Please Critique My Plan OOP vs DDP

[Sacha_L]

I have always been a proponent of the DDP, and in another situation we would probably purchase again (traveling with extended family). But last night while working on my third version of our August plan I realized that because my oldest is an adult in Disney's eyes we could eat at Signature restaurants for the same price as a character meal. The DDP was going to cost us $1364 + tips, but we can eat at the restaurants below for $1340 (this includes lunches, dinners with kids getting desserts and DH and I splitting desserts, occasional alcoholic beverages and $75 worth on snacks) including tips because my oldest will order kids meals in most of these restaurants. I left in two character meals because we don't wait in line to see characters. Anyone else done this type of trip? I'd love some feedback. Also do you guys have a recommendation to replace Ohana since DS12 would be charged as an adult?

Sunshine Seasons
Rose & Crown
Fair fax Faire
1900 Park Fare
Columbia Harbor house
California Grill
Water park QS$40
Jiko
Water park QS $40
Flying Fish
Yak & Yeti Cafe
Ohana
MK QS $50
Crystal palace

 

[sharonabe]

If all of you really enjoy Ohana, why not just keep it? It's within the budget you set even though DS is charged as an adult. I understand he may not eat $40 worth, but do any of us?

 

[Sacha_L]

If all of you really enjoy Ohana, why not just keep it? It's within the budget you set even though DS is charged as an adult. I understand he may not eat $40 worth, but do any of us?

We have never been to Ohana, though it does look fun. I'm trying to eat at new restaurants this trip. Our only repeats are Crystal Palace and Columbia Harbor. I'm also trying to decide on a restaurant for our arrival night, but we land at 7:20pm so I'm afraid everything will be closed after getting our bags and ME to the resort (We are on the west coast so 3 hrs behind) We are doing one night at POP until we can check into BWV the next day and are not visiting a park that night.

 

[sharonabe]

Well, my family loves Ohana. All the meat you can eat!!! And the dessert is one of the best on property. We do this one and we're OOP people.

As for arrival night. I'm assuming this will be OOP since your DDP won't start until you check into BWV. The POP food court should still be open or you could walk over to Art of Animation and eat at their QS. Coming from the west coast, you may want to get out and stretch your legs a bit. Of course, there's always DTD. The buses will be running to/from until well after 11:00 p.m.

 

[Sacha_L]

Well, my family loves Ohana. All the meat you can eat!!! And the dessert is one of the best on property. We do this one and we're OOP people.

As for arrival night. I'm assuming this will be OOP since your DDP won't start until you check into BWV. The POP food court should still be open or you could walk over to Art of Animation and eat at their QS. Coming from the west coast, you may want to get out and stretch your legs a bit. Of course, there's always DTD. The buses will be running to/from until well after 11:00 p.m.

How late do the DTD restaurants stay open on a Saturday night in August? I think we would enjoy walking around. I don't want to stay out too late because I want to check into BWV and make rope drop at Epcot the next day. Thanks!

 

[sharonabe]

According to allearsnet, restaurants at DTD are open until 11:00.

 

[MrInfinity]

Sacha,

You have mostly Menu-Service and Signature restaurants. These are the two types of restaurants that are the least beneficial on the DDP (and the best for OOP as you've calculated). You're going to be better off without the DDP.

For the reasons you mentioned. Splitting sodas, splitting desserts, and even if you got your DS an adult meal chances are he (nor both of you) would order the $30 entrée every time. Plus you can order appetizers instead of meals, and you'll be pay less in tips too (since your meals will be overall less cost pre-DDP deduction)

I would not sub out Ohana. It is really cool. It's worth the extra bit you pay for your DS.

 

[Sacha_L]

Thank you everyone for your help