Dining Experience Card Question?

[WDWfeelslikehome]

I was looking at getting the DDC for our upcoming trip. It gives 20% off dining at many locations that we will be using. But then in reading on the AP site I noticed that 18% gratuity is added to all orders, regardless of party size. Is this 18% rule in effect for all orders even without the DDC card now too, regardless of party size? I remember hearing about the 18%, but I thought there was a minimum party number, and since there are only 3 of us, I want to make sure it's worth the cost of the card for us.

 

[shellybaxter]

I was looking at getting the DDC for our upcoming trip. It gives 20% off dining at many locations that we will be using. But then in reading on the AP site I noticed that 18% gratuity is added to all orders, regardless of party size. Is this 18% rule in effect for all orders even without the DDC card now too, regardless of party size? I remember hearing about the 18%, but I thought there was a minimum party number, and since there are only 3 of us, I want to make sure it's worth the cost of the card for us.

DDE cardmembers have an autogratuity added regardless of party size. Other parties in Disney only have an auto grat if they are a party of six or more. However, unless you weren't planning on tipping, the DDE card will still save you money. You will still receive a 20% discount on your meal but then your tip will be added on by Disney at 18% which for my husband and I is the minimum we usually tip anyway. Even if you usually tip a little less you will still save money

 

[pinkmintz]

We are planning on using the DDE card also. We are going for 14 days in December and I think it will be well worth it.

 

[kmurawski]

You can still customize the tip. 18% is added on automatically but you can increase it or decrease depending on service.

 

[TBDave]

We normally tip 15%-20%, so for us the 18% gratuity is a wash. Actually, I kinda prefer it because I don't have to turn on the calculator section of my brain.

Here's a basic way to figure out if you'll save any money with the DDE Card. If you're an annual passholder, it costs $60. You get 20% off. So if you're going to spend over $300 on eligible table service restaurants, you'll save money.

Keep in mind that it's also good for alcoholic drinks in the restaurants and some hotel bars. You also get half-price Pleasure Island tickets. And you get free valet parking at hotels, which can be a lifesaver when it's pouring outside.

 

[WDWfeelslikehome]

We usually tip 15-20% anyway too, so you are right TBDave the 18% does become a wash. We are AP's so I had thought of the $300 ammount too, and in June we'll be there for 12 days, and then another 7-8 in December. We generally have one ADR a day and maybe one CS based on our plans, usually we will eat one meal at the resort/room. It's good to know that some CS's get a discount too, as well as , I think I am sold on the card. Is the process of buying it on property quick and easy, or should I print out the application and mail it in?

 

[eeyoreiscool]

It is fairly easy to do at the parks. This way you get a card immediately and don't have to wait for their mailing cycles to get your card.

 

[TBDave]

Is the process of buying it on property quick and easy, or should I print out the application and mail it in?

I got it at City Hall in the MK. It took about 5-10 minutes tops, it might take longer if there's a line. It's very similar to getting the annual pass. They enter your name and address into the computer, you hand over the cash, they run down the basic rules and give you a card.

 

[pinkmintz]

I did not know that you save 20% on alcoholic drinks but I do know if you use your DDE card at CS meals they do not add the 18% tip. So for us we are stayng on site for 14 days in Dec and we only plan on doing 5 or 6 TS Meals so I think the DDE card is well worth the money.