Wow, that was kind of intense. Like a cold bucket of unexpected water.
A see a few things differently. First off tips needed not be included in a comparison, you pay them either way, on or off the DP.
Secondly, the DP can save an adult money at most TS places, let's take Kona(the cheapest meal on the list) for example:
Entree: $21 for shrimp and Scallops, one of the lower priced entrees
Dessert: $5.49, lowest priced choice
Beverage: $2.39 is typical at a CS, more at TS, but let's go with the low price
Total bill OOP: $30.75 for Dinner including taxes
Daily DP Fee: $40 - $3 for Snack - $30.75 for TS = $6.25 for an adult CS meal that includes an entree, drink and dessert. I don't think your cash can find such a meal, even if you skipped the dessert in the CS meal.
Bottom line, the DP can save money even at a not so expensive TS meal.
I'm glad the OP did the math for the family and not only found that it could be cost effective, but that it means she gets a vacation from kitchen duty. It also means the family gets to eat out, choose whatever they want on the menu without fretting over the prices to hold to the budget. They've already figured out a budget and will have it pre paid before arriving to WDW. I have to admit I didn't realize what a sweet feeling that was until just before my trip and I wasn't scrambling to finish putting aside extra money. Even going with a minimum of cash (I don't shop much) I could have a great time, everyting was prepaid.
As for the time spent in the restaurants, to each his own. Some say depending on where and when you eat, CS can take a lot of time due to lines. Others really appreciate the AC and relaxation of a TS meal. This family has done WDW before, so trying to do it all (which is impossible) isn't necessarily their goal.
The range of resorts, DP and even ticket options give WDW visitors a lot of options for their vacation of a lifetime there. I am glad you aren't forced to get the DP as it isn't something you value for your vacation. For others its a salvation that really adds to their vacation. Regardless of choice, there isn't any reason why any family can't have a great vacation tailored to their wishes at WDW. Isn't that the point of going in the first place?
GRRRRR.... This is cramping my ability to schedule my plans for WDW next month. So okay, I'm going to try and elaborate on my notions so that every one can understand, and than I'm out of here. I wasn't even going to come back, but Septbaby's responce found my email account. I'll have to take care of that after I finish writing.
First of all, I'm not a colts fan, so bash away. I needed DVC rental points badly, for my 53rd Disney trip a few years ago, and while watching the superbowl back then I chose this screen name. I'm actually from Cleveland. (Yes I know that sucks too, but I am working on it.)
Now for the rebuttal. Tips need to be INCLUDED for comparison. If I buy the DDP, I'm darn well going to buy the most expensive thing on the menu, or close to it. If I am not on the plan, a burger, hotdog, or whatever else will suffice for my needs. So using the DDP to buy your $35 steak at Le Cellier's will cost you $6.30 in the form of a tip. Meanwhile, tipping for a $7.59 burger and fries at Pecos Bill that you would normally get, would cost $1.37. Since the thread started with the person stating that she is going with 7 people, that's going to be a LOT of extra tipping! Then multiply that times the number of days at WDW and you mise well have been on a cruise, with all that tipping. You would start to lose all of that extra money you saved purchasing the DDP compared to going with what's natural. I mean sure it's great to have steak instead of hamburger, but by purchasing the DDP you are trapped into finding
selective restarants to make that DDP work. Not my idea of a vacation.
You used Kona as an example for your proof that the DDP works. Well that's what I am trying to convey to the forum, that you have to use an expensive restaurant for the DDP to work substantially better than OOP. Even though you used a shrimp and scallops dinner at $21, and claimed it a cheaper dinner then most at that restaurant, it is still one of the most expensive dinners on the overall menus of all the participating WDW restaurants.(By the way the dinner is good but not very filling. I guess using the DDP would come in handy for a snack right afterwards). Sorry, couldn't resist the comment. The name Le Cellier's is tossed around in here a lot. Again, another expensive restaurant. So let's be more practical, Hollywood and Vine is a choice for a lot of vacationers. The food is good, plentiful, and it gives you a chance to participate in fantasmic. The buffet cost $26.99. The DDP is $39.99. I can easily find a QS (entree, desert, drink) and a snack for around $13-$15 to go with H & V. That makes the DDP either a wash or I save a couple of bucks. Beaches and Cream is a favorite of mine and the kids, but I cant even make the DDP work since my daughter is now considered an adult. I have gone to the Sci-Fi at least 40 times, again wont work with the DDP. So if you want to make a pit stop at the Polynesian or spend extra time at Le Cellier's, instead of enjoying EPCOT, go for it. And yes, the more elaborate dining facilities will take up more of your time. I was a cook for 13 years in all facets of the culinary world. The more elegant the restaurant the more time spent preparing the food the right way. In a QS establishment, its make your food in 5 minutes and then move on. You did mention about QS taking just as long during lunch and supper times as if you were at a CS, and yes this is true, but the seasoned Disney traveler knows when to eat and run, thus enjoying the park. You just can't do that at a TS, no matter when you book the time.
As for having the feeling of having all the food paid for and not taking extra cash, no argument there. I used to be that way with the old DDP but now we save every week into a CD account and then use it when we leave, but that's just how I do things.
In conclusion, if you wanna go get steak and seafood everynight, then so be it. Sure you can save money, but you will be more tied down to where you have to eat, pay more OOP for tips, and lose time in the parks. That's all I'm trying to convey.
P.S. The program does work well for kids, but that's another story.
P.S.S. Yes, you can do it all. Me and my family tried it sucessfully in 2006. It took 24 days, a lot of money, codes, coupons, winning a three day trip, and having friends on the inside. If it's any consolation, it sucked after day 13.
PEACE, I'm outta here.
