DDP or not...

[CindeBella]

I'm uncertain if the DDP is worth the cost for our family (DH, myself, DS12, DS9, DD6) as we occasionally tend to dine at signature restaurants and receive the DVC discount at some dining locations. Hopefully, some of you can help me figure it out. Also, the prices are per night. Do we need to pay one day out of pocket? Unless the discounts have changed, I have listed the discounts from a list I found online.

This is our dining agenda:

Breakfasts ~
Cinderella's Royal Table
Crystal Palace

Lunch ~
Chefs de France (DVC 20% discount)
Big River Grille (we tend to dine here 2-3 times per trip)
Beaches & Cream
Rose & Crown
Coral Reef

Dinners ~
Bistro des Paris
Flying Fish
T-Rex (DVC 10& discount)
California Grill
Chefs de France (DVC discount) ~ We may not keep this one as we also have a reservation for lunch
Fulton's (DVC 10% discount)
Brown Derby


Thank you!

 

[Sandisw]

You pay for the dining plan per night, so I am assuming, since you have 8 dinners planned, you will be there 8 nights.

With the regular DDP, you will get 8 TS credits, 8 CS credits, and 1 snack credit per person. If you go with the DxDDP, then you get 3 meal credits daily that can be used as either CS or TS, your choice, 2 snack credits, and the refillable mug. I also believe that an appetizer is included when you are on the deluxe plan.

With that, assuming 8 nights, you will have 24 meal credits to use up however, you wish per person.

Given that you do signature, the DxDDP would be a better choice than the regular DDP. However, you would really have to figure out what you would typically eat to decide if it saves money. All the dining plans include dessert so you are paying for that, even if you are not typically dessert eaters.

We do the dining plan, both regular and quick service--not so much because we feel it is tremendous savings, but rather because it puts us on a budget for food ahead of time, and we like that. In most cases, we have saved and also feel that it allows us to eat better.

Before the plan, we ate based on price and not necessarily on what we wanted. It was hard to get a dessert, knowing I was paying $7.00 for it with no intention of finishing it. Now, with the plan, since it is pre-paid, it doesn't bother me to try something and only eat a few bites.

Good luck!

 

[dianeschlicht]

We spent 3 trips researching the DDP vs using the discounts. We saved all reciepts etc, and discovered that we spent $200 less when we paid out of pocket over using the DDP. The DDP looks like a good deal per day, but it doesn't really save you money like you think it will. We have APs, so we get the TIW carda and use the 20% discount with that. We eat at a signature or at least a sit down every day, and sometimes two a day. We were pretty surprised at how much less it was paying out of pocket, but we wont be getting the DDP ever again because of that.

 

[CindeBella]

You pay for the dining plan per night, so I am assuming, since you have 8 dinners planned, you will be there 8 nights.

Actually, Coral Reef is an afternoon reservation on the day that we leave. We will be staying for 7 nights, 8 days. Thank you for your help!

 

[CindeBella]

We spent 3 trips researching the DDP vs using the discounts. We saved all reciepts etc, and discovered that we spent $200 less when we paid out of pocket over using the DDP. The DDP looks like a good deal per day, but it doesn't really save you money like you think it will. We have APs, so we get the TIW carda and use the 20% discount with that. We eat at a signature or at least a sit down every day, and sometimes two a day. We were pretty surprised at how much less it was paying out of pocket, but we wont be getting the DDP ever again because of that.

I feel it would be more expensive for us also but I wanted to ask. I thought I must be missing something as so many people endorse it. It seems to me that the DDP doesn't save that much money, at least not for us.

I need to get an official list of the restaurant that offer DVC discounts.

Thank you for your help!

 

[lucyem]

I believe allears has a list comparing the AP, DVC & TIW discounts and where they are available. I do not have the link sorry.

I spent an evening plotting out our next trip and putting in each place we would eat and what we would eat. With the DDP we, a family of 4, would save about $100. But we would be forced to eat in a way we do not normally eat, especially with 2 younger picky kids. If you were not able to get an AP & TIW and were going to go to a lot of buffets and character meals and HoopDeeDoo for example then I think the DDP works well. There are whole discussions about this here: http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=116

 

[sleepydog25]

I've done both OOP and DxDDP, and as most would agree, it all depends upon your particular eating habits. When paying OOP, I tend to eat pop-tarts in the room with milk for breakfast, take PB sandwiches into the parks with an apple or banana for lunch (a couple of days I'll grab a CS sandwich), then have TS meals at night, a couple of those at signature restaurants. Eating that way is likely better for me, lol, but I do feel as though I'm scrimping during the day so that I can splurge a bit in the evenings.

With the DxDDP, I eat well but, surprisingly, never feel as if I am overeating. I work it so that I can eat at a signature restaurant every night--after all, I AM on vacation--and I still have plenty of credits to share a lunch or breakfast, for example. During F&W Festival days, you can use the snack credits at the booths, too.

Overall, yes I do save a bit by paying OOP since I'm careful about what I purchase and when. With the DxDDP, I treat myself. What that means to you is, which way would you and your family rather dine given the costs?
Have fun deciding!

 

[CindeBella]

No pop-tarts or bringing food into the parks for us... I don't eat much so I guess it probably wouldn't pay for me or my 12 yo, maybe DH though... not sure. I don't think I could possibly eat an appetizer and dessert at each meal. Can you explain how you can have a signature dinner each night with credits for lunch and breakfast? Perhaps I am not understanding correctly..?? I thought 2 TS that you are given per day is considered a signature. We plan to dine at 3 signatures this trip. Thanks again for your help.

 

[CindeBella]

I spent an evening plotting out our next trip and putting in each place we would eat and what we would eat. With the DDP we, a family of 4, would save about $100. But we would be forced to eat in a way we do not normally eat, especially with 2 younger picky kids. If you were not able to get an AP & TIW and were going to go to a lot of buffets and character meals and HoopDeeDoo for example then I think the DDP works well. There are whole discussions about this here: http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=116

Thank you for the link.. I will spend time doing comparing also.

Unless I'm mistaken, 2 TS equals one signature... if we eat at three signature restaurants during our trip, I would be paying $72 for one meal, with one snack included for the day.. I don't think I would order that much during one meal that is why I was thinking it wouldn't be worth it. We would still pay for breakfast and lunch OOP. However, I do like the ease of it.

Thanks again!!

 

[lucyem]

Thank you for the link.. I will spend time doing comparing also.

Unless I'm mistaken, 2 TS equals one signature... if we eat at three signature restaurants during our trip, I would be paying $72 for one meal, with one snack included for the day.. I don't think I would order that much during one meal that is why I was thinking it wouldn't be worth it. We would still pay for breakfast and lunch OOP. However, I do like the ease of it.

Thanks again!!

I never thought the 2 TS credits was worth it for the signature meals. I agree, I would never spend that much at one out of pocket. Yes 2 TS would be worth it for HoopDeeDoo because the cost there is so much more.

The DDP is certainly easier in some ways.

 

[CindeBella]

I must have had the DDP confused with the DP as I thought you only receive 2 TS per day.. however, upon reading the information again I see that you receive 3 TS per day and 2 snacks and a refillable mug. I'm assuming 3 meals is actually 3 TS? This changes things...

 

[dmoore22]

We spent 3 trips researching the DDP vs using the discounts. We saved all reciepts etc, and discovered that we spent $200 less when we paid out of pocket over using the DDP. The DDP looks like a good deal per day, but it doesn't really save you money like you think it will. We have APs, so we get the TIW carda and use the 20% discount with that. We eat at a signature or at least a sit down every day, and sometimes two a day. We were pretty surprised at how much less it was paying out of pocket, but we wont be getting the DDP ever again because of that.

We actually found DDP to be rather restrictive. It seemed to govern what, where, and when we would do certain activities. Plus, for us anyway, the cost. To repeat what others have said, we found the TIW card to be more cost effective, especially if you make multiple trips per year or make one long stay at WDW/DVC. With TIW the gratuity is automatically calculated, it covers drinks and libations and just one member of your party is required to have the card to be eligible for the discounts.

 

[cseca]

I just did this exact calculation this morning...
The best way I think is to look at the menus on the restaurants you'll be dining in and approximate how much it would cost you OOP.
We don't normally do dessert but I love an occassional appetizer. Then after approximating all the meals (we have tons of buffets ADRs) and totaling everything it makes a lot more sense for us to do OOP + TIW. Especially after adding tips into the calculation.
Plus TIW gives us more freedom on what to eat... sometimes I like an appetizer + a side as my entree. Or 2 appetizers, or an appetizer + dessert. YKWIM? Lots more freedom.
And with our current ADRs (16-17 TSs on the plan right now) none of the DPs really works.

Basic means we won't use most of our CS points.
DxDP just way too much food for too much $.

 

[sleepydog25]

I must have had the DDP confused with the DP as I thought you only receive 2 TS per day.. however, upon reading the information again I see that you receive 3 TS per day and 2 snacks and a refillable mug. I'm assuming 3 meals is actually 3 TS? This changes things...

As a couple have mentioned, sitting down and looking at the possible menu items you'd purchase at the particular restaurants you'd visit, then comparing the cost of the various plans available to you, as well as OOP, is the only satisfactory way of figuring what works for you.

For me, the AP with TIW isn't a viable option since the extra cost of the AP (which I'd most likely be able to use just once) tilts the cost scale against me. The regular DP doesn't give me enough TS credits given my inclination toward eating at signature establishments. The DxDP, however, allows quite a bit of flexibility. In order to eat at signatures, I'll split a breakfast and a lunch with a second person leaving four TS credits that night. Or, sometimes you can save a couple of credits (skip TS lunch and use snack credits, for example) along the way and splurge for room service the morning of your departure. The extra snack credits are especially useful during the F&W Festival, too. Though it's not a huge savings, being DVC gives you a slight break on dining plan prices (between two people, it's enough for a glass of wine!).

As I've mentioned before, paying OOP does work for me as well; I just cut back a little bit--grab a salad at a CS for dinner one night, split a sandwich for lunch in a park, do cereal or pop-tart in the room, et.al.--then I'll have a couple of very nice dinners at, say, AP and Jiko. I used to be opposed to the dining plans, but I now see how they can work for you. . .depending on what you want to do.

 

[dmoore22]

As a couple have mentioned, sitting down and looking at the possible menu items you'd purchase at the particular restaurants you'd visit, then comparing the cost of the various plans available to you, as well as OOP, is the only satisfactory way of figuring what works for you.

For me, the AP with TIW isn't a viable option since the extra cost of the AP (which I'd most likely be able to use just once) tilts the cost scale against me. The regular DP doesn't give me enough TS credits given my inclination toward eating at signature establishments. The DxDP, however, allows quite a bit of flexibility. In order to eat at signatures, I'll split a breakfast and a lunch with a second person leaving four TS credits that night. Or, sometimes you can save a couple of credits (skip TS lunch and use snack credits, for example) along the way and splurge for room service the morning of your departure. The extra snack credits are especially useful during the F&W Festival, too. Though it's not a huge savings, being DVC gives you a slight break on dining plan prices (between two people, it's enough for a glass of wine!).

As I've mentioned before, paying OOP does work for me as well; I just cut back a little bit--grab a salad at a CS for dinner one night, split a sandwich for lunch in a park, do cereal or pop-tart in the room, et.al.--then I'll have a couple of very nice dinners at, say, AP and Jiko. I used to be opposed to the dining plans, but I now see how they can work for you. . .depending on what you want to do.

Excellent point. If, like us, you use the AP and make multiple trips each year, which exceed 10 days each, then the TIW may be a better option. If you only visit once each year and its 10 days or less then the DDP may make more sense from a fiscal point of view.

 

[YourEveryDayAdam]

Here's my analysis:

If you go with the dining plan, you will need to go with the Deluxe Dining Plan (DxDP) instead of the regular Disney Dining Plan (DDP).

The cost will be $79.99 per adult and $20.99 per child (ages 3-9).

Anyone on the adult plan can order from the regular menu. Anyone on the child plan must order from the children's menu.

For the purposes of this post, when I refer to the dining plan, I mean the Deluxe Dining Plan.

The dining plan includes 3 meal credits, plus 2 snack credits per person, per night of your trip. You must purchase the plan for everyone on your reservation for the entire length of your reservation. The plan also includes a resort refillable mug for each person. Since you are staying 7 nights, you will get 21 dining credits, 14 snack credits and a refillable mug for each person for you to use over the course of your entire trip.

Each meal credit can be used as either a counter service or table service.

If you use it as a counter service, it will include Entree, Drink and Dessert. If you use it as a table service, it will include Appetizer, Entree, Drink and Dessert. (BIG meals).

Right now, based on your post, you have ADRs for 19 credits per person. (I assumed that you were doing the Big River Grille 3 times during your trip). This would leave you with 2 dining credits that you could use at either a quick-service dining location or table-service dining location. Perhaps there were a couple of other places you wanted to make reservations at? Or even make a reservation for a signature dining? Get an extra breakfast or two?

Here is also my breakdown for how the dining plan saves you money:
I find that your typical meal at disney will cost about $40 per person, with taxes and such (not including tip). I do include drink, entree, and either dessert or appetizer as part of a meal.
You are committing to Disney that you will pay for 2 table-service meals per day (entree, drink, and dessert). For this commitment, and you pre-paying for it, Disney will give you (for free) one free table-service meal per day, 2 snacks per day, a resort refillable mug, and appetizers for all your meals. For this $80 daily dining commitment, I (average) that disney will give you about $64 per day of freebies ($40 for the dinner, $3 each for the snacks, and $6 per meal for the appetizers/desserts). I didn't add in the cost of the mug, since this is a "one-time" freebie and not a daily freebie. I just consider it a non-counted bonus.

Now, appetizer, entree and dessert for each person, 3 times a day is a LOT of food. Chances are pretty good you won't order that much. Or you will gain 20 pounds each by the end of the trip. Deduct what you won't eat from the amount of freebies I mentioned (appetizers and desserts, I assumed were $6 each, meals were $40 each, and snacks were $3 each). For example, if you don't think you'll do the appetizers and desserts from each of your meals, then subtract $36 per person from the freebies each day. If you think you'd only use 1 snack per day instead of 2, then deduct $3 from the freebies each day.

a "quick and dirty" way to calculate which way is better: Assume that each of the meal credits would cost you $40 each to order off the menu at the various restaurants...most sit-down places cost $40 each for a meal for each person (including taxes, drinks, etc.). The places costing 2 credits each would probably come pretty close to doubling that price. So the approximate cash cost of paying out of pocket for each of your meals would be $40 x 19 credits = $760 per person for the trip. The cost of the dining plan is going to be $560 per person for the trip. This means the dining plan just saved you at least $200 for your trip...Now add in the cost of snacks, sodas, ice cream bars, etc. at $3 each to calculate your total savings.

If you were to go with the Tables in Wonderland card: the card would save you $152 per person for your trip (minus the $75 cost of the card, and potentially the cost of having to upgrade one of your tickets to an annual pass).

The calculations only work well if your dining habits somewhat follow the pattern of what you can/should eat under the dining plan.

Also remember that everyone in your group pulls from the same pool of dining credits. This is especially useful for snacks. For example, if your kids go through lots of popcorn, ice cream, sodas they might need 3-4 snack credits each per day. Whereas if you and/or your wife/husband really MIGHT get a soda every other day, then other people in your group can use your credits. It can also be useful for the 2 extra dining credits you would currently have extras for if you have one or two of those bottomless-pit teenaged boys in your group... they could get a counter service of their own when they go off exploring.

 

[ValpoCory]

We spent 3 trips researching the DDP vs using the discounts. We saved all reciepts etc, and discovered that we spent $200 less when we paid out of pocket over using the DDP. The DDP looks like a good deal per day, but it doesn't really save you money like you think it will. We have APs, so we get the TIW carda and use the 20% discount with that. We eat at a signature or at least a sit down every day, and sometimes two a day. We were pretty surprised at how much less it was paying out of pocket, but we wont be getting the DDP ever again because of that.

Same for my family. And we do not have TIW cards or any discounts. We'll never pay for a DDP again.

 

[sushilover]

Breakfasts ~
Cinderella's Royal Table - 2 TS
Crystal Palace

Lunch ~
Chefs de France (DVC 20% discount)
Big River Grille (we tend to dine here 2-3 times per trip)
Beaches & Cream
Rose & Crown
Coral Reef

Dinners ~
Bistro des Paris - not on DDP
Flying Fish - 2 TS
T-Rex (DVC 10& discount) - not on DDP
California Grill - 2 TS
Chefs de France (DVC discount) ~ We may not keep this one as we also have a reservation for lunch
Fulton's (DVC 10% discount) - not on DDP
Brown Derby - 2 TS

Some of the restaurants on your list do not participate in the dining program - Bistro de Paris, Fulton's, and T-Rex. Cinderella's Royal Table, Flying Fish, California Grill, and Brown Derby each take 2 credits per meal. Don't know if that affects your decision.

 

[ValpoCory]

Cinderella's Royal Table, Flying Fish, California Grill, and Brown Derby each take 2 credits per meal. Don't know if that affects your decision.

Yep. In general, Disney makes money on Dining Plan guests when they use TS credits on buffets and at Cinderella's Royal Table.

For 2 nights of the DDP for an adult, it's either $84 or $94 total depending on the time of year. If you go Royal Table (2 TS credits) or 2 buffets, that would cost you much less out of pocket.

Putting numbers on it, it would be $47 for Royal Table breakfast or $42 for Crystal Palace twice. That means you have 2 QS and 2 snacks left. Average price for those four is about $20. So out of pocket you'd be ~$67 or ~62, both well under the cost of the DDP for 2 nights.

 

[dmoore22]

Some of the restaurants on your list do not participate in the dining program - Bistro de Paris, Fulton's, and T-Rex. Cinderella's Royal Table, Flying Fish, California Grill, and Brown Derby each take 2 credits per meal. Don't know if that affects your decision.

This had definitely affected our decision. We found some of our favorite restaurants are absent from the program.