Trying to figure out best dining discounts About This Page:

[Tink_and_Eeyore]

Trip for DD11's birthday and bringing along her best friend to celebrate their birthdays in style at WDW.

We just passed ROFR for DVC, so it's all a go.

Given their ages, the DDP is simply not viable - we'd be paying as 4 adults.

So, we're annual passholders and DVC members which both appear to be a 10% discount on dining. (Can use one or the other, only)

Since several of the restaurants where we will have ADRs (Crystal Palace, Hollywood & Vine) are in the DDE for 20% discount, I'm wondering if we would be wise to go with the DDE since it's a larger discount.

Except for breakfast at CP, we'll eat breakfast in the resort. We're also planning to order some meal trays from Giordano's for lunches and dinner. The only things we absolutely "must" do are breakfast at CP (I want this one) and the Fantasmic Dinner Package (the girls want this one) we don't have any requirements.

We're going Labor Day week (DD's birthday is Sept. 1) for 5 nights, 6 days.

Any suggestions? Ideas?

[tjkraz]

The AP and DVC discounts are only for selected restaurants and sometimes even just certain meals or meal times. For instance, with DVC we get a 10% discount on lunch ONLY at the ESPN Club. At Cape May Cafe we get a 10% discount on dinner, but only for reservations between the hours of 5:30 to 6:30pm and 9 to 9:30pm.

You'll have to check the DVC and Passholder websites for the latest list of discounts. They are subject to change at any time. If you can stick to the locations that offer these discounts, that's probably your best route because there is no additional up-front cost to obtain the discount.

With the DDE card there is a $60 annual fee (for one card, $75 if you want two cards). The DDE gets you a 20% discounts at most table service restaurants and the counter service at Animal Kingdom. The $60 fee means that you need to spend $300 on food at participating locations just to break even. Your savings don't begin until after the $300.

One good thing about the DDE is that the card is good for a full year. If you'll be making multiple trips in a year's time, you use the same card for the duration. The DDE card is also valid for up to 10 people on a single check, and you receive the discount on the purchase of alcoholic beverages (which are not covered under the Dining Plan.)

We've purchased the DDE twice and that's the best fit for our family. We don't eat out a whole lot (thus eliminating the DDP as an option), and we tend to group multiple trips together in a 12-month period while holding APs.

[Tink_and_Eeyore]

We're planning 2 trips this year and will likely do 2 a year for some time, which is why we went with the annual passes. This year, we're doing the birthday trip and one before Christmas to see the decorations.

We plan to add on each year with the income tax refund even if it only pays for 25 points a year, so we'll probably go twice a year for some time. (Figure it's a great investment for the tax refund.)

I also forgot one other restaurant which is a must - Boma.

Since I don't have the member number yet, any way a member can check on these 3 for me to see if they are participating? That's Crystal Palace, Hollywood & Vine and Boma.

[tjkraz]

CRT, Boma, Crystal Palace and H&V are all on the DDE list. All meals are eligible for the discount with no other limitations.

[Tink_and_Eeyore]

Originally Posted by tjkraz

CRT, Boma, Crystal Palace and H&V are all on the DDE list. All meals are eligible for the discount with no other limitations.

THANK YOU.

Both, for checking AND for the good news.

I'm convinced - we're going with the DDE. Now, do you get a referral fee - I'd be happy to do that in appreciation of your effort.

[tjkraz]

Originally Posted by Tink_and_Eeyore

I'm convinced - we're going with the DDE. Now, do you get a referral fee - I'd be happy to do that in appreciation of your effort.

No, but I'm happy to help.

BTW, if you're a Disney Visa cardholder, you can use your Visa reward points to pay for the DDE. If you log onto the Passholder website you can download the DDE application form. It can either be faxed or mailed to DDE, or you can also call them to order.

Ideally you want to order the DDE card about 5-6 weeks before your trip. The DDE card will arrive (about 4-5 weeks after you order) with an expiration date printed on it. The expiration date is normally about 13 months from when you order, so you don't want to order too early.

If you can't order that far out, you probably will not have your plastic DDE card in-hand in time for your trip. The DDE offices are backstage at Epcot, so what they can do is print a temporary ID card and send it to Epcot Guest Relations for you to pick up during your stay.

[Tink_and_Eeyore]

In addition to your information, I found a nice list at Allears and it turns out that these 3 restaurants give 0 discount to DVC members, nor annual passholders.

So, it's DDE or full price for us.

Deb has a nice PDF (from 2006) here: http://allears.net/pl/disc_dining.pdf

[pinkerbell]

Just FYI, I think the cost of the DDE card has increased to $65 per year, but in my opinion, it's still a great deal.