DVC on the DDP

[dgb]

Hi All,

We're almost DVC members. Until now we've always gone to Disney and included the Disney Dining Plan (the basic one counter service, one table service and snack) on our reservation while staying at moderate resorts.

For our next trip we'll be DVC members. My question is around whether DVC members use the DDP, or whether members find that their savings as DVC members negate the value of the DDP. I've also heard about the Disney Dining Experience, and that DVC members get a discount, but I'm not 100% clear on what it is. It would be great if someone could let me know. Thanks!

 

[dianeschlicht]

To get DDP, you must pay the out of pocket going rate for it. I think that's $38 per adult per day right now. The DDE is a discount card DVC members and Florida residents can purchase if they hold an AP. You really only need one DDE card per family, so for $65, we can get about a 20% discount on the bill at most places we like to go to. Since we generally tip about 20%, it's like getting it tip free.

One other difference is that the DDE card covers alcoholic beverages as well, which the DDP does not. Don't forget that DVC members get $100 off the price of an AP also! The AP and the DDE seem to work well for us. We have done the DDP a few times, and have liked it, but now with the changes to it (18% gratuity added and no appetizers), we wont be doing it again. We tend to order appetizers, but never desserts. For that reason, we will be sticking to the DDE card and taking advantage of some of the DVC discounts as well.

 

[Chuck S]

DVC and DDE are not connected. The DDE is available to Annual Passholders or Florida Residents. DVCers can only get the DDE if they are a passholder.

Nothing has been anounced regarding whether the DDP will be available to DVCers in 2009. I'm guessing it will be, since it has been for 2 years or so, but it is renegotiated with Disney Travel from time to time.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I guess I wasn't as clear on that as I intended to be, Chuck.

 

[crisi]

I don't think the dining discounts we get as members is that good.

We used the DDP once, but I wouldn't get it again. A lot of members love it, though, so you need to make the determination on if its worth it.

The DDE is something quite different - its available to AP holders and Florida residents - so it isn't available to DVC members UNLESS you are one of the other two (and many DVC members are AP holders). It costs (I think) $65 and gives you a 20% discount on MOST table service restaurants and a FEW counter service restaurants at Disney - including alcohol and including resort lounges. It automatically adds an 18% tip - but if you tend to tip in that range anyway then its pretty much a wash. If you already have an AP, its worth exploring as an option. If you don't have an AP, for certain people it may be worthwhile to get one to get the DDE.

Some people even make all the above work - the have the dining plan, use the DVC discount on occation, AND have the DDE.

 

[Chuck S]

I guess I wasn't as clear on that as I intended to be, Chuck.

I think we were just posting at the same time.