Deluxe dining plan VS. DDE

[JMLBrats]

Here's the deal:
1)we already have a DDE that will be valid during our trip.
2)we're DVC members so we don't have to buy park tickets if we do the dining plan
3)we want to use the plan to do 2 sit down meals a day
4)believe it or not, we don't want to use it for signature meals which means there will be left over credits.
5)we drive so we could potentially use snack credits and maybe a few left over meal credits to pack for lunch on the way home

Here's a senario: do a late character meal breakfast. Do an early dinner. Use the third credit that day for a CS credit if we or the kids are hungry late at night before bed. Question is, is it still worth it to do this? From what I can tell, it seems that if the app was included like it used to be it'd be a no brainer to do the plan, but without that....& without the tip included, is it still worth it? I know it's silly, but I do like the fact that you get the free mug w/this plan but obviously that's not a huge deciding factor. Any thoughts? I also like the option of being able to order the kids whatever food w/the DDE, but at the places we'll be going to it will generally have the kind of kids meals they like anyway so that's not a big deal either....Can you see I'm confused here

 

[TDC Nala]

If you're talking about the deluxe dining plan, the appetizers ARE included. However, that's not relevant at character meals. They're all buffets or fixed-price family style meals. If that's what you're going to do, you might as well get the basic dining plan. If you want to do a dining plan, it sounds like basic may be much better for you than the deluxe. To get the maximum value out of the deluxe, you should eat 3 TS meals per day or go to signature restaurants. What if you're not hungry at night and you don't want to use up that third credit? You'll have lots of credits left over and that is not the way to get value out of this plan.

Children under 10 are restricted to the child's menu on both the basic and deluxe dining plan.

On the other hand, if you want to attend character meals plus sit-down restaurants, and not much counter service, look into how much you'd save just using DDE. That might work out especially well if you are staying at a resort that takes DDE in its food court (values, POFQ, SSR)

 

[BCV23]

It is 3 credits per night not day though. So if you'll be there 5 nights you can use your credits through six days including checkin and checkout.

But on the face of it, DDE looks as if would work better for you.

And if you think your children would like to order from the adult menu, DDE fits the bill for that.

 

[JMLBrats]

If you're talking about the deluxe dining plan, the appetizers ARE included. However, that's not relevant at character meals. They're all buffets or fixed-price family style meals. If that's what you're going to do, you might as well get the basic dining plan. If you want to do a dining plan, it sounds like basic may be much better for you than the deluxe. To get the maximum value out of the deluxe, you should eat 3 TS meals per day or go to signature restaurants. What if you're not hungry at night and you don't want to use up that third credit? You'll have lots of credits left over and that is not the way to get value out of this plan.

Children under 10 are restricted to the child's menu on both the basic and deluxe dining plan.

On the other hand, if you want to attend character meals plus sit-down restaurants, and not much counter service, look into how much you'd save just using DDE. That might work out especially well if you are staying at a resort that takes DDE in its food court (values, POFQ, SSR)

Thanks for pointing out that the app is included w/the Deluxe plan-I must've read through it too fast!
But.......I'm pretty sure that just doing 2 sit down meals a day can easily run $60+ for 1 adult so I'm actually leaning towards the plan. the only thing I hate about the plans is all the actual "Planning" that needs to be done to get your money's worth. We do it every year (for the last few years) and this year we had decided to relax and wing it a little bit but I don't think I can just sit back and have no reservations if we're doing deluxe!
Someone in a newer thread, just did a preliminary comparison of (reg) DDP VS. DDE and found that the plan ended up being a better deal.
As far as kids meals go, the restaurants we're going to actually have very nice kids meals..(.I'll post which ones they are later, can't think of all of them now) so I'm actually okay w/the kids meals in these instances.

 

[Krmrr]

I switched over to the DxDDP. I ran the numbers. Our cheapest day would be $87/person, usually well over $100/day. Since we don't drink alcoholic drinks, that is not a factor. Our average savings will be about $14/day ($24/day if I add in the cost of the DDE) not counting the snacks or the refillable mug. In fact, the savings are almost entirely equal to the tax on the meals.

With it this close, minor changes can affect the result. For example, if we are not that hungry and don't get desserts at Chefs de France, the DDE would probably be better that day.

People who say the DDE works best for them are telling the truth, as are those who prefer the regular DDP and the Deluxe. Without any plan, my DW and I would probably spend a lot less money on meals. I have psychological problems when I look at a menu and see a 1/4 chicken, green beans and mashed potatoes for $26. I really have trouble with paying $16 per gallon for bottled water. But, if I prepay, HEY, I'M ON VACATION! Am counting down the days.

Best Wishes

 

[JMLBrats]

I switched over to the DxDDP. I ran the numbers. Our cheapest day would be $87/person, usually well over $100/day. Since we don't drink alcoholic drinks, that is not a factor. Our average savings will be about $14/day ($24/day if I add in the cost of the DDE) not counting the snacks or the refillable mug. In fact, the savings are almost entirely equal to the tax on the meals.

With it this close, minor changes can affect the result. For example, if we are not that hungry and don't get desserts at Chefs de France, the DDE would probably be better that day.

People who say the DDE works best for them are telling the truth, as are those who prefer the regular DDP and the Deluxe. Without any plan, my DW and I would probably spend a lot less money on meals. I have psychological problems when I look at a menu and see a 1/4 chicken, green beans and mashed potatoes for $26. I really have trouble with paying $16 per gallon for bottled water. But, if I prepay, HEY, I'M ON VACATION! Am counting down the days.

Best Wishes

Exactly the same attitude I usually have about it. I think that's why I'm leaning towards the plan. That way, hey, it's paid for-we don't have to worry about shelling out anymore money (especially w/the deluxe plan)- just sit back and enjoy vacationing w/out the added stress of food costs. Well okay, we will have to pay extra for a few drinks, but that's where the DDE comes in handy...