Question: Annual Pass and DDE?

[northriver]

(I posted this on the Tips board too - sorry for the duplicate posts.)

The DDP does not really work for us, I have crunched the numbers and is about a wash. We do TS either breakfast or lunch and CS or just a snack in the evening. The DDE, however looks like a really good option, we could save a bundle! We are not AP holders as we only visit WDW every few years. Wouldn't it make sense to buy one AP for myself so I could qualify for the AP discounts, including the DDE? I considered this option even before I heard about the DDE.

If I buy just one AP for our group of 4, we still qualify for AP discounts, right?

Any thoughts on this?

 

[jodifla]

Yes, this would work!

 

[OKWMom]

Yes, just one AP will get you the discounts for a party of four. You will need the AP voucher in hand when you call to order the DDE. If you don't receive the DDE card prior to your trip, call the DDE offices and they will leave a temporary card for you at Epcot Guest Services.

 

[goofyinohio]

Yes you are correct. The only thing you have to watch for is if you book a Magic Your Way package they make everyone in the party have the same package so you just have to watch that. The DDE card is great.

 

[lynn71092]

(I posted this on the Tips board too - sorry for the duplicate posts.)

The DDP does not really work for us, I have crunched the numbers and is about a wash. We do TS either breakfast or lunch and CS or just a snack in the evening. The DDE, however looks like a really good option, we could save a bundle! We are not AP holders as we only visit WDW every few years. Wouldn't it make sense to buy one AP for myself so I could qualify for the AP discounts, including the DDE? I considered this option even before I heard about the DDE.

If I buy just one AP for our group of 4, we still qualify for AP discounts, right?

Any thoughts on this?

Just curious, if you only go every couple of years how often will you use that pass in one year?

 

[HarrietSLP]

Just remember you would have to spend at least $300 at Table Service Meals ( doesn't cover CS) in order to recoup the $60 you paid for DDE. The savings after that would probably cover the cost of tip/gratuity plus a little more if tipping less than 20%.

 

[northriver]

Ok THANK YOU!!!!

I just called, got a $600 discount on our room rate with the passholder discount, that is savings over the AAA rate I already had. ($435 actual savings, because the annual pass is $165 above the cost of the 6 day hopper I was going to purchase.)

Yes the DDE will definately pay for itself. 4 adults for 7 days, at least one TS meal/day. And my parents are going to V & A one night so that about covers it right there.

No we won't be back to use the pass again, but it has already paid for itself in discounts!

WOOHOO I am so excited - I LOVE these boards!!!

 

[patsal]

Ok THANK YOU!!!!

I just called, got a $600 discount on our room rate with the passholder discount, that is savings over the AAA rate I already had. ($435 actual savings, because the annual pass is $165 above the cost of the 6 day hopper I was going to purchase.)

Yes the DDE will definately pay for itself. 4 adults for 7 days, at least one TS meal/day. And my parents are going to V & A one night so that about covers it right there.

No we won't be back to use the pass again, but it has already paid for itself in discounts!

WOOHOO I am so excited - I LOVE these boards!!!

You only get one card for the discount and it is non transferable so your parent's will not be able to use it, unless you are dining with them.

 

[goofyinohio]

You only get one card for the discount and it is non transferable so your parent's will not be able to use it, unless you are dining with them.

Yes you will have to go with them in order for them to use the discount unless they are the one that is getting the annual pass and the DDE card.

 

[goofy4tink]

You did everything I tell people to do...sit and compare the two dining plans. I have done it in the past and most times, for us, the DDE card works out to be a better choice. If you compare apples to apples, you should be able to make an informed choice.
But, as others have said...the DDE card is not transferrable. If it is in your name, you will have to be at the meal in order to get the discount.

 

[JimMIA]

Don't forget that, with the DDE, you can get the discount for up to ten people at the same meal -- provided the cardholder is present, you notify the server when ordering (so they can put everything on one check), and the cardholder pays the check.

Another important DDE fact for some is that the 20% discount also applies to "adult beverages." DDE is the only discount plan that can be used for alcohol, and many people get DDP, and still use DDE for alcoholic beverages. If you're just having a beer, it doesn't really matter much, but if you're having a dinner for 10 with a couple of bottles of wine, it does matter. You can use both -- DDP for the covered meals, DDE for everything else.

 

[northriver]

Thanks for the clarification - too bad my parents can't use my DDE at V & A, but that is the only meal we won't be together. I think the DDE will still work really well for us even without V & A.

Before the DDP - I got in the habit of booking off times for meals, usually the latest seatings for breakfasts or lunch. Good way to save OOP money and beat the crowds, but not a good way to get the most from the DDP.

 

[PinkTink63]

I have a question about DDE. Does it work at Vero Beach? We are going there for a couple of days between WDW.

 

[disprincessatheart]

also remember that many CS places give you a straight AP discount instead of a DDE discount - ask everywhere you eat and you'll save even more!

 

[magsmom]

No, the DDE card is not valid at Vero.
Note that you can also use the DDE card at the CS restaurants at Animal Kingdom, The All Stars, Pop Century, and at POFQ.

DDE ROCKS! We were on the DDP last August and used DDE for our adult beverages. It was really nice to get 20% off a couple of expensive wines at Cali and Yachtsman.