Will the DDE help us???

[Marc A.]

DVC members, purchased in the beginning of this year.
We have 2 trips planned, Nov. 08 (11 nights), March 09 (10) nights.
We purchased AP's and are on the DDP for our first trip and will most likely
do DDP again for March. Can someone please first describe the DDE and then let us know the pro's and cons's of it as it applies to us
ME, DW, DD (4), DS (2). My wife and I will have drinks at dinner, some lunches.
Thanks so much.

 

[Perditamarie]

Here is some info from allearsnet.com and mousesavers.com:

http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/discounts.htm

http://www.mousesavers.com/diningexperience.html

I have read elsewhere on this board that there is an 18% gratuity added when using the DDE, so I'm thinking it makes the 20% discount a bit of a wash.

Many places offer a discount to AP holders and DVC members regardless of DDE card.

 

[CarolMN]

DVC members, purchased in the beginning of this year.
We have 2 trips planned, Nov. 08 (11 nights), March 09 (10) nights.
We purchased AP's and are on the DDP for our first trip and will most likely
do DDP again for March. Can someone please first describe the DDE and then let us know the pro's and cons's of it as it applies to us
ME, DW, DD (4), DS (2). My wife and I will have drinks at dinner, some lunches.
Thanks so much.

Find out how the DDE works and get a list of participating restaurants:

Disney Dining Experience

After you spend $300 at participating restuarants, you will break even. (The DDE costs $60 if youare an annual passholder).

Anything after that will save you money, assuming you tip 18-20% for good service. Note that there is an auto gratutity of 18% added to DDE checks.

If you are on the DDP, you can use the DDE for a discount on food & drink items that are not included in the DDP. I would guess that you will not spend $300 or more on food & alcoholic drinks at participating restaurants if you have the DDP. That's really the key to deciding if the DDE will be worth it for your family's planned vacations.

 

[CarolMN]

.....Many places offer a discount to AP holders and DVC members regardless of DDE card.

That is true, but most of those discounts are for TS lunch only and are 10%, not 20%.

DVC members do get 20% at most of the restaurants (breakfast, lunch & dinner) in the Swan and Dolphin resorts. A DVC blue membership card is required to receive the discount.

Discounts cannot be combined - you must choose one if more than one applies to your situation.

 

[hakepb]

I don't think you can say the discount is a wash due to the auto-tip. Considering I would normally tip 15%, the auto 18% makes it only a 3% "wash"

Due to the 2008 changes in DDP (no appetizer and gratuity not included), to me the DDP is only worth it if you use TS at desireable dinners (i.e Le Cellier). And you can only use it at dinner if you get ADR's for those dinners.

Personally, I'm making a go with the DDE. If you are looking to save money, and still want a daily TS, and are OK using TS for breakfast or lunch, then I think DDE will save money. Of course as mentioned, If you will spend 300+ on drinks and appetizers in addition to what is included in the DDP, than it would be worth it to get both.
I also love the flexibility of DDE, as I was starting to feel "locked in" only eating Disney DDP. Now on the DDE, I feel OK to order in a Giordano's Pizza, or stop at a quick place not on the DDP (like the Boardwalk stands or Spoodles window)
DDE is valid at a few TS locations (in resorts with no TS, plus SSR's AP)

 

[CraftyMouse]

I don't think the DDE is worth it if you are on the DDP. We actually choose the DDE over the DDP as we find that it saves us money to do so. If you prefer the DDP then you probably won't get enough use out of the DDE card to make it worth it for you. The only way I could see it being beneficial is if you like to have 2 TS meals per day. Then you can use your DDE for the TS meal not covered by the DDP. Otherwise I think you'll be wasting money.

 

[Marc A.]

We are on the deluxe plan. So I guess it wouldnt make sense. Can you use the DDE for drinks around the world in Epcot for instance??
I mean if you spend a few days in Epcot and have a few drinks, plus a bottle of wine at a couple of sig. restaurants for dinner you may hit $300????
Thats what I'm trying to figure on.
thanks

 

[roxmic]

We like the DDE. I have not run the numbers to see if it is better than DDP dollar-wise, but you definitely have more freedom. If you plan to have drinks, DDP does not cover. DDE gives a 20% discount on the entire bill, then adds in 18% gratuity, so you really only get a 2% savings on the bill. But, since it includes your gratuity and covers drinks, I think its better than the DDP.
The DDP is a 30% discount, but it doesn't include drinks or gratuity.

 

[goofysully]

the ddp includes tax correct where the dde does not, so I would assume in fla that is another 6-8%, always used the dde before but was tempted to use the ddp for 3 adults and 1 child this trip, we are going to 3 buffets, le cellier, tokyo dining and 50's prime time, but will go to brown derby and france for lunches, always order drinks and appetizers so think I might use both.

 

[dis2cruise]

That is true, but most of those discounts are for TS lunch only and are 10%, not 20%.

DVC members do get 20% at most of the restaurants (breakfast, lunch & dinner) in the Swan and Dolphin resorts. A DVC blue membership card is required to receive the discount.

Discounts cannot be combined - you must choose one if more than one applies to your situation.

is the blue zoo resturant included with the 20% off with our dvc card??

 

[CraftyMouse]

is the blue zoo resturant included with the 20% off with our dvc card??

No. The eligible Swan/Dolphin restaurants are:

• Cabana Bar & Grill
• Picabu
• The Fountain
• Fresh Mediterranean Market
• Garden Grove Cafe
• Kimonos Lounge
• Splash Grill & Terrace

 

[dis2cruise]

No. The eligible Swan/Dolphin restaurants are:

• Cabana Bar & Grill
• Picabu
• The Fountain
• Fresh Mediterranean Market
• Garden Grove Cafe
• Kimonos Lounge
• Splash Grill & Terrace

thanks for the info!!