Need the experts opinion...

[Maistre Gracey]

I ran some quicky numbers last night, and I came out with a break even result.
If the experts here would take a quick look and give their opinion on whether or not the DDP is worth it for us, I would appreciate that.

Things to keep in mind:
- We have the DDE
- DVC Members, so no free DDP
- We always do appetizers, meals, desserts, ect...
- We always drink beer, wine, and other drinks. I don't think that gets factored into the equation since that's a cash expense, regardless of the DDP.

Our dining plan for an 8 night trip:
- 'Ohana
- Jiko
- California Grill
- Yachtsman Steakhouse
- Citricos
- Liberty Tree Tavern
- Something easy-- perhaps a burger at Pecos Bill
- Party for the Senses (First time going. I hope we can make that a meal?)

Again, my numbers were a break even once I factored in a 20% DDE discount.

What do you think?

Thanx...

MG

 

[JimMIA]

Hey MG,

I think the paid DDP depends on the composition of your party and your normal eating pattern.

There are three of us -- myself, DW and DD4. We also have the DDE card (which you can use in conjunction with the DDP for adult beverages, BTW).

I did a comparison between what we would normally order for dinner (we don't usually each get an appetizer, and we never get dessert) with our DDE discount. On our 5-night May trip, we ate at Teppenyaki, Le Cellier, Coral Reef, and two character dinners (LTT and 1900 Park Fare).

Without considering the CS and snack credits at all, we saved about $70-75 with the DDP, as compared to the DDE, on the dinners alone. (I didn't factor in any cost of the DDE card itself, because we'd already more than broken even on it with a previous trip). If I'd counted everything we ate on the DDP, we would have saved several hundred bucks.

However, if your family makeup is different, your math could change dramatically -- especially if you have kids 10+.

We really liked the convenience of the DDP, and we're using it again on our November trip.

 

[Muushka]

Hi MG

I am no expert, by any means. But looking at where you plan on eating, there are a lot of 2 TS meals. When you get the appetizers and desserts, do you get them for each of you for each meal? The reason I ask is because we are doing the DDP this Dec and we only have one 2 TS meal (at Yachtsman). I will not be using DDP for that meal, I will pay for my entree on the DDE and we will share his app and dessert. (I hope I don't get nailed for that statement!). Otherwise, if you each get them, it probably would not make sense to use the DDP. Plus it looks like you don't use too many CS.

Anywhoo, let us know what you figure out!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Hi Jim and Muushka! I've been away from the boards for a while. It's nice to chat with you again!

Anyway, I have re-run some numbers, and just maybe the DDP comes out ahead by a few bucks. Literally about $5/TS meal/person.

I didn't get overly involved with menu item prices. I just figured an average of $2 for water (snack), $8 cs lunch, $15 appetizer, $30 entree, $10 dessert. That comes to $65 OOP, assuming the DDE and tip are a wash.

The DDP is $38/day (is that right??), less the $10 for water and lunch. That means 2 TS credits cost about $56, plus I would feel obligated to tip extra. I'm just uncomfortable leaving nothing extra, as I'm not sure if they get tipped on menu prices, or 18% of the dinner portion of the DDP cost.

So it looks like $60/TS meal using the DDP, v $65/TS meal OOP. Does that make sense?


We would have four, 2 credit meals for two adults. That's a $40 savings using DDP. I just don't know if I want to go through all the hassle for $40.
In addition, the people we are traveling with may not want all the appetizers and such.

Conclusion: Cash with the DDE!

Thanx for the replies!

MG

 

[Muushka]

Yes, it is $38/day. And unless I am misunderstanding what I read (which we all know is entirely possible!) I thought that the tip was based on the menu prices (18% of the full price on the menu). I did not plan on tipping in addition to that, I too may have some homework to do.

Sounds like you have a handle on it MG. Have fun! I will be "home" at our beloved VWL in December, can't wait! ASMu next week, not quite as excited about that!

 

[BTown]

The tip is 18% of the total of the individual check, before taxes.

Maybe this will put things into persective. Here is a sample of what one might order in any give day on the DDP and what it could cost:

CS Lunch at the Sunshine Seasons in Epcot -
Seared Tune on Mixed Greens - $8.39
Large Coke - $2.49
Hand Dipped Edy's Ice Cream - $2.49
Tax* - $0.66

Total - $14.03

TS Diner at Le Cellier -
Le Cellier Canadian Cheese Selection App - $12.99
14oz New York Strip Steak - $26.99
Chef's Signature Dessert Plate - $12.99
Tip - $9.53
Tax* - 2.64

Total - $65.14

Snack -
Mickey Ice Cream Bar - $2.00

Day's Total - $81.17

To me, that makes a pretty good savings, considering you only pay $38 a day for the plan.

All of that, using the DDE still puts you at $66.85 a day. i figured that number using the same menu, only subtracting 20% off of the total cost before tax, and then taxing the adjusted amount. For diner, I factored the 18% tip based on total ticket cost, BEFORE subtracting the DDE savings.

Really, anyway you cut the cookie, looks like you save a pretty fair amount by using the DDP.

*I don't know what Florida sales tax is, so I used a 5% sales tax for my figures. I think that should be pretty close.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

And unless I am misunderstanding what I read (which we all know is entirely possible!) I thought that the tip was based on the menu prices (18% of the full price on the menu).

After some more reading, I believe you are correct on this.
That does change the formula a bit...

Have a great time on your trip!...

MG

 

[Maistre Gracey]

The tip is 18% of the total of the individual check, before taxes.

Maybe this will put things into persective. Here is a sample of what one might order in any give day on the DDP and what it could cost:

CS Lunch at the Sunshine Seasons in Epcot -
Seared Tune on Mixed Greens - $8.39
Large Coke - $2.49
Hand Dipped Edy's Ice Cream - $2.49
Tax* - $0.66

Total - $14.03

TS Diner at Le Cellier -
Le Cellier Canadian Cheese Selection App - $12.99
14oz New York Strip Steak - $26.99
Chef's Signature Dessert Plate - $12.99
Tip - $9.53
Tax* - 2.64

Total - $65.14

Snack -
Mickey Ice Cream Bar - $2.00

Day's Total - $81.17

To me, that makes a pretty good savings, considering you only pay $38 a day for the plan.

All of that, using the DDE still puts you at $66.85 a day. i figured that number using the same menu, only subtracting 20% off of the total cost before tax, and then taxing the adjusted amount. For diner, I factored the 18% tip based on total ticket cost, BEFORE subtracting the DDE savings.

Really, anyway you cut the cookie, looks like you save a pretty fair amount by using the DDP.

*I don't know what Florida sales tax is, so I used a 5% sales tax for my figures. I think that should be pretty close.

BTown, you make a good case for the DDP when eating at Le Cellier, but I'm not certain it would look quite as rosey when using 2 credits for a signature.

I could be way off base here, but I thought Le Cellier was only 1 credit.
It does make sense that a more pricey, 1 credit restaurant would be better with the DDP.

Any thoughts? Thanx!...

MG

 

[BTown]

BTown, you make a good case for the DDP when eating at Le Cellier, but I'm not certain it would look quite as rosey when using 2 credits for a signature.

You're certainly correct. Le Cellier is one of those "more bang for your buck" TS resturants, and there are plenty other places to eat around WDW where you could easily run up the same ticket on a TS credit.

At the same time, if you eat a lot of buffets or at places like 50's Prime Time Cafe and you might actually end up spending more on the DDP than you would paying for everything OOP.

Most definatly, if you intend to eat a lot of signiture resturants (anything more than one during your stay) the DDP plan is a wash. If you are planning to eat somewhere that would require 2 TS credits every night, the only way the DDP might be worthwhile is if you were also planning to eat breakfast every morning. In which case, you could use your CS credit for breakfast at your resort, your TS credit for a lunch somewhere, and pay OOP with DDE for your dinner. And even then, you arent necessarily saving money, so much as paying a few dollars more so that you could eat a TS lunch for what it might have cost you to eat a CS somewhere.

 

[ottawa_lynne]

It's not in the list of abbreviations......

tia

Lynne

 

[Maistre Gracey]

It's not in the list of abbreviations......

tia

Lynne

Hi, Lynne.

DDE stands for the Disney Dining Experience.
I believe the DDE is only open to annual passholders and Florida residents.
It costs annual passholders $60/year to join.

All food, drink, AND ALCOHOL is discounted by 20% at most table service restaurants.
Most lounges also accept the DDE if you just go for drinks.

In addition, there are some other minor perks such as parking for dinner, and Pleasure Island discounts.

It really is a great program, especially when you visit WDW multiple times per year.

MG

 

[LoveMyBoys]

The tip is 18% of the total of the individual check, before taxes.

Maybe this will put things into persective. Here is a sample of what one might order in any give day on the DDP and what it could cost:

CS Lunch at the Sunshine Seasons in Epcot -
Seared Tune on Mixed Greens - $8.39
Large Coke - $2.49
Hand Dipped Edy's Ice Cream - $2.49
Tax* - $0.66

Total - $14.03

TS Diner at Le Cellier -
Le Cellier Canadian Cheese Selection App - $12.99
14oz New York Strip Steak - $26.99
Chef's Signature Dessert Plate - $12.99
Tip - $9.53
Tax* - 2.64

Total - $65.14

Snack -
Mickey Ice Cream Bar - $2.00

Day's Total - $81.17

To me, that makes a pretty good savings, considering you only pay $38 a day for the plan.

All of that, using the DDE still puts you at $66.85 a day. i figured that number using the same menu, only subtracting 20% off of the total cost before tax, and then taxing the adjusted amount. For diner, I factored the 18% tip based on total ticket cost, BEFORE subtracting the DDE savings.

Really, anyway you cut the cookie, looks like you save a pretty fair amount by using the DDP.

*I don't know what Florida sales tax is, so I used a 5% sales tax for my figures. I think that should be pretty close.

Can you now get the Canadian Cheese Selection App at LeCellier and the Chef's Signature Dessert Plate for just one person. When we were there last December, DH and I got the Chef's Signature Dessert Plate, but we were told that it would be one dessert for the two of us on the DDP.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

You're certainly correct. Le Cellier is one of those "more bang for your buck" TS resturants, and there are plenty other places to eat around WDW where you could easily run up the same ticket on a TS credit.

At the same time, if you eat a lot of buffets or at places like 50's Prime Time Cafe and you might actually end up spending more on the DDP than you would paying for everything OOP.

Most definatly, if you intend to eat a lot of signiture resturants (anything more than one during your stay) the DDP plan is a wash. If you are planning to eat somewhere that would require 2 TS credits every night, the only way the DDP might be worthwhile is if you were also planning to eat breakfast every morning. In which case, you could use your CS credit for breakfast at your resort, your TS credit for a lunch somewhere, and pay OOP with DDE for your dinner. And even then, you arent necessarily saving money, so much as paying a few dollars more so that you could eat a TS lunch for what it might have cost you to eat a CS somewhere.

Thanx, BTown. I don't have the list, but I think four of our eight dinners will be at signature restaurants.
Looking at my dinner list in post #1, I assume those four would be the best use of DDP??

MG

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Whoops! Never mind!

MG

 

[BTown]

Can you now get the Canadian Cheese Selection App at LeCellier and the Chef's Signature Dessert Plate for just one person. When we were there last December, DH and I got the Chef's Signature Dessert Plate, but we were told that it would be one dessert for the two of us on the DDP.

When my girlfriend and I were there in January, I got the cheese plate for my app and the dessert plate for my dessert. My girlfriend got a completely seperate app and dessert, and we didnt seem to have any trouble doing this.

From some of the stories I have heard, it seems that a lot of what you can and can not do on the DDP is determined by your waitor. It seems that not every single server is properly educated on the plan, or just that some servers are willing to let things slide, and some are not.

 

[magicmommy]

Party for the Senses (First time going. I hope we can make that a meal?)

Yes..We did this last November and it was wonderful. Plenty of tables to go round and round and get samples of food....and wine....Lanouba performers...more wine...delicious foos more wine...and a nice Epcot wine glass to take home!

 

[ottawa_lynne]

thanks for the 411 - much appreciated

happy Disney to you!

Lynne

 

[blueroses]

Our dining plan for an 8 night trip:
- 'Ohana
- Jiko
- California Grill
- Yachtsman Steakhouse
- Citricos
- Liberty Tree Tavern
- Something easy-- perhaps a burger at Pecos Bill
- Party for the Senses (First time going. I hope we can make that a meal?)

Your plans are very similar to the trip I took this spring using DDE.

I came out ahead of the dining plan going with cash + DDE.

 

[Sammie]

Based on our experience using the plan, if you plan on more than one Signature meal in a week, you are better off using the DDE instead.

The Plan can cover one Signature, then you pretty much cover the cost of all your Table Service meals with the cost of the plan and your snacks and CS meals are free.

 

[kaytieeldr]

These are the absolute average prices of each course at each of the signature restaurants you've chosen:

Jiko*
$9 appetizer
$27 entree
$7.32 dessert
$2 beverage
$45.32 average meal
$11.03 tax/tip
$56.35 total

Yachtsman**
$10.57 appetizer
$34.30 entree
$6.81 dessert
$2 beverage
$53.68 average meal
$13.15 tax/tip
$67.83 total

Citricos
$9 appetizer
$28.25 entree
$8 dessert
$2 beverage
$47.25 average meal
$11.58 tax/tip
$58.83 total

California Grill
$13.87 appetizer
$29.88 entree
$10 dessert
$2 beverage
$55.75 average meal
$13.66 tax/tip
$69.41 total

'Ohana
$25.99 meal / $20.79 DDE
$6.37 tax/tip / $5.09
$32.36 total / $25.88

Liberty Tree Tavern
$27.99 meal / $22.39 DDE
$6.86 tax/tip / $5.49
$34.85 total / $27.88

*does not include the recently-added-to-entrees cheese plate (because I don't consider that an entree, and these are my calculations )
**calculations based on the per-person price of the Chateaubriand for two and the dessert appetizer for two

Okay, if you consider it on a per-credit basis, the DDP may not be a wonderful value; if you count it per-meal you come out better.
Also, I think the average counter service meal is more in the $10 - $12 range with dessert, beverage and tax

Now, I realize you wouldn't be using two counter service credits and two snack credits each day that you have a signature meal, but I put it together this way for simplicity:
Day 1:
Jiko + 2 CS + 2 snack - cost of plan = savings
$56.35 + $22 + $4 - $75.98 = $6.37
Day 2:
Yachtsman + 2 CS + 2 snack - cost of plan = savings
$67.83 + $22 + $4 - $75.98 = $17.85
Day 3:
Citricos + 2 CS + 2 snack - cost of plan = savings
$58.83 + $22 + $4 - $75.98 = $8.85
Day 4:
California Grill + CS + snack - cost of plan = savings $6.43
$58.83 + $22 + $4 - $75.98 = $6.43
Day 5
Pecos Bill's + snack
$11.18 + $.73 tax + $2 + $.07= $13.98
Day 6
'Ohana $25.88 with DDE
Day 7
LTT $27.88 with DDE
Day 8
Party for the Senses (which I'd guess you already paid for)
$0.00

I've been so busy calculating, I forgot my point. Oh, okay - remember, these are AVERAGE prices. If at California Grill you have, say, the Yellowfin Tuna Sushi appetizer ($20)and the Bone-in Ribeye ($39) instead of the Shrimp & Melon with Arugula ($14) and the Dayboat Scallops ($30), the DDP is a better savings. Likewise, if Yachtsman allows a single diner on the DDP to order the Chateaubriand ($80) and the Dessert Sampler Platter ($11), along with that person choosing the Tuna Tartare app ($13),the DDP is a better deal than if that diner ordered the Tomato Salad ($11), the Filet ($34) and the Sorbet ($7), you come out way ahead.