2009 Dining Plan

[Tinkerdreams]

Let's take a guess at what the DDP and the DDDP will be for 2009. Post what your best guess on what changes will take place and price increases. Also post what you wish would happen. Here's mine.

Basic Dining Plan

Wish - Choice of either appetizer or dessert and tip included. Price
adjustment of $3/person.
Actual - No change. Price adjustment of $3/person.

Deluxe Dining Plan

Wish - Stay the same but include the tip. Price adjustment of $3/person.
Actual - Only 2 TS and 1 counter and 1 snack. Price adjustment of
$4/person.

[Married_Him_@_Disney]

Not really a wish - but just thinking it's happening:

Counter Service DDP
2 CS Meals
2 Snacks
Price guess - $30 / Person

[bgbodnar]

I would like to see a dining plan with all counter service meals and maybe one character meal included. I think alot of families with children would go for this dining plan. I don't have children at home anymore, but this would have been great when they were home and we went to Disney.

Wish-the tip included back in the dining plan. Plus your choice, of the appetizer or desert.

[LadyOmega]

Not really a wish - but just thinking it's happening:

Counter Service DDP
2 CS Meals
2 Snacks
Price guess - $30 / Person


::yes:: I've heard some preliminary speculation on a counter service DDP as well. I'm guessing more like $28 pp. (Are we taking bets? :rotfl: )

I'm hoping that the tip will be added back to the basic DDP. Otherwise, I'm not sure if anything will change dramatically for 2009, cept maybe a raise in price, I'm thinking maybe $2.

[ROEDISNEY]

I would like to see the tip back in the plan and a choice of either App's or dessert.

[Hopefully]

I don't think the tip will ever be included back in the DDP. This item was an area of negotiation with the union, and not having it included was what the union wanted.
That said, I wish I could choose between an appetizer and a dessert.
I always order an appetizer and nearly never a dessert and DH is exactly the opposite. If we could choose it would be perfect for us.

[dogodisney]

Since the prices of everything is going up, I think they'll either raise the price or keep the price the same and do away with dessert.

[ROEDISNEY]

Talking to the servers when I was down there in April. They were not happy at all about this. Everyone of them told us to call and complain about it. Not one was happy with the tip not being included.

[Married_Him_@_Disney]

Talking to the servers when I was down there in April. They were not happy at all about this. Everyone of them told us to call and complain about it. Not one was happy with the tip not being included.

The dining plan has changed a lot for servers. Back when the tips were included based on your bill size, I think some servers took advantage of this. Let me explain: When there was the Gold Key packages - you could literally order whatever you wanted. Lobster for breakfast if you wanted! They would make it happen. I ordered an apple pastry - and do you know what came out? A huge assorted basket with enough to feed 10 people, and they made a "swan" with foil out of the basket. It was crazy! I thought - how nice they do this for us. .. but it never dawned on my that the server was acutally just raking in the tips.

That said, the past dining plan was not like that. It was very regimented (App, Entree, Dessert, Tip) - and I liked it that way. It was predictable and you always knew the server was getting a good tip. We always tip well, but I am sure there are some out there tips a small amount, and I can see where that frustrates servers. . .money that last year was virtually guaranteed in tips is no longer for them.

I would love to see tips come back.

[ROEDISNEY]

The dining plan has changed a lot for servers. Back when the tips were included based on your bill size, I think some servers took advantage of this. Let me explain: When there was the Gold Key packages - you could literally order whatever you wanted. Lobster for breakfast if you wanted! They would make it happen. I ordered an apple pastry - and do you know what came out? A huge assorted basket with enough to feed 10 people, and they made a "swan" with foil out of the basket. It was crazy! I thought - how nice they do this for us. .. but it never dawned on my that the server was acutally just raking in the tips.

That said, the past dining plan was not like that. It was very regimented (App, Entree, Dessert, Tip) - and I liked it that way. It was predictable and you always knew the server was getting a good tip. We always tip well, but I am sure there are some out there tips a small amount, and I can see where that frustrates servers. . .money that last year was virtually guaranteed in tips is no longer for them.

I would love to see tips come back.

We were just on the Platimun Plan back in April when they were complaining. I understand totatly what you are saying.

[DisOrBust]

The changes are already posted by the Brits:

This is available to book for any booking departing from 11 January 2009 onwards.

The new Quick Service Dining Plan is in addition to the current Dining Plan and Deluxe Dining Plan.

Please Note:

These prices include 2 Quick Service meals and 2 snacks per person per day.

1 Refillable Resort Cup per person (can only be used in hotel where guests are staying, NOT in any Theme Parks).


So there will be 3 plans:
Quick Service: 2 snack,2CS and a mug. $28.00
"Normal " DDP: CS, Snack, mug ts with appy and tip
DxDDp Same as now with appy and tip

Appy and tip are back but prices are up. 50ish for the DDP and I think 90 for DxDDP>

[WishesQueen]

Appy and tip are back but prices are up. 50ish for the DDP and I think 90 for DxDDP>


This works for me!! (DDP for 50ish)

[TDC Nala]

What I wish would happen is they'd scuttle the plan.

Please note that the prices offered to British bookers may or may not be the same as those that will be offered for domestic reservations.

[solfan68]

We used the DDP in June, but it was a bit of a nuisance compared to years past. If someone with a "nametag" is reading this... charge me a few more bucks but just put the tip back in for goodness sake. Order, sign, and go. Simplicity at its finest.

[wifey]

I may be wrong but I seem to remember some one mentioning that Virgin Holiday UK guests are to be offered a CS only dining plan which will be about the same price as the basic plan. I sincerely hope they don't tell us we can no longer use the current basic plan and that all we will have as options are the new CS or deluxe plans. We would find it hard to get by on either plan to be honest we get sick of counter service places and we would never eat all the food available on the deluxe.
I hope they leave things alone or it's going to seriously ruin planning our ADRs for our next trip. It's hard enough without them removing character meals to plan a family holiday everyone can enjoy.
Disney need to remember with the economy the way it is they should appreciate the fact that so many families are trying to keep to a budget, including the cost of food, to go to WDW especially those guests who travel thousands of miles to get there and many want to be able to go again in the future.

[TDC Nala]

Speculation regarding the UK plan offer seems to be that the CS plan will be offered in addition to the basic and deluxe plans; and that the prices for the basic and deluxe plans might be substantially increased, but may include the TS gratuity on both and possibly appetizers on the basic.

[LizinSTL]

::yes:: I've heard some preliminary speculation on a counter service DDP as well. I'm guessing more like $28 pp. (Are we taking bets? :rotfl: )

I'm hoping that the tip will be added back to the basic DDP. Otherwise, I'm not sure if anything will change dramatically for 2009, cept maybe a raise in price, I'm thinking maybe $2.

Purely speculation, of course, but the DDP light (CS ddp) would have an average value of $25 to the customer (2 ave. CS meals and 2 ave. snacks.) Charging much more than $25 would have no value to the customer.

I mean, you could maximize the value with some locations but the most you'll pay at theme park locations for 2 CS meals and 2 snacks in a day would be about $30 or so.

For the kids plan, I have no clue how they could price it considering the DDP is $10 now. The kids meals are about $4 each and snacks have an average value of about $2.50 each . The MOST a child would spend on 2 CS and 2 snacks a day would be about $18 but it would average more like $13.

[ExtinctDino]

The changes are already posted by the Brits:

This is available to book for any booking departing from 11 January 2009 onwards.

The new Quick Service Dining Plan is in addition to the current Dining Plan and Deluxe Dining Plan.

Please Note:

These prices include 2 Quick Service meals and 2 snacks per person per day.

1 Refillable Resort Cup per person (can only be used in hotel where guests are staying, NOT in any Theme Parks).


So there will be 3 plans:
Quick Service: 2 snack,2CS and a mug. $28.00
"Normal " DDP: CS, Snack, mug ts with appy and tip
DxDDp Same as now with appy and tip

Appy and tip are back but prices are up. 50ish for the DDP and I think 90 for DxDDP>

Actual: see above
Wish: Restore tip and appetizer at TS; add alcoholic beverages

[CDolacki2003]

I would love to have the choice of appy or dessert. As far as the tip being included, does anyone know how much they actually got when it was included?

[catne]

The changes are already posted by the Brits:

This is available to book for any booking departing from 11 January 2009 onwards.

The new Quick Service Dining Plan is in addition to the current Dining Plan and Deluxe Dining Plan.

Please Note:

These prices include 2 Quick Service meals and 2 snacks per person per day.

1 Refillable Resort Cup per person (can only be used in hotel where guests are staying, NOT in any Theme Parks).


So there will be 3 plans:
Quick Service: 2 snack,2CS and a mug. $28.00
"Normal " DDP: CS, Snack, mug ts with appy and tip
DxDDp Same as now with appy and tip

Appy and tip are back but prices are up. 50ish for the DDP and I think 90 for DxDDP>


The prices listed in this post are supposed to be UK pounds, not US dollars...right? At least, when I went to the Virgin UK website, seems like those numbers were listed as pounds. 28 UK may seem a not so unreasonable amount, but in dollars, it would be hard to make that come out at all. And $50 (in US dollars) for the regular DDP would be an enormous jump in price...since US 2008 price was $37.

[TDC Nala]

I believe the prices from that post are the estimated US dollar equivalent of the British pound prices given by Virgin. Some of the British posters state that Virgin tends to mark everything up, so these may or may not be accurate prices for the purpose of forecasting what WDW will charge US customers in 2009. Nor did Virgin specify what exactly was included in the basic and deluxe plans, as far as an appetizer or gratuity.

[n2mm]

Talking to the servers when I was down there in April. They were not happy at all about this. Everyone of them told us to call and complain about it. Not one was happy with the tip not being included.

We heard the same things from many servers during our January and April trips.

The only change I foresee is the price going up. Seems to be a Disney trend lately.

[jcemom]

I would love to have the choice of appy or dessert. As far as the tip being included, does anyone know how much they actually got when it was included?18% if I recall correctly.

[catne]

Here's the Virgin UK website with all the amounts listed as British pounds, not US dollars...

http://www.virginholidays.co.uk/extras/attraction_tickets/info/florida_attractions/walt_disney_world/tickets_prices.aspx#dining

Any way we slice it, looks like it's changing & going up (isn't everything... Except wages!:eek: )

Don't know what conversion factor was being used in previous posts, but the one I found said 18 pounds = $35 approx. Another thread on similar topic said the UK 2008 prices were not that far off from the US prices...believe a Brit poster said the regular 2008 DDP through Virgin was US $40, just $3 over the price US residents paid.

[Alicnwondrln]

I would be shocked to see the tip come back.

[jcemom]

According to the Virgin site the 2008 DDP is the equivalent of nearly $50 USD. We only pay $38 directly through Disney. I'd say their markup is considerable. The 2009 price is the same for adults as 2008, no increase at all.

I would not freak out over what Virgin is offering, as far as rates go. If we go by them it appears that there is no increase in price for the basic DDP in 2009, only a slight increase in the child's price and the adult deluxe plan, and a decrease in the cost of the child's deluxe plan.

Disney Quick Service Dining Plan
Not available for 2008
2009 £18 / £7 = USD $35.91 / $13.97

Disney Dining Plan
2008 £25 / £9 = USD $49.89 / $17.96 -- WDW price $37.99 / $9.99
2009 £25 / £10 = USD $49.89 / $19.96

Disney Deluxe Dining Plan
2008 £41 / £18 = USD $81.82 / $35.92 -- WDW price $69.99 / $19.99
2009 £43 / £16 = USD $85.81 / $31.92


This makes Virgin's markup 30% on the adult basic DDP, 75% on the child basic DDP, 18% on the adult deluxe plan, and 75% on the child deluxe plan.

*IF* their markup percentages are the same for 2009 that would make the projected prices through WDW:

Disney Dining Plan
2009 $37.99 / $10.49

Disney Deluxe Dining Plan
2009 $73.25 / $18.99

Of course I'm just speculating here. I have no way of knowing what Disney will do. Unfortunately I'm not in any information loop. ;)

It's just that I've been reading everywhere where people are worried silly that Disney is going to increase the cost of the basic DDP to $50 USD next year. I could be wrong (just don't tell my kids it's possible, LOL) but I don't think that's going to happen. Their goal is to sell the DDP, not drive everyone away, right? :goodvibes

[poeticdiabetic]

I welcome the appy and tips back with the 2009 plan. This is what many wanted and posted on this board: bring the tip and appys back and raise the price. But the $50 price tag would put my wallet on Jenny Craig. See, my eldest DS turned 10 last month and he graduates to the adult meals. And even though my youngest would be 9 next year when we go back, we'll have to boost him up to adult meals just to make him eat like he wants to eat. And that would raise my food bill to $1000 for 5 nights, so they have to reduce it a bit, though. We normally eat half of that for the month!

But even at current prices, our bill would be something like $760. And with tips, we would probably spend an additional $200. With no appetizers. So, in hindsight, it's about even with us. ($1000 for food, sheesh!:scared: )

[honeybee8200]

We are looking to get the Deluxe Dining Plan with our trip in April. Hopefully it won't go up too much but I can understand some. Any word yet on when the 2009 resturants and such are coming out???? I would like to book my ADRs and MYW package soon.

[asmit4]

Ok, so I know we LOVE the 37.99 it once was...but how is $50 not spot on for what you get?

I usually figure on:
$3 for snack
10 for CS (and that's low b/c I refuse to use CS credits for cheap meals, we tend to hit up cosmic rays and order the ribs/chicken which is up to around 14 bucks I think).

That leaves 37 for the meal and tip. Say we go to Coral Reef. I order:
Caesar salad 5.99
Catfish 20.99 (which is the 2nd cheapest item on the menu)
Chocolate wave 7.99
Coke say 1.99
= 36.96 plus tax plus tip....

I've spent the 37 bucks and still haven't accounted for the tax or the tip, the tip on this would be around 7.00 plus tax.

I realize that 50 is hard to swallow b/c we loved the cheaper price. My guess is that DW lost their butts on that plan and that's one of the reasons they changed it.

I think that 50 is a fair price. The way I see it is that I'm still saving about 10 bucks a day per person, perhaps more depending on what I eat. I could have ordered a meal at Coral Reef that was 26.99 and saved even more.

Any idea on what week in August we will have the 2009 pricing? I am hoping soon!

[jcemom]

I think $50 would work for us *IF* appetizer and tip were included again. As it is we're going to be spending an average of $5-6 per adult per night on tips anyway when figured at 18%. That would bring us to $44 with the current cost of the DDP plus tips, no appetizers.

I just don't forsee them adding in the appy and tip again. Giving every party appetizers and desserts made the turnaround time too long for the tables. And wasn't the inclusion of the tip something that I recall reading about when the CMs' contract was renewed last year? If the inclusion or disinclusion of tips is written into the contract would/could that change before the contract was up? :confused3

[TDC Nala]

If the price remains $37.99 for the basic, I'd seriously doubt you'll see tips and appetizer with that.

[slduck]

I know that I have seen this posted somewhere else, but I repost it here. Disney's UK site is showing the price increase in the dining plan. Here's the link... http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdwi/en_GB/index?bhcp=1

If you act like you are booking a flight inclusive holiday, it will take you to a page with the 2009 prices for dining. It also has 2008 listed. After you have chosed a flight and hotel, click on 'book it". As you scroll to the bottom of the next screen you will see a place to give your personal information (didn't fill that part out of course) then the dining info is below that.

According to Disney UK... 2008 was 19.99 pounds and 2009 is 25 pounds. The age of adult and child is different too. Those 11 and below are still considered "children" in the UK version. Guess we will all have to wait and see.:confused3

I am not good at waiting!!!!!:crazy2:

[Lollipop's Mom]

Wow, thats not fair that kids are 11 and under for the UK, but 9 and under for everyone else. I am all fine with the UK people getting some extra vacation perks, but for us having to pay adult prices for our 10 and overs is wrong.
I still believe kids should be 12 and under, but thats a whole other post.

[catne]

Well, I expected the plan cost to go up...lordy, look at how much groceries have gone up this year! :eek: What I find interesting about this is that on this WDW Travel Co site, the 2009 Dining plan looks like it's just offering the same two dining plans (regular and Deluxe dining plan) No mention of the 3rd option (2 counter service & 2 snacks per day) which is showing up on the Virgin UK travel pages.

Can't wait to see what comes out for US bookers...the same old 2 options or the 3 options? Maybe the 3rd option is just for people booking overseas?

[rentayenta]

I would like to see the tip back in the plan and a choice of either App's or dessert.


This is what I'd like to see too. And if the tip cannot be included then I would like to at least have the choice between app or dessert. :thumbsup2

[DVC Sadie]

I would like to see the DP cost increased by 18% to cover the cost of tips so no one has to carry cash, credit card or have their room key on them to dine.

[asmit4]

I would like to see the DP cost increased by 18% to cover the cost of tips so no one has to carry cash, credit card or have their room key on them to dine.

Agreed...that would bring the cost up to about 44/pp. If they added in the appy like many want, they could add on maybe another 5 bucks or so. I see 50 as right on.

When are we going to find out the truth???? Did they roll it out the first week of Aug last year?

[borgthe]

DVC Sadie,

You will still need your key card as that has the dining plan credits on it.

[iluvpluto27]

Wow, thats not fair that kids are 11 and under for the UK, but 9 and under for everyone else. I am all fine with the UK people getting some extra vacation perks, but for us having to pay adult prices for our 10 and overs is wrong.
I still believe kids should be 12 and under, but thats a whole other post.

Kids aren't 11 and under for the UK, that only shows because a 'flight inclusive' holiday includes a flight with Virgin Atlantic, and that's the child ages they use. If you book a normal package through Disney's uk site, 10 and over is used as the adult age.

[TDC Nala]

And it's my opinion - I do this but apparently many people do - that one should carry SOME cash in case of emergencies. If transportation goes down and you can't get back to your resort, and you need a taxi, what are you going to pay them with?

Yeah, that does happen - it happened to me once. I was able to wait until Disney scheduled alternate transportation, but what if you couldn't wait?

[DVC Sadie]

DVC Sadie,

You will still need your key card as that has the dining plan credits on it.


:rotfl2: at myself. I am on painkillers right now and I shouldn't be allowed to post!

[DVC Sadie]

Agreed...that would bring the cost up to about 44/pp. If they added in the appy like many want, they could add on maybe another 5 bucks or so. I see 50 as right on.

When are we going to find out the truth???? Did they roll it out the first week of Aug last year?

I agree! I just don't see the regular DP to include appetizers due to both the cost and table turnover.

[DVC Sadie]

And it's my opinion - I do this but apparently many people do - that one should carry SOME cash in case of emergencies. If transportation goes down and you can't get back to your resort, and you need a taxi, what are you going to pay them with?

Yeah, that does happen - it happened to me once. I was able to wait until Disney scheduled alternate transportation, but what if you couldn't wait?

I do carry cash with me all of the time, especially since I take a lot of taxis while I'm at WDW.

I think that the DP would be better if they raised the prices to include the tip so no one has to debate the whole tip or only tip for excellent service mantra.

[ekatiel]

Just wondering where you guys are seeing the 25 pounds number for the DDP next year. I went to the link the PP posted, and pretended to book an "inclusive flight holiday" and here's what I found:

2008 2009
Adult (12+) Child (3-11) Adult (12+) Child (3-11)
Disney Dining plan £19.99 £5.99 £19.99 £5.99
Disney Deluxe Dining plan £36.99 £10.99 £36.99 £10.99

Anyhow, from where ever their site took me after pretending to book a vacation next May, the DDP price looks the same in 2009.

[Mamalisa58]

I found the servers to be extremely pushy and bold about the tip not being included. I found the server at Mama Melrose down right rude about it. The server at ESPN told us about the tip took our order and NEVER checked back with us for refills on our pop. He went so far as to go the long way around behind us to get to the tables beyond our table. I had to wave him down as he passed behind our table to get a refill. Either way he did not deserve a 20% tip. I also resent that they print at the bottom what an 18% 20% etc tip would be on your bill. Do your job and you will get a more than fair tip in return.:confused3

[TDC Nala]

And if the tip were included, you'd be tipping him 18% no matter what he did... although you prepaid the tip.

[Tink3Bell]

Basic Dining Plan

Hopefully:
Choice of either appetizer or dessert and tip included.
Price
$5/person Extra


Actual - No change. $5/person per person

[Vility]

As a mother of two small children I want the ddp for the easy of not having to fuss of pulling out money.
If I have to pay tip then what is the point of getting the meal plan?

We would chose the meal plan if it would make our Disney experience an all-exclusive event.
I don't understand why they would have taken the tip out?
Having to pay tip takes away from the magical experience.
I would rather pay in advance and just not have to think anymore about money other then buying my children souvenirs.

[Rowaena]

Talking to the servers when I was down there in April. They were not happy at all about this. Everyone of them told us to call and complain about it. Not one was happy with the tip not being included.

Back when the tip was included they were at least guaranteed to get paid, and sometimes got double tipped by people who did not realize the grat was already in there.

Another issue we tend to forget is that although tipping is customary in the US, it is not customary everywhere, and there are some visitors to WDW who just don't pay the server, or who pay them too little. They do not care about nor understand the tax system, or that the server is expected to pay taxes (and in some restaurants, tip out busboys, bartenders, and others) based on the meal price - regardless of whether or not you actually tip the server.

[MinnieMom73]

Wow, this whole thread is so interesting! We are booked for October, but I am starting to wonder if we might want to push our trip back to January 2009 now that the reality of our 45 day balance is coming due.. I think the DDP changes might just be the final deciding factor. :confused3

[englishrose47]

The changes are already posted by the Brits:

This is available to book for any booking departing from 11 January 2009 onwards.

The new Quick Service Dining Plan is in addition to the current Dining Plan and Deluxe Dining Plan.

Please Note:

These prices include 2 Quick Service meals and 2 snacks per person per day.

1 Refillable Resort Cup per person (can only be used in hotel where guests are staying, NOT in any Theme Parks).


So there will be 3 plans:
Quick Service: 2 snack,2CS and a mug. $28.00
"Normal " DDP: CS, Snack, mug ts with appy and tip
DxDDp Same as now with appy and tip

Appy and tip are back but prices are up. 50ish for the DDP and I think 90 for DxDDP>
I knew I had read exactly what you are saying about the basic ddp ! I didnot know a mug was included , but you know it would make sense as I think they are upping it to $50 a day but if I figure correctlyon a buffet dinner alone that is close to $30 with tax and that is prolly one of the cheaper TS meals you would pay roughly $5 in tip making it $35 add in Cs meal and a snax and $50 isn't bad . Now you also get a free mugvalue of which depends on length os stay but I like it !!

[LadyOmega]

Purely speculation, of course, but the DDP light (CS ddp) would have an average value of $25 to the customer (2 ave. CS meals and 2 ave. snacks.) Charging much more than $25 would have no value to the customer.

I mean, you could maximize the value with some locations but the most you'll pay at theme park locations for 2 CS meals and 2 snacks in a day would be about $30 or so.

.

Regarding my $28/pp guess you quoted:
I basically made that guess based on the rumour that the counter service DDP will also include one refillable mug per person, as well as the items you mentioned. :thumbsup2 If it doesn't include the mugs, then no it wouldn't be a good value at $28/pp, but I suspect it will.

Anyway, shouldn't be long now!

[yitbos96bb]

Talking to the servers when I was down there in April. They were not happy at all about this. Everyone of them told us to call and complain about it. Not one was happy with the tip not being included.

I'm torn on this... On one hand, eliminating the tipping really hurt the value of this plan... it went from a no brainer for us to a "I think the DDE is a better value" than the Deluxe Plan (the basic was a non-starter) ... on the other hand, while not ALL servers did this, MANY of the servers we encountered really gave us mediocre to bad service. My Artist Point waiter was so god awful, I actually talked to the manager... something I was appalled to see at Artist Point. I did have good service... Our Cali Grill was great, Jiko was wonderful (the wine the waiter/sommelier recommended was amazing and one of the lesser priced ones on the menu) and despite it being Christmas Eve, we had excellent service at Coral Reef (although based on some reviews on here, my expectations were low to begin with... but then again, between working as a Bartender, working at Disney and going to A LOT of restaurants of various calibers from no stars to 5 stars, I know the difference between what SHOULD be done and SHOULDN'T) and of course V and A's (which added 18% automatically due to using the DDE) was absolutely wonderful... I think I gave the two waiters a 30% tip, it was such a fantastic experience.

So that's my biggest issue.... the value of the tip being included is AWESOME, but there are a LOT of bad waiters at Disney who just coast when the tip is added automatically...

[ccfmioa]

The automatic gratuity will not be present again until at least 2011, unless the union agrees to allow it. The servers at WDW are represented by Unite here local 737 and are paid a minimum of $3.80/hr. In the previous contract that ended in 2007 the gratuity card that was previously given to you with your bill was removed Jan 1, 2006. Thus giving the dining plan with gratuity included. I have a big feeling that caused an uproar in the union. So.. The union contract for 2008-2010 states that as of Jan 1, 2008.

"Gratuities/Fees

1. Effective January 1, 2008 Gratuities will be paid on food and beverage totals only. Gratuities will not be paid on miscellaneous pricing, including but not limited to merchandise, entertainment, (excluding Spirit of Aloha, Hoop-Dee-Doo, and Character Dining restaurants, where entertainment is included in the price), house charges, imaging, etc. Merchandise will only be included in the total food and beverage price for the purpose of gratuity calculation if the Server is required by the Company to handle and deliver merchandise items to the guest as part of the Guest’s dining experience. Gratuities will not be paid on autograph books, pens and disposable cameras.
2. The eighteen percent (18%) automatic gratuity for all new and existing package plans, to include the Disney Dining Plan, will be eliminated effective January 1, 2008.
3. Should the Company decide to reinstate package plans with automatic gratuity included, the parties agree the terms of the addendum expiring on April, 28, 2007 will remain in effect.
4. An automatic gratuity of eighteen percent (18%) will be added for supplemental food and beverage purchased at prepaid venues (i.e., Spirit of Aloha, Hoop-Dee-Doo, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Princess Tea, Special Pre-paid events such as New Year’s Eve at California Grill).
5. A guaranteed three percent (3%) service charge will be added on the retail value of the meal for all Disney Dining Plan guests for parties of less than six (6), effective January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008
6. A guaranteed three percent (3%) service charge will be added on the retail value of the meal for all Disney Dining Plan guests for parties of less than six (6), effective January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009.
7. A guaranteed two percent (2%) service charge will be added on the retail value of the meal for all Disney Dining Plan guests for parties of less than six (6), effective January 1, 2010 through the end of the 2007 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
8. The Company agrees to negotiate with the Union, the application of the automatic gratuity for any future pre-paid venues, for the life of this agreement.
9. Where there are menu boards available, the verbiage “Gratuity Not Included’ will be added to the menu boards, by September 30, 2007, at outside bar locations in Disney’s MGM Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Wide World of Sports, the Margarita Bar at Downtown Disney, and pool bars.
10. A three dollar ($3.00) fee will be paid for delivery of Private Dining amenities.
11. An automatic eighteen percent (18%) will be added for food and beverage purchased from the Golf Carts, Pizza Delivery and Private Dining.
12. It is the Company's understanding that when a business requires their guests to pay a Pre-determined charge, which is given to employees of the business, the charges are considered a service charge. Furthermore, service charges are not considered a tip, but rather, are wages paid by the employer. Consequently, the tax code requires the Company to withhold taxes on all service charges. "

So it looks like the union busted the gratuity included, and is actually causing a price increase of the meal to off set those that do not get tipped.

And those that are on the Dining Plan are already being "charged" a service fee for the retail value of the meal. But still understand. That 3% is still less than the minimum wage even with the hourly pay.


Disney will just have to be creative to find new ways to make that last dollar from us. The counter service plan seems to be fitting the gap for those with AP's and those who don't wish to use TS resturants.

As far as price increases... yeah I'm betting even with a recession, we'll see some sort of increase.

[kaytieeldr]

Either way he did not deserve a 20% tip. I also resent that they print at the bottom what an 18% 20% etc tip would be on your bill. Do your job and you will get a more than fair tip in return. First, the best time to address a service problem is while the problem is occurring (vs. when the check comes) so it can be corrected - even if it means getting up and finding a manager on your own. Also, the waiter in question did not GET a 20% tip, he - if the OP did not take reasonable steps to have it adjusted - got 18%.
As for resentment over the pre-calculated tip amounts printed at the bottom of the bill, it is (a) a courtesy to assist diners in determining the actual dollars-and-cents amount to tip; (b) a gentle reminder to diners not accustomed to tipping; and (c) not an option for the servers to print or not. It's on every table/buffet service check, and that decision was made and programmed by Disney management.

We would chose the meal plan if it would make our Disney experience an all-exclusive event.
I don't understand why they would have taken the tip out?
Having to pay tip takes away from the magical experience.
But not getting tipped takes away from the magical experience of working at Walt Disney World in a field customarily considered a tipped position. To understand why Disney placed responsibility for the tip on DDP users, you would need to go back about eleven months on the DISboards and read the threads on this subject, or talk to Disney management.
Also, Disney is not an all-inclusive vacation; it's many different vacations to many people. To the best of my knowledge, there are no all-inclusive resorts anywhere in existence with over twenty thousand rooms.
You want it to be an all-inclusive vacation; that guy over there wants to drive up for the weekend with his wife; this family over here plans to camp out at Fort Wilderness for a month; this other person is spending a week at the Grand Floridian.

So it looks like the union busted the gratuity included, At the risk of opening an old argument - NOT my intention - Disney presented the change in the DDP tipping as a non-negotiable item in the contract negotiations; the union members (of which food service represents only a small fraction) then voted to accept the contract. Remember, unions don't write contracts; business owners do, and unions negotiate the conditions from the contract's original conditions, and then the union members vote.

[yitbos96bb]

The automatic gratuity will not be present again until at least 2011, unless the union agrees to allow it. The servers at WDW are represented by Unite here local 737 and are paid a minimum of $3.80/hr. In the previous contract that ended in 2007 the gratuity card that was previously given to you with your bill was removed Jan 1, 2006. Thus giving the dining plan with gratuity included. I have a big feeling that caused an uproar in the union. So.. The union contract for 2008-2010 states that as of Jan 1, 2008.

"Gratuities/Fees

1. Effective January 1, 2008 Gratuities will be paid on food and beverage totals only. Gratuities will not be paid on miscellaneous pricing, including but not limited to merchandise, entertainment, (excluding Spirit of Aloha, Hoop-Dee-Doo, and Character Dining restaurants, where entertainment is included in the price), house charges, imaging, etc. Merchandise will only be included in the total food and beverage price for the purpose of gratuity calculation if the Server is required by the Company to handle and deliver merchandise items to the guest as part of the Guest’s dining experience. Gratuities will not be paid on autograph books, pens and disposable cameras.
2. The eighteen percent (18%) automatic gratuity for all new and existing package plans, to include the Disney Dining Plan, will be eliminated effective January 1, 2008.
3. Should the Company decide to reinstate package plans with automatic gratuity included, the parties agree the terms of the addendum expiring on April, 28, 2007 will remain in effect.
4. An automatic gratuity of eighteen percent (18%) will be added for supplemental food and beverage purchased at prepaid venues (i.e., Spirit of Aloha, Hoop-Dee-Doo, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Princess Tea, Special Pre-paid events such as New Year’s Eve at California Grill).
5. A guaranteed three percent (3%) service charge will be added on the retail value of the meal for all Disney Dining Plan guests for parties of less than six (6), effective January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008
6. A guaranteed three percent (3%) service charge will be added on the retail value of the meal for all Disney Dining Plan guests for parties of less than six (6), effective January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009.
7. A guaranteed two percent (2%) service charge will be added on the retail value of the meal for all Disney Dining Plan guests for parties of less than six (6), effective January 1, 2010 through the end of the 2007 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
8. The Company agrees to negotiate with the Union, the application of the automatic gratuity for any future pre-paid venues, for the life of this agreement.
9. Where there are menu boards available, the verbiage “Gratuity Not Included’ will be added to the menu boards, by September 30, 2007, at outside bar locations in Disney’s MGM Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Wide World of Sports, the Margarita Bar at Downtown Disney, and pool bars.
10. A three dollar ($3.00) fee will be paid for delivery of Private Dining amenities.
11. An automatic eighteen percent (18%) will be added for food and beverage purchased from the Golf Carts, Pizza Delivery and Private Dining.
12. It is the Company's understanding that when a business requires their guests to pay a Pre-determined charge, which is given to employees of the business, the charges are considered a service charge. Furthermore, service charges are not considered a tip, but rather, are wages paid by the employer. Consequently, the tax code requires the Company to withhold taxes on all service charges. "

So it looks like the union busted the gratuity included, and is actually causing a price increase of the meal to off set those that do not get tipped.

And those that are on the Dining Plan are already being "charged" a service fee for the retail value of the meal. But still understand. That 3% is still less than the minimum wage even with the hourly pay.


Disney will just have to be creative to find new ways to make that last dollar from us. The counter service plan seems to be fitting the gap for those with AP's and those who don't wish to use TS resturants.

As far as price increases... yeah I'm betting even with a recession, we'll see some sort of increase.

Why would the union want the auto gratuity out of it? Every waiter I talked too, or already knew (I have several who are friends down there) said they made a LOT more off of the DP than before it. I wonder if Disney had some hand in this also.

[yitbos96bb]

First, the best time to address a service problem is while the problem is occurring (vs. when the check comes) so it can be corrected - even if it means getting up and finding a manager on your own. Also, the waiter in question did not GET a 20% tip, he - if the OP did not take reasonable steps to have it adjusted - got 18%.
As for resentment over the pre-calculated tip amounts printed at the bottom of the bill, it is (a) a courtesy to assist diners in determining the actual dollars-and-cents amount to tip; (b) a gentle reminder to diners not accustomed to tipping; and (c) not an option for the servers to print or not. It's on every table/buffet service check, and that decision was made and programmed by Disney management.

But not getting tipped takes away from the magical experience of working at Walt Disney World in a field customarily considered a tipped position. To understand why Disney placed responsibility for the tip on DDP users, you would need to go back about eleven months on the DISboards and read the threads on this subject, or talk to Disney management.
Also, Disney is not an all-inclusive vacation; it's many different vacations to many people. To the best of my knowledge, there are no all-inclusive resorts anywhere in existence with over twenty thousand rooms.
You want it to be an all-inclusive vacation; that guy over there wants to drive up for the weekend with his wife; this family over here plans to camp out at Fort Wilderness for a month; this other person is spending a week at the Grand Floridian.

At the risk of opening an old argument - NOT my intention - Disney presented the change in the DDP tipping as a non-negotiable item in the contract negotiations; the union members (of which food service represents only a small fraction) then voted to accept the contract. Remember, unions don't write contracts; business owners do, and unions negotiate the conditions from the contract's original conditions, and then the union members vote.

Ah THAT makes more sense on the Tipping/Union thing...

And I don't know why ANYONE would be so stupidly over sensitive to tipping totals on the bottom of a bill. Its a common practice in many restaurants and personally, I love it.... Although Ironically, the guy who doesn't do add that probably gets more because half the time I do the tip out of the total on the card slip, not the pre-tax total just to be quick about it. However, I'm a good tipper anyway unless the service is just terrible so they get a good amount. I've worked for tips (as a bartender and pizza boy) and have many waiter friends still, so its almost required.

[rockonthemoon]

My boyfriend and I plan on about $10-$15 for tipping each night. I'm a server, and we've only had a problem with one waitress our entire trip last time. (She only got the 11%, and she was horrible.)

We add it on as part of our dining plan. My only wish for the dp is that they let you choose between an app or a desert. It would make our meals much nicer.

[christa112]

My friend called to book her trip for January with the DDP and the CM kinda made a slip and said that my friend may have to call back because the dining may have some changes and may not include TS meal everyday. I am not sure if this a true or not.

[WishesQueen]

Rumor has is August 3rd Dining Plan info will be announced!!!

[lisaanddenny]

Here is an interesting article........ I believe we found our new "free dining plan" :scared1: The restaurants will be so less crowded now for free dining 2009.

Disney also announced a revised Magic Your Way plan. For fixed price per day, guests can add a Quick Service Dining starting Jan. 11, 2009. The package offers two quick service meals and two snacks for each night of stay, as well as a refillable drink mug for unlimited refills of non-alcoholic beverages at Disney resort hotels.

If this is true, this will be a fantastic option for Disney World resort guests. It has become nearly impossible to get dining reservations at most of the WDW restaurants, due in large part to the popularity of the Disney dining plan. This new plan will allow guests to book a dining plan, but will not require any stress on the reservation ecosystem, as all meals will be counter service, no reservations required. This new plan may also reduce the demand on many of the restaurants as guests opt for this plan rather than the more expensive ones.

We are expecting to see all 2009 rates and package shortly. I will update you with any additional information I am able to find. We would expect this plan to be priced around $25 - $30 for adults, and $7 - $10 for children per night, while the existing dining plans increase in cost a few dollars.

[bangzoom6877]

From what I have read here, it is to my understanding that many servers at TS restaurants would not give impeccable service when they knew the tip was included (back in 2007 and earlier), because they would ask you when they greeted you if you were on the dining plan. Many people complained about that, and I am sure many also complained directly to WDW about it. Before anyone starts throwing *flames* about this, please keep in mind that I said many servers, not all servers. I am aware that there were plenty of servers who still gave incredible service at TS restaurants when gratuity was still included.

We only had one experience where we did not care much for the service. It was at Crystal Palace. We tipped 15%. Normally we tip between 18% and 20%. DH and I appreciated the fact that the projected gratuity was printed on the bill. It helped us figure out how much to tip without having to do math! I felt this was a very nice courtesy to the customer.

Furthermore, in our economy, Disney is simply doing what many other companies are doing...instead of increasing price right away, they take something away from the package. Have you noticed some local or chain restaurants serving smaller portions than they used to, but keeping prices the same? That is one way that restaurants are cutting back, yet keeping prices the same for the customer so it still attracts people (in other words, people still feel they could afford to go out to eat since the price has not gone up). I know many people who have a problem with this at regular restaurants, when not on vacation, because they are obviously getting less than before for the same money. I personally do not have any problem with it because I always had food left on my plate but now I pay the same amount for either an exact amount I will eat, or even still have food left on my plate! So I feel less is being wasted, but I am not paying more for it. Just my own opinion on that.

For us the 2008 DDP was more than worth it. We loved it! Especially when I saw that for our 2 meals and DS3's kids' meal at the CS location in Morocco at Epcot, lunch would have cost us $50! We pay less than that at regular restaurants at home, so the DDP felt like a great deal for us. We had also planned to go to all the character meals we went to anyway, so we truly did save money. The only thing we would have done differently was not get a dessert if it was not included in the plan or we were paying OOP, at CS locations. I really felt that was unnecessary but we got it because it was included (tried to keep it healthy though, with apple slices, or one day with yogurt and gave that to the baby). I can understand though how it feels like it is not such a good deal to people who have used the 2007 plan or earlier. They did take a lot away. Again, for us first-timers it was very nice and we would definitely do it again, depending on the changes.

My guess is also that if the DDP is going up in price, so is everything else at WDW, including the price of a CS or TS meal out of pocket. Everything I am sure, will be relative in the increases at WDW. I would like to see a choice of app. or dessert at TS though. This past trip we did character meals so they were all-you-can-eat with everything included, but when we go back in 3 years, we would like to do a couple that are not buffet or family style, to try something different, plus the kids will be older then and maybe do only 2 or 3 character meals. But who knows what will happen in 2011!