Is DDP worth it for places like Cape May, Boma's and O'hanas

[WDWorld2003]

We're thinking of getting the DDP for our three night stay but after reading some of the FAQ's it doesn't sound like eating at the above places is really the best deal.

Is it still worth getting the DDP for these or would we be better off just paying out of pocket? We are DVC members so we would get 10% off at Cape May.

Thanks for any help!

 

[ZekeKelso]

We used TS credits for breakfast at Boma. That may be the worst possible use of a credit from a "savings" standpoint. But who cares how much you *aren't* paying for a meal. That's where we wanted to eat, so it made perfect sense.

The price of a meal only usually only comes into play if you are eating more that the plan covers. If you've got 5 TS meals, and only 4 TC credits, you want to pay OOP at the cheapest place.

But, what I think you are asking, is if it is worthwhile to get the dinning plan if you are only going to eat at less expensive TS restaurants. Even if you don't eat at the most expensive TS restaurants, you are still almost certainly going to come out ahead in the end. While it is theoretically possible to put together a trips worth of meals that end up being cheaper than they plan, you'd have to work awful hard and go out of you way to make it happen. (This assumes you are eating the DDP's amount of food - at least a TS and CS a day.)

And personally, even if you don't end up saving money from the DDP, it's worth it just so you don't have to think about money and costs of meals.

 

[mom2ee]

If it is to get the "best deal" perhaps, buffets are not the best "use" of TS credits. Probably will break even. If it is to not worry about paying and have everything paid for in advance, then by all means us DDP for TS. We are an "adult" family of 4 and do a combo of buffet and ala carte menu and find that the budgeting of the trip is nicer with the DDP...no surprises when the Visa bill comes.

 

[blsx3]

We're thinking of getting the DDP for our three night stay but after reading some of the FAQ's it doesn't sound like eating at the above places is really the best deal.

Is it still worth getting the DDP for these or would we be better off just paying out of pocket? We are DVC members so we would get 10% off at Cape May.

Thanks for any help!

if you are only there for 3 nights i don't feel that it would be worth it...unless you would like to be a little more pampered,,,

i would say the plan is only worth; it for 4/5 nights +,,,with 3 days, you can choose the amount that you wouuld like to spend,,,

 

[EpcotMatt]

Well, if you were paying cash, look at it this way{these are all approximate prices, based on 1 person}, $26 for the meal, $2.25 for a drink, $2.00 tax, $5.00 tip. That's a total of over $35 for 1 meal. The DDP is $39 a day. So for $4.00 more than a cash meal at a buffet, you get an additonal counter service meal{approx $10-$12 value} plus a snack{approx $4 value}. Anyway you slice it, I can't see how getting the DDP wouldn't be worth it, unless you plan on skipping meals here & there or preparing some meals in your room. And remember, the above example is based on the lowest priced table service meal out there. Basically any non-buffet place will be a bigger value. I give a thumbs up to the DDP.

 

[CarolMN]

You really have to do the math if you are interested in the "best deal".

First, decide what you would actually order if you were paying OOP. (We normally don't order appetizer and dessert and entree). Apply your discount, add in tax and gratutity.

Then compare that to the cost of the DDP. My guess is that you will still come out ahead with the DDP - we did. (Many people say they "saved" lots of money with the DDP, but they compare the cost of the DDP to what they actually ordered instead of what they would have ordered without it. I think most people order differently when they pay OOP).

Even though the DDP saved us money over what we would have ordered without it, we won't use the DDP again. I have no will power, LOL and with the DDP I ordered (and mostly ate) more than is good for me just because I could and it was "free". For me, it's better to have the "cost" right in front of me to counter the "glutton factor". I am a diabetic and it just isn't good for me to overload my system with a lot of food all at once.

 

[bicker]

First, decide what you would actually order if you were paying OOP. (We normally don't order appetizer and dessert and entree). Apply your discount, add in tax and gratutity. Then compare that to the cost of the DDP. My guess is that you will still come out ahead with the DDP - we did. (Many people say they "saved" lots of money with the DDP, but they compare the cost of the DDP to what they actually ordered instead of what they would have ordered without it. I think most people order differently when they pay OOP).

Yes, definitely. I did exactly that (figuring how much we'd have paid OOP, figuring on no appetizers and no desserts). Some folks have found my calculations helpful: http://brianandrobbie.com/DiningPlanEstimatedCostsNoAppyNoDessert.htm

 

[WDWorld2003]

Thanks everyone - it does sound like a good deal no matter where we eat.

We are doing a split stay so I thought we would try the DDP for the first half since we are in a studio for three nights. We move to a 1 bdrm. the second half of our stay (4 nights) and will most likely want to hang out in the room a little more as we seem to lose steam after a few days.

 

[ssnelle]

Hi-

We are also DVC members and going for the first time on OUR points in 2 weeks. Why are you getting 10% off at Cape May? And are there other places we get discounts? I wasn't aware of ANY perks, guess I am just uninformed and too busy with my 3 little boys...PLEASE TELL ME MORE (and fast)!!! ANYONE???

Thanks

 

[n2mm]

Hi-

We are also DVC members and going for the first time on OUR points in 2 weeks. Why are you getting 10% off at Cape May? And are there other places we get discounts? I wasn't aware of ANY perks, guess I am just uninformed and too busy with my 3 little boys...PLEASE TELL ME MORE (and fast)!!! ANYONE???

Thanks

You need to log into the DVCmember website to see what discounts are out there. There are many. There are discounts on meals, merchandise, tours, sometimes disneyshopping.com. When you check in they usually give you a book listing all discounts, but look online to get a brief overview. Of course, there are discounts for parties too: MNSSHP, MVMCP, P&P, and advance preview of new attractions.

 

[aes74]

Hi-

We are also DVC members and going for the first time on OUR points in 2 weeks. Why are you getting 10% off at Cape May? And are there other places we get discounts? I wasn't aware of ANY perks, guess I am just uninformed and too busy with my 3 little boys...PLEASE TELL ME MORE (and fast)!!! ANYONE???

Thanks

When you check in they will also give you a little booklet that lists all your "perks."