Dining Experience Question

[oldkeywestfan]

I've been hanging around the DIS for a few months now and even posted a little here and there but there is one thing I can't figure out. I know about the Dining Experience that can be purchased with a vacation package, but is this available to members staying on points? Is it really worth it? We usually prepare some of our own meals but generally eat out about 2 meals per day as we always have to do a character breakfast, as well as eat dinner at some of our favorite spots (love that Rose & Crown). If this is possible to do would love some feedback on how it worked out. I understand there are some limitations to the program, but how limited is it? ANY help is appreciated!!

 

[dizplanner]

There are two dining options that I think you are getting confused.

First there is the Disney Dining Experience (DDE) that is a discount card. This can be purchased for $75 by Florida residents or $50 for Annual Passholders. It gives you 20% off all meals and alcohol at most table service restaurants and a few counter services (basicly where there are no table service available). The discount is good for up to 10 people.

The second program is the MYW Dining option. This can only be purchased as part of a package - rack rate room for at least 3 days and tickets (at least one day). This costs ~$35/adult, $10/age 3-9 per night. (NOTE these are the costs for 2005 - it will likely be higher for 2006 - I saw one message that listed the prices as $38/$11). You have to purchase it for everyone in the room for all nights of your stay. You get a counter service credit, a table service credit and a snack per person per night. They are good from the time you check in until midnight of the day you check out. If you are staying on points you cannot get this option.

Now - as to whether they are worth it or which option to get - the best way for me is to look at All Ears menus, add up the cost of the meals you would like and compare the costs. For DDE, if you are already getting an AP, you need to spend over $250 at participating restaurants to break even. If you are not already getting an AP, you have to factor in the additional cost of an AP and see where the breakeven point is.

For MYW Dining Plan, ff you are already paying rack rate and were going to get your tickets from Disney, you only have to figure out if you can eat $35 a day - pretty easy to do - plus you will probably get more food on the plan. If you have a discounted room (AAA or AP) and plan to buy discounted tickets from TicketMania or similar place, it will be harder to breakeven as you have to add the additonal cost for these things to the cost of the dining plan. Other people like the dining plan because it is paid in advance and they can order what they want with no concern for cost.

Bottom line, only you can decide if it makes sense for your family based on your eating habits and desires.

 

[CarolMN]

Kind of sounds like you are confusi8ng the Dining Experience Discount Card with the Dining package add on to Magic Your Way packages.

The DDE card is available to anyone who is either a Florida resident or has an AP or PAP. It costs $75 (Fl residents) or $50 (passholders), and gives you a 20% discount on meals and beverages (including alcohol) at most WDW restaurants.

The DDE is often discussed here becasue many DVC members have annual or premium annual passes - especaill now that there is such a nice discount on those for DVC members.

The dining package (pay $35 per day for an adult and get 1 TS, 1 CS and snack) is not available to DVC members. We have been told by MS that they are working on adding this ability to our reservations, but we have no date when this will happen.

To get the dining package, you must add it on to a room & ticket package boojked for cash via CRO/WDWTC. FWIW, the room is at rack rate for the packages. So the dining add on may not be the best deal for anyone who can get a discounted room or already has an annual pass and doesn't need tickets.


Hoe that helps to clear some of the confusion.

Best wishes-

 

[oldkeywestfan]

I appreciate the info, you are correct that I was confusing the 2 programs. We are already AP holders so I think it may be a good deal to go ahead and get the DDE card. Am I correct that I will only need to purchase 1 card and this will do for everyone, not to exceed 10? Where can I get this at, can MS do this or do I need to purchase somewhere on site?

 

[Mike]

I appreciate the info, you are correct that I was confusing the 2 programs. We are already AP holders so I think it may be a good deal to go ahead and get the DDE card. Am I correct that I will only need to purchase 1 card and this will do for everyone, not to exceed 10? Where can I get this at, can MS do this or do I need to purchase somewhere on site?

Check out this link http://allearsnet.com/din/dde.htm

 

[oldkeywestfan]

Mike, thanks for the link! I am just learning my way around some of the "unofficial" disney sites and here is another one for the favorites list.

This site (DIS) has proven to be the source of all disney questions for me. I haven't had to post many questions yet as I've found with a little searching the answers are already here.

I hope to be one that can answer some of these questions as time goes on.

Thanks to one and all!!

 

[chimera]

We got the DDE card recently after falling in love with Boma

I think the biggest problem with it is that we'll now be eating at the more expensive table service restaurants since we get the discount

One thing about DDE that's really cool is that it can be used at the counter service restaurants in AK.

Oh...and they'll give you one card plus a spouse/domestic partner card.

 

[LisaS]

I think the biggest problem with it is that we'll now be eating at the more expensive table service restaurants since we get the discount

The other "problem" is that the DDE discount includes alcohol. Boma and Jiko serve some really wonderful South African wines. I used to have wine with dinner at WDW only on special occasions, but now that we have the DDE card I've been indulging more often than not!

 

[happiest in Disney]

When you call for the DDE card. What do you need to show for proof of Residence? and Is your name on the card? Just thinking here....hmnnn. My Husbands Mom lives in Florida. How does it work? Do you have to show florida license when using the card or just the card?
Thanks

 

[byoung]

DDE will save you. We have saved over $800 since January.

 

[Chuck S]

When you call for the DDE card. What do you need to show for proof of Residence? and Is your name on the card? Just thinking here....hmnnn. My Husbands Mom lives in Florida. How does it work? Do you have to show florida license when using the card or just the card?
Thanks

Yes, your name is on the card. You are usually (but not always) asked for ID when you use it.

You could always buy an annual pass and be eligible to get the DDE, the ruls are you must be a Florida Resident OR an annual pass holder to get the card.