How can we maximize DDP

[ncbyrne]

DH just made our WDW package reservations with the Deluxe Dining Plan. DH and I (no kids) check into POFQ on Oct 8, which is Columbus Day this year, so there's no hope of free dining that week.
I will be the one making the dining plans. What are some tips for maximizing the DDP? I've done some research on the subject, but I know that this board is THEE place to get honest and helpful answers.

 

[havoc315]

To maximize the deluxe plan, you probably want a signature dinner every night. Then have either a 1-credit TS breakfast or lunch, with some supplemental snacking.
Try to use ALL your credits, and try to use them all for TS.

When planning ADRs, make sure to consider travel times.

But be aware -- depending on how you prefer to eat, it may be cheaper to skip the plan and pay oop.
After all, a $10 breakfast, $25 lunch, and $40 dinner -- would cost significantly less than the DxDP.

 

[CWarkenthien]

The best way to use the dining plan would be to eat at a signature every night, and a table service for lunch, so you get the full app, entree, and dessert. Breakfast only offers entree so its not as cost efficient.

Went last year with the DxDDP and made off like a bandit

 

[ldnoggle]

As the previous posters said, the best way to maximize the plan is to do Signature restaurants every night. That's what we did, and last year each of our dinners usually cost more than the price of the plan (even when we weren't ordering the most expensive thing on the menu).

We alternated table-service lunches and breakfasts. Although lunches would be better plan wise since you get the apps, we just were afraid we'd be too full for a good dinner with that kind of lunch every day.

You'll be there during Epcot's Food and Wine Festival- which we found to be the absolute best place to use Snack Credits. Nearly everything at the kiosks, including the $7 lobster roll was allowed as a snack credit (not saying it will be the exact same this year). That was another reason we didn't do a lunch everyday- we loved snacking around the world for lunch!

One note- doing Signature dinners and another table-service meal did take a few hours out of "park-time," but as 3 adults traveling together we loved the chance to take a relaxing break during breakfast/lunch and really enjoyed having leisurely dinners each night.

 

[Stbsl01]

I agree with the previous posters. Book Signature Restaurants for dinners. I would use your other TS credit for lunch. You may not want a snack everyday (you'll get 2/day), use those credits for breakfast (ie an apple, single serving cereals, yogurt, etc. are considered snacks at many of the resorts).

I've found that with the regular, non-deluxe plan where I only have 1 snack/day I have a ton that I haven't used by the end of our trip. I'm sure you'll have a lot too.

 

[ncbyrne]

You'll be there during Epcot's Food and Wine Festival- which we found to be the absolute best place to use Snack Credits. Nearly everything at the kiosks, including the $7 lobster roll was allowed as a snack credit (not saying it will be the exact same this year). That was another reason we didn't do a lunch everyday- we loved snacking around the world for lunch!

One note- doing Signature dinners and another table-service meal did take a few hours out of "park-time," but as 3 adults traveling together we loved the chance to take a relaxing break during breakfast/lunch and really enjoyed having leisurely dinners each night.

We booked during October specifically for the Food & Wine festival. And yes, we plan to use all of our snack credits for this event in Epcot. In fact, food is the main reason why my DH loves WDW trips!

What are your favorite Signature Restaurants?

 

[tzeitel]

You could book California Grill and try to catch Wishes from the restaurant or their deck. There is also Brown Derby which has the Fantasmic! package

 

[ldnoggle]

We booked during October specifically for the Food & Wine festival. And yes, we plan to use all of our snack credits for this event in Epcot. In fact, food is the main reason why my DH loves WDW trips!

What are your favorite Signature Restaurants?

Our absolute favorite was California Grill! It's the one that all 3 of us have as a "must-do" repeat for this year's trip. Everything about the meal was perfect...and we did time it so that we were able to step outside to watch Wishes during dinner.

We also really enjoyed Narcoossee's. We also got to see Wishes from here...and we liked the view of it better from our table here than from the balcony at CG.

We also did Hollywood Brown Derby and Flying Fish. We enjoyed both of these meals, but were a little disappointed by the service at HBD and just not wowed by FF. We're excited to try new ones this year too!

Have a great trip! We're going back this year for Food and Wine too...after your trip though- I can't wait!

 

[Bete]

then you do 3 table service meals per day. Furthermore, you do it as an early lunch, followed by a late lunch, and then followed by a late dinner. You can do some character breakfasts, too instead of an early lunch.

Next, you order the most expensive entree, drink, appetizer, and dessert that the restaurant will allow.

If you don't want three meals then a signature restaurant for dinner is the next best way with a TS character breakfast or a lunch. Again, order the most expensive items.