Not Sure I'm Doing the DDP again.

[Amy&Dan]

What is the DDE? I've heard a few mention it. I'm assumming that you have to have AP's to use it?

Disney Dining Experience, now called Tables in Wonderland I think. Yes, you have to have an AP and it will save you 20% on your food and alcohol at all table service restaurants and some counter service locations. The cs locations at the values and Port Orleans French Quarter as well as a couple of places at Animal Kingdom. You get it at those cs places because at those locations there aren't any full service places to eat.

It saved us a ton the years we had it! I think it was around $65 but we made that money back almost on what we saved on the HDDR alone.

We don't have AP's this year and I will miss it!

By the way, only one person in the party needs the AP.

 

[Tara619]

A few of you mentioned there's no more appetizer on the DDP. But I clicked on the 2009 DDP pdf in the FAQ and it says for table service meals, the app is included. Which is right??

FOR LUNCH/DINNER
e Appetizer (Guest ages 3-9 only)
e Entrée
e Dessert
e Non-alcoholic beverage
OR e One (1)
full buffet

ETA-so I guess I read too fast. Now I see the app is only for kids, not adults. Bummer.

 

[java]

We don't have AP's this year and I will miss it!

Oh how I missed this last year. 20% off food AND DRINKS!! was a great savings. Again this year not going to have it. And I am debating back and forth on the dining plan.

We are a family of 6- 2 of the children are disney adults so that would be 4 adult dining plans and 2 child dining plans - around $185 a day. If it included appetizers we would be all over it. We are staying Concierge level so we generally save dessert for the lounge(hello boardwalk bakery!) I am leaning towards no plan. But then again I may change my mind.

 

[Tammy296]

When we first went to Disney in 2007, we loved the Dining Plan but found a few issues with it we DID NOT love:

1) What was considered a snack credit - we had to ask a lot and found much of what we found around Epcot to NOT be included.

I can see where you are coming from and I do agree.

Now in 2009, they've overhauled the DDP and WDW is laughing all the way to the bank on the DDP. Much of those unique items have been taken off the menu or the menu has changed. Plus with the tip issue being taken away that has led to something horrible. It's taken away from the CONVENIENCE as well.

We did buy the DDP for this trip but more out of convenience (what's left of it I suppose?) than anything. If it doesn't add up this time, forget it, We just won't go back again. I can't imagine going to Disney and eating off site anyway or going at all if the all-inclusive options keep backwards. I go to the Carribean once every other year on all inclusives and never ever complain about the food. But at Disney, you are paying a LOT and getting LITTLE in return. You may as well go to Disney and not get the DDP and pay OOP. You'll find people will eat LESS on site and many of the NEW customers who like the idea of all-inclusives (like myself) probably wouldn't give Disney a second look.

I think people have more grown to like the DDP more for its reason of convenience but it's no longer "fun" as it once was...How long will this last? Blame it on the economy all you want but this won't last long. And please do not flame me. I'm not a very negative person but I am nervous about this trip we are taking in a few weeks!

Stay tuned...

-T

 

[kittycat9]

We're really looking forward to our Dining plan (Deluxe w/3ts & 2snacks). We enjoy having complete meals, veggies and something other than fast food type meals while on Vacation. Mostly because we drive on our trips, and eat fast food on the road. So when we get to our destination - we try to eat well, and like we're eating at home. The biggest thing I saw with the plan, is making sure that we're getting the value out of it. We're only staying over two nights on this trip. So coordinating the meals was a bit of a challenge. However, I love that it's done - there's no pressure to find something to eat or wait in a line at a QS during spring break mania. Plus, it will be a nice moment to sit down and have someone wait on us for a change.

I understand completely people looking at their eating habits, and trying to cut costs to spread their vacation dollars. We're of the mind that we'd rather relax, eat better foods, eliminate the hassle - and save on those meals. And maybe cut some of the other fluff out in our life. Like souveniers. I bought some disney goodies, locally on sale. I'm going to make up a little gift basket for each of them when they take their nap that day - then when they wake up, they'll have a surprise from Mickey. PJs, T-shirts for all three days at the park, and a stuffed Mickey & Goofy. We'll then let them just buy their hats at the park shops. Everybody wins.

 

[kittycat9]

I think the OP really has some valid points. I have sort of a love hate relationship with the DDP. Now that the tip is not included and the appetizer is gone, its hard to not sit there and remember the good old days! But I love the simplicity of pre paying for all my meals and since my trip falls during holiday pricing (which would add $24 total to all our dinner buffets) the DDP is the way to go for us.

For us, we saved more with the DDE, however we don't have AP's anymore so that's not an option.

It's still included in the Deluxe plan.

 

[B9erSteve]

We're really looking forward to our Dining plan (Deluxe w/3ts & 2snacks). We enjoy having complete meals, veggies and something other than fast food type meals while on Vacation. Mostly because we drive on our trips, and eat fast food on the road. So when we get to our destination - we try to eat well, and like we're eating at home. The biggest thing I saw with the plan, is making sure that we're getting the value out of it. We're only staying over two nights on this trip. So coordinating the meals was a bit of a challenge. However, I love that it's done - there's no pressure to find something to eat or wait in a line at a QS during spring break mania. Plus, it will be a nice moment to sit down and have someone wait on us for a change.

I understand completely people looking at their eating habits, and trying to cut costs to spread their vacation dollars. We're of the mind that we'd rather relax, eat better foods, eliminate the hassle - and save on those meals. And maybe cut some of the other fluff out in our life. Like souveniers. I bought some disney goodies, locally on sale. I'm going to make up a little gift basket for each of them when they take their nap that day - then when they wake up, they'll have a surprise from Mickey. PJs, T-shirts for all three days at the park, and a stuffed Mickey & Goofy. We'll then let them just buy their hats at the park shops. Everybody wins.

let us know how you do with the DxDP I'm very interested as to if it is worth the price.

 

[OurDogCisco]

We're really looking forward to our Dining plan (Deluxe w/3ts & 2snacks). We enjoy having complete meals, veggies and something other than fast food type meals while on Vacation. Mostly because we drive on our trips, and eat fast food on the road. So when we get to our destination - we try to eat well, and like we're eating at home. The biggest thing I saw with the plan, is making sure that we're getting the value out of it. We're only staying over two nights on this trip. So coordinating the meals was a bit of a challenge. However, I love that it's done - there's no pressure to find something to eat or wait in a line at a QS during spring break mania. Plus, it will be a nice moment to sit down and have someone wait on us for a change.

I understand completely people looking at their eating habits, and trying to cut costs to spread their vacation dollars. We're of the mind that we'd rather relax, eat better foods, eliminate the hassle - and save on those meals. And maybe cut some of the other fluff out in our life. Like souveniers. I bought some disney goodies, locally on sale. I'm going to make up a little gift basket for each of them when they take their nap that day - then when they wake up, they'll have a surprise from Mickey. PJs, T-shirts for all three days at the park, and a stuffed Mickey & Goofy. We'll then let them just buy their hats at the park shops. Everybody wins.

I totally agree with you. I love sitdown because you actually get vegetables and I'm not talking about iceberg lettuce. I find the sitdown meals better for our family nutrition wise. My girls love fast food but our trips tend to be in the 10 day range and by day 3 they don't want to eat another chicken nugget or pizza. Our next trip we can use DDE but after that we might have to use the deluxe plan. So, I'd love it if you did a review... and told us how your trip goes...

I think, the dining plans strive to find something that makes everyone happy. The options let people pick what works best for them. So, one plan isn't necessarily better than another plan. So, for the OP you tried it and didn't like it. That's okay now you know what your family prefers. You did a great job describing your reasons too. But one thing, I would like to point out things change. We've been going to Disney for 7 years now as a family and our eating habits when we first started going are totally different from now. So, I really like how Disney offers several options to make everyone happy.

 

[jennyf10]

Now that the tip is not included and the appetizer is gone, its hard to not sit there and remember the good old days!

I completely agree with this. I used the DDP in 2005 when the tip and appetizer were included and it's because of this change, plus the higher cost of the plan, that I'm leaning away from the plan this time. Now, if Disney would modify the plan to include either an appetizer or a dessert, I would lean back towards the plan!

 

[Nursejilly]

For me, the DDP on our trip last week was just not up to par with our experience 2 years ago. I knew going into it that the value would not be as good with no appetizer and having to pay the tip but what i was not prepared for was the drop in quality. I really noticed the food has changed and not for the better at several of our former favorites. The TS rest at Mexico was a big disappointment. It was terrible. The first thing i noticed was that they now give you the bagged tostito type chips with the salsa. I'm sorry but even the cheapest mexican restaurants in our town do better than that. The tortilla soup was terrible and the entrees were not any better. I will not go back there. Ohana has always been one of our favs as well. It was also not as we remembered. And they replaced the amazing potatoes with some pretty tasteless noodles. I did think the dessert was still pretty good. I had never eaten at Mamma Melrose and had mixed reviews of it. The appetizer with the breads and different spreads was very good. My pasta dish was nothing special. We ate at Boma for the first time also. It was so so. I liked the soups a lot. Not sure if i liked the noisy atmosphere but that is another issue. Rose and Crown was not so good. We should have stuck with the Fish & Chips. The ressies we still loved were LeCellier, CRT (paid OOP), and Italy. They were still darn good. We also tried Wolfgang Puck Cafe which was one of my favorites!! Loved the spinach and artichoke dip and enjoyed the whole meal. I don't know if we'll buy the DDP again, but i think it would be nice if you could choose an appetizer instead of dessert. The CS choices were pretty much as remembered, not really any complaints there. Just my opinion, but i think Disney has let quality slip when it comes to food. Hope they "kick it up a notch" on my next visit to the world.

 

[klmorg]

We are thinking of purchasing the QSDP and then paying for two character meals OOP. I know I need to hurry up and purchase the plan but every time I think I have decided to purchase it something pops up to make me hesitate.

The plan is: We bring our breakfasts with us for most days...(muffins, cereal and milk etc..) We do lunch and dinner out. We will do Crystal Palace and Chef Mickeys as the two TS character meals(paid OOP) and other than that will do CS meals(on the QSDP). We will eat breakfast at CS two times to make up for the two missed CS meals.

Any opinions about if the DP is worth purchasing or should I just go OOP for the entire trip?? I like the idea of the convenience of the DP...I just don't want to pay more for the same amount of food!!

 

[DT83097]

We're weighing the costs of the DP or going OOP for our next trip. Does anyone know, if you are not on the DP, do the kids still have to order from the kids' menu? Just wondering because like some OP's the kids get tired of the same three choices after about 2 days. Also, if paying OOP could we order one meal and let the two kids split it? They are 3 / 6 and both eat like mice!

 

[B9erSteve]

QSDP seems like a good Idea. As long as you like Desserts with every meal. I haven't plotted it out yet, though. It may be a wash if you're not into desserts.

 

[TxRabbit]

We're really looking forward to our Dining plan (Deluxe w/3ts & 2snacks). We enjoy having complete meals, veggies and something other than fast food type meals while on Vacation. Mostly because we drive on our trips, and eat fast food on the road. So when we get to our destination - we try to eat well, and like we're eating at home.

We're of the mind that we'd rather relax, eat better foods, eliminate the hassle - and save on those meals. And maybe cut some of the other fluff out in our life. Like souveniers. I bought some disney goodies, locally on sale. I'm going to make up a little gift basket for each of them when they take their nap that day - then when they wake up, they'll have a surprise from Mickey. PJs, T-shirts for all three days at the park, and a stuffed Mickey & Goofy. We'll then let them just buy their hats at the park shops. Everybody wins.

I totally agree with you. I love sitdown because you actually get vegetables and I'm not talking about iceberg lettuce. I find the sitdown meals better for our family nutrition wise.

I agree with both of you. Nutrition and relaxation are two significant reasons why we decided to go deluxe on our upcoming trip. Another is DS8, who appreciates good food. We've decided to do two sit downs most days with a signature dinner. I'm not sure what we will do in the future, it's doable right now because DS is at the child price. When he turns 10, oh, not sure about going deluxe then, but hopefully, he will be able to get better choices at the CSs.

Kittycat: I love your attitude and souvenirs. Seems like you are simplify life, cut down on the clutter type. I LOVE your gift basket idea. I think it is wonderful. I think I just might do the same thing!

 

[jenseib]

We are thinking of purchasing the QSDP and then paying for two character meals OOP. I know I need to hurry up and purchase the plan but every time I think I have decided to purchase it something pops up to make me hesitate.

The plan is: We bring our breakfasts with us for most days...(muffins, cereal and milk etc..) We do lunch and dinner out. We will do Crystal Palace and Chef Mickeys as the two TS character meals(paid OOP) and other than that will do CS meals(on the QSDP). We will eat breakfast at CS two times to make up for the two missed CS meals.

Any opinions about if the DP is worth purchasing or should I just go OOP for the entire trip?? I like the idea of the convenience of the DP...I just don't want to pay more for the same amount of food!!

I think the QSP looks like a good deal. You also get refillable mugs along with it. I think you get 2 snacks a day as well, so you will make out really good. Might not even need your take along breakfast as much, becuase you can get a little something from the snack selection for your breakfast.

We're weighing the costs of the DP or going OOP for our next trip. Does anyone know, if you are not on the DP, do the kids still have to order from the kids' menu? Just wondering because like some OP's the kids get tired of the same three choices after about 2 days. Also, if paying OOP could we order one meal and let the two kids split it? They are 3 / 6 and both eat like mice!

If you are paying out of pocket you can order from any meal you like. Adult or kids.