The DDP

[britdaw]

I have been reading "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2011" and I am shocked by how many negative comments the book has in it about the DDP! It's not just the book' there are a LOT of letters written in by people who say that you get too many credits and that they give you a rediculous amount of food. Now I totally understand why my husband was against my idea of changing our reservation to a Disney resort so we could get the DDP. He told me "For 12 months, I will have been eating CRAP in Afghanistan. I don't want to come home and go to Disney to have stipulations on what I can eat and when!"
What's your opinion on the dining plans?

 

[Monty]

I won't use it. The numbers of credits for each type don't suit my dining habits. I'm much further ahead using AP room discounts and the Tables in Wonderland dining discounts.

 

[britdaw]

So do you think that a lot of people just get it because it's offered free as part of a promotion??

 

[lbrad]

Everyones situation/circumstances are different.
you have to crunch the #'s for your family.
I am not of fan of DDP ... used it once ... only because it was offered FREE.
Not something that works for my family of 5.

Good luck

 

[britdaw]

Well we're not getting the dining plan. Hubby absolutely refused to get it, even though I thought having it would help us save some money on our ADR's...

Oh well! At least without it we'll feel free to eat whereever and whenever we want to!

 

[Disaddict]

Everyones situation/circumstances are different.
you have to crunch the #'s for your family.
I am not of fan of DDP ... used it once ... only because it was offered FREE.
Not something that works for my family of 5.

Good luck

Bravo. Great explaination! :wave:

For our family the DDP is a great deal. We have a bunch of TS places that we love to eat at and by us running the numbers we actually come out slightly ahead by using the DDP. And when they give it to us for free it actually ends up saving us over $1350. Otherwise we take another discount and still end up saving $500+.


But like lbrad says, it isn't for everyone and you should really figure it out carefully first. But it could save you money. What you should do is #1, decide where you might want to eat each day of your trip. You're not planning your trip or making an itenerary, but just getting a decent idea of food costs. #2, add those totals. And #3, add up the cost of the DDP to see if it is more or less than your out of pocket estimation. If it is close and you are definately not going during the Free DDP promo then you ought to go with paying out of pocket. If it will save you a signifigant amount then go with the DDP.

Just play around with it a little and see what kind of discounts you can get that will maximize your savings.

 

[ArtieJim]

My girlfriend and I used it when we were there last October because the quick service DDP was offered free and it was only about $200 for us to upgrade to the regular one. We found that it worked pretty well, there were plenty of options for us to choose from but we're not doing it when we go this December since it's not offered free for that time. We did the math and it wouldn't have made sense. It's really a matter of preference and when you're going down there.

And tell your husband thanks for what he's doing over there and to keep up the good work.

 

[jaly]

We had the DDP for free 2 years ago with our All-Star Sports reservation (7 nights, 2 adults 2 kids). Even though we did the Hoop De Doo, Chef Mickey and the Crystal Palace, japanese place, and the german buffet, we still had one dinner left each at the end which we wound up using on Pizza. I am pretty sure we did not pay for any other food/snacks while we were there. It was 2 years back, so I might be forgetting something here or there.

We are staying at the Coronado Springs in November (17-24) and the DDP is included for free. For us, this offer makes sense since we will likely spend very little additional money on food.

 

[minnielaw]

Ok, I'm stepping onto my soap box about the DDP. I am a fan of the DDP and feel it is unfairly bashed. It makes me upset that people bash the DDP uniformly. It simply makes sense for some people and does not for others.

As others have said...you simply have to crunch the numbers for your family to see if it makes financial sense. Additionally, you have to analyze your style of eating and the way you tour while at WDW. If you are light eaters...regularly sharing entrees, skipping meals and doing more light snacking....the DDP is definitely not for you. Likewise, if you are serious park goers that don't want to miss a moment of experiencing attractions to sit down and eat...the DDP is probably not for you either.

The statement that you made that without the DDP you'll "feel free to eat whenever and wherever we want to" is not really true. If you and your husband plan to eat at any table service restaurants you will have to make ADR's and therefore, not be able to eat whenever and wherever. The DDP does not force you to eat specific places at specific times.

I just get really upset that "seasoned" WDW travelers act like the DDP is for naive newbies and that the DDP is a huge rip-off. Most detractors are annual passholders and TiW cardholders who receive discounts on dining via another method. I totally agree that when you can receive LARGER discounts via another method, then why would you choose DDP with a smaller discount? However, for those of us who do not have annual passes and therefore are not eligible to purchase TiW cards, then the DDP CAN make sense.

I suggest that you look at the restaurants that you plan to visit and estimate the cost of your meals and snacks. Crunch the numbers and see where you will save the most money and what best suits your travel and dining style. Also, look to see if the DDP is offered free during your visit.

I have used the DDP twice in the last three years and I felt it was WELL worth it for our family of 4. We are a family of foodies and enjoy dining in restaurants. For us, the restaurants are as much a part of the park experience as the attractions. We enjoy taking a break from the crowds and lines and sitting down for a nice meal. We live in a small town and our dining options are very limited while at home.

Another advantage I have found with the DDP is the ability to plan our meals and avoid indecision at mealtimes. All of our table service meals are scheduled and the family simply looks at me at mealtime and asks "Where are we headed?" No more of the dreaded thirty minutes of "where do you want to eat?" "I don't know where do YOU want to eat?" UGH!

Anyhoo....I'll step off the box now and shut up. Please feel free to send me a private message if you wish to discuss the DDP any further.

Now haters....bring it on!!:lol:

 

[Disaddict]

Ok, I'm stepping onto my soap box about the DDP. I am a fan of the DDP and feel it is unfairly bashed. It makes me upset that people bash the DDP uniformly.

Not everyone hates it. I love it when it works for us. However, with the places we like to eat it has worked for us recently.

The statement that you made that without the DDP you'll "feel free to eat whenever and wherever we want to" is not really true. If you and your husband plan to eat at any table service restaurants you will have to make ADR's and therefore, not be able to eat whenever and wherever. The DDP does not force you to eat specific places at specific times.

The problem most have with the DDP is that they blame it for the increase in traffic at the TS places. And to some degree it is true. With the introduction of the DDP the available seats at TS places is lower. Add in the Free DDP promo and you get an even worse situation. I think that is what they mean by "feel free to eat whenever and wherever we want to". It's just a fact that it is harder to get a walkup TS seat these days.

I just get really upset that "seasoned" WDW travelers act like the DDP is for naive newbies and that the DDP is a huge rip-off.

I go to WDW once a year or so have been for a while. I would consider myself a "seasoned" WDW traveler and I don't think that. The DDP can save us a lot if it is offered free.

I totally agree that when you can receive LARGER discounts via another method, then why would you choose DDP with a smaller discount?

Because the DDP as it is, is not a discount. So if I do not get the DDP for free then I will take another discount. Either way I'm saving money.

 

[EvilQueen-T]

I like the dining plan when I go with all adults. We book all signature dinners then use any leftover credits for single credit table service lunches, snacks to fill in the rest but mainly use those for drinks or something light for breakfast. We are very aware of how many credits we have and make sure to plan so they're all used. When I go with my sisters it allows us to prepay and therefore budget for these meals which works well so that one person isn't stressing over money at the table. They're the types that aren't real great about putting money aside to use later but are fine with having x amount of money pulled out of their paychecks like a monthly bill over a year to pay for the trip (we book a year out when we get a room discount offer then divide the amount out per person per month). When we do a dining plan we do the deluxe plan and don't feel like we have to eat every bite on the plate. We also go in the winter so we always book a late dinner after park closing (~9pm) and have no problem taking leftovers back to the hotel room frig...late night snacks can be super yummy . I do miss when the tip was included tho. I will say, however, we also take trips where we go super cheap pay out of pocket and share meals. I agree the servings are huge but like I said I don't feel like I have to always clean my plate.

 

[cslafferty]

Ok, I'm stepping onto my soap box about the DDP. I am a fan of the DDP and feel it is unfairly bashed. It makes me upset that people bash the DDP uniformly. It simply makes sense for some people and does not for others.

As others have said...you simply have to crunch the numbers for your family to see if it makes financial sense. Additionally, you have to analyze your style of eating and the way you tour while at WDW. If you are light eaters...regularly sharing entrees, skipping meals and doing more light snacking....the DDP is definitely not for you. Likewise, if you are serious park goers that don't want to miss a moment of experiencing attractions to sit down and eat...the DDP is probably not for you either.

The statement that you made that without the DDP you'll "feel free to eat whenever and wherever we want to" is not really true. If you and your husband plan to eat at any table service restaurants you will have to make ADR's and therefore, not be able to eat whenever and wherever. The DDP does not force you to eat specific places at specific times.

I just get really upset that "seasoned" WDW travelers act like the DDP is for naive newbies and that the DDP is a huge rip-off. Most detractors are annual passholders and TiW cardholders who receive discounts on dining via another method. I totally agree that when you can receive LARGER discounts via another method, then why would you choose DDP with a smaller discount? However, for those of us who do not have annual passes and therefore are not eligible to purchase TiW cards, then the DDP CAN make sense.

I suggest that you look at the restaurants that you plan to visit and estimate the cost of your meals and snacks. Crunch the numbers and see where you will save the most money and what best suits your travel and dining style. Also, look to see if the DDP is offered free during your visit.

I have used the DDP twice in the last three years and I felt it was WELL worth it for our family of 4. We are a family of foodies and enjoy dining in restaurants. For us, the restaurants are as much a part of the park experience as the attractions. We enjoy taking a break from the crowds and lines and sitting down for a nice meal. We live in a small town and our dining options are very limited while at home.

Another advantage I have found with the DDP is the ability to plan our meals and avoid indecision at mealtimes. All of our table service meals are scheduled and the family simply looks at me at mealtime and asks "Where are we headed?" No more of the dreaded thirty minutes of "where do you want to eat?" "I don't know where do YOU want to eat?" UGH!

Anyhoo....I'll step off the box now and shut up. Please feel free to send me a private message if you wish to discuss the DDP any further.

Now haters....bring it on!!:lol:

DITTO to all of this!!!! Well said!!:wave:

 

[disneygirl76]

I have been reading "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2011" and I am shocked by how many negative comments the book has in it about the DDP! It's not just the book' there are a LOT of letters written in by people who say that you get too many credits and that they give you a rediculous amount of food. Now I totally understand why my husband was against my idea of changing our reservation to a Disney resort so we could get the DDP. He told me "For 12 months, I will have been eating CRAP in Afghanistan. I don't want to come home and go to Disney to have stipulations on what I can eat and when!"
What's your opinion on the dining plans?

I have noticed that book tends to air on the side of being negative any way. I read it and noticed it and then my husband was reading it and mentioned it to me - I had never mentioned it to him before.

The Disney Dining Plan - it works for some and not for others. However, my DH and I love it. We always get some form of it. We usually get the standard dining plan (1 TS, 1CS, and 1 Snack) but we have gone Deluxe once. We used the Deluxe to enjoy many Signature experience and ate at the Castle twice. It was just the type of vacation we wanted to have. However, with the standard dining plan, I do not think that it is too much food. My DH and I usually eat twice when at WDW. We usually grab an early lunch and a late dinner. So for us, it is not too much food at all. Its the perfect amount.

 

[Computer Magic]

I have noticed that book tends to air on the side of being negative any way. I read it and noticed it and then my husband was reading it and mentioned it to me - I had never mentioned it to him before.

The Disney Dining Plan - it works for some and not for others. However, my DH and I love it. We always get some form of it. We usually get the standard dining plan (1 TS, 1CS, and 1 Snack) but we have gone Deluxe once. We used the Deluxe to enjoy many Signature experience and ate at the Castle twice. It was just the type of vacation we wanted to have. However, with the standard dining plan, I do not think that it is too much food. My DH and I usually eat twice when at WDW. We usually grab an early lunch and a late dinner. So for us, it is not too much food at all. Its the perfect amount.

agree its not too much food. You can offset the amount of food by going to a signature meal.

DDP can work depending on how you eat and how often you visit. For example those that go more often use The Tables in Wonderland iinstad of DDP. You have to be an AP holder and I think cost $75.

 

[Computer Magic]

Here are two examples. Keep in mind the outcome differs depending on you party and eating habits

The Dining Plan Family


Our family consists of 2 adults and 2 children. They are on the Magic Your Way plus dining plan and paid a total of $115.96 for their dining plan for this day in question (that is the per day rate).

They enjoy lunch at Paco’s Bill. Their bill was $37.72 (everyone ate hamburgers).

They enjoyed a sit down dinner at Crystal Palace. Their bill was $109.96.

They also each had an Dole Whip from Aloha Isle. Total was $12.76.

Their grand total for the day is $160.44. They paid $115.96 for the dining plan. They save $44.48 by having the dining plan.

The Tables in Wonderland Family


Our family consists of 2 adults and 2 children.

They enjoy lunch at Paco’s Bill. Their bill was $37.72 (everyone ate hamburgers). (no discount here)

They enjoyed a sit down dinner at Crystal Palace. Their bill was $87.96 after the discount.

They also each had an Dole Whip from Aloha Isle. Total was $12.76.

Their grand total for the day is $138.44 out of pocket.

So it looks like the Dining Plan Family came out ahead in that battle.

But what if our 2 families had 4 adults and 2 children? The dining plan family would of paid $207.94 for the plan and spent $268.54 ($19.14, $183.94, $65.26). The Tables in Wonderland Family would of paid $231.55.

What if we had used the Tables in Wonderland card on our honeymoon?


We spent a total of $473.94 on the Deluxe dining plan. We saved $131 by using the plan.

Ohanas – $66
San Angel Inn – $80
Hollywood and Vine – $66
Cinderella’s Royal Table – $90 (gratuity included)
Tony’s Town Square – $71
Spirit of Aloha – $126 (gratuity included)
Ohanas – $42
Snacks – $36
2 reusable mugs – $28
Grand Total: $605

If we had used the Tables in Wonderland card, we would of paid $432 for all the food (after the discounts) and an additional $36 on snacks. We would of not bought the reusable mugs (we only used ours twice). That grand total is $468.80 or $5.14 less than what we paid for the dining plan.

The Verdict:

The Tables in Wonderland Card is a good deal if you have a larger party and plan to eat at a lot of table service restaurants during your trip. It’s also a good deal if you don’t eat the same foods the dining plan pays for (the example families each had an entree, beverage and dessert at lunch and each person had one snack during our mock day) and if you live close and just come up for a day or two at a time.

The best thing to do when you are undecided is to pull up the menus for the restaurants, create your own mock days and see what you would end up paying with either the dining plan or the Tables in Wonderland card.

Keep in mind that you do have to pay 18-20% gratuity on your table service meals and it is automatically added to your bill for you when you use the Tables in Wonderland Card.

 

[Disaddict]

The best thing to do when you are undecided is to pull up the menus for the restaurants, create your own mock days and see what you would end up paying...

Exactly what I said.