Yes, I mentioned that the pricing means different things for different ages. This upcoming trip is just two full adults (meaning over 21yo), so those issues don't matter.
I guess my original post should have made clearer that I was looking for thoughts and strategies from people who haven't just merely used the DDP at some point in the past, but people who, like me, would be using on their next trip if possible. Telling me "DDP sucks! You're better off without it!" when I clearly do not feel that way and can show the math on, say, a meal plan at DHS at Woody's and DB7, both with alcoholic drinks, and a blue bantha "milk" snack, that I'm not coming out ahead by going OOP, is definitely not providing peace of mind, either.
Yes, I'm going the gift-card route. Yes, I'll probably change my eating (drinking) patterns to save money. Longview, it will all be fine, and the dining highlight for my friend, around whom the entire trip is crafted, will almost certainly be Oga's, which is always OOP.
Thanks to those who shared how you've adapted to not having the DDP as a choice.