DDP vs. DxDP ?

[goofy4tink]

Wow, this is great information.... much to think about.

I definitely don't want to turn this into a restaurant trek - and our 6 yo would protest vehemently! But I also don't want to spend a fortune on OOP meals to get in the character and signature meals. With CRT, LeCellier and HoopDeDoo at 2 TS credits each, it adds up fast.

sigh.

Here's my revised plan....

Arrive am Monday, staying at WL...Epcot/MK
EITHER Akershus for lunch and princess time or
Liberty Tree.
Tutto Italia for dinner in Epcot before Illuminations.

Do yourself a favor...forget about lunch on arrival day. Grab something quick someplace, and then eat at Tutto prior to IllumiNations.

Tuesday -
Breakfast (Starring Rolls?)
Late Breakfast at Akershus 10:40 (all about the princesses...)
Kid Dinner at Sanaa 5pm
LATE dinner for grownups Le Cellier
Eat something quick in the room, then at Akershus for 'brunch' at 10:40. Not sure about 'kids dinner at Sanna' tho..that's a pretty upscale place. I would keep LeCellier and all of you eat there.

Wednesday - MK all day!
Breakfast - ?
Crystal Palace for 1:30 lunch
Cinderella's Royal Table - 5:40
Not nearly enough time between CP and CRT. Book CP for a late breakfast, around 10ish, then eat dinner at CRT.

Thursday - HS/MK
H'wd & Vine - 8am
Lunch - ?
The Plaza - 4:10
(MVMCP)
Tomorrowland Dessert Party

Eat breakfast at HV, then grab a quick snack for lunch. 4:10 is early, if you eat a big lunch you won't need the Plaza.

Friday - MK
Breakfast - ?
Chef Mickey - 11am
Hoop De Doo - 8:30
Again, grab something at the resort, or if you must, get something at Main St. Bakery. If you're eating at 11am at CM's, you don't need much before that.

Saturday - Epcot/MK
Cape May Cafe 9:15
Coral Reef - 12:55
'Ohana - 7:30
I'm assuming you mean Goofy's Beach Blast Breakfast. That's a fair amount of food. Then Coral Reef for lunch, and 'Ohana for dinner??? Way too much eating. I would do away with Coral Reef.

Sunday - MK
Breakfast & Lunch wherever!
Try to get a late breakfast at 1900 Park Fare...that's lots of fun, especially for young girls.


Still crazy ????

I have used the ddp many times. The one and only time I did the deluxe ddp, was when we traveled with another couple...total of four adults, no kids. The adults wanted some fairly decent food...so, I sat down, with my trusty calculator and figured where we wanted to eat, about how much we would spend at each place (as well as the tip that would go along with that meal!!!). Then, I added up what we would pay for the regular ddp, then for the deluxe ddp...not forgetting to add in tips for each day. We made out much better with the deluxe plan, but we ate at places like Flying Fish, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Brown Derby, all signature dining spots, as well as many breakfast buffets. We ate a big breakfast each day, and then had a really good dinner each night. We seldom felt the need for anything at lunch. We would grab an ice cream or a pretzel if we wanted but not much other than that.
You have to figure on spending at least an hour, if not more, at each table service meal...that's at least 3 hrs out of your park day, every day!!! And that doesn't include the time you spend getting to, and from, each restaurant.

I would seriously think about doing just two meals a day. You can augment them with snacks midday if you need. You didn't say (or I just didn't notice) where you are staying. Most resorts have some quick type foods available...either in a food court or in a store. I would do that first thing in the morning..then you should be good to go until your 'brunch' in a few hours.

I would never recommend the deluxe plan for anyone that is fairly new to WDW...There is just too darn much to see and do to spend all your time in restaurants!!!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Whew! I'm glad I didn't come across as critical of the OP. Honestly, I think these boards can sometimes give too much information. If you have a family that goes to WDW frequently, it can make perfect sense to go to a park, just for a meal and a couple rides. Some people here go 8 or 10 times a year (or more, if they live in the area). And if you knwo your way around, know your favorites, this can be fun. For a first-timer, though, there's just so much to see and do.