Hi Pluto
"Hi Pluto, bye Pluto, missing you already Pluto!"
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2015
Background info: Me, DH, and DS (10) - Love to eat, Love TS, WDW & DDP veterans, have no problem planning every meal to the last detail
Upcoming Trip: Dec 2019 - 6 nights (split stay so only 5 nights with the DDP)
I have the trip booked complete with DDP, but I have emailed the TA to remove it. Here's why:
I spent many days planning out our chosen meals, working the best use of credits including buffets and envisioning ordering alcoholic & specialty drinks at every meal. I was set in our choices. Then I did the math. No matter how I spun it, assuming we would always order the most expensive option for every credit including snacks and drinks, we came out CLOSE in terms of what it would cost out of pocket vs DDP. But DDP was still about $50 more expensive.
I kept telling myself, "but the $50 difference will give us peace of mind of having it paid for" and "we'll have the excuse to buy the special drinks and snacks so we can really indulge".
But then a few things were nagging at me:
- We don't have the freedom to order what we really want. Appetizers, shared meals, kids meals, less expensive meals will all seem like a waste or an unnecessary expense.
- We have to have a certain number of QS and TS and we will have to schedule the more expensive meal (dinner vs breakfast) to get the most value.
- We'll have to pay out of pocket for tips and any added extras so it's not like we're making it easier at check time.
- We have no problem drinking alcohol, but do we really want to drink at lunch and then go on rides? Then drink again at dinner... every day?
- And, do we really want our 10 year old to experience the pure gluttony of having milkshakes, desserts instead of drinks, huge adult servings, etc. at every meal along with several snack opportunities?
So I emailed my TA to remove the DDP. I plan on loading up gift cards with the money that would have gone toward the DDP, plus a bit more to be safe. Now we have the freedom to eat HOW, WHEN, and WHAT we want without restrictions... and it feels so good! Still pre-paid, but on our own terms.
I'd love to hear how others are fairing in their DDP vs OOP planning.
~Cari~
Upcoming Trip: Dec 2019 - 6 nights (split stay so only 5 nights with the DDP)
I have the trip booked complete with DDP, but I have emailed the TA to remove it. Here's why:
I spent many days planning out our chosen meals, working the best use of credits including buffets and envisioning ordering alcoholic & specialty drinks at every meal. I was set in our choices. Then I did the math. No matter how I spun it, assuming we would always order the most expensive option for every credit including snacks and drinks, we came out CLOSE in terms of what it would cost out of pocket vs DDP. But DDP was still about $50 more expensive.
I kept telling myself, "but the $50 difference will give us peace of mind of having it paid for" and "we'll have the excuse to buy the special drinks and snacks so we can really indulge".
But then a few things were nagging at me:
- We don't have the freedom to order what we really want. Appetizers, shared meals, kids meals, less expensive meals will all seem like a waste or an unnecessary expense.
- We have to have a certain number of QS and TS and we will have to schedule the more expensive meal (dinner vs breakfast) to get the most value.
- We'll have to pay out of pocket for tips and any added extras so it's not like we're making it easier at check time.
- We have no problem drinking alcohol, but do we really want to drink at lunch and then go on rides? Then drink again at dinner... every day?
- And, do we really want our 10 year old to experience the pure gluttony of having milkshakes, desserts instead of drinks, huge adult servings, etc. at every meal along with several snack opportunities?
So I emailed my TA to remove the DDP. I plan on loading up gift cards with the money that would have gone toward the DDP, plus a bit more to be safe. Now we have the freedom to eat HOW, WHEN, and WHAT we want without restrictions... and it feels so good! Still pre-paid, but on our own terms.
I'd love to hear how others are fairing in their DDP vs OOP planning.
~Cari~
Last edited: