Need help from the DDP experts...

[shelly3girls]

I am trying to decide if I should get the DDP for my family. DH and DS are heading down on a Wednesday with me and our two DDs arriving on Thursday. We are all staying until Monday. This means that we would have to pay for 5 nights even though we will not all be there the whole time. I have a ADRs set and an idea of how much each will cost. DS is free since he is only 1, both DDs count as children but they are big eaters. We may purchase the DDE if we do not get the DDP. All the prices include the 20% off for the DDE (except CPP), tax and tip.

Fri. - Le Cellier for CPP $160
Sat- 50's Prime Time $67
Sun - 'Ohanas $81
Mon- 1900 Park Fare breakfast $79

The total is about $390 which is $110 less than DDP but we still have to buy breakfast and lunch for 3 days. I figure the snack could cover breakfast and the CS would cover lunch possibly making the DDP cheaper than OOP. My concerns are that DDs may not eat the limited kid's menu I hear about, they will want chicken fingers.

I would love to hear opinions from others who have really priced this out or traveled with children.
TIA!

 

[atisikitabasket]

I was worried because my son won't eat certain things like PP&J for one he likes things plain like pasta with just a sauce and he will only do the cheap kraft mac and cheese he loves chicken strips but he is a picky kid due to sensory issues with textures (he has PDD) I checked all the menu's before we went to make sure he would get a variety of stuff. He loved all the food. He had Steak at Le Cellier, Grilled chicken breast, pasta with sauce, pizza you name it and he ate it.

You might do good if you throw in a buffet then they have more to choose from.

We loved the DDP because we didn't have to worry about anything it was really nice. DS4 and DN10 favorite meal was Coral Reef.

You really just have to decide for yourself. Good luck and have fun!!

 

[Luv2Roam]

Are you staying on Disney property with a DVC reservation?

 

[soontobewed07]

My Dh and I went alone and we saved a ton of money near $200. What we saw parents doing was at the CS they would buy chicken strips and share with their kids on top of getting the kids a meal too. It really is a ton of food and my DH and I would share a meal using a counter service for breakfast and lunch and then if we were still hungry at some point during the day we would use our snack credit. Trust me we are big eaters and we could not eat it all. I would have to say for myself sometimes I wanted just a PB&J and would use my credit to get a kids meal. Take a look at the menu's also the places you have picked have great selections for children!

 

[shelly3girls]

Are you staying on Disney property with a DVC reservation?

No, we are staying at the GF. I have an annual pass now that I will use to purchase the DDE but my pass will expire by then so I will be buying park tickets for that trip.

 

[Luv2Roam]

I would be inclined to stay with the DDE. With two groups coming a day apart, you would be either paying extra for others who are not yet there, or have two separate reservations.
Everyone on the res would also have to buy at least a one day ticket.
So it really all depends how your res (or res') are set up, who has tickets or passes already, how you want to purchase your tickets, everyone in the groups eating habits, etc.
One downside to the DDE is you will not be able to have separate tickets. That makes it more trouble, but certainly worth the 20%.
The other being that few counter services offer the DDE discount. However there are places that do.
You may feel more flexible and less structured as to what you eat and how with the DDE over the DDP.
The DDP I think offers great selections at sit down restaurants. But seems like you may be paying extra for those not arrived on that first night and for any tickets. If you need the tickets, and are just maybe upgrading, then it is still a toss up. Since your DD are big eaters, maybe they don't want the children selection of food either. Some children want more than typical chicken fingers and fries.
I think you will just have to talk it over with others in your group to see works best.