My DxDP plan

[TEK224]

Will be in WDW for 5 (possibly 6) nights in Jan. A friend and I are doing the
5k for marathon weekend. We decided to book the DxDP for 3 nights (using it over 4 days). Trying to book meals around MSEP/Wishes/Fantasmic and our race activities was challenging and not sure if we'll get to see all of those.
Here's are the reservations I currently have:

Breakfast at Kona Cafe
Dinner at Chef Mickey's, Flying Fish, Narcoossee's and Brown Derby
We still have 1 meal credit left, but may just use that for counter service lunch somewhere, depending on our plans.
I've eaten at all these places before, except Brown Derby. Thought we'd give this a try and then see Fantasmic.

There are always debates about whether the DP is worth it. Here's how it stacks up for me on this trip. I looked at the menu's for the above places and picked out what I would order. My total cost for the 5 places would be $264 (not including tip). I still have one meal not designated, plus get the 2 snacks per day and the refillable mug.
The cost to pay for the DxDP will be $236. So I am ahead of the game. If I used my TIW card to save 20%, the cost would come out to approx. $212 for the meals (but no snacks or mug). The TIW card will come in handy for any meals on non DP days and for alcoholic bevs. I used the TIW on my trip last year, so I have gotten my money's worth out of it. It expires 2 weeks after my trip.

So, for this trip at least, the DP is good for me. If I had to get it for the entire stay, I'd probably not and just use the TIW card.
Terri

 

[WDWFERN]

Sounds like you have some great meals lined up, they will be well earned after your race! We have used the DxDP a few times and seem to consistently come out ahead as well. We like to do either a late breakfast OR early lunch and then a signature 2 credit dinner. As we have often travel with friends/family, the fact that we do not need to spend a lot of time/ energy dividing up a large bill at the end of the meal is priceless and certainly adds to the enjoyment and relaxation of our trip! Have a great vacation and good luck in your race.

 

[tomandrobin]

I like what you have except for Brown Derby. We like Brown Derby, but both us feel it is not worthy of the signature restaurant designation.

I would recommend Jiko or Yachtsman Steakhouse as a replacement. We ate at Narcossee and Flying Fish over Labor Day weekend.....both meals were fantastic. In October, we ate at California Grill and was also very satisfied with our dinner.

 

[sleepydog25]

The DxDP has worked well for me as I, too, enjoy sharing a CS meal and snacks, then going to signature dining establishments for the evening meals. I've been to Brown Derby three times, and twice I found it worthy of the 2TS designation, though the last time I was slightly disappointed (especially since they've ruined the grapefruit cake). Jiko would be a great substitution; however, if you want to do Fantasmic and haven't tried BD, then staying with your original ADR plan is a good one.

 

[Tara]

I like what you have except for Brown Derby. We like Brown Derby, but both us feel it is not worthy of the signature restaurant designation.

I would recommend Jiko or Yachtsman Steakhouse as a replacement. We ate at Narcossee and Flying Fish over Labor Day weekend.....both meals were fantastic. In October, we ate at California Grill and was also very satisfied with our dinner.

You know, I thought this for a long time about Brown Derby after a bad experience there years ago. But this summer I ate there and it was fantastic and while not quite as haute as Citricos or California Grill, it was very, very good. I'll definitely be trying it again. Flying Fish, however - I tried it for the first time this summer and I will be very unlikely to go back - it was that bad. Off night I assume, but even my son's grilled cheese was terrible. He still talks about how bad it was (I tried it - he wasn't exaggerating, and they didn't charge us for it) and I know I'd never get him to go there again!

Edited to add: This evening after typing this response, I sat down with my son to look at our trip plan for next spring and pick out some more restaurants. He said right away "Flying Fish is not an option!" Just in case I'd forgotten.

 

[Deb & Bill]

You are going to do all this eating after the 5K, right? Otherwise, you may not finish if you eat those big meals.

 

[Swayhoover90]

We too have not had great luck at Flying Fish. We have had issues on 2 of 3 tries. Extremely undercooked fish, wilted salad, and slow service. We love Yachtsman.

 

[TEK224]

Yes, Deb & Bill - most of the meals are after the race. The only meals before the race are breakfast at Kona and dinner at Chef Mickey's.

Tried to get California Grill, but only times I could get for the days I'm there was 9:30PM. Didn't want to start my meal that late.

Since we want to see Fantasmic (my friend never has), and I've never tried Brown Derby, I figured this was the perfect opportunity.

Terri

 

[brandip22]

Sounds like a good plan! My DS(8) and I are going Friday and I just decided that we are switching from DDP to DxDP. Since he's a child, it ends up being a pretty good deal for us. Do DVCers get the Mug on the Deluxe plan? That will be great too!

 

[PoohsFan1]

I think you have a good plan going. We first used the DxDP this past September and loved it, so for our May trip we decided to go ahead and do it again. When I book ADRs, I always book one ADR a day that is kid friendly (character meals, etc...) and then turn around and book a signature for DH and I (of course the kids are with us too) so that we all get what we want. I had thought about booking the Brown Derby for our F package, but after looking at the menus found that it wouldn't be the best choice for my family (they are a bit picky), so we decided to book MM with the F package. Have a great trip and good luck with your race.

 

[Tara]

Sounds like a good plan! My DS(8) and I are going Friday and I just decided that we are switching from DDP to DxDP. Since he's a child, it ends up being a pretty good deal for us. Do DVCers get the Mug on the Deluxe plan? That will be great too!

Yes, everyone on the DxDP gets a mug.