Tell me about the Disney Dining Experience Card?

[kabbie]

I've read a little bit about the discount card from trip reports, but don't know the particulars. How much is it? Is it only offered to those who have booked a travel package or is it available to everyone?

 

[Allison]

It is only available to AP holders and Florida residents.

 

[DeeDeeDis]

I know if yu are an annual pass holder (or florida resident) last year you could purchase the Disney Dining experience card for $50.00. This is well worth it

You save 20% on your total bill for up to 9 people in your party (this includes beverages also alcohol drinks - actually used the card once for a few beers at the ESPN bar).

There are 5 in our family and we recouped our card fee within the first few days of using the card.

 

[byoung]

With family of 10 saved over $600 in first week of May, with the card.

 

[problemchild718]

The price went up on 1/2/06 to $60.00, but was still worth it for our trip last week. We saved about $20.00 per meal (the amout of the tip in most cases) for our party of 4 adults and 1 child. It is only good at sit down resturants, but is also good for alcohol if you like. Be sure to order it early or you may pick up a temp. card at Epcot Guest Relations when you arrive.

 

[kabbie]

It is only available to AP holders and Florida residents.

I don't know if the allearsnet was correct then because it showed for the general public price was $75 then the AP/Florida price was $50.

I posted the thread here first then researched around and saw info there.

I'm not sure if it's worth it for me this year b/c I'm only planning a short getaway for 5 nights in late Set/early Oct with maybe a few meals at participating restaurants.

Thanks everyone for your input!

 

[Dizzy4Dizney]

We renewed ours this year because we have 2 trips planned. It is well worth it. I actually did an analysis of what meals would cost with the DDE and what they would cost with Meal Plan. The final analysis was that I would actually spend $20 more using the DD (only counting the cost of the card for 1 trip, the second trip would be paid for) , but I felt the meal plan was too much food for our family since we don't order apps and desserts at every sit down meal. Also, I didn't factor in alcohol, so we will probably break even.

 

[Allison]

I don't know if the allearsnet was correct then because it showed for the general public price was $75 then the AP/Florida price was $50.

I posted the thread here first then researched around and saw info there.

I'm not sure if it's worth it for me this year b/c I'm only planning a short getaway for 5 nights in late Set/early Oct with maybe a few meals at participating restaurants.

Thanks everyone for your input!

It's not available to the general public and as others said the price did increase by $10. When allears mentions the general membership price it is referring to Florida residents as it mentions in the previous paragraph.

 

[goofy4tink]

It's not available to the general public and as others said the price did increase by $10. When allears mentions the general membership price it is referring to Florida residents as it mentions in the previous paragraph.

Yep, absolutely correct. But, if you have that AP, it is worth the $60 for the DDE. I'm renewing mine this spring for our Oct trip, and also using the DDP. I'll use the DDE card for drinks and those addtl meals that aren't covered by DDP.

 

[GME]

I have a somewhat technical followup question. I noticed on the WDW website that FL residents pay $85 for a new DDE card. In addition, a spouse can get one for an additional $25. My question: If I go with my family to a participating restaurant, does my one DDE card cover my whole table? Or, do you need to have another DDE card?

Is that second DDE card for my spouse just in case she wants to eat without me?

$85 sounds like a good deal if we stay a little longer. A big benefit is that it covers alcoholic beverages. I drink occassionally, but my wife does not- although she does enjoy those non-alcoholic fru-fru drinks! This might be good justification to extend our trip!

 

[cobbler]

One card will cover the tab for up to 9 people. Yes the second card would be if you spouse was out and about on her own and wanted to eat and use the discount.

 

[cjsmith]

The Florida resident and AP renewal fee is indeed $60 now as I just renewed mine yesterday. I hate that they now make you pay an additional $25 per spouse card as we've had our DDE card for years and years as Florida residents and since they opened it up to AP holders they've raised the rates and have now taken away the 2nd card for your spouse or significant other which was always free with the membership.

It is very worth the expense however and I find that we make it back very quickly.