Question about the DDE

[cm387]

Hope someone can help me out. We are making our next adventure to the world in April and I am trying to work out the budget and see what my best option is. I am trying to do the math and decide if the dining plan or an AP and the DDE would be a better fit. I know the price of the DDP, but I'm not sure anymore of the discount with the DDE or what the cost is now. We are looking to book either the family suite at All Star or 2 rooms, whichever is available for our trip. We are a family of 6 Me, DH, (8), (6), (4) and the will turn 2 while we are there. We are planning on going back sometime over the summer, so I'll probably get AP's for everyone. The AP rate isn't that much on a value so I haven't considered that too much in the plan. I'm just trying to weigh the cost of the DDP vs the DDE. Any input is greatly appreciated!!

 

[cm387]

never mind...found the info on allears

 

[DVC Grammy]

IMO, if your family consists of big eaters, the DDPs might be better (although the basic '08 DDP isn't as generous as the current one). If your family eats moderately, the DDE might work out better for you, especially since it will cover both of your trips next year.
You might want to look at some sample menus from the restaurants your family may choose. Work out the approximate costs for the meals you'd eat on an average day, and come up with a general price per person/day. If that's less than,or equal to, the cost of the DDP, go with the DDE, since you'll save the 20% (using the DDE places); if it's more, then buy the DDP.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Without getting too technical I found that as long as your kids are under the cut-off to count as adults then the DDP is a decent value. BUT that was before they took out the gratuity. At any rate, you'll still probably break even at the very least, and if you do character meals you will save money.

The DDE (for us) was MUCH better after DS turned 10 because he still wants to eat kid meals. Cheaper to pay OOP for kid meals than to pay for him on the adult DDP. We had free dining this year and he counted as an "adult", but he only ate a few bites of the things he ordered.