Is DDE worth it for 4 days?

[Russian-in-Kansas]

Hi everyone!
Trying to get the mundane out of the way and found out that DH being a FL resident is eligible for purchase of the DDE, which I understand is savings of 20% on food (and snacks?) inside the parks. The price of it is over 80 green ones and myself having been there once a looong time ago and never having to have paid for anything just not sure if it is a justified expense? Perhaps you could help me out trying to figure it out.
Our plan is to do Disney Parks on 4 days of our 8 day vacation. Being that we won't be in the parks for very long, does it makes sense? We were planning on doing breakfast in the room, lunch off-site (if that is feasible) and then dinner in the parks. Should we schedule more days in Disney parks to really feel the savings?
And some final questions if anyone knows: for the FL resident discounts such as the DDE and the admission, do both spouses need to be FL residents? Only DH is and he does have a valid FL license.
Thanks everyone!!!!!!!

 

[mountdew1]

I do believe that it is good for the purchaser, and up to 3 other people in their party. Or something along those lines. He would need to be with you every time you use it as it would be in his name. Also, I believe that is currently will automatically include a 18% gratuity. So depending on how much you regularly tip, the 20% discount won't be quite what you think it was. If it is 80 bucks now, you will need to spend 400 in food to get back the cost you paid initially. Not knowing which restaurants are included or what ones you would plan to eat at only using it 4 days for dinner may not be cost effective. Hope that helps.

 

[CarolA]

Hi everyone!
Trying to get the mundane out of the way and found out that DH being a FL resident is eligible for purchase of the DDE, which I understand is savings of 20% on food (and snacks?) inside the parks. The price of it is over 80 green ones and myself having been there once a looong time ago and never having to have paid for anything just not sure if it is a justified expense? Perhaps you could help me out trying to figure it out.
Our plan is to do Disney Parks on 4 days of our 8 day vacation. Being that we won't be in the parks for very long, does it makes sense? We were planning on doing breakfast in the room, lunch off-site (if that is feasible) and then dinner in the parks. Should we schedule more days in Disney parks to really feel the savings?
And some final questions if anyone knows: for the FL resident discounts such as the DDE and the admission, do both spouses need to be FL residents? Only DH is and he does have a valid FL license.
Thanks everyone!!!!!!!

A couple of thing....
It's only 20% on selected resturants not EVERYTHING.
Here's a link with more info and resturant listings.

http://www.allearsnet.com/din/dde.htm

Also, I think that to get the FL discount you have to be a FL resident. The resident can't buy it for friends and family.

 

[Russian-in-Kansas]

Oh wow, Thanks!
400 for 4 days of food seems like a lot! I will need to peruse those menus and the conditions of the plan a bit further. But it is definitely good knowing at which point the expense is worth it!

 

[SpaceGirl]

As a Florida Resident he can purchace his ticket and your children's tickets using the Florida discount. Each adult must have proof of residence so you will not be covered for the discounted tickets.

Florida Residents can purchase Magic Your Way Base Tickets at discounted prices (discounted from what non-Florida Residents pay for Magic Your Way Base Tickets). For example, a Florida resident pays $159.00, plus tax for a 4-day Magic Your Way Base Ticket whereas a non-Florida Resident would pay $202.00, plus tax for the same ticket. And Florida Residents can add the Park Hopper Option, Water Park Fun & More Option, and the No Expiration Option to enjoy even more flexibility.

Tickets are non-transferable, are only valid during regularly scheduled operating hours and exclude activities/events priced separately. No additional discounts apply. Proof of Florida residency for each adult required. Florida Resident 3-Day and 4-Day tickets and options expire 6 months from the date of first use, unless the No Expiration Option is purchased. All other Florida Resident Magic Your Way tickets and options expire 14 days from first use, unless the No Expiration Option is purchased.

He should also be able to book you a Room Only Reservation, at the discounted Florida Resident rate which is a few dollars more than a AP rate.

 

[Russian-in-Kansas]

Thanks! That kind of sucks a little, I thought maybe perhaps spouses were exempt from that. It is a surprisingly big difference between the two options. We do have a room, a timeshare that my dad gifted to us, so at least that part is taken care of.

 

[sharonmickey]

Figure out where you plan on eating and the cost of the meals. If you plan on a few character meals you may save money with the DDE. As a PP stated they do add 18% gratuity to your bill, however I spend that much or more on tips anyway. The DDE card is good for the purchaser and up to 10 others. I saved the purchase price and more when I was there for four days last summer but we ate all our meals on Disney property. Good luck and have a great trip.