DDP with a DVC reservation

[itutorfortravel]

Hello, we've never purchased the DDP before. My daughter and a friend are using our DVC in May and I'm trying to decide if I should encourage them to purchase the DDP or not.

They plan to eat at Teppan Edo, Cape May Character Breakfast, and Sci-Fi Dine In.

I do believe they will take advantage of getting an adult beverage at lunch and dinner.

Does anyone have any advice or thoughts on this?

And in general, is it a pain to have to ask all the time what is included and not, to the point that it's more frustrating to try to use the plan than it's worth? I definitely see the advantage of having paid for meals in advance, but I don't want it to be alot of "work" for them to have to figure out what counts and what doesn't.

 

[TexasJedi]

The plan's rules on what is/isn't included is pretty straightforward, but the bigger question that would be what's most important?

If money/value is a key factor, financially, the DDP rarely makes sense, so it's typically a "no" for the DDP. While it is possible to come out ahead, in the vast majority of cases, if you look at the menu, add the prices of what you'd like to order and compare it to the plan, you will usually come out ahead over the course of the trip paying a la carte rather than buying the DDP.

If convenience/guilt-free splurges on a couple of more expensive entrees are more important than the financial aspect, go for it. It can be nice, and it can help you feel like you're spending less while you're there since that money has all been paid in advance.

Either way, they'll need to pay for tip, so it doesn't really speed up the transaction process or anything to have the DDP.

 

[jillt2ph]

I always make the decision based on where I plan on eating during my trip, or those specific days. I do a lot of split stays and like to add the dining plan to the first reservation for the trip (Usually one or 2 days). If they plan on getting the alcoholic beverage with each meal, it is pretty easy to break even. Sci-Fi is not so much a getting a bang for your buck place, but it's close enough (Orbiting Oreo drink for the win!!). I enjoy the ease of using the plan. I am also someone who buys a mug every trip.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I won't pay for the DDP. I've heard too many stories of people paying and someone gets ill and can't make it to several meals, the heat gets to you and you end up ordering lighter/cheaper meals, you aren't in the mood for those more expensive meals anymore so you lose some value, something comes up and you have to cancel your ADR, etc.

I've done it when it's been "free" but I will never pay outright for it. We rented DVC points for our May trip and will not be paying for the DDP plan.