Is DDP for us?

[goofy4dvc]

We are considering the DDP for our 7-8 day trip to WDW end of October-first of November. We are staying at BCV. As of now, there will be 4 people, but could be reduced to 2 if brother & SIL cancel. We hope to get tickets for MVMHP on October 30.

In the past, we have purchased breakfast and sandwich fixings at Publix, as well as soft drinks, water, snacks. We usually eat breakfast in the rooms and lunch in the parks. Breakfast consists of english muffins, bagels, or muffins. Lunch is usually counter-service items like hamburger or chicken strips. We usually go back to the room, swim and cool off mid-afternoon, have a sandwich, then go back to the parks in the evening. However, we typically eat out 2-3 times during the week (ESPN and Concourse Grill or Yachtsman Steakhouse, or a sit down meal in one of the parks). We usually get a soft drink, bottled water, or Mickey ice cream bar mid-afternoon.

Even if we do the DDP, we would probably purchase soft drinks, water, and some snacks, for use in the room.

I've done some number crunching and it looks like it might be a wash or a little more expensive to do DDP, but we would have better meals for dinner.

I'd like to see if, based on our usage, if you agree. Also, I'm concerned that we may have a difficult time getting in the sit-down restaurants in the parks, since we are going during F&W Festival. How far out to you have to make reservations for the restaurants participating in DDP? I usually do not make dinner ressies any further out than a few days. Will it matter if there are 2 of us versus 4 of us? My brother & SIL have never been to WDW, so I'm thinking we might try to do a character meal. If so, what do you recommend for 4 adults?

I would very much appreciate your thoughts on this, as well as any tips you might have for DDP. Thanks so much.

 

[Chuck S]

Do you have annual passes? Given your situation you may want to get the DDE discount card instead of the DDP. You have to be an annual pass holder, then the DDE is an additional $60. It is good for 20% off at almost all Disney operated full service restaurants for up to 10 people in your party. If the DDP is a "break even" you may save money using the DDE instead.

 

[Judique]

We are considering the DDP for our 7-8 day trip to WDW end of October-first of November. We are staying at BCV. As of now, there will be 4 people, but could be reduced to 2 if brother & SIL cancel. We hope to get tickets for MVMHP on October 30.

In the past, we have purchased breakfast and sandwich fixings at Publix, as well as soft drinks, water, snacks. We usually eat breakfast in the rooms and lunch in the parks. Breakfast consists of english muffins, bagels, or muffins. Lunch is usually counter-service items like hamburger or chicken strips. We usually go back to the room, swim and cool off mid-afternoon, have a sandwich, then go back to the parks in the evening. However, we typically eat out 2-3 times during the week (ESPN and Concourse Grill or Yachtsman Steakhouse, or a sit down meal in one of the parks). We usually get a soft drink, bottled water, or Mickey ice cream bar mid-afternoon.

Even if we do the DDP, we would probably purchase soft drinks, water, and some snacks, for use in the room.

I've done some number crunching and it looks like it might be a wash or a little more expensive to do DDP, but we would have better meals for dinner.

I'd like to see if, based on our usage, if you agree. Also, I'm concerned that we may have a difficult time getting in the sit-down restaurants in the parks, since we are going during F&W Festival. How far out to you have to make reservations for the restaurants participating in DDP? I usually do not make dinner ressies any further out than a few days. Will it matter if there are 2 of us versus 4 of us? My brother & SIL have never been to WDW, so I'm thinking we might try to do a character meal. If so, what do you recommend for 4 adults?

I would very much appreciate your thoughts on this, as well as any tips you might have for DDP. Thanks so much.

How much do you usually budget per day? Will you be doing any of the food and wine special events?

We did the plan for 5 nights and had too much food, but - still saved money over what we would normally spend. I think I would hesitate to do it again for much longer then that. The DDE is a good option for a trip such as yours.

 

[ceejay13]

We just returned yesterday from a week to the "world". We did the DDP for the first time. First let me say, it is a really good deal. We kept track of our meal expenses and you do get your money's worth. It was my DH and I and we felt like it was too much food for us. Like Goofy4DVC, we go to Publix and get breakfast items, snacks, and drinks. We did this time, as well. If it hadn't been for my brother-in-law and 2 nieces from Vero Beach visiting on Wednesday, we wouldn't have used all our counter service meals. They used up 3 counter service meals and 5 snacks. As it was, we used the last 2 yesterday before getting on the plane. I do think if we do it again we will use all our table service meals at the more expensive restaurants that take 2 table service meals per dinner. This gives basically every other day to not have huge table service meals and more flexibility not having to make ADRs for each day. We had made our ADRs before leaving, but both days we were at the MK there was a huge sign up that all table service restaurants at the MK were booked for the day. I felt sorry for those people who didn't do any ADRs and booked the DDP visiting the MK. Our next trip is for 13 days in December and we won't be doing the dining plan. We have some family coming for the first 6 nights and other family coming in the weekend for 3 nights which would make it a little difficult to arrange with the meal plan. I'm sure we will try it again when it's just the 2 of us and I do some better planning, now that I know how to handle all of it.

 

[JimMIA]

You will find most of the info, and the answers to most of your questions here: http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=116

The FAQ sticky at the top of the board is THE place to start. If you read it, you probably won't have to read anything else.

 

[JimMIA]

Also, I did a quick analysis of our use of the dining plan during our recent visit over on the Dining Plan board. Here's a link to that thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1116871

 

[BCV23]

I'm not so sure that DDE would be the best for you since you eat a counter service meal each day...can't use it for that of course unless one is staying at a value resort or POFQ. Oh, besides AK.

If you would enjoy a table service restaurant each night of your plan or doubling up for the signature restaurants like YSH, I think the plan would be good value for you. You could do breakfast in the room, counter service for lunch, and a nice dinner each night. Use the snack credits in the parks or for a really delish breakfast treat from the BC Marketplace bakery selections. But I would make ARs ahead of time to make sure the credits aren't wasted. Except for the most popular spots, I would think you wouldn't have any trouble if you waited until a week or two out....maybe even a few days if you will have flexibility with times. But if making ARs is not part of the fun for you, then maybe DDP is not the best fit.

 

[goofy4dvc]

Do you have annual passes? Given your situation you may want to get the DDE discount card instead of the DDP. You have to be an annual pass holder, then the DDE is an additional $60. It is good for 20% off at almost all Disney operated full service restaurants for up to 10 people in your party. If the DDP is a "break even" you may save money using the DDE instead.

No, we do not have annual passes. The member cruise used alot of our points last September, so we plan only one trip to WDW this year.

Also, I doubt if we will do any of the F&W events. Maybe some time when we don't have guests who are going for the first time. We want them to see all the exhibits and rides we can.

Thank you all for your input and Jim for the helpful link.

I think for what you get DDP is a good deal. It may be just a little more $ than what we usually spend, but I'm inclined to trade the sandwiches for sit down meals. We usually aren't hungry enough for appetizer and dessert with meal, but I guess we don't have to eat everything on our plates. Also, as much walking around that we will be doing, we should burn up all those extra calories!

I can't decide if I want to spend the time doing a dinner show (O'Hana, Hoop Dee Doo) because it will take time away from the parks. And since it's my brother & SIL's first trip to WDW, I think they would rather do parks. They will be coming through town tomorrow so I think it may be time for a discussion on this.

Thanks again everyone. As usual, I knew I could count on everyone here for helpful information.

 

[Judique]

No, we do not have annual passes. The member cruise used alot of our points last September, so we plan only one trip to WDW this year.

Also, I doubt if we will do any of the F&W events. Maybe some time when we don't have guests who are going for the first time. We want them to see all the exhibits and rides we can.

Thank you all for your input and Jim for the helpful link.

I think for what you get DDP is a good deal. It may be just a little more $ than what we usually spend, but I'm inclined to trade the sandwiches for sit down meals. We usually aren't hungry enough for appetizer and dessert with meal, but I guess we don't have to eat everything on our plates. Also, as much walking around that we will be doing, we should burn up all those extra calories!

I can't decide if I want to spend the time doing a dinner show (O'Hana, Hoop Dee Doo) because it will take time away from the parks. And since it's my brother & SIL's first trip to WDW, I think they would rather do parks. They will be coming through town tomorrow so I think it may be time for a discussion on this.

Thanks again everyone. As usual, I knew I could count on everyone here for helpful information.

'Ohana is not a dinner show. Perhaps you are thinking of the luau?

Whatever you do, have a great trip!