My cost/benefit analysis of the 2008 DDP!

[Kitka]

So I truly did the math on the 2008 DDP, and here's how it works out for us. I looked at what we truly will eat. I know us - I know that sometimes on the DDP you order that 'extra thing' because it's included, but really, I know what we order. So I looked at that and judged price of us paying OOP (including tax and 18% tip) if we were buying on our own 5 counter service and 5 table service meals - just comparing those two meals of the day.

Arrival Sunday, Jan. 20
Departing Friday, Jan. 25
2 adults, 2 kids (But one is 10 years old so really 3 adults/1 kid)

Sunday (Arrival/MGM):

Lunch - Roaring Fork at WL: $31.56
Dinner - Mama Melrose Fantasmic Package: $125.63 ($100.96 + $6.56 tax + $18.17 tip)

Monday (EPCOT):

Lunch - Sunshine Seasons: $37.62
Dinner - Coral Reef: $142.47 ($114.43 + $7.44 tax + $20.60 tip)

Tuesday (AK):

Lunch - Pizzafari: $32.29
Dinner - Boma: $112.00 ($89.96 + $5.85 tax + $16.20 tip)

Wednesday (MK):

Lunch - Cosmic Ray's: $32.82
Dinner - Liberty Tree Tavern: $120.76 ($96.96+ $6.30 tax + $17.50 tip)

Thursday (EPCOT):

Lunch - Tangierine Cafe: $51.29
Dinner - Le Celier: $158.60 ($127.39 + $8.28 tax + $22.93tip)

Friday (MK/Departure):

CRT Breakfast (already paid for so excluded anyway)
Then we have to leave before lunch anyway (sniff!)

The total of these 10 meals would cost us $845.04

The total cost of the DDP for 5 days is $619.80. The cost of the tip for each of the 5 TS meals totals $96.00, and the cost of the only place we'd order appetizers was at Le Celier at Coral Reef ($22.96) bringing the total cost of the DDP for our family to $738.76.

This is NOT including the cost of breakfast every day and this is harder to quantify. WITH the DDP, we may be more inclined to try and use our snacks as part of breafast, reducing the cost of it. Without the DDP, however, we wouldn't just sit down to a huge breakfast either, we're more likely bring granola bars, etc. and possible cereal/bring bowls since we're driving down. So view the snack credit as pretty much a wash.

So in the end, the baseline comparables for OUR FAMILY mean the DDP is still saving us money - around $106.28 give or take . So we'll go ahead and book it. For us, we'd still eat at TS quite often because it's just part of how we enjoy WDW. If a family wouldn't otherwise care so much about TS meals if it wasn't included in the plan I doubt it would really save them a ton of practical money. Plus, we chose 3 buffets because they work better for us, so an appetizer is kinda irrelevant.

That doesn't mean it would work for everyone, just thought I'd share since I spent all day working on comparing it for us and I know it's on a lot of our minds!

 

[AnninIowa]

You are being really smart about it, knowing how your family eats and that you want to do TS anyway. Have a great trip!!

 

[bicker]

Definitely. And this points out why the changes were made: Even with the changes, the 2008 Dining Plan is still a good deal for many guests. The new offering has a better balance between price and value.

 

[melomouse]

Kitka, thank you so much for sharing your hard work and calculations with us!!!

I also know that the new plan will continue to save a bit for my family at this point in time, and have added it to our January ressie.

Every family is different in terms of needs, vacation expectations and habits, kids' ages, appetites, etc. The important thing is to know what good for YOURS!

 

[pinkerbell]

Thanks for sharing, your hard work has helped us as many of our table services would be the same and prices are comparable for most of the rest, looks like it would save us too.
glad it works for you!

 

[stitchlover]

We sat down and did the same thing back in August when the package prices came out. We figured out that going with DDP we are actually coming out between $50-$100 ahead of the game. Not a lot but enough that we felt it was worth it. I know how I am, if I didn't have all those meals taken care of with DDP I would be worried over every meal because I would be watching every dime. This way I just don't stress over it!
One other thing I do to cut down on my stress level...I know we have 3 TS breakfast meals we are going to schedule. So that leaves 6 breakfasts that I won't want to waste my CS on. Between now and my trip I will go and get $120 Disney Dollars, break them up into 6 sets and put them aside for those breakfast. It costs my family about $20 to eat breakfast at the resort in the morning. Then I don't worry about that either!

 

[clkelley]

Just an FYI, I just priced out the OP meals using the Disney Dining Experience Card. (20% off of sit down meals) The total of the meals including tip would be $633.47, the cost of the card would be $65.00 bringing the total of all meals to $698.47. So if you purchase 1 annual pass, 1 DDE card, your meal cost would be less, and you might get a discount on your room. Just another calculation to add to the mix.

 

[riaesq]

That's so funny- I was just doing the DDE math in my head too! Not sure if you discounted the CS or not- which don't apply. BUT you get a few other miscellaneous discounts- like special pricing for parties and tours, half price admission to PI- and FREE valet parking. Something to think about!

 

[bicker]

Yeah, if you're going to be getting an AP anyway, DDE will almost always be a great deal.

 

[leahjade]

is there a link to which restaurants give you the most for your dollar on the dining plan? I want to try some places we could never afford before such as the Coral Reef, but would love to know other good places where we'll get a good value for our counter service and dinners. Any suggestions are appreciated!

 

[bicker]

There was a link to a spreadsheet in the 2007 FAQ earlier in the year... it might still be there. It lists the restaurants by menu price. However, it is important to note that a high price on the menu doesn't necessarily mean the restaurant is a good value. A good value is often overwhelmingly determined by how much you happen to like the cuisine and environment of a restaurant, and that varies radically from guest-to-guest.

 

[Mermaid_Ariel]

Thank you for sharing!

 

[leahjade]

I couldn't find this link - anyone know where it's located? I would love to try some new places but still want a good meal and a great value for the dining plan dollar.

 

[Kitka]

I think this is what you're looking for?

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=12294810

 

[abaldacci]

we are doing dp this year and this is our 3rd year so next year I am going to try wdw without the dp. I think for us it's a great deal just tired of not getting to sample some of orlando's eateries. gasp I may even stay off site and really mix things up. time will tell.

 

[leahjade]

wow, that is fantastic - what a lot of work! Thanks so much, your efforts are really appreciated by this newbie to the dining plan!

 

[solgent]

Very interesting to read this. Did you base the meal prices on the menus on this site? If so I think DDP is truly a savings for you as I think some of those prices have already gone up and may do so again before your trip. (I printed out menus for some CS places so DDs could easily inspect the options, and I noticed when we went to the chosen restaurant, the prices were slightly higher.)

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I think kids are often the tipping point for DDP savings, and that will continue to an extent even with the changes.

When DS was 9 we would save about $300 over 9 nts. with DDP. When he turned 10 it was obvious that we would spend less using the DDE card because he still orders from the kid's menu. We just book fewer buffets and more "menu" TS ADRs.

Last year we had DDP in a AAA package. This year we had the same components with "free dining". Without the AAA discount on the room (and the rate increase in hotel rooms from '06 to '07) our package was $500 higher than it was last year, but 9 nights of dining for 3 adults (since DS is an "adult" now) was worth $500.

We won't buy the DDP again. It makes more sense for us to just order what we want at each place and use the DDE card.

It is good to know that even with the changes people are going to save some money, or at the very least probably break even!

 

[moparop]

Thanks for that post. I keep saying that I need to sit down and do the calculations for our trip and this has given me the incentive to do so! Interesting to see how far ahead the dining plan comes out for you!

 

[BeckWhy]

Let me try to do my breakdown also, if we were to do DDP. I also know what my boyfriend and I would be ordering, and in this case does mean that at some point we will get an appetizer.

It would be me and my boyfriend for 7 nights.

Arrival:
Dinner @ Everything Pop:
Mom's Night Out x 2 (yumm fried chicken!) + 2 desserts (not really sure what they have or how much they really cost, but I'm going to assume $3.59 a piece) + 2 Sodas = $34.02 (2 CS)

Magic Kingdom:
Breakfast @ Everything Pop:
Yogurt Parfait + Bagel = $6.48 (2 S)
Lunch @ Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn:
Double Bacon Cheeseburger x 2 + PB Mousse x 2 + 2 Sodas = $28.48 (2 CS)
Dinner @ Kona Cafe:
Sticky Wings = $9.95 (7.99 + .52 + 1.44) (OOP)
Filet x 2 + Dessert x 2 = $78.38 (62.96 + 4.09 + 11.33) (2 TS)
Snack @ Aloha Isle:
Dole Whip Float = $4.25 (1 S)
Snack @ Sleep Hollow:
Funnel Cake = $3.50 (1 S)

Epcot Day 1:
Breakfast @ Everything Pop:
Bagel x 2 = $4.88 (OOP)
Lunch @ Sunshine Seasons:
Turkey on Focaccia + Pork Chop + 2 Desserts (again assuming they are $3.59 each) + 2 Sodas = $30.50 (2 CS)
Dinner @ Coral Reef:
Strip Steak + Shrimp Pasta + Mousse x 2 = $89.59 (71.96 + 4.68 + 12.95) (2 TS)
Snack @ Popcorn Cart:
Souvenier Bucket = $3.72 (OOP)

Epcot Day 2:
Breakfast @ Everything Pop:
Danish + Bagel = $4.98 (2 S)
Lunch @ Tangierine Cafe:
Shawarma Platters x 2 + Baklava x 2 + 2 Sodas = $38 (2 CS)
Dinner @ Cantina de San Angel:
Plato Combinacion x 2 + Churro x 2 + Conga Juice x 2 = $32.46 (2 CS)
Snacks @ French Bakery:
Napoleon + Peach Tart = $8.47 (OOP)

Day Off:
Breakfast @ Boma:
Buffets x 2 = $42.31 (33.98 + 2.21 + 6.12) (2 TS)
Lunch @ Planet Hollywood (Voucher):
Potato Skins + Buffalo Tenders & Wings = $7.28 (17.90 + 1.16 + 3.22 - 15) (OOP)
Dinner @ Yatchsman Steakhouse:
Porterhouse + Filet + Mousse Cake + Gelato = $110.81 (89 + 5.79 + 16.02) (4 TS)

Disney Studios:
Breakfast @ Everything Pop:
Yogurt Parfait x 2 = $8.07 (2 S)
Lunch @ 50's Prime Time Cafe:
Pot Roast + Fried Chicken + Brownie Sundae + Ice Cream Sundae = $51.99 (41.76 + 2.71 + 7.52) (2 TS)
Dinner @ Backlot Express:
Chicken Strips + Cheeseburger + Cheesecake x 2 + 2 Sodas = $27.20 (2 CS)
Snacks @ Ice Cream Cart:
Mickey Ice Cream x 2 = $5 (2 S)

Animal Kingdom:
Breakfast @ Everything Pop:
Bagel x 2 = $4.88 (2 S)
Lunch @ Flame Tree BBQ:
Rib Combos x 2 + Frozen Lemonade + Key Lime Pie + 2 Sodas = $21.67 (2 CS)
Dinner @ Whispering Canyon Cafe:
Skillets x 2 + Cheesecake x 2 = $69.67 (55.96 + 3.64 + 10.07) (2 TS)
Snack @ Ice Cream Cart:
Mickey Ice Cream x 2 = $5 (2 S)

Departure:
Breakfast @ Everything Pop:
Omelet + Adult Breakfast Platter + OJ x 2 = $16.89 (2 CS)
Bacon = $2.12 (OOP)

Cost of DDP: $531.86
Cost of Food Covered by DDP: $655
Cost of OOP Expenses: $91.96
Total Cost of Food Expenses: $623.82
Total Money Saved: $31.18

Except it gets more trickier for me.. because if I don't go DDP, I wouldn't eat at some of the TS that I picked and I would replace them with CS, such as Coral Reef and Yatchsman Steakhouse. I would also replace 50's Primce Time Cafe with CS if I couldn't get an ADR. Plus, most restaurants wouldn't order a soda at... almost all CS we would order H2O... except my boyfriend would order beer at any restaurant that had it... that goes the same with TS.

But you still do save money with DDP.