DDP vs DxDP?

[SouthJersey]

We just got back from the BCV a few months ago and we had the DDP and loved it and when we go this time we were thinking of getting the DxDP since we will be there for 7 days this time. We were wondering how different they are and yes we will have about 5 ressies at BOG, Askershus, coral reef, biergarten, sci fi diner and some breakfast ones and we were just wondering if it would be worth it . Also when it says appetizer does that mean everyone at the table gets an app we are 2 adults and 2 children our kids will be near 10 so we are going to get them the adult meal plan.

We only dine on the deluxe dining plan anymore ever since we did it in 2010.
We utilize the value of it by booking at 1TS sit-down lunch around noon and a 2TS signature dinner in the evening. Even during a time of no promotion's, we did the math and still save about $40 a day based off how we would normally dine. But during free dining, it saves us substantially.

You get an appetizer, entree and dessert each. Without the plan, we would split an appetizer and still get our own entree and dessert, so it's not like we're gorging for the value.
You'll get a lot of posters who claim it's a "ton of food", which I completely don't understand. If you're out and about for 14+ hours a day, I'm confused as to how two sit down meals is a "ton of food". Even with the three courses, most people who go out to eat split an appetizer and dessert at the very least from what I've seen serving and running our restaurants.

If you're someone who gets full from a bagel and can go all day on one meal, then it's not going to be 'worth it' for you. We enjoy a nice restaurant in the evening each night and not having to carry money or think about costs when ordering, add's to the feeling of 'vacation'. The last thing I want to do on a 'vacation' is break out calculators and see if I can or can't order something that night.

 

[Glittercat]

There are a lot of good points on this thread for and against DxDDP. Just wanted to thank all of for your unique perspectives! :

As for our family of 4 Disney adults (kids will be 10 and 15) it seems like the deluxe plan might suit us better after all. We don't really do breakfast, like to eat lunch, and we like signature style restaurants for dinner.

 

[Nancyg56]

I keep saying I'm gonna upgrade to the DxDDP for one trip -- maybe this time

I have friends who are vacationing for F&W, took advantage of FD, and who have not been to Disney since they were kids. After checking out restaurants, and booking their ADR's it was clear they would be that couple who should upgrade to DxDDP, LOL! For many, Disney Dining is part of their vacation experience, and while others may not feel the same way, the DxDDP works for them.

My family is trying something new theis trip. One by one, our numbers have grown and out 2 half/full rooms are now booked solid! I upgraded one room to DxDDP, and since we are all dining together, for the most part, we wil see how this works.

We are going to compare notes with our friends, because both my DD and our friend are accountants, and I know they will both be building spreadsheets when we return home to compare what we spent on the plan, vs what we actually ordered. DD does this every trip, and goodness knows if you forget to ask the cashier what the CS total is before you get the receipt....there is a conversation! LOL! It will be interesting to say the least!

 

[12disneybee]

value is truly in the eyes of the beholder.... look at all the menus and the prices and decide if it will work for you. We do a sit down breakfast and a signature every night for 14 nights. We will be there 2 weeks so no need to go commando in the parks etc and we go September, we take our time and we don't rush so we love to sit down and eat....r, and upgraded the free DDP to the DxDP, and it is definitely, no doubt, hands down, a bargain! We are actually only paying $50+ a person per night for adult.... (actually we pay even less than that.... $44 per day per adult by buying Disney gift cards we get $6 in free gas for every $50 spent on disney gift cards. ..no limit...Our meal at the BoatHouse in September for 4 adults will be no less than $500, same for Narcoosees and Yaghtman's Steak house.... We are doing the new BoatHouse 4 times for dinner, Narcoosees 3 times, California Grill, YC Steakhouse 3, Le Cellier, Chef's De France, Fulton's 2 and so on.......this is just dinner. We do a sit down for breakfast, 4 adults at the Boma buffet at AKL is no less than $100....As for snacks, we will get a drink, that's what they are for, we will stop at the bakeries and get a snack or funnel cake after fireworks or around 1pm, absolutely. Our souvenirs are always for Goofy's Downtown Disney, so a few snacks go toward that..............and with the changes to the way DxDP can be used confirmed by Disney in and email to me and rumored all over the internet, makes the DxDP almost a no brainer for the remainder of 2015....

 

[sharonabe]

Actually, it can only be a no-brainer for those who book their packages now. As long as you book under current prices, you'll get the current prices. Once they go up (and you know they will), it may no longer by the no-brainer it is right now. And if 2016 packages really are announced on the 22nd, I expect dining plan prices will be going up at that time, and they will probably be effective immediately.

 

[PoohsHunnyBee]

Actually, it can only be a no-brainer for those who book their packages now. As long as you book under current prices, you'll get the current prices. Once they go up (and you know they will), it may no longer by the no-brainer it is right now. And if 2016 packages really are announced on the 22nd, I expect dining plan prices will be going up at that time, and they will probably be effective immediately.

AND assuming unofficial reports are true and Disney won't change things again before your trip. They could easily have more restrictions in place than are now implied. If this works out for some people, fantastic! But know your plans could blow up in your face if Disney doesn't do what you think.

 

[Nancyg56]

AND assuming unofficial reports are true and Disney won't change things again before your trip. They could easily have more restrictions in place than are now implied. If this works out for some people, fantastic! But know your plans could blow up in your face if Disney doesn't do what you think.

I agree. As with any decisions we make in regards to "speculating" on WDW decisions, I think it is important to be happy with your original choice. I booked oe room as DxDDp, and that part of our crew may be the only ones not over on their credits! LOL! But we all all on the DDP and can share their appetizers, which we order anyway. But I will be really happy if we can share the credits as well, it will defray some of the expenses on this trip.

 

[12disneybee]

I agree pooh....
ialso know things can change again. I llockedIin our packages already. Eitherway we will eat very well.

 

[lmcarr49]

Such great insight in this thread. I just booked the DxDP for next year. We love eating a huge breakfast, snacks in between, then signatures for dinner. It just makes sense.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

It has been noted further up the forum that the 2016 DXDDP brochure that is currently being linked from the Disney site does not list appetizers as an entitlement. I dont' know if this counts as a confirmation that appetizers are no longer an entitlement with the deluxe plan, or if a mistake was made assembling the deluxe brochure.

 

[supersnoop]

It has been noted further up the forum that the 2016 DXDDP brochure that is currently being linked from the Disney site does not list appetizers as an entitlement. I dont' know if this counts as a confirmation that appetizers are no longer an entitlement with the deluxe plan, or if a mistake was made assembling the deluxe brochure.

I'm betting on "mistake" for now.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

They're listed on in-room dining but noplace else, so it's most likely an error. But they're going to have to put up with a lot of angry calls!

 

[Baklava]

I think it is actually easier to get value out of the Deluxe plan than the DDP. Especially if you eat at Signatures.

I wish they did a plan between the two though, we like breakfast in the room so 2 credits a day would be great for us.

We'd love 2 TS and 1 QS (Or 1 TS and 2 QS) per day. My guys can't get by on 2 meals a day, but we don't really need 3 TS. I suspect we'll end up using all those snack credits for gifts to take to the folks back home.

 

[Three cats]

I'm betting on "mistake" for now.

I really hope so. We love the plan as it is!

 

[supersnoop]

We'd love 2 TS and 1 QS (Or 1 TS and 2 QS) per day.

That's exactly what the deluxe plan is. Well, three "meal" credits per day. It's just really expensive.

 

[Baklava]

That's exactly what the deluxe plan is. Well, three "meal" credits per day. It's just really expensive.

It's 3 TS meals a day and while you can downgrade, the price reflects that higher cost. I'm saying I'd like an option priced to reflect only using 1 or 2 TS and the others as QS.

 

[PoohsHunnyBee]

It's 3 TS meals a day and while you can downgrade, the price reflects that higher cost. I'm saying I'd like an option priced to reflect only using 1 or 2 TS and the others as QS.

Have you tried the regular plan and paying for the extra meal OOP? I would think that would work better, but of course not everything is paid for in advance that way...But it never really is with tips and alcoholic beverages or other items not covered anyway.

 

[Baklava]

Have you tried the regular plan and paying for the extra meal OOP? I would think that would work better, but of course not everything is paid for in advance that way...But it never really is with tips and alcoholic beverages or other items not covered anyway.

I'm crunching numbers right now. It's looking like we'd save a couple hundred by paying OOP- unless free dining happens. (Our dates are when it historically happens, so we're crossing our fingers for some pixie dust!)

 

[supersnoop]

It's 3 TS meals a day and while you can downgrade, the price reflects that higher cost. I'm saying I'd like an option priced to reflect only using 1 or 2 TS and the others as QS.

No, it's three "meals," table or counter service. It's a plan that meets your needs other than the price. People say all the time how they get the plan for the convenience, but you're asking for a plan with increased restrictions for a reduced price. That's not the business that Disney is in.

 

[Baklava]

No, it's three "meals," table or counter service. It's a plan that meets your needs other than the price. People say all the time how they get the plan for the convenience, but you're asking for a plan with increased restrictions for a reduced price. That's not the business that Disney is in.

You may call it whatever amuses you.