Disney World: Dining Plan vs. Disney Dining Experience

Which is better? I've heard some people combine the two so you can get the 20% off the alcoholic beverages and other things the DDP doesn't cover.

I am confused. Does only ONE of us need to purchase DDE, or do we both need it?

Please give me info. Everything is conflicting online. Even intercot still says AP members must pay rack rate to get the Dining Plan, which I know is no longer true. And the DDE says it's good for 10 guests, but then gives you the option to add your spouse for a fee?

Thanks!

Re: Disney World: Dining Plan vs. Disney Dining Experience

Disney Dining Experience:
I had one a couple of years ago.

Like all their dining plans, it depends on how you take your meals there. Primarily, they can only be used at TS restaurants and at a few counter service places if there is no sit down option (value resort food courts for example). There are probably a few exceptions for restaurants that are not operated by Disney - you could probably find a list online.

They automatically add an 18% tip to your check so while you are saving 20% it pretty much goes right back to them which it probably would anyway. I sure you can negotiate that if the service was so bad.

You only need one card but it is only supposed to be used by the card holder. A second card would be handy for people that live in the area and don't always dine together. It's good for a year so if you plan to go back within a year you can still use it.


The regular dining plan - I am sure you know - gets you a snack, QS meal and a TS meal (entree & dessert). It's an ok deal - you save but nothing crazy maybe $10-20 a day depending on the meals. Dinners are a better value then lunch, never use it for breakfast. I find the DP a nuisance since it expires and i always ended up with an extra meal and snack here or there.

I believe AP holders need to buy a package that includes a park day to get the DP but I am not sure.

If you have both, the DDE can be used for the items you pay out of pocket -- appetizers, alcohol and specialty drinks.

I like the freedom of the DDE but I think you can only get it if you are a FL resident or AP holder. The dining plan is handy since you can order within the plan limits and not pay out of pocket for food while you are there.

HTH a little.