Going Without the DDP

[HLAuburn]

We are planning a trip for Nov/Dec, and we came across a GREAT room only rate. Of course the catch is, you can't add dining.

Onour last 2 trips, we had the DDP and really liked it. But with no codes or discounts yet, I'm tempted to book the room deal. We also already have 1 day tickets that we can upgrade, so we don't really need the one day passes we'd have to buy to get the DDP.

My concern is that knowing we have to "pay" the bill will take some of the fun out of eating. It's always nice to know you can order whatever you want and it's paid for. I think we'd actually come out ahead without the plan, but you sort of get "addicted" to having the whole package deal.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[WDWAtLast]

Our upcoming trip is our first time using the DDP. I felt it was more than worth it for us since our children are under 9 and so the DDP is cheaper per day than even one character meal. If they were over 9 or if we had only 1 character meal planned, I don't know if I would feel it was worth it
Of course if I had used it before, it might be hard to go without it. Soryy - I was no help at all, was I??? You will have a wonderful trip either way I am sure!!!

 

[TDC Nala]

In my opinion the freedom to order exactly what you want is absolutely worth going without the DDP.

I have not used DDP since December 2007. In 2007 the tip and appetizer were included and it was too good a deal not to use it. Now it is not such a good deal and the freedom to me outweighs the convenience of prepaying and having to order what Disney says you can order.

 

[Mickey country]

We have gone with and without the ddp. Don't sweat not having it, and go to the menus at alllears.net. That way you will be prepared for exactly what it is going to cost you at each eating establishment. Once you know the cost, it won't be such a shock at check time. Have a great time!

 

[kmjmom]

We just used the Quick service plan and loved it! It was so nice to order whatever we wanted and not have to settle up at the register. They just swiped and off we went! I felt it was a great deal for all of the food we had.

 

[OceanAnnie]

Our last two trips were one with DDP and one without. I loved the DDP. But I also loved the freedom to take our time and enjoy, not hurry about to get to the ADRs. I can see the merit in both. Both ways were nice. But I have to say I didn't miss the DDP nor did I miss watching the clock to be sure we were on time for our ADRs.

**I do know you can have ADRs without the DDP, I just had plenty of them with the DDP. I did that to ensure we would get the optimal benefit of DDP. Hope that makes sense.**

ETA- Hope you have a great trip!

 

[Born 2B a Princess]

On our first trip we had the DDP, but that was when it included appetizers and tip and so it seemed like a much better deal than it is now. We aren't big eaters and so we never finished all of our meals...but it was nice to order whatever we wanted and not think about the cost.

We are not using DDP on our trip this month -- our youngest child is now 10 so we would be paying for four "adults" -- that's a lot of money per day and we just don't eat that much food...a few times we ended up splitting two adult meals (counter service) between the four of us and it was plenty of food. Instead, we each picked the one TS restaurant we wanted to go to the most and I scheduled ADRs there. The rest of the meals will be CS, and breakfast in our room (we're not big breakfast eaters...usually just an oatmeal breakfast cookie, bagel with cream cheese, or English muffin with jam and some fruit). I really don't think we'll feel like we're missing out on anything.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

On our first trip we had the DDP, but that was when it included appetizers and tip and so it seemed like a much better deal than it is now. We aren't big eaters and so we never finished all of our meals...but it was nice to order whatever we wanted and not think about the cost.

We are not using DDP on our trip this month -- our youngest child is now 10 so we would be paying for four "adults" -- that's a lot of money per day and we just don't eat that much food...a few times we ended up splitting two adult meals (counter service) between the four of us and it was plenty of food. Instead, we each picked the one TS restaurant we wanted to go to the most and I scheduled ADRs there. The rest of the meals will be CS, and breakfast in our room (we're not big breakfast eaters...usually just an oatmeal breakfast cookie, bagel with cream cheese, or English muffin with jam and some fruit). I really don't think we'll feel like we're missing out on anything.

We are huge fans of the DDP. We won't ever go back to WDW without it.

 

[mickey2000]

If they continue to dumb down the menus, I will also stop using the DDP !

 

[shoes99]

I had rack rate free dining at the new BLT for Labor Day Weekend. I received a PIN for a room only discount, so I cancelled the FD package and went with the room only, standard view studio at BLT. I have an AP for me and a hopper for DH, and might consider the TIW discount card for our meals. We are only staying 3 nights at BLT before we go on the Wonder for 4 nights. Sometimes the dining plan works, sometimes it does not.

 

[Dizneydaz]

This Sept. will be our 5th trip using DDP. First time (Jan. 05 we paid for it) then we had it for free in Sept. 05, 06, 07, 08, and now 09 Oops, I just noticed that we'll be using DDP for the 6th time this Sept.! Wow, I didn't realize that!

Of course, I prefer getting the plan rather than paying for it. My DD is turning 10 while we are there and she'll be an adult according to Disney. This makes me very happy as she can now order whatever she wants and if she wants a kid's meal (and she's already told me she will) then I will pay OOP for it and pocket the adult TS for another meal. I see several 2 TS in our future!

That being said, if I had to pay for her, as an adult, I wouldn't do it. There's no way we would spend $120 (plus tax) at day for our 11 day trip. That's $1320 Yikes! Maybe I would get the SQ plan, but even at $990 for the 3 of us, it's a little pricey.

When we bought the plan in Jan. 05 it was brand new and still inc. appies and tip. What a deal! Now it's not as good.

I do agree that having to schedule ADRs to take advantage of the free DDP can be a little cumbersome but eating at WDW is worth it. If we aren't on DDP while there we do change some of our eating habits. Though not all.

On DDP --------------------------------No DDP
Breakfast in room----------------------------------------Breakfast in room
Buy refillable mugs(nice souvenir)-------------------------Buy refillable mugs
Share meals---------------------------------------------Share meals
Order desserts------------------------------------------ Hardly ever order desserts
Snacks galore-------------------------------------------Very few snacks
Eat almost all meals at WDW-----------------------------Eat more meals off site
Counter service breakfastto spend credits at end of trip----No counter service breakfasts
Sit down breakfast last day-------------------------------Finish up breakfast foods last day
Eat leftover desserts in room------------------------------No leftover desserts
Use CS and SC at waterparks-----------------------------Bring own food/beverages into waterparks
Let DD9 order whatever she wants!-----------------------Restrict DD's menu choices.
Stop at Walmart for fruit/snacks/diet coke/water----------Stop at WM for same
Eat alot-------------------------------------------------Eat less
Try new restaurants-------------------------------------Stay with same old favorites.

So for us, it's not a huge difference, but I definitely wouldn't pay for it, especially now that DD is an adult(with a kid's appetite!). One reason is we don't spend all our time at WDW. We check out the "Real Florida" beaches, etc. That means there are days we don't go in the parks. It's one of the reasons I make alot of our ADRS at resort locations, not in the parks.

If I was to consider paying for the DDP, I would probably split our stay between resorts (something we used to do prior to free DDP). That way we could use DDP for part of our trip and be on our own for the rest. Maybe 5 nights at one resort with DDP and then 5 nights at another resort without. We used to enjoy splitting our stays.

 

[marcyinPA]

We've used the regular DDP twice, and we just got back from using the QSDP. We've always thought that the DDP was way too much food. Even on the QSDP, too much.

We've decided that if and when we return to WDW, we'll go without any DDP. I think we can do better on our own, sharing some meals, drinking water (which we do at home anyway!), and not eating 2 desserts and 2 treats a day!

I think you'll be fine...don't sweat it!

 

[OceanAnnie]

We've used the regular DDP twice, and we just got back from using the QSDP. We've always thought that the DDP was way too much food. Even on the QSDP, too much.

We've decided that if and when we return to WDW, we'll go without any DDP. I think we can do better on our own, sharing some meals, drinking water (which we do at home anyway!), and not eating 2 desserts and 2 treats a day!

I think you'll be fine...don't sweat it!

It was too much food for us too. We had desserts coming out of our ears! We could hardly close the fridge. We were full all the time and barely touched the leftover desserts. For us, there was a lot of food wasted.

 

[yitbos96bb]

We are planning a trip for Nov/Dec, and we came across a GREAT room only rate. Of course the catch is, you can't add dining.

Onour last 2 trips, we had the DDP and really liked it. But with no codes or discounts yet, I'm tempted to book the room deal. We also already have 1 day tickets that we can upgrade, so we don't really need the one day passes we'd have to buy to get the DDP.

My concern is that knowing we have to "pay" the bill will take some of the fun out of eating. It's always nice to know you can order whatever you want and it's paid for. I think we'd actually come out ahead without the plan, but you sort of get "addicted" to having the whole package deal.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

Do the math and look at menus. Crunching the numbers, there ISN'T a lot of value to the basic DDP any more. Often the costs of the meals and QS equals the price of the DDP.

 

[n2mm]

We go without the DDP most of the time. Sometimes we add it to a split stay too (AP and DVC -- no ticket requirement). I find that when we have the DDP it weighs on my mind and I'm constantly reminding myself of how many credits I still need to use. Sometimes it's nice, but we also have no problem not having the ddp either. TIW members too. We are using the delux in July because we are doing a week of signature meals for our anniversary, so this works for us. In August we are there during free dining and NOT doing the DDP (DVC) because we plan to eat off property sometimes (picking up fried chicken and subs from Publix), plus we have a kitchen for breakfast and just don't want to be caught up in the free dining frenzy. We do have a few ADRs for that week (at least one a day). In October, we just haven't decided yet. In December no dining before the cruise, but will add the ddp to our stay after the cruise because we want to do the CP and we know there's no TiW discount. (just a 2 day stay). As an AP holder and DVC member I love being able to add the dining when I want. Often we stay one or two nights AP before moving to our DVC resort. We like to add the delux to the one night AP stay and split the 3 TS credits between our checkin and checkout stay, get the mug and then take it to our DVC resort. This is the best of both worlds as we can eat at the better places the first 2 days using credits. BTW--I find the cost is pretty much equal to my regular spending. Keeping up with the credits gets to be a pain.

 

[snykymom]

I'm in the "no DDP" camp, too, for a couple of reasons.

1) I don't have to "count credits" and worry if I want a snack today, I won't have credits for tomorrow.

2) I don't have to worry if something is "worth" the credits I'm spending. Read all the threads about "Is this place worth 2 credits?" Anywhere I eat is "worth" exactly what I'm willing to pay for it.

3) If we don't make an ADR, I don't worry about "wasting" credits I've already paid for.

4) If I decide I want 2 appetizers, I can have them.

5) If I don't want a dessert, I don't have to get it or feel like I'm "wasting" money by not getting what I've already paid for.

6) If I want an entree at one place, and dessert from another (as often happens at Epcot), I can do it.

7) If someone isn't hungry at a restaurant, or if someone, Heaven forbid, gets sick, I don't have "wasted credits."

And several more reasons along these lines.

I just budget and save for food along with my other savings plans for the whole trip, and eat where I want. We usually do signature dining, too, and not worrying if I have enough credits is great!

If posts on these boards are any indication, I worry about food a lot less than those on the DDP do!

 

[golden6911]

I have considered the DDP for both our trips but have decided it is just too restrictive and not really cost effective for the way we eat. We share meals, don't always get desserts, and I have very picky kids. The best way to determine if it is the right way for you is to plan out how you would normally eat and add up how much it would cost and compare it to the DDP price. If it looks you will save money, and not have to modify your eating style too much then by all means buy into it.

 

[ehrn]

If I got a great room rate, esp for a deluxe resort, I'd give up free dining in a heartbeat. We probably spend almost as much as we would on the dining plan, but we do it our way. I am not really a fan of all the desserts at the cs meals, they are really nothing special and I can only eat so many apple slices for goodness sakes!!! We have a car and really enjoyed discovering some good off-site dining last trip. Also, last trip we used our Disney Visa rewards to pay for most of our on site dining, so that was just as good as ddp credits--as far as not really having to worry about the cost, imo.
What do I mean by "our way"--well, for instance at Tangierine Cafe, my dh had a platter and I picked out a bunch of sides for me and ds--I couldn't do that on the ddp--side of rice, side of chicken, side of hummus etc.
Maybe you could set aside the money and put it on a Disney gift card to use for your meals, that might take the "bite" out it a little...
Have a great trip!

 

[Avonlady1001]

We've only ever had the DDP when it was free. That said, I don't think I'd pay for it (and didn't when we went last May). We generally don't eat in many TS places, and if it wasn't "free", we wouldn't. It IS nice to order whatever we want at those places & only worry about the tip...we would NEVER order dessert AND a $30 steak, KWIM?

Now, w/ the addition of the QSDP, I think we WOULD pay for that...it seems like a good deal, but I haven't done it, so I could be wrong.

I like the convenience of the plans, not having to worry about what we order, or how many snacks we eat (if we run out, which we never have, we would just pay, same as if we didn't have the DP), or anything, really, except getting there on time.

No matter what you decide, you'll have a great time!

 

[bangzoom6877]

I am a huge fan of the dining plan. It works for our family's eating habits. We tend to do a CS lunch and a TS dinner each evening when we are on vacation, no matter where we vacation. Just our basic habits. We are also dessert people. DH and I tend not to order an appetizer at a restaurant so that we have room for dessert because we enjoy it. But....

...this thread got me thinking...what if the DDP did not exist, or they took away the privilege of being able to get the DDP for DVC members? I went to All Ears to check out the menus and what we would order if we were not on the DDP. Much of it would be the same. I did factor in sharing desserts at TS restaurants instead of DH and I each getting our own, in case we were to decide to do that. I also omitted the dessert part of the CS lunches, and included all the restaurants we are planning to eat at on our next trip (this would not change whether or not we had the DDP). In addition, I factored in if DH and I do some sharing of the shareable CS lunches (like the chicken and ribs at Cosmic Ray's or the shawarma platter at Tangierine). We still come out ahead by a couple of hundred dollars on a 10-night trip, even doing it that way.

So, when I crunch the numbers, the DDP works for us, for now. Our kids are only going to be 3 and 5 when we go, we do several character meals, and so we come out ahead with them because the daily price of the DDP for a child 9 and under is actually less than the price of one character dinner for a child, and they get lunch and a snack in addition. When they are 10 and older, we will have to re-assess. I just hope the DDP continues to be available for DVC members between now and then because for us, it saves money.