Does AP & Dining discount make sense?

[Disneyenthusiast]

We are considering staying for 12 nights at POR or splitting between CSR & POR because of the 10 day maximum on a reservation. We are 2 adults who like good dining with views, quiet places, booths and bars with views.

With this in mind, would we gain by purchasing an AP so that we can qualify for the dining card (for discounts on T/S & drinks) or should we just pay cash and forget it. We are not CS folks, so I'm not sure that the DDP with its restrictions will be to our advantage. Thanks.

 

[Martha7]

We stayed for a week last time, and found that the DDE really saved us a lot of money! We had AP's as well. What I liked about the DDE is that it's good practically everywhere, and you wouldn't be limited as to how many TS meals per day, etc., as you've already stated. Have a great trip!

 

[IluvKingLouis]

I did the math on this several months ago and this is what I came up with. (Because we were 3 adults and one child it would have been very close to breakeven, but since our kiddo is three, we knew we’d end up at counter service so we passed on it).

Here was my breakeven analysis.

The difference in the cost of AP (buy just one) $442.00 vs. 10 day park hopper for $266.00 is $176.00.

Difference in park admission ($176) price plus $60.00 (reduced DDE for AP) is $236. Divide that by .20, and you’d have to spend $1180 on food/beverages for your breakeven. Or $59.00 each/ per day. It would be tough to do that, but not impossible.

Or you could just spend $80.00 for the regular rate of the DDE putting your breakeven at just $400.00.

If you could save on your accommodations by having the AP then I’d go that route. I would look for a savings of around $151.00 (176.00 less the $25.00 DDE discount), in order for it to make sense.

I have heard that on the DDP you can combine two CS's for a nice sitdown. If you are the type that would normally order an appetizer, entree, and desert, then I understand it's a good value.

I hope this helps.

 

[Kycha]

Or you could just spend $80.00 for the regular rate of the DDE putting your breakeven at just $400.00.

This is the Florida Resident rate. DDE is only offered to AP holders and Florida Residents.

I have heard that on the DDP you can combine two CS's for a nice sitdown. If you are the type that would normally order an appetizer, entree, and desert, then I understand it's a good value.

I have never heard anywhere that you could combine CS's to upgrade to a TS meal. I have heard that you can use your TS credit for a CS meal.

I do agree with KingLouis about the room savings. If you can get an AP discount for your resort stay, than that would definitely justify purchasing the AP. I wouldn't do it just to get the DDE.

 

[hercamore]

You will be save some big bucks by getting the AP and the DDE card. That 20% off table service is going to add up fast if you do two meals a day.

herc.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Keep in mind that DDE includes discount on alcholic beverages as well--good at resort bars....and I think in EPCOT sitdown the alcohol would be discounted.

 

[disney1990]

The other thing to remember is that the DDE card is value where there is no sit down restaurant available. You can use it to Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter, Pop Century, the 3 All Stars Restaurants. Plus, you can use it at Pizzafari and Tusker House in Animal Kingdom. It adds up fast.

 

[graygables]

Since you also get the resort discount w/ the AP, for us, it was well worth it for me to get an AP. You only need one for the discounts, so DH gets a park hopper and I got the chance to go back! I've put my numbers away, but in rack rate and dining savings, my admission was free on the 3 trips I used it for. "See, honey, Disney PAID ME to come to the parks!!!" Hmmm...he didn't buy it, either.