DDP vs DDE?

[Mom2Evie]

I've been trying to do the math but I'm a bit unsure of what to choose. We're renting DVC points to stay at AKV for 5 nights and then we're staying at ASMo for 1 or 2 nights. It's my DD (7) and DH. We'll likely be TS dining at Cinderella's Royal Table (lunch), Crystal Palace (breakfast), WCC (dinner), Teppan Edo or 9 Dragons (dinner), Boma (breakfast) and maybe HDDR. I wouldn't want to use our DDP for CRT or HDDR since that would use two credits. Do any of you have any suggestions or recommendations about choosing DDP or DDE?

 

[pixie08]

We are DVC members. We have done the DDP 2 times, DDXP once and DDE 3 times. I found the DDE was the best way to go for us. For instance we do like to eat at signatures but find the DDXP to be toooo much food. Usually we eat a very light breakfast (in our room with grocery delivery) and then an early lunch usually at CS. Then a really nice dinner. At Dinner we split an app, each have an entree and have a dessert so the DDE works out better for us.

If you will only have desert and entre each, and not eat at signatures then the basic plan is better imo.

 

[DVCBELLE]

I did the math last night - and for my hubby, two kids and I, we were better off with the DDP even adding in tips. I think anytime you have the kids the DDP makes a lot more sense b/c they will not ever be able to eat for $10 a day! Most sit downs for them are between 8 and 12. Then a snack around 2.50 and counter service which is about 5 - I figure OOP on my kids would be 15-20 a day which is potentially a 50% savings for them.

 

[blanq]

From information I have previously read on these boards, I do not think you are eligible to use DDE when you are renting points as you are not a DVC member. I think the DDE is supposed to be a membership only benefit that is not extended to non-members. Although your room key will indicate you are a DVC member, I have heard that some restaurants will ask to see your DVC membership card and that if you don't/can't produce it they will not allow you the discount. I also know that some restaurants may not ask, and you may get the discount, but I think you would be taking a chance.

 

[Tricia1972]

DDE is available to all AP holders who choose to purchase the card

DDP is a members benefit in that we can purchase the DDP without purchasing a ticket package. I believe that the DDP can be added, but the member whom you are renting points from will need to add it. You pay for the DDP upon check in.

 

[BCV23]

No, DDE (TiW) has no relationship to DVC at all. DDE is a membership open only to APers or Forida residents. Some DVCers do belong to those categories and can purchase DDE.

DVC renters may purchase the DDP. The member must add it to reservation. The renter pays at checkin.

 

[jerseygal]

I was under the impression that DDE(now called Cinderella's Table or something like that) required you to either purchase Annual Pass or to be a resident of Florida......

Isn't it something like $65 for the card..everyone in party can be on the card..

Then 20% is deducted, but something like 18% is added on mandatory gratuity? I thought I remember reading something like that..

Anyone with more details on DDE or Cinderella's Table????????

Thanks!

 

[Mom2Evie]

From information I have previously read on these boards, I do not think you are eligible to use DDE when you are renting points as you are not a DVC member. I think the DDE is supposed to be a membership only benefit that is not extended to non-members. Although your room key will indicate you are a DVC member, I have heard that some restaurants will ask to see your DVC membership card and that if you don't/can't produce it they will not allow you the discount. I also know that some restaurants may not ask, and you may get the discount, but I think you would be taking a chance.

Thanks for your input but, annual passholders and Florida residents can purchase the DDE (now called Tables in Wonderland). Since I got my AP in September, I can purchase the DDE for $60. Saving 20% at CRT would offset almost half the cost of the card, so I've already considered that. I'm really just trying to figure out which choice would save me the most money on the week. I listed our split stay so people would know that we'll still need to eat our last day or two there & I think I remember that the DDP ends midnight on the day of your check-out. If we only stay as ASMo for Friday night, I'm less worried about Saturday food purchases. We'd likely fly home mid-afternoon anyway.

 

[coasterfiend]

OP - Mousesavers has a brand new article comparing the two plans on the website. I found it helpful and informative, you may want to check it out

 

[Tricia1972]

I was under the impression that DDE(now called Cinderella's Table or something like that) required you to either purchase Annual Pass or to be a resident of Florida......

Isn't it something like $65 for the card..everyone in party can be on the card..

Then 20% is deducted, but something like 18% is added on mandatory gratuity? I thought I remember reading something like that..

Anyone with more details on DDE or Cinderella's Table????????

Thanks!

It's real name now is Tables In Wonderland. Such a ridiculous name that many of us who had the card previously have a hard time owning up to the fact that the name is changed.


From http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneydiningexperience.htm

Tables in Wonderland offers Florida Residents and Annual Passholders 20% off of all food and beverage purchases at the participating Disney Dining plan restaurants. It is a membership program with annual fees.
The price is $60 for an Annual Passholder, $25 for a second card. For a Florida Resident who is not an Annual/Seasonal Passholder, the cost is $85.
The Tables in Wonderland Card can be purchased at any Disney Guest Services location. Annual Passholders and/or Florida Residents need to provide proof of eligibility. Note that Disney Dining Experience membership requires that you be age 21 or older.
If you are dining at a Disney Resort with valet parking and are using your Tables in Wonderland card, they will waive the valet parking fee. Be sure to advise the attendant and show your member card.
NOTE: Your check will have an 18% gratuity added regardless of party size.

The Tables in Wonderland discount is not available on holidays including New Year’s Eve, Year Year’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Certain restrictions may be applicable. Participation is subject to change. To view Disney World Restaurant menus click here.
DISNEY WORLD RESORTS
All Star Movies – World Premiere Food Court
All Star Music – Intermission Food Court
All Star Sports – End Zone Food Court
Animal Kingdom Lodge – Boma – Jiko – Victoria Falls Beach Club Resort – Beaches & Cream (excluding take-out) Cape May Café, Martha’s Vineyard Lounge, Rip Tide Lounge Boardwalk - ESPN Club, Flying Fish Café, Spoodles, Bellevue Lounge
Caribbean Beach – Shutters at Old Point Royale
Contemporary Resort – California Grill, The Wave , Outer Rim Lounge
Coronado Springs - Maya Grill
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground – Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (9:30pm show only), Trails End Buffeteria
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – 1900 Park Fare, Citricos, Garden View Lounge, Grand Floridian Café, Mizner’s Lounge, Narcoossee’s, Victoria & Albert’s (excluding the Chef’s Table)
Old Key West – Olivia’s Café
Polynesian – Kona Café, O’Hana’s, Tambu Lounge, Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show (later performance only)
Pop Century Resort – Everything Pop Shopping and Dining and Classic Concoctions
Port Orleans French Quarter – Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory, Scat Cat’s Club
Port Orleans Riverside – Boatwright’s Dining Hall, River Roost
Saratoga Springs – The Artist’s Palette, The Turf Club
Wilderness Lodge – Artist Point, Territory Lounge, Whispering Canyon Café
Yacht Club – Yacht Club Galley, Ale and Compass Lounge, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Crews Cup Lounge

DOWNTOWN DISNEY
Marketplace – Cap’n Jack’s Restaurant
West Side – Planet Hollywood
Pleasure Island - Raglan Road
EPCOT

Biergarten Restaurant
Bistro de Paris Restaurant
Chefs de France
The Coral Reef Restaurant
The Garden Grill
LeCellier Steakhouse
Nine Dragons Restaurant
Restaurant Akershus
Restaurant Marrakesh
Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room
San Angel Inn Restaurante
Tutto Italia Restaurant
DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
The Hollywood Brown Derby
Hollywood & Vine
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater Restaurant
Tune-In Lounge
50’s Prime Time Café
MAGIC KINGDOM
The Crystal Palace
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Liberty Tree Tavern
The Plaza Restaurant
Tony’s Town Square Restaurant
ANIMAL KINGDOM THEME PARK
Flame Tree Barbeque
Pizzafari
Restaurantosaurus
Tusker House Restaurant

OTHER LOCATIONS
Bonnet Creek Golf Club – Sand Trap Bar & Grill
ENTERTAINMENT & DANCING
Atlantic Dance Hall – Free admission to member and guest

 

[BCV23]

Since you don't want to use DDP for CRT or the Hoop, it appears you only have 4 meals planned although you would have 5 TS credits. And two of those are breakfasts which are not especially good value.

DDE would give you savings at all of the restaurants you're planning to visit as well as the food court your last night/day. But I would do the math to make sure you'll recoup the cost. Off hand, I think you will since you have CRT and the Hoop planned.

 

[BCV23]

It's real name now is Tables In Wonderland. Such a ridiculous name that many of us who had the card previously have a hard time owning up to the fact that the name is changed.

It's just a ridiculous name, isn't it? I think every server we had during our October trip laughed about that name.

Since it seemed tied to the name of F&W this year, I am hoping the name changes again next year. Maybe back to DDE! Wouldn't that be nice.

 

[Mom2Evie]

Since you don't want to use DDP for CRT or the Hoop, it appears you only have 4 meals planned although you would have 5 TS credits. And two of those are breakfasts which are not especially good value.

DDE would give you savings at all of the restaurants you're planning to visit as well as the food court your last night/day. But I would do the math to make sure you'll recoup the cost. Off hand, I think you will since you have CRT and the Hoop planned.

If we do Whispering Canyon Cafe, then we won't do HDDR. I think the food would be too similar. I totally agree that using the DDP to pay for a breakfast isn't the best value. The cost difference between breakfast at CP & dinner at Teppan Edo is HUGE! When we went this past September, I made sure to pay for the Boma breakfast OOP. There are a couple of other dinner choices I'd like to make: Coral Reef, 50s Prime Time or even try restaurants at Resorts that we always seem to overlook!

 

[NancyIL]

I don't stay at Disney-owned resorts so I can't do the dining plan. But even if it's a good value, it seems like too much food to me and too much hassle making daily ADR's. I'd rather order what I want and pay as I go, so I like the DDE (which is what I will continue to call it!).

 

[DVCBELLE]

If I were you, I would come up with your plan...I also think when you go that you might be paying an upcharge on the buffets for holiday pricing...

I had a spreadsheet with pricing on it and this is what I came up for the restaurants you are talking about for you OOP pricing - on the table dining it includes the most expensive item and a dessert - on the buffets you might need to add $10 for the holiday upcharge if you are there in that time frame.

$101.78 CRT
$49.36 Crystal Palace
$74.14 WCC
$82.13 Tepan Edo
$41.51 Boma
$138.07 HDDR

Once you pick your restaurants and add in the snack and counter service then I think you will be pretty close in cost. I like the DDP b/c I don't worry about what I am going to order. Sure I could eat the least expensive items and skip dessert and share counter service meals to save more money but one of the things I love about the DDP is that we don't have to do all those things.