Should we get the DDP?

[LauraLap]

My family and I (DH, 3 yo DD, 4 yo DS) are going to Disney for 3 nights prior to our cruise. We have ADR's for two breakfasts (Hollywood and Vine, Boma), so that would take care of 2 out of the 3 Table Service meals. Do you think it's worth our while to get the plan?

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

My thoughts. We went to Disney on the basic dining plan for our last trip. It was before the changes and we saved a FORTUNE. So then on this trip we had to decide if we wanted to do it again. I am fine with eating cheap, ordering off teh kids meals, sharing meal, briging food, etc (except for a few special meals), but that drives my husband crazy to see me doing that. He wants to not worry about saving money when we are on vacation becasue we have to do that every other time of year. So, we are going with it again even though we know we won't be saving nearly as much. But I have to say, it really enhanced our last trip. When the kids wanted an ice cream, they all got an ice cream, on previous trips they would share one. Now, it wasn't necessary, but it was fun. In fact, one of my DD6's (then 4) favorite memories was when we sat eating Mickey ice cream bars and watching WISHES and we all got our own ice cream, she still can't get over that. In the past we'd let the kids get them once, and hubby and I would bite off theirs. But to be able to try lots of new places and not have to think about what we are spening is a nice change of pace for us.
Having said that, it sounds like you already are planning 2 sit down meals, and I am sure there are pleanty of others you'd like to try, so I say why not? Go for it, you only love once.....

 

[LauraLap]

Thanks! OK, here's another question. Can I still use my current ADR's, or do I have to call and change it to Disney Dining Plan or something?

(Sorry, DDP newbie)

 

[septbaby]

Well, for me its a numbers decision so let's see what the numbers say:

3 Night DP cost for your family: $288

Assumption: your 3rd meal is Chef Mickey's dinner ($90, so any meal costing near that would work)

Total OOP for 3TS meals, tax included: $230

So for $58 more you could have $36 worth of snacks, 6 Adult CS meals and 6 Child CS meals

The numbers say go for the plan. I hope that makes you feel better with your decision.

If I can be so bold as to suggest another meal: Coral Reef is a great place for family meal and it would allow you to be served vs buffet once during your trip. Trust me it is pretty easy to run up a $90 bill there!

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

It couldn't hurt to call and tell them that you have added DDP, as they do ask when you make the reservations. But you don't need to change the reservations. HOWEVER, we have opted to pay OOP at a meal and they had no problem with that. So, while I think it wouldn't be a bad idea, I am sure it won't be a problem if you don't. Maybe when you call to upgrade to DDP ask them to add it to your reservations.

Enjoy yourselves... and have fun deciding on a 3rd meal. Remember AllEars has all the meus posted.

 

[Mnemonic]

Thanks! OK, here's another question. Can I still use my current ADR's, or do I have to call and change it to Disney Dining Plan or something?

(Sorry, DDP newbie)

I don't think that will be necessary - you essentially use your DDP card (it is the same as your room key/park ticket) as a credit card. They don't even know you are on it until you either (1) tell them, or (2) present the card for payment.