Disney Dining EXPERIENCE question

[snackyx]

As DVC members we go to WDW 2-3 times/year. As I understand the Disney Dining Experience (which requires you to be a FL resident--I'm not--or an annual passholder--I may) is available offering 20% off food and beverage at most Disney restaurants. I am doing the numbers to see if it is worth it to actually purchase annual passes and get the DDE. Here are my questions:

1. The DDE is for 20% off food and beverage? Does this include alcoholic beverges? If I buy a bottle of wine at a participating restaurant it is 20% off?

2. The fee for the DDE is $60/year and is good for up to ten people at on one check? So my cost, after purchasing an annual pass, is just $60 for the 20% discount for up to ten people? The other nine people do not have to be annual passholders or FL residents or do not have to have a DDE card, just have to be with me at the restaurant and on my check--correct?

Can I purchase one annual pass and pay the $60 fee and get the 20% for one year? ...and this one DDE membership could apply to up to ten people on one check?

3. Once the $60 fee is paid, is this card good for one year from the time it is issued? From the time it is first used? No time limit?

We typically visit many of the better Disney restaurants (California Grill, Flying Fish, Narcoosses) and the tab can get up there. 20% off everything could be a pretty enticing incentive. Any help/comments appreciated!

 

[mouseclick1]

1. Yes, the discount includes alcoholic beverages. We have never purchased a bottle of wine so I can't answer that from experience, but I am assuming it would be included. We did purchase other drinks - cocktails, glasses of wine, beer - and did receive the discount on all of those.

2. We were actually part of a group of 10 on our last trip, and I was the one with the DDE. We were able to use it for our entire group at every participating restaurant. Four of us were AP holders (my family), but the other six had 5-day hoppers. It only mattered that I was an AP holder and I had the card. We were the ones footing the entire bill at every restaurant and the DDE really came in handy!

3. I ordered my card in early June 2007, and it expired on June 30th, 2008. The expiration date is based on when the card is ordered, not the first time it is used.

Since you say that you like to dine at the more expensive restaurants, I would say the card is definitely worth it. Especially if you order alcoholic drinks, and if you dine with a larger party. We literally saved hundreds of dollars in only 6 days during Easter, but like I said, we were with a party of 10. We had also done a weekend trip earlier in the year with just the four of us, and used the card then as well.

 

[Telcogirl]

We did DDE for the first time last week. In the past, we have done the Dining Plan, but with the changes that were made this year, it is no longer as good a value to us.

My husband holds the AP. He paid $60 for the DDE card and it is valid for us unti 8/31/2009. It seems they give you an extra month to use it, which is great!

We could use the DDE card for dinner for up to 10 people in our party. The other nine people do not have to be AP holders.

It also covers alcohol. So, yes, you would get 20% off of your bottle of wine.

We dined at Jiko, Narcoosee's, Coral Reef, and saved a lot of $$$. The card paid for itself after the first dinner.

DDE can also be used at select Counter Service locations. Guest Relations will give you a sheet with the participating locations. We stayed at Saratoga Springs and the Artist Palette and Turg Club Bar were both eligible for the DDE.

Every lit bit of saved $$$ helps. We have been converted to DDE and we find it to be a great value.

 

[plantman]

The new DDE plan will give you the 20% off the bill but than a 20% tip is added.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I'm pretty sure it's an 18% tip.

The DDE card also gives a discount at the food court in Pop. Also at the Flame Barbecue in AK and other places, I've printed out a list from Allears and keep it with me on vacations.

Bobbi

 

[snackyx]

The new DDE plan will give you the 20% off the bill but than a 20% tip is added.

In fairness, though, you would have added a tip anyway (and I think they are adding 18%)--now it is just required.

Thanks for all the input. Does the card have to be ordered through MS or can it be purchased online? I would want to order it just before our next visit (late December) but still have the card in time for the trip. Can the card be picked up at WDW or does it have to be mailed? How long does it take once you order to receive?

One other possible snafu--I am currently not an annual passholder and I would have to purchase this first to be eligable for th DDE card. I understand I can buy the AP online with the DVD discount and receive a voucher to exchange at WDW to activate the AP. Is this an issue getting the DDE card--in other words, does the annual pass have to be activated to join DDE or does the fact that I bought it and had the voucher proof enough?

 

[emlutz23]

One other possible snafu--I am currently not an annual passholder and I would have to purchase this first to be eligable for th DDE card. I understand I can buy the AP online with the DVD discount and receive a voucher to exchange at WDW to activate the AP. Is this an issue getting the DDE card--in other words, does the annual pass have to be activated to join DDE or does the fact that I bought it and had the voucher proof enough?

I'm interested in the answer to this as well.

My DH and I are going twice next year (one trip sans kids! ) and we are going to get the AP for the 2 of us. I'm thinking we'll do the DDE since that will give us more discounts than just using our DVC card and my DD, DM, and DB can get in on the discount too since they'll be eating with us.

Can I call MS and order the AP through them? And if so can I also buy the DDE card in the same phone conversation?

 

[mouseclick1]

I honestly don't exactly remember what number I called, but I think I got the phone # off the annual passholder's site. I know I did not call MS. It took about 2 weeks for it to arrive in the mail. I was worried that it might not arrive before our trip, but it did. I think you can pick your card up at WDW, but am not positive so hopefully someone else can verify this.

I only needed the AP voucher to order the DDE card. I did not activate my AP until we arrived at WDW.

 

[crisi]

I purchased both the AP then the DDE right at guest services. Easy.

Note that not all restaurants accept the DDE - most table service places do, but a few don't. Very few counter service places do, but a few do. So you do need to be aware of where you are eating - but for what you describe, unless you regularly stiff your servers, I think it would be a good deal.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I purchased both the AP then the DDE right at guest services. Easy.

Note that not all restaurants accept the DDE - most table service places do, but a few don't. Very few counter service places do, but a few do. So you do need to be aware of where you are eating - but for what you describe, unless you regularly stiff your servers, I think it would be a good deal.

We did the same at Guest Services at DTD. We have gotten our PAPs at the theme parks in the past.

 

[emlutz23]

Note that not all restaurants accept the DDE - most table service places do, but a few don't. Very few counter service places do, but a few do. So you do need to be aware of where you are eating - but for what you describe, unless you regularly stiff your servers, I think it would be a good deal.

Is there a thread or website with info on what restaurants accept the DDE?

 

[snackyx]

Participating Restaurants and Lounges in the DDE as of February 2008:

All-Star Music Resort
Intermission Food Court

All-Star Sports Resort
End Zone Food Court

All-Star Movies Resort
World Premiere Food Court

Animal Kingdom Lodge
Boma-Flavors of Africa
Jiko-The Cooking Place
Victoria Falls

Beach Club Resort
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
(eat in only)
Cape May Cafe
Martha's Vineyard Lounge

BoardWalk
Belle Vue Lounge
ESPN Club
Flying Fish Cafe
Spoodles

Eagle Pines and Osprey Ridge Golf Club
Sand Trap Bar & Grill

Caribbean Beach Resort
Shutters at Old Port Royale

Contemporary Resort
California Grill
Chef Mickey's
Concourse Steakhouse
Outer Rim Lounge

Coronado Springs Resort
Maya Grill

Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Crockett's Tavern
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (9:30 p.m. show only, offered seasonally)
Trail's End Restaurant

Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
1900 Park Fare
Cítricos
Garden View Lounge
Grand Floridian Cafe
Mizner's Lounge
Narcoossee's
Victoria & Albert's (excluding Chef's Table)

Old Key West Resort
Olivia's Cafe

Polynesian Resort
'Ohana
Kona Cafe
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show (late show only)
Tambu Lounge

Pop Century Resort
Everything Pop Dining
Classic Concoctions

Port Orleans Resort
Riverside:
Boatwright's Dining Hall
River Roost
French Quarter:
Scat Cat's Club
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory

Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
The Turf Club Bar and Grill
Artist's Palette

Wilderness Lodge
Artist Point
Territory Lounge
Whispering Canyon Cafe

Yacht Club Resort
Ale and Compass Lounge
Crew's Cup Lounge
Captain's Grille
Yachtsman Steakhouse

DOWNTOWN DISNEY Marketplace
Cap'n Jack's Restaurant

DOWNTOWN DISNEY Pleasure Island
Raglan Road

DOWNTOWN DISNEY West Side
Planet Hollywood

Epcot
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Biergarten Restaurant
Bistro de Paris Restaurant
Chefs de France Restaurant
Coral Reef Restaurant
Tutto Italia Ristorante
Le Cellier Steakhouse
Nine Dragons Restaurant
Restaurant Marrakesh
Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room
San Angel Inn Restaurante
The Garden Grill Restaurant

Disney's Hollywood Studios
50's Prime Time Cafe
Hollywood & Vine
Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
The Hollywood Brown Derby
Tune-In Lounge

Magic Kingdom
Cinderella's Royal Table
Liberty Tree Tavern
The Crystal Palace
The Plaza Restaurant
Tony's Town Square Restaurant

Animal Kingdom
Tusker House Restaurant
Pizzafari
Flame Tree Barbecue
Restaurantosaurus

Disney's Vero Beach Resort
The Green Cabin Room
Shutters Restaurant
Sonya's Fine Steaks & Chops (Sunday Brunch not included)

Entertainment & Dancing:

DOWNTOWN DISNEY Pleasure Island:
Half price admission to Pleasure Island Clubs for members and guest;
except for specially priced events

Atlantic Dance Hall - Disney’s BoardWalk:
Admission is free for members

 

[emlutz23]

Anwered my own question and found the list from the dining link above!

 

[emlutz23]

Thanks snackyx!

 

[snackyx]

Just got off the phone with DDE rep and they said you can purchase the annual pass and the DDE card from guest services in one visit--no need to purchase ahead via the internet and no need to sweat out whether everything arrives in the mail by the time you leave for WDW.

 

[Disney_Daddy]

One of the best perks is that you can use the card at the Artist's Palette at SSR. This alone saves my family a bundle.

We stay at SSR quite a bit and the little stops to pick up breakfast before heading to a park or lunch while at the pool sure do add up fast.

 

[Dean]

Don't forget there are some discounts simply being a DVC member. Also the AP has a few other perks itself in addition.

 

[ADAMANDLISA]

We purchased our AP's and DDE card the first day of our vacation.

Our purchase date for DDE card was 5/19/08 and it expires 6/30/09.

Just a side note, if trying to figure out how much bills will be:

1. The 18% tip is taken off the ORIGINAL price, not after the 20% is removed.

2. Tax can be figured by taking 20% off the original amount and then adding 6.5%

Final bill:

Original amount $37.98

After 20% off $30.38
Plus Tax 6.5% $ 1.98
Plus 18% tip $ 6.84 remember to take 18% off original amount
-----------------------
Final total $39.20

 

[noname70]

Don't forget there are some discounts simply being a DVC member. Also the AP has a few other perks itself in addition.

Although I saved with the DDE, I think that the discounts available thru my AP and DVC card would have saved me more if you factor in the $60.

Additionally, I found myself eating more table service than I would normally (without DDE) so it may have actually cost me more.

 

[bobbiwoz]

One of the best perks is that you can use the card at the Artist's Palette at SSR. This alone saves my family a bundle.

We stay at SSR quite a bit and the little stops to pick up breakfast before heading to a park or lunch while at the pool sure do add up fast.

This is very good to know! I just booked an SSR stay
Thank you.
Bobbi