Going solo and the DDP???

[Debbie Jean]

I'll be going on my second solo trip this December and can't wait!
Went with DD(19) in August and had a great time but... that first solo trip made a believer out of me! It was the most relaxing, totally freeing vacation I've ever taken and I am so looking forward to doing a Xmas trip on my own

Question: DD and I had the free dining last month and loved it! I'm trying to decide whether to add it to my December solo trip. The restrauant selection is great and I'd love to try ones I've not been to yet. When I did my first solo trip last spring I was nervous about eating in a sit down place on my own so I only did one... Sci-Fi. But having enjoyed so many different dining experiences last month with DD... and feeling braver about eating alone I'm thinking buying the DDP would be a nice treat for myself.

On the other hand, one of the things I loved about going solo was being able to go where I wanted, do what I wanted, whatever fancy took my mood. I know I'd have to make ADR's for the TS so that would sort of lock me into those times.

Has anyone done the DDP as a solo? Was it worth the money? BTW, I have a DVC and am staying on points, so I can simply add it without purchasing park tickets, if that makes a difference.

TIA

Debbie Jean

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'm going solo next week and using the DDP (not free for us DVC members). I'll post here how it went. The reason I decided to get the dining plan is because I'm a cheappie when I see the menu (well, I want A but B is cheaper, so I'll get B). Also, I thought it would be a great opportunity to go to places I've never gone before. For TS, I booked Coral Reef, Spoodles, California Grill, and Chefs. Although I'm not sure where I'll be eating CS, but I'm really going to try to go to NEW places. So I'll let you know!

 

[Debbie Jean]

I'm going solo next week and using the DDP (not free for us DVC members). I'll post here how it went. The reason I decided to get the dining plan is because I'm a cheappie when I see the menu (well, I want A but B is cheaper, so I'll get B). Also, I thought it would be a great opportunity to go to places I've never gone before. For TS, I booked Coral Reef, Spoodles, California Grill, and Chefs. Although I'm not sure where I'll be eating CS, but I'm really going to try to go to NEW places. So I'll let you know!

You sound just like me! The first thing I check on any menu is the price and then convince myself that what I really want is what's cheaper. The great thing I found about the DDP was that, for once, I could simply relax and enjoy whatever I fancied without worring about the bill. There are definitely places I'd love to try but the cost keeps me away DDP is so reasonable, it opens up all types of new dining experiences I wouldn't otherwise select.

Your dining choices sound wonderful! Have splendid trip and please post about your experience when you get back!

 

[Terk-1]

I'm heading down in November for my 5th solo trip and have added the dining plan to this trip. Have never done it before, but to not have to worry about paying for food (except for an OOP meal). I have one sit-down each day (2 on my arrival day). I love to read, so I always have a book with me. I find it takes away any awkwardness while dining or while waiting for a parade or show to start. I find that I do more TS meals when I go solo, then when I go with family.

 

[sulleyfan]

I did the dining plan solo in February when I went. It was nice to have and even though I had ADRs, I didn't feel locked into a schedule. The good thing about going solo is that it can be easier to change ADRs if the mood arises. I actually ate at a lot of the resort restaurants so it really didn't matter which park I picked because I could always catch transportation to whichever resort I was after. I also found that I have Disney ADD , I can't stay in one park or location for too long (4-5 hours was max before I was ready to try something else) and that made it easy dealing with meals in different locations.

 

[Debbie Jean]

It's wonderful to hear from other solo DDP'ers! I was scanning the menus today on allearsnet.com and was almost drooling into the keyboard! I think I going to take the plunge and add it to my Dec. reservation then get cracking on some ADR's

for the encouragement!

 

[NJGuy3]

We had the DDP last year for free in August and it was great. Sometimes I have found myself looking at price, but with the DDP, I never had to make a decision based on price. Even if I were to go solo, I think I would go with the DDP, it just makes sense and considering all the great food Disney restaurants have to offer. I enjoy hearing reports from the solo travelers because I may be one of them for the first time next year at WDW.

 

[maine_jennifer]

I did the DDP when they had free dining last year to try it out. I wouldn't do it solo again. I don't mind scheduling ADRs anyway so that's not a big deal. What I did was add up what I would've spent if I paid out of pocket vs. what I would've spent has I paid for the DDP. I saved me $26. However, it was MORE food then I normally would've ordered, so in the long run, I would've spent more money paying for the DDP. Just my experience though.

 

[msteddom]

I just did the DDP as a solo last month. I got it for free. Being that it was free I liked it a lot, but I'm not sure I would pay for it again. I found I spent a lot of time thinking about how to get the best use out if the plan. Not necesarril how to milk every last dime out of the thing, but just making sure that I spent all of my credit while still eating where I wanted. I actually ended up spending money out of pocket on two table service restaurants and had some counter service credits left over. So I don't think the DDP is really my style.

Melissa

 

[pezpam]

I sort of did it solo. I went down last week with a friend, but she had to fly home a few days before me, so I had a few days of DDP on my own. Except for one hostess who said "Awwww, how sad" when I checked in and confirmed I was a party of one, it was fine. (The waitstaff at that same restaurant was great.) I definitely went to places I'd never pay OOP for, but which were wonderful. When I have the DDP, I normally schedule one TS per day and figure that I'll eat CS at some point during the day, so I don't stress too much over schedules and credits and such and don't feel overscheduled. I do have to remind myself that I have snack credits - I don't snack much at the parks normally - and did get a few Rice Krispie treats and such to bring home to DD.

I'd say that if it makes $$$ sense for you or you want to eat at places you probably wont' spring for OOP, then go for it.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'm back! I ate at Chefs de France, California Grill, Spoodles, and Coral Reef. At every place, when I checked in I said I was solo and asked for some sort of view since I wouldn't have a dining companion to talk with-every place was very accomodating and gave me lovely views. Two of my servers were great, at Coral Reef and at California Grill (I think his name was Dale). At Spoodles and Chefs de France, service was adequate but not outstanding. I wonder if my servers were uncomfortable with a solo guest and that's why I felt they avoided me. But they were OK. If you go to Pinocchio's Village Haus, they have a real nice little balcony with tables for two. It's so quiet (for WDW), nice view-I took off my shoes, put my feet up, and watched the "goings on" for about 1/2 hour. Meanwhile, no one else came up there.
Total cost for DDP was $189 (I think)-we DVCers don't get it for free. Yet, I totaled up what the food would have cost-about $325 (including the tips). Any questions, I'd be happy to answer.

 

[helenabear]

I'll just suggest that you do the math. I usually do my sit downs at lunch, so paying the $38 (DVC member here) is not worth it. I have the DDE card that gives me 20% off all food at sit downs and with that and the way I eat, I always would lose money if I did the DDP. I suggest doing this for solo or not matter what

 

[Debbie Jean]

I'm back! I ate at Chefs de France, California Grill, Spoodles, and Coral Reef. At every place, when I checked in I said I was solo and asked for some sort of view since I wouldn't have a dining companion to talk with-every place was very accomodating and gave me lovely views. Two of my servers were great, at Coral Reef and at California Grill (I think his name was Dale). At Spoodles and Chefs de France, service was adequate but not outstanding. I wonder if my servers were uncomfortable with a solo guest and that's why I felt they avoided me. But they were OK. If you go to Pinocchio's Village Haus, they have a real nice little balcony with tables for two. It's so quiet (for WDW), nice view-I took off my shoes, put my feet up, and watched the "goings on" for about 1/2 hour. Meanwhile, no one else came up there.
Total cost for DDP was $189 (I think)-we DVCers don't get it for free. Yet, I totaled up what the food would have cost-about $325 (including the tips). Any questions, I'd be happy to answer.

Thanks for your report!
Interesting to hear about Chefs since that was one I was considering... mmmm..... I'm going to have to give that a bit more thought...

Did you have lunch or dinner for your TS? I'll be going right before Christmas so was thinking of doing dinner at the resorts to see some of their decorations. California Grill would definitely be convenient. Did you think it was worth 2 TS?

So glad to hear you enjoyed yourself!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Thanks for your report!
Did you have lunch or dinner for your TS? I'll be going right before Christmas so was thinking of doing dinner at the resorts to see some of their decorations. California Grill would definitely be convenient. Did you think it was worth 2 TS?

All my TS meals were at dinner. California Grill was probably worth the 2 TS credits since the quality of the filet was so outstanding, and I had such excellent service. However, just "crunching the numbers" wouldn't make CG worth twice as much as the other TS I did. It was around $75, vs. the others which were $50-$55.