Live from WDW - My DDP "Experiment"

[melomouse]

We are on Day 6 of a 15 night split stay at OKW and SSR. Because I had several reservations, and because I thought I would (possibly?) save money in our 1 BR unit for a week, we have been ON DDP the first 4 days, off for a week, then on again the last 4 nights.
After just a couple of days, all I have to say is, "I WANT MY DDP!" True, we actually used our last 2 snack credits for Dole Whips at 11:30 PM on the day of "checkout"(from our studio) and somehow DD got a supergiant float out of hers,but I miss the conevenience of not thinking about where to et and how much it will be OOP. For our little family, after signing checks on DDP for $118 at Tutto and similar amounts at Olivia's - we are ahead with DDP in one dinner - PLUS the CS and snacks, which are often shared.
Not true that there are no ressies to be had - I have called Dining and asked for reasonable requests (including CP on Wednesday night) and gotten them. So right now, pre-free dining, not a problem.I just feel the $ flying out of my hands.Placed a grocery order with wegoshop - $100 there - but I have realized now, with 4 DDP trips under our belts, that we have grown used to the rhythm of the plan and the flexibility. I thought I would feel MORE flexibility - I do not.
Now I'm sure someone will chime in and tell me I am just not conscious of the money spent all at one for a full stay vs. day by day, but with two teens, DDP is what works for us and I won't leave home w/o it anymore - at least when I travel with the kids.
It's so important to know your family's needs, appetites, as well as your personal touring style before deciding. I understand that it doesn't work for everyone - it just certainly does work for us!



Live dining reviews for the Wave, MM and Tutto on the Reviews board - Olivia's to follow!

 

[Momto3Girls&Max]

I hear you! We did free DDP in 2006, visited but stayed offsite (hence no DDP) in 2007 and will have free DDP in just a few short days. Although we saved some $$ overall in 2007 by staying offiste and not having DDP, I'm SOOOOO looking forward to having the DDP for our upcoming trip and not having to think about the $$ being spent. (It's vacation, I don't want to have to "think" at all). Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip (especially the last 4 nights on DDP)!

 

[Tink3Bell]

We also enjoy the DDP I can't imagine vacation without it!

 

[GlendaO]

We also enjoy the DDP I can't imagine vacation without it!

I lucked up with a bounceback this year, so the DDP is free. But, the last two years, no bounceback. I love the DDP. As long as the money is in the same ballpark, it works for us. I like knowing that, if nothing else, it's all prepaid before we arrive. It's nice knowing food is readily available, with little of no cost!

 

[Pumbaa_]

that's what is great about Disney, there are options for everyone. Glad to hear DDP works well for your family

 

[wide awake]

The DDP is great, I always watch the prices, even when I can afford to buy whatever I want, and I love the fact that w/ DDP I know how much my vacation is going to cost. I consider it an adventure to stick to the plan, only buying what is allowed, and eating breakfast in the room.

 

[melomouse]

.. and continuuing the "experiment" - we went to DTD Wolfgang Puck Cafe walk-in, where I ordered the Cobb salad($14.95) instead of what I wanted (Weiner Schnitzel - $29.95), which would have been included on DDP - not to mention one shared creme brulee(ok, not the best) for $7.99.

The good news is we came go back a week from today on DDP and get a huge bang for the buck.But then again..maybe too much food....

 

[patsal]

We found just the opposite when we experimented in July for 14 nights without the DDP. We loved the freedom, but maybe my family doesn't snack that much or really eat that much. Everyone was insturcted to get what they wanted and ask when they wanted it I even put charging privs. on the teen crads . No one bought anything on the cards . I know my DS and DD took me seriously when I said order whatever since often they ordered the most expensive item on the menu, but I feel I still did better without the DDP than with. DH doesn't care what he spends for food on vacation, so I know he ordered what he wanted. We did use the DDE though. I guess it may have something to do with the really feeling like you can still have whatever you want. If your looking at prices then the DDP might be better for you as you have found.

 

[mousiemom]

we did the free dining last year and will be there in 7 days doing it again!!! i love it! the only thing we have to worry about paying for is the tip! we have done it with and without and the ddp is so convenient for us. i love how it all works and how you can just look at your receipt to let you know what you have left! it's great!
have fun in the happy place!
mousiemom

 

[sunshine43]

We are headed down to Disney in January and I am trying to decide which dining plan is the one for us. Right now I am booked with the regular dining plan ( I guess that is what it's called) 1 table service, 1 quick and 1 snack. We don't "want" to eat 3 meals a day, but I am wondering if I should switch to the deluxe because I am afraid that if we use the quick for breakfast we will be starving way before dinner time...LOL I know my DH, he likes his food. If I do the deluxe we can have a buffet breakfast or a nice sit down breakfast.

It was so much easier the last time I went there ...they only had one choice. Three meals a day per person in a resturant (no snacks or counter service) and tips were included.

Which leads me to my next question, how much should I figure for tips???

robin

 

[Tricia1972]

that's what is great about Disney, there are options for everyone. Glad to hear DDP works well for your family

I COMPLETELY agree!! I am so glad that it works and works so well for you!

We found just the opposite when we experimented in July for 14 nights without the DDP. We loved the freedom, but maybe my family doesn't snack that much or really eat that much. Everyone was insturcted to get what they wanted and ask when they wanted it I even put charging privs. on the teen crads . No one bought anything on the cards . I know my DS and DD took me seriously when I said order whatever since often they ordered the most expensive item on the menu, but I feel I still did better without the DDP than with. DH doesn't care what he spends for food on vacation, so I know he ordered what he wanted. We did use the DDE though. I guess it may have something to do with the really feeling like you can still have whatever you want. If your looking at prices then the DDP might be better for you as you have found.

This has been our experience as well - minus the teenagers, but add my mom, dad and sister.

 

[Tricia1972]

...

Which leads me to my next question, how much should I figure for tips???

robin

There is a great tipping thread stickied at the top of the regular dining board. You're sure to either find the answer that you need here, or you can ask again and I am sure that someone will help you.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1870320

 

[jjohnson]

.. and continuuing the "experiment" - we went to DTD Wolfgang Puck Cafe walk-in, where I ordered the Cobb salad($14.95) instead of what I wanted (Weiner Schnitzel - $29.95), which would have been included on DDP - not to mention one shared creme brulee(ok, not the best) for $7.99.

The good news is we came go back a week from today on DDP and get a huge bang for the buck.But then again..maybe too much food....

This would be me too. My cheap side would come out & I would be missing out on what I really want to eat. Every year we say were going to try to do WDW without the plan but I always end up adding it before I arrive.

 

[melomouse]

robin -
my tips run somewhere around $20 give or take - last nite at CP I left 16 . There's lots of lively discussion here on tips - I can only share what I do.

Tonite we'll be cooking dinner in the villa.LOL!