To DDP or not to DDP?

[randbmom]

I need your help! Since I've stayed offsite at a timeshare the last several years, I have not been eligible for the DDP and don't know enough about it. I have friends staying at OKW in November with DD age 8 and 5. They are not DVC members, but have exchanged for OKW. They do not have AP's.
I was asked to help with advice on DDP. My friend's DD's are "grazers" but generally good eaters and not overly picky. They want to do at least one character meal (Chef Mickey's) and would like to option of some table service meals.
So....
Can they add the DDP to their timeshare exchange at OKW?
Does the DDP make sense for this family if they plan to make a quick breakfast in the room some mornings?
Thanks in advance for all the DIS help!

 

[ldo]

if you are doing a character meal or other TS almost everyday, then DDP makes sense, otherwise, I would pay as you go (esp. if they foresee less than 4-5 sit-down table service meals or character meals). Ask them how much do they plan to eat in the condo? If in hotel room with no kitchen, I would get DDP, but with a condo and kitchen, it's a harder decision.
If they don't get DDP, let them know that breakfsat character meals are cheaper.

 

[randbmom]

Thanks for the help. I was thinking pay as you go would be better for them, but since I haven't ever done DDP I thought I'd ask.

 

[septbaby]

Will they have a car? If they plan to eat at Disney places throughout their stay the DDP is probably worth it. snack credits can be used to buy some things for in room breakfasts (milk, cereal, donuts, etc). Then CS for in park lunch and TS dinner. The DDP cost $100/day for them. If they'd spend that or near that I'd say yess to the DDP.

DDP includes meal, tax and tip
Order whatever you want, no worries about price
Alcohol is not included

 

[jjohnson]

I think any family with children 9 and under will do well with the DP.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

Our last trip we did DDP and my kids were 3, 4, 5, and 8 and we can't say enough good things about it!! Love it! Love it! Love it! Two of our kids are picky and the other two will eat pretty much anything. We had great food and service during our whole trip. We are going again this September for free dining. Can't wait.

 

[dburg30]

I'm not using it on my upcoming trip, but I'm going to closely watch what we do / how much we spend, then decide if we'll be using it in the future.

I'm going to eat what I want, when I want it, plus special things, just to see how it comes out..

 

[illiniowl]

I thought I would bump this because I'm not sure one of the OP's questions has been answered, namely, whether you are eligible to purchase the DDP if you are staying at a DVC resort on a timeshare exchange and not on DVC points. I know that you are eligible to purchase the DDP (which you pay for at check-in) if you are staying on DVC points as the "guest" of a DVC member (including as a renter) as long as the member makes the DDP reservation in advance through DVC Member Services, but frankly I have my doubts about whether you are eligible if you are not staying on DVC points. Hopefully someone will know the answer for sure.

 

[jjohnson]

Yes they are definitely eligible to purchase the plan. The OP needs to add it to their reservation before checkin.