To DDP or Not to DDP? About This Page:

[WeRDisneyFanatics]

That is the question? Can you help me decide? And I thank you in advance if you make it through this looooong post.

I'm trying to figure out if it makes sense for us to get the ddp for our next trip. We're planning to do 9 nights (although we'd only do 8 on the ddp because we'll have a one-night room only before our package starts). This is the same amount of nights we did last year and I came back saying I wouldn't do the ddp for that long again (too many desserts and snack credits), but in all fairness, we eneded up staying CL so alot of what we would've used our credits on ended up being things that we got in the lounge.

So now I'm running the numbers for next year and I'm second guessing my initial instinct to skip the ddp. Here's how I ran my "analysis" - I made a list of the restaurants that we want to eat at and then I went to the menus on allears and priced out a likely meal (as an aside--anyone else find it very hard to determine not only WHERE you want to eat but WHAT you want to eat this far in advance??). When I total the numbers and add in CS and snacks, what we'd pay OOP would be $50 to $150 more than the cost of 8 nights on the DDP (depending on which set of restaurants we eat at -- I did two versions, one with all 1 credit restaurants and one with two 2 credit restaurants mixed in).

Here's the rub though, I priced it out how I think we'd actually order (which isn't neccesarily always the same as what's included on the ddp) -- so for a couple of restaurants I included an appetizer but in all cases for table service I only included one dessert to share between me and DH. We rarely order one dessert per person like what you get on the ddp--dh and I usually share. And I didn't include any desserts in my CS calculations because we could skip those an not miss them at all.

So now I'm sort of stumped. Is it better to pay OOP and order how we want to order even if it costs a bit more than the DDP? I like the convenience of having everything pre-paid when we get the DDP but on the other hand, sometimes it feels like pressure to use up all those credits as the trip wears on and we've been eating out so much (I know we don't have to, but you know how if feels when you've paid for something and don't want to waste it.)

Ack! What would you do? If you have any suggestions of what else I should consider I'd love to here 'em!

[MelissaL]

When you did your calculations of what you'd order if you paid out of pocket versus the cost of the dining plan, did you account for buying appetizers OOP with the dining plan? If that's what you'd want, then that's what you should be comparing the costs of. If it still comes out less expensive to get the dining plan even if you order appetizers, then I'd go with the dining plan (but keep in mind that you don't have to order two desserts if you don't want them).

Happy planning,
Melissa

[Buffalogirl18]

We did exactly as you said, ran the numbers our first year deciding whether or not to do the DDP, and we've done it 3 years in a row now, and we always come out well ahead. And, because of it, I think we've gone to eat at places we definitely would not have, and experienced food that we wouldn't have without it - It's been wonderful. I also love the convenience of just "swipe and go" with the Key to the World Card, not having to carry cash, having all your meals pre-paid, makes life so much easier while you're on vacation.

[B.M.]

If I read your post correctly- you said you'll save $50-$150 on the DP. I agree that is not a huge savings, but a savings all the same. That is $50-$100 you could spend elsewhere. I personally vote that if you can save $, save it! We are doing the DP this year for the first time (its free!), otherwise we don't really benefit from it. Good luck deciding and Have a great trip!

[dkfajr1]

Dh won't let me plan a trip without the DDP. It has saved us money before and more than likely will this time as well. I like having it pre-paid and not having to worry about it.

[WeRDisneyFanatics]

Originally Posted by MelissaL

When you did your calculations of what you'd order if you paid out of pocket versus the cost of the dining plan, did you account for buying appetizers OOP with the dining plan? If that's what you'd want, then that's what you should be comparing the costs of. If it still comes out less expensive to get the dining plan even if you order appetizers, then I'd go with the dining plan (but keep in mind that you don't have to order two desserts if you don't want them).

Happy planning,
Melissa

Good point! After I wrote the whole post I thought hmmm-- I could take that $50-$150 savings and use it to pay for apps OOP if we got the ddp. I think where I get stuck is it's nice to have that certain freedom that comes with paying OOP -- like if we're feeling really full one day and just want to split an entree (or even cancel an ADR all together) we won't feel like we're missing out on the value of the plan. It's sort of that unknown of what our stomachs will be up for when the time comes if that makes any sense!

Originally Posted by Buffalogirl18

We did exactly as you said, ran the numbers our first year deciding whether or not to do the DDP, and we've done it 3 years in a row now, and we always come out well ahead. And, because of it, I think we've gone to eat at places we definitely would not have, and experienced food that we wouldn't have without it - It's been wonderful. I also love the convenience of just "swipe and go" with the Key to the World Card, not having to carry cash, having all your meals pre-paid, makes life so much easier while you're on vacation.

You're so right about the swip and go convenience! It's one of the big things that I love about the plan.

Originally Posted by B.M.

If I read your post correctly- you said you'll save $50-$150 on the DP. I agree that is not a huge savings, but a savings all the same. That is $50-$100 you could spend elsewhere. I personally vote that if you can save $, save it! We are doing the DP this year for the first time (its free!), otherwise we don't really benefit from it. Good luck deciding and Have a great trip!

Thanks!

[WHMom]

Since you would save money w/ the DDP, it seems to me that you should probably do it. Perhaps you could remind yourself from time to time that you don't have to use all your snack credits during the week... You can use the remaining ones at the end to buy goodies you can bring home. And as for desserts, you could either just not order them all the time, or you can get a dessert or two "to go" and have it later. (Or even for breakfast the next day)

I have always loved doing the DDP. Good luck deciding!

[theJordans]

We`ve had the TIW card which I prefer over the dining plan. However since we no longer have an AP we can`t have the card. So for us the DP is the way to go. Don`t forget the tax and drinks are included in the DP too.

[WeRDisneyFanatics]

Originally Posted by dkfajr1

Dh won't let me plan a trip without the DDP. It has saved us money before and more than likely will this time as well. I like having it pre-paid and not having to worry about it.

Originally Posted by WHMom

Since you would save money w/ the DDP, it seems to me that you should probably do it. Perhaps you could remind yourself from time to time that you don't have to use all your snack credits during the week... You can use the remaining ones at the end to buy goodies you can bring home. And as for desserts, you could either just not order them all the time, or you can get a dessert or two "to go" and have it later. (Or even for breakfast the next day)

I have always loved doing the DDP. Good luck deciding!

Originally Posted by theJordans

We`ve had the TIW card which I prefer over the dining plan. However since we no longer have an AP we can`t have the card. So for us the DP is the way to go. Don`t forget the tax and drinks are included in the DP too.

You guys are talking sense into me! I think you're right, this is a good option for us. Thanks for helping me think this through.

[Sue M.]

Originally Posted by Buffalogirl18

We did exactly as you said, ran the numbers our first year deciding whether or not to do the DDP, and we've done it 3 years in a row now, and we always come out well ahead. And, because of it, I think we've gone to eat at places we definitely would not have, and experienced food that we wouldn't have without it - It's been wonderful. I also love the convenience of just "swipe and go" with the Key to the World Card, not having to carry cash, having all your meals pre-paid, makes life so much easier while you're on vacation.

I'd go with the DDP. $150 is a sig. saving IMO. And being on the DDP, has allowed us to maybe eat at places we may not have, too. And not worrying about how much an entree cost. So If I want the most expensive thing on the menu, I'll order it. Without the DDP, I prob. wouldn't. We share desserts too when not on the DDP, but you can have the option of ordering fruit too, or just leaving what you don;t want.
I know what you mean about the 2 desserts. We use the snack credit for breakfast, and order a bagel, muffin, fruit cup or cereal. Then if we do want to odd snack, we'll pay OOP for the Dole Whip!

[MMMD]

I vote for the DP also. Have fun.

[DISNEY03]

I have to agree with the DDP!!!! I also, calculated the entire thing out on our last trip as you did and I we did the plan and I can't imagine now not having it (that's probably Disney's point). We also ate at restaurant's that we would never have before and now we have to go every visit.
We did have a lot of snacks so what we did was got the veggies and dip and the grapes and we put it in the refrig (we are DVCer's) and we would eat for a snack at night or during the day when we came back to the room. We also drive down so we got a lot of snacks for the way home like mickey rice crispy treats and stuff!
I know this is a tough decision because I drove myself crazy and the other 7 of us trying to figure it out but I was happy with the decision. The kids are like $11per day, how could you go wrong, although the only problem is that they only give 4 nuggest and my son can eat a lot more than that, and that's all he really wanted, and you couldn't just order nuggets by themselves. We worked it out but I would say that was the ONLY problem we had.
I like planning our day ahead of time, that was my DH's biggest concern about what you said "how do you know what you want 6mths ahead of time, but it all worked out.
Good luck and please tell us how it works out!

[emilyandlogansmom]

We're about in the same situation. Personally, since it's about a wash and gives you the freedom to do as you please...I think I'll pay for it ahead of time and not worry about it. There's really not a right or wrong answer. I like sticking to a budget, having specific money for food, souvineers, etc...and this will just make it more simple.

[heziggy]

i would add it now, you can always cancel it later if you decide against it

[mcc0313]

I have debated back and forth and always ended up using it and we love it. Like others have said I like knowing that everything is already paid for - it just gives me a sense of ease knowing I do not have to worry about having the money for food. I also enjoy having our TS a day, and if I had to do it OOP I think rational would end up kicking in and I would probably pass on some saying I don't want to shell out the money and while I probably would save some money it would take something away from the trip as we enjoy dining as we do not do it much at home.

I think if you can save or break even then go for it, and if there is an appitizer you want then go ahead and order (we usually order at least once or twice) but at least you know the majority of the meals are taken care of.