How about doing this instead of DDP?

[Antonia]

We are traveling in September and staying in a villa at WL as DVC members. Instead of purchasing the DDP for our group of 4 adults and 2 children ages 2 and infant, I am thinking that I could apply cash (maybe about $1000) to our room keys at check in and then just charge to our room key whenever we eat at a restaurant. We plan on doing breakfast in our room most days and probably grilling out at our resort one supper for some down time at the resort.
Then we would not have to worry with how many credits we have, etc.

 

[5boyz]

I think that is a GREAT idea!!!!! If we dont do the dining plan next year I think that is what I will do..

 

[Cafeen]

Yup, if that's your plan it would work just fine. In fact, I'd typically advise those who like the prepay nature of a plan, but who don't fit within the guidelines to do just that (although, with gift cards in place of cash). It's much easier to maintain one card than to worry about carrying loads of cash or gift cards around.

 

[blessedby3]

On our last trip, we put our meal money on a Disney Gift card and used that to pay for our meals. I did like having that money on there....kind of like prepaid

 

[sharonabe]

And if you want to see if you really spend the money you would pay for a dining plan, put that amount on the card for each person for each night that you are there. If you run out of money before the end of the week, then you know a dining plan would be better the next time. If you still have money left over, then you saved some money!! Buy an extra cool souvenir.

 

[magsmom]

This is what we are doing on this trip. Since we are also AP holders, we are also using the TiW for the 20% discount.
The upcharge durig the holiday period just did not justify us doing DDP on this trip.

 

[Tricia1972]

We did the DxDDP in January, and that's what the decision was for our group at the end of our trip as well. We felt quite constricted by the plan and really craved to do things our way.

We're going to do exactly what a PP suggested, load up the card with the money the plan would have cost us and buy souvenirs and not snacks on our last day.

 

[castle1]

I love this idea! Since I have an AP, I really had wanted to use the TiW card for the 20% off. But with the dining plan, I wouldn't be able to use the TiW card, right?? So, am I correct in thinking that I would save more money by either putting the cash that I would have put into the dining plan, into a gift card or on room key....using this for meals and saving 20% at the same time?

 

[2DisPrincesses]

I have thought seriously about doing this too... I think it's a great idea.

The one thing that doesn't work for me: I would still be counting pennies and looking at menu prices. With the dining plan, I don't.

 

[Mrs. Sojourner]

The one thing that doesn't work for me: I would still be counting pennies and looking at menu prices. With the dining plan, I don't.

Me too! In November we went w/o the DDP (for the first time in a long while) and this is exactly what I did. It made it less enjoyable for me, but I would be interested in PP idea to put the cost of the DDP per night on the card and then see how you come out in the end. I still think I'd stress over it though. More power to those who can do it w/o stressing though!

And, OP I LOVE the idea of grilling on a night you take it easy.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

I have thought seriously about doing this too... I think it's a great idea.

The one thing that doesn't work for me: I would still be counting pennies and looking at menu prices. With the dining plan, I don't.

I agree with this 100% - This is exactly what I would do - and why I always get the Dining Plan.

 

[OThopeful35]

I have thought seriously about doing this too... I think it's a great idea.

The one thing that doesn't work for me: I would still be counting pennies and looking at menu prices. With the dining plan, I don't.

Yes especially when you start getting low on money even though you have enough to spend. I would be constantly calling to see what the balance was on the card. We had our first visit last year without the DDP, however, this year, we are going to try it out.

 

[Debbie Jean]

I love this idea! Since I have an AP, I really had wanted to use the TiW card for the 20% off. But with the dining plan, I wouldn't be able to use the TiW card, right?? So, am I correct in thinking that I would save more money by either putting the cash that I would have put into the dining plan, into a gift card or on room key....using this for meals and saving 20% at the same time?

TiW can be used with the DDP to cover items not included in the plan, for example appetizers or "grown-up beverages".

The card itself cost $75 and I understand the "break even" point is $350... so after that your savings really begin. There is a 20% discount on the entire bill... however there is an automatic gratuity of 18%... whether you decide to leave anything extra for the tip is up to you...

Depending on how you eat, the TiW works really well since you can order anything on the menu and get a discount.

BTW, I noticed my TiW is actually good for 13 months and not 12. Don't know whether this is a special promo but I'll take it!

 

[JJsmama]

I plan to do this too but would like to do it in advance. Has anyone done that? Since I want to add a large amount as well, I want to do it the month before so it is paid off before I get there and I get rewards $ for it.

 

[squirrel]

We are traveling in September and staying in a villa at WL as DVC members. Instead of purchasing the DDP for our group of 4 adults and 2 children ages 2 and infant, I am thinking that I could apply cash (maybe about $1000) to our room keys at check in and then just charge to our room key whenever we eat at a restaurant. We plan on doing breakfast in our room most days and probably grilling out at our resort one supper for some down time at the resort.
Then we would not have to worry with how many credits we have, etc.

The kid's don't need a Dining Plan. It's just the adults that would have to pay if you decided to go with a Dining Plan.

The Dining Plans work if you eat like they are set up. If you wouldn't eat like any of them, then a plan might not be a good idea. However if you are between two plans like the DDP and the DxDP and you could get by with only purchasing a snack or an extra CS each day, it's still a savings to include the DDP on your reservation.

 

[Wendy5055]

I have thought seriously about doing this too... I think it's a great idea.

The one thing that doesn't work for me: I would still be counting pennies and looking at menu prices. With the dining plan, I don't.

This is exactally why I always use the DlxDP!!!

I just wonder though...won't you still need to make ADR's for any table service restaurants...unless you are not planning on any table service meals. Then I can totally see the "freedom" aspect of going all counter service...otherwise, it just seems like the Basic DP to me. Or is it that you can get the TIW card and a discount?

I have always wondered...

 

[LisaY]

This has probably been answered before, but can't find an answer. Can you use your Disney Visa Rewards Redemption Card to pay for the dining plan? This would be for someone who is a DVC member and adds on dining.

 

[gigi1313]

And if you want to see if you really spend the money you would pay for a dining plan, put that amount on the card for each person for each night that you are there. If you run out of money before the end of the week, then you know a dining plan would be better the next time. If you still have money left over, then you saved some money!! Buy an extra cool souvenir.

*THIS* is the best idea ever!!! we always swear we will save receipts and do the math post-trip and never do... although i'm sure we get more than our money's worth (just based on day by day/in our head's math) this is a great suggestion (esp since we plan to do the gift card thing anyway)!!

THANKS!