magical vacation - have fun!

 

[Superspectral]

Narcoossee's
Surf and Turf x 3 = $174.00
Beverages x 3 = $6.57
Desserts x 3 = $24.00
Kids Meals - Fillet & Dessert x 2 = $34.00
Tax 6.5% = $15.51
Total Bill - $254.08

HBD - Fantasmic Dining Package
Adults - $140.97
Children - $23.98
Tax 6.5% - $10.72
Total Bill - $175.67

50's PTC - Lunch
Adult's Pot Roast (most expensive item) x 3 = $50.97
Adult's Desserts s'mores x 3 = $22.47
Adult Beverages x 3 = $6.57
Kids Meals x 2 = $15.18
Tax 6.5% = $5.76
Total Bill - $94.38

Total Spent OOP for additional Meals $524.13

This was an interesting example because it was right on the edge of DDP vs DxDDP. Confirming what you'd expect, if they poster had no interest in Narcosees, 50's PTC, and HBD and substituted CS instead, the DDP would be more cost effective in any reasonable case. If the poster added 2-3 character breakfasts then the DxDDP would probably be a more clear winner.

 

[Tam1067]

This is what is driving me nuts! I feel like I need to spend hours trying to figure out which is the best way to go. Why does it have to be so complicated?

 

[Sysyphus]

This is what is driving me nuts! I feel like I need to spend hours trying to figure out which is the best way to go. Why does it have to be so complicated?

And that's just for your party of 5 for a week: imagine what it's like for Disney having to figure out what 50,000 people are going to eat every week of the year

 

[Poohgirl]

For me, I made my ADRs for the restaurants that I wanted, every night for dinner (1 signature), 3 TS lunches and 3 breakfasts (10 day trip) with the ddxp. To compare, I figured that I wouldn't be doing the 3 TS lunches and only 2 TS breakfasts if on regular ddp. So that meant that if we were on the DDP I would have to pay for 8 cs breakfasts or buy stuff for in room, 2 TS breakfasts and 1 TS dinner as well as appetizers at non-buffet restaurants (much rather have an app then dessert) and a couple extra snacks or waters and mugs for each of us. There was less then a $50 difference between the two plans.

The extra $50 for DDxp is well worth the extra breakfast and more relaxing TS lunches as well as the convenience of just not having to worry about it.

 

[Tricia1972]

This is what is driving me nuts! I feel like I need to spend hours trying to figure out which is the best way to go. Why does it have to be so complicated?

I know it can feel overwhelming.

Superspectral posted a few excellent examples of how to 'make the most' of your plan and break even with the DxDDP cost by eating those extra meals, 40 snacks or so and purchasing refillable mugs.

You need to decide - would we want to eat all of the CS's that we have planned plus add on 3 more CS Breakfasts?

At our TS Meals, will all three adults want and eat appetizers? Sure you can order them and throw them out, but why pay for them then? They're covered under the DxDDP, but in order to break even with the plan you'd need to order and eat the appetizers.

Does the DDP offer us enough snacks at one snack per person per day, or would two fit our eating styles better?

Will we benefit from refillable mugs for our resort and would we be purchasing these mugs anyway?

If you think that Yes, you'll be doing all of the above, and you plan on ordering the most expensive items at the three TS locations you are paying OOP for - then the DxDDP is the way to go!

If you say No to even one or two of the above - then you'll save quite a bit of money by doing the DDP over the DxDDP.

Another factor is convenience, if you can afford to not break even with purchasing the plan, and you just want to have the freedom to order an appetizer on occasion if you want it, then the DxDDP may be for you too. I'll admit, I am a budget driven gal and I hate giving Disney extra money for food that could be mine to spend elsewhere. Not everyone feels this way. Some are very comfortable paying extra up front to feel taken care of and covered while they are there.

 

[joenan88]

Hi~ I think the Deluxe dining is worth it based on where you are eating~ I am 2 adults and 3 kids, I am staying at The CR for 5 nights this August and here are my ADR's:

Hoop Dee Doo Review (2credits)
Whispering Canyon (breakfast) (1 credit)
Cinderella's Royal Table (dinner) (2 credits)
Chef Mickey's (breakfast) (1 credit)
Teppon Edo (dinner) (1credit)
Ohana's (breakfast) (1 credit)
Sci-Fi (lunch) (1 credit)
Brown Derby (dinner) (2 credits)
Tusker House (breakfast) (1 credit)
1900 Park (dinner) (1 credit)

I figured out the cost of the food by looking at the menu's on allearsnet.com and by taking the Deluxe dining I save about $300.00..and that is not including the 3 credits I have left for CS or TS..mugs and 2 snacks per day. If I wasn't doing the 3 retaurants that require 2 credits..because of the cost..then I may have rethought my decision.

A lot of people say it is a lot of food..but it really isn't..we are a health Consciousness family and we eat 3 healthy meals per day...Disney we do let go a bit and enjoy the different food options. The deluxe plan may not be for everyone but for us it works! Enjoy your trip!

 

[Tricia1972]

Hi~ I think the Deluxe dining is worth it based on where you are eating~ I am 2 adults and 3 kids, I am staying at The CR for 5 nights this August and here are my ADR's:

Hoop Dee Doo Review (2credits)
Whispering Canyon (breakfast) (1 credit)
Cinderella's Royal Table (dinner) (2 credits)
Chef Mickey's (breakfast) (1 credit)
Teppon Edo (dinner) (1credit)
Ohana's (breakfast) (1 credit)
Sci-Fi (lunch) (1 credit)
Brown Derby (dinner) (2 credits)
Tusker House (breakfast) (1 credit)
1900 Park (dinner) (1 credit)

I figured out the cost of the food by looking at the menu's on allearsnet.com and by taking the Deluxe dining I save about $300.00..and that is not including the 3 credits I have left for CS or TS..mugs and 2 snacks per day. If I wasn't doing the 3 retaurants that require 2 credits..because of the cost..then I may have rethought my decision.

A lot of people say it is a lot of food..but it really isn't..we are a health Consciousness family and we eat 3 healthy meals per day...Disney we do let go a bit and enjoy the different food options. The deluxe plan may not be for everyone but for us it works! Enjoy your trip!

Actually based on where she's planning on eating, as of posting yesterday, she ends up $400 behind doing the DxDDP instead of the DDP. If she adds more restaurants and appetizers, etc - she'll end up ahead.

 

[creativeamanda]

Wanted to put my 0.02 worth in, because we have similar ressies.

There are 5 of us--2 adults, 3 kids. 4 nights.

ADRs at:
Tusker House (BK)
Narcoossee's (DI)
CP (BK)
CP (DI)
LTT (DI)
Princess Storybook (BK)
Coral Reef (DI)
Hollywood and Vine (BK)
Brown Derby (DI)
CM (BK)

Using snack credits for light lunches, my estimate is like this:

Cost of DxDP for us: about 800.00
Cost of our food (tax included): about 1250.00
Savings: about 450.00

That is just us--it all depends on how you eat, and all. As others have said, the refillable mugs add an additional savings I did not even calculate.

 

[joenan88]

Actually based on where she's planning on eating, as of posting yesterday, she ends up $400 behind doing the DxDDP instead of the DDP. If she adds more restaurants and appetizers, etc - she'll end up ahead.

I agree Tricia~ I wouldn't spend the money on the deluxe plan if I wasn't eating at more then 3... 2 credit TS restaurants....I think the deluxe plan was put together for people who like to eat at The signature restaurants, Character meals and Dinner Shows...

 

[JoanneNC]

I just returned from doing 7 days on the DxDPP

ADR's were
Narcoose's
Jiko's
Le Cellier
Mama Melrose
Boma's (dinner and 1 breaksfast)
Crystal Palace
Liberty Tree Tavern
Tuskerhouse charcter breaksfast
California Grill

We also on the spur of the moment - had walk in lunches at Chef de France and Teppen Edo on our Epcot days.

Did we "save" money - to be honest I have no idea because I didn't keep track my choice. That $$ was already spent and I am at peace not knowing

What I liked:
Options - we could eat what we wanted - and where we wanted. It was great to do TS for lunches as our schedule had time and we hungry
Convenience - It was just that
Variety - We were able to experiment with apps

Downside - ordered stuff that I wouldn't have if I handed the money over right then. I never would have ordered something for JUST one bite...lol

In the end - you need to eat - and it's expensive.......

 

[sarcasticblonde]

Well here is the dining schedule that we have cooked up so far. We can't make our ADRs until April 4th, so... We'll be staying at BWV for 8 days and 7 nights.

Breakfast
* 1 day TS at Boma
* 3 days of TS at Spoodles
* 3 days of snack credits Boardwalk Bakery.

Lunch
* Yak & Yeti
* Coral Reef
* Chefs de France
* Lunch with an Imagineer (yes, this is not on the dining plan, just throwing it in there)
* 4 days of CS somewhere...we'll stop wherever whenever we get hungry.

Dinner
* Jiko
* Liberty Tree Tavern
* Teppan Edo
* Citricos
* Flying Fish
* 'Ohana
* California Grill

So that will use absolutely all of our credits on the DxDP. We are doing 4 signature restaurants so it is absolutely worth it for us. And we always order appetizers anyway. As for the snack credits, we will have 28 between the two of us and we'll use the bulk of them at the F&W Festival.

 

[CapnSparrow]

My dad and I were trying to figure out if it would be better to upgrade from our DDP to DDxP.

According to Disney, the DDP allows 1 TS, 1 CS and 1 SNK per person X the number of nights of your stay. The DDxP just says 3 meals and 2 snacks per person X the number of nights of your stay.

Does that mean that the DDxP lets you use any combination of TS and CS as your 3 meals per night? It does not specify what the 3 meals consist of.

I know you end up getting apps covered on the upgrade but the gratuity is not included still. We were just curious on the breakdown of the 3 meals.