More indecision about DDP

[TinkinTN]

I just can't decide, DDP or not....Have ME, DDH, DD13, DD12 and DD10.. .so now we are all adults where DDP is concerned...going in October and have ADR's for Fantasmic (Mama Melrose), Liberty Tree dinner (MNSSHP), Le Cellier (lunch, hoping to change to dinner and Tusker House (lunch, may change to early dinner)....anyway, keep trying to estimate what we may spend/eat, looks like may break even.....have never used DDP before but I keep coming back to it...any suggestions?

 

[septbaby]

If you are likely to break even without any expensive appetizers (not included in the plan). It will be so nice for you and DH to not worry about what you or the kids order on the plan. Also you'll have snack credits, when the kids want treats as long as they are covered by the DP you'll be able to say yes and that might be a vacation for the kids.

The keys for the DP are
- Appetizers and alcoholic beverages are extra, not included
- Taxes are included in the DP fee, but NOT Gratuities

Daily TS, CS and Snack credits: one each per person, per night, those credits can be shared and used across the group. So for example you and hubby decide you want the LeCellier Dinner while the kids use CS credits elsewhere in the park. DP gives you that option, prepaid.

Just an FYI we had a lunch at Coral Reef. It was a great break on a hot park day, so don't think Dinner is the only way to go at a place like LeCellier. BTW I strongly recommend Coral Reef for your family.

 

[pooch]

if its a break even - get the DDP. Of course, I'm spoiled because we always get it free, but I think I'd get it anyway. I like not looking at menu prices. I will miss my appetizer but, at the couple of restaurants that have ones I really want, I'll order it. I have also found that the portions at Counter Service locations are huge and easily split. You might find 3 CS are enough for all 5 of you. This gives us more CS to use and we frequently get both breakfast and lunch with our daily allotment.

 

[TinkinTN]

Thanks for the suggestions, I do like the idea of not looking at menu prices, I'm the one who usually will order the least expensive item, Also I think I would be more likely to add a character breakfast on the DDP but not if we're oop....
Also, the suggestion for splitting cs meals is great, there's a lot of times that the girls don't want a whole meal//

 

[arielfan]

Now, that the tip is not included on DDP I really did not see the savings my last trip in April. We're APholders and I'm thinking about just buying the 20%off discount card then I think I would see more of a savings for my trip in August.

 

[Bete]

You can still be money ahead if you follow the strategy of going to the more expensive places. Even with counter service there are deals to be had. There are some CS places that offer combo meals and they are huge portions and you can split those meals easily even with adults. CS meals are without sales tax on the plan, as well as, TS; so, that helps toward the gratuity on TS. It's like a hidden bonus.

If you or hubby are hungry then you can easily share the kids' meals, too; since, they are paying adult.

Now, the other side of me says do all counter service meals and you will be money ahead without the plan. You can order kid meals that way, too. Disney is not checking whether you have kids or not to order kid meals at CS. You will have more time in the parks; because, TS definitely takes longer. Also, you will still be money ahead I think even if you go to a few TS places. If you go at lunch for TS it's cheaper and you get most of the same entrees. You do CS for dinner this way.

I was on the fence, too. I ended up doing the plan, but I'm carefully picking out the places; so, I know I'll be money ahead on it. It's like a game to beat Disney on the plan. If I had three kids barely considered to be adults on the plan I think I would skip the dining plan; unless, you are doing the free promo. I think it would be torture to have so many TS meals; because, the kids don't want to stay put that long at Disney. You know your kids; so, you are best to judge their appetites and patience.

For break even, I think I would go for the plan, but it's still a time commitment to do it.