How important it is for you to save money on DDP?

[BlueStarryHat]

We usually come out even or ahead, but in addition I find it easier to prepay for our food when totting up the cost of the vacation and paying it off. This way all of my spending money is free for me to do as I like with it without worrying about anything. I save my change for a year before a trip and cash it in for ones and fives to take care of all the 18% tips or whatever it is.

 

[halfpintpeggy]

What's the point of getting it if it doesn't save you money? A convoluted system of credits is never easier than just paying for what you ordered. If someone likes the "convenience" of having their food pre-paid, they could just put $$$ on a gift card. Also, when folks try to "maximize" the value of the plan by furiously planning what they have to order, so that they'll break even, 6 months ahead of time, they're costing themselves more money due to the increase in gratuity.We rarely eat desserts, really do not snack between meals or drink soda, so the dining plan is definitely a no go for us.

 

[LM412]

OP I'm guessing based on your avatar you are Canadian... if so let me share my feelings as a fellow Canadian. We buy the DDP for the convenience of it being pre-paid and the fluctuating CND dollar plays a big factor in that. When we book and get the DDP we make the conversion once. If we were to pay out of pocket we'd be doing that each time we buy a meal and for us personally it would be hard not to get caught up in that.

 

[CdnKayDee]

What's the point of getting it if it doesn't save you money? A convoluted system of credits is never easier than just paying for what you ordered. If someone likes the "convenience" of having their food pre-paid, they could just put $$$ on a gift card. Also, when folks try to "maximize" the value of the plan by furiously planning what they have to order, so that they'll break even, 6 months ahead of time, they're costing themselves more money due to the increase in gratuity.We rarely eat desserts, really do not snack between meals or drink soda, so the dining plan is definitely a no go for us.

Yep ever stand behind someone in line at QS who doesn't know how to use their credits. Also you know at the TS your going to order the 32 dollar steak and pass on the 22 dollar pasta. In effect you have eliminated many menu choices from your vacation if you want to at least break even.
For me the dining plan is only about optimizing the value of the credits so that means buffets and rib and chicken combos at the QS and 2 Mickey Bars a day. Some call it saving money but most would make different choices when on the plan verse not on the plan so they are not really saving money they are optimizing their credits to the highest value.
I am not a fan of the plans but we have bought them before and then we do our research and then we optimize the plan to the max and yes come out on the plus side.
Also Hi from Saskatchewan.