Disney Dining Experience -- worth it or not?

[wdwfreak]

We were thinking about investing in the DDE for $50. It seems like it would more than pay for itself in just one visit. Can you guys share your experiences with the program, good or bad?

Does it include beverages, alcoholic and/or non? Is it the entire meal (apps and desserts included) or just the entrees? Any help is, as always, greatly appreciated!

 

[CarolynU]

If you eat sit down in the parks and/or resorts and your trip is for a few days then yes , yes , yes the DDE is worth every cent. To begin with we had two in our party and we worked out that we broke even after 4 sit downs where we either shared appetisers or deserts and had entrees each. In most reastaurants the DDE works for drinks either alcoholic or sodas, but not all deducted for those. Perhaps they should, but as the discounts were so good we didn't complain. The discount is good for all the meal not just entrees. I just looked on it that it sort of saved what would have been the extra tip to give the server,so gave the DDE discount back to them. A great offer IMHO.

 

[ElizabethB]

We just returned and thought it was worth it. The discount is for both food and beverages (including wine and beer). We thought it was well worth it. Since we usually tip 20% and I tipped on the non-discounted amount, the DDE discount basically paid for the tip.

 

[marathonmommy]

Just came back from a 5 night trip. Worth it!

 

[Credit Man]

Just returned from a 12 night trip. We saved well over $100 after our $50 outlay. We will be able to use it for 2 more trips. DDE is wonderful.

 

[Stitch 03]

I bought DDE for my trip in May when it was only me dining. Even then I saved $70 for a net gain of $20. Not a bad deal.

Best thing... I now have it for my Dec trip.

 

[ccw]

I'm thinking mine (which i haven't purchased yet but will soon!) might pay for itself in ONE meal for our party of 8 at California Grill!

 

[wanna-b-Tink]

Since we usually tip 20% and I tipped on the non-discounted amount, the DDE discount basically paid for the tip.

We do the same thing.

 

[shoes99]

We just came back and used it in 3 places for a party of 3 or 4. Three ate at Canada for lunch (-$6.19), four ate at Germany for dinner (-$19.51) , and three ate at Brown Derby (-$20.00) for lunch.
We also used our Rainforest Cafe card in AK and got a (-$3.00) discount.

We thought it was a good deal and our card is good until August 31, 2006.

 

[pooch]

what is this?

 

[Bayshore Bandit]

The DDE is a fantastic deal. We were down at WDW for the first 2 weeks
in Aug. (family of 4, 2 kids), and we saved $178.00 net. We'll be taking
our 2nd trip next June, so we'll get 2 trips out of the card in one calendar year.

 

[swilphil]

what is this?

DDE is the discount card you can buy for $50 if you are an AP holder. You get 20 percent off of all sit down restaurants, plus counter service restaurants in AK and at Value resorts. There are a few other club discounts as well.

It is definitely worth the investment if you plan on having more than a couple of sitdown meals, and if you have a large group or go to one of the more expensive restaurants it will pay for itself after one meal. It most definitely includes alcoholic drinks at all restaurants and most of the resort/park bars, as well as their appetizers.

 

[jiminyfan]

We saved enough on the first few meals of our vacation to cover the cost. WE did a 14 night trip and saved around $300 and yes it includes alcohol (makes the wine affordable).

Along with the others, we usually give a 20% tipo, so this covered the tip.

a great deal and we have at least one trip already planned int he time frame and maybe another next Spring.

 

[callmecal]

Can the cards be purchased at the parks? Or must you order them via phone? Going in less than 2 weeks, so want to know if I can get one for this trip....

 

[allicat]

We just came back from a 6 night stay. It more than paid for itself!

Callmecal-you need to order by phone. If your trip is coming up soon,they will provide you with a temporary card that can be picked up at Epcot guest relations( outside the main entrance to Epcot)

 

[tomerin]

we used our card for our 10 day stay. for the first 4 days my brother and his family we there with us so we had 8 people. the meals with them alone we saved almost 120 and the rest of the trip we saved almost 90 more so it was well worth it for us. especially since we look at eating at the different restureants as something that is as important as enjoying all of the attractions.