DDP vs TiW/DDE

[vascubaguy]

Ok, I've been playing around with the math and wondering if anyone else has done the same and come to similar findings.

For our 2 trips planned for next year, I have been debating whether to to the TiW, DDP, DlxDDP, or QSDDP. My goal is to try as many Signature meals as possible in the next 2 trips (including V&A's one night).

From what I can tell, it looks like only using the TiW would be better than any of the dining plans and better than trying to combine any of the dining plans with the TiW discount. Basically what I did was pick 1 app, 1 entree, 1 dessert, and a soda for dinner each night at a sig restaurant (approx $50-60). I then added the Boma breakfast buffet ($16.99) to each day and calculated the 20% discount. So for 1 day, using $60+16.99 we'd be looking at $61.59 + tax and gratuity. The deluxeDDP is 71.99. There will be at least 2 of us on each of the trips and we likely won't order 2 appetizers and might not order 2 desserts at each meal, and we likely won't always eat a buffet breakfast... and we don't want to get the QSDDP and force ourselves to have 2 CS each day AND then have a big dinner. (If only the TiW included CS discounts....)....

Anyone else been pondering this type of dilema?

 

[dianeschlicht]

DH did a lot of calculating after each of the last 4 trips. We had DDP on 3 of them and just used the DDE card on the other one. We found the DDP was great for using at the Signatures, but it was less so this year when the Appetizers and tip were not included. He calculated that TIW is the best bet for us right now, and probably in the future until they change things again.

 

[CraftyMouse]

We never purchase the dining plan because we feel that the TiW card saves us more money. With the TiW card you aren't held to certain items or a certain amount of food. You can order what you want and get the discount on those items.

Not only does TiW save us money, with the DDP we would end up with far too much food. DD16 and I often share an entree so with the DDP we'd either have left over food credits or we'd be eating more (or wasting more) food.

 

[ChelleinNC]

We've also done the math many many many times and find that the TiW card works much better for us.

Regular DDP is approx $40 we break it down as snack $4, CS $10 and TS $25. Even at the Signature restaurants, most entrees aren't $50 so we don't feel that it's worth 2 TS credits and we eat 1-2 Signature meals per trip. We also like to occasionally have a drink with a meal and the TiW is good for a whole year, not one trip.

There are several CS locations that accept TiW/DDE including Pizzafari, Flame Tree, Artist's Palette @ SSR, and food courts at All Stars & Pop, and Sand Trap Bar & Grill at Osprey Ridge golf course.

 

[BCV23]

We just did the deluxe for the first flour nights of a 12 night stay (three different resorts). We saved a bit more than we would have using just DDE. But we love appetizers and ordered them at every meal. We also did order dessert at most meals even if a fruit plate or sorbet. Basically, we saved a little over 20% without counting the snacks or mugs. I think it's amazing that the savings are so close with the two.

I don't think signature meals are the best use of the DDP trying to maximize savings.

DDE can be used at V&A (although not the Chef's Table) but the deluxe plan can not.

Given your plans as well as the extra flexibility that DDE affords in case of a change in plans, illness, etc., I think DDE is your best bet.

Happy planning!

 

[vascubaguy]

Thanks for the feedback.

TiW it is!

 

[TDC Nala]

Without the tip and appetizer included, I do not use DDP. I prefer to order what I want from the menu rather than being limited to one entree and one dessert, especially at a signature because they usually have great appetizers, and you cannot substitute an appetizer for your dessert. DxDP is too expensive and covers too many meals and there is still that pesky dessert. I usually dont' order desserts. and with TIW I get discounts on booze.

The discount on V&A alone (assuming you aren't at the Chef's Table which doesn't accept TIW) should make the TIW membership worth it for you.

How often will you eat CS? I don't think I need discounts on CS meals if I am eating mostly TS. And there are some CS that will accept TIW.

 

[anonymousegirl]

I didn't do the math (I hate math ) but I do use the TiW card as I find it simpler. I listen as servers around me spend time at each new table explaining what is or is not allowed on DDP. It can be confusing.

Also, I prefer not worrying about whether something is included or not, or whether I have to eat to use up the credits. It is also valid for alcohol

Also, as another poster pointed out, TiW card is good for a whole year. If you are an AP holder it only costs $60 and it paid for itself on the first of three trips this year.

 

[DeeCee735]

I too calculate TOO much. This time I decided that I'm going to get the DDP (basic), and DDE with my AP, because.....we are travelling with our kids and my DD DBF. All are 19 years old. Therefore, I want to use the DDE for when we are all eating a meal together, and the DDP credits when we are separated. I think 999.00 for the 5 nights for all five of us is a reasonable amount of money for the DDP, and the DDE will be a nice discount when we are eating together, which will probably only be 2 or 3 main meals, so we'll see how this works out.

I plan to keep every single receipt! Total them all up after the trip, add in the cost of the DDP and then decide if it was worth it or not.

 

[alldiz]

IMO the regular DDP is not good to use for signature restaurants anymore.

In the future I will probably just use TIW card....except at F&W festival....those snack credits at the kiosks were a godsend.

For us it worked...with those snacks and dinner at places like Chefs de france, Boma, Ohana, Whispering Canyon...we did still save money with DDP.
Kerri