NEVER AGAIN - our DDP experience

[WebmasterDoc]

We tried the DDP for the first time this week. We arrived ay OKW 10 days ago and had a 1BR for 3 nights before our DD and 2 grandkids (7,5) joined us last Sat staying in a 2BR at OKW. We were able to stay in the same 1BR and just add the adjoining Studio and the resort was able to accommodate that request which was really nice.

We do have APs and have also had the DDE card (now TIW) for years now and have enjoyed that program. We decided to try the DDP this trip mostly because of the 2 children and the convenience of the program.

DW and I never order dessert, but will usually have a salad or soup as an appetizer. We will also often have a glass of wine with our meals. We typically dine in a table service restaurant about every other day of each stay and usually will have counter serve on the other days. Obviously, our usual dining pattern was altered for this trip - with a counter serve and table service meal each day. From a value point of view, the DP was fine. We spent more for the two of us than we would normally spend, but with 3 extra diners it was about a break even on this trip.

We dined at Olivia's (I'll give a review of that later), Coral Reef, Liberty Tree, HollyWood & Vine, Sci-Fi, Wolfgang Puck's Cafe and CA Grille tonite (another where I'll comment later). For the most part (with a couple of exceptions) the meals were fine without problems.

Our biggest complaint about the program in general was that we ate waaay too much - just due to the deviation from the way we usually dine. The menus were fine, food was generally OK and the service was all right with a couple of exceptions. Most of our servers were wonderful and made the experience the same - with attentive service as well as kind treatment of the children. Our best dining experiencess this trip were at Coral Reef and Wolfgang Puck's - both were a great value the meals were well prepared and with excellent service. We enjoyed counter serve at Earl of Sandwich, Columbia House, Cosmic Rays, Pizzafari and Good's Food-to-Go at OKW. All were fine with good selection for everyone's tastes.

We would consider using the DP in the future when grandchildren are with us, but never again when we are here by ourselves. We will be bringing our other DD and 3 grandkids next spring and will likely get the DDP for them and just use the TIW for ourselves since we will have separate villas for that trip.

Now, for the two exceptions to our usually good dining experiences - last Sat. our family arrived at 6:30 pm. We had ADR for 8pm, but went over a little early (7:15) since everyone was hungry. Olivia's was not busy and they seated us about 7:25. We had ordered by 7:30 and drinks and bread were brought right away. About 8:05 our server came to the table and told us our meals were delayed (no kidding!) and it would be another 10 minutes with some excuse about the kitchen needing to prepare a special meal for someone with an allergy. At 8:20 the manager on duty came by and told us our meals would be anotrher 10 minutes and we were finally served at 8:30. By this time, the children were beginning to eat the crayons. I had ordered the Mahi-Mahi which was burned on the bottom, very dry and "crunchy". I ate about 2 bites and when the server finally stopped at the table 10 minutes later she asked if everything was all right. I shared my opinion of the fish and she did offer to let me order something else - which I declined since I did not have another hour to wait for more poor service. The kids ordered their desserts and that took another 10 minutes to arrive. We finally finished at 9:10. The manager offered to comp my DDP credit, which was fine except that it was paid for anyway and we already had ADRs for all of our other table serve meals. (We are leaving with one TS credit remaining as well as 24 snack credits - and DME picks us up at 5:20am in the morning.)

We have dined at the restaurant atop the CR since it was the "Top of the World" and had the Broadway style dinner review. It has been a favorite for years and we traditionally dine there on our final evening. We have several favorite servers and have always looked forward to our next experience at this signature restaurant. On this trip we ate there the night before the kids arrived last week and again tonite. Last week we were not on the DP and had a wonderful meal.

We usually have a reservation for 5:30 and go up to the lounge when it opens at 5:00. We usually get a window table in the lounge and often keep that table for dinner. We have been doing this for years - 5-6 times per year. The lounge hasa always been first-come-first-served - or at least that's what we've always been told and have never had a problem in the past.

With our grandkids along this time, we hoped to get a window table in the lounge area and arrived about 4:30 to check-in for our ADR. We were in the first elevator to the CA Grille when the lounge opened at 5:00, first off the elevator and went immediately to the table we hoped to get. No one was seated yet in the restaurant, but when we approached the empty table a server called out to us that the table was reserved. I asked if this was a new policy and she said no, but another party had "called ahead" from the downstairs podium. We were then told that there are no window tables for a party of five (except for that one). My DW commented about the situation to another server who had the manager come talk with us. Greg (manager) explained that he had "bumped into" this couple downstairs and had arranged for them to have the lounge table - but that the lounge was definitely first-come-first-served. I explained to him that if that were really the case, there wouldn't be any problem. Had we arrived at 5:15 to see that this table was already filled, I would have completely understood - but when I was first to arrive in the restaurant, first to arrive at the table and then be told it was "reserved" for someone else, they certainly were not honoring the first-come-first-served policy. He then explained that these were guests who dine there monthly and always sit at that table - which earned a repeat of my earlier comment about how "first-come-first-served" is usually interpreted by the rest of the world.

We have usually had wonderful treatment at CA Grille in the past. Last Friday, we had a server who knew the party seated at the table next to us and she spent a significant amount of time chatting with that group to the detriment of her other guests. Strangely enough, she was the one who turned us away from the lounge table. We were seated near a window (not AT the window) and our server was fine although he neglected to offer crayons and Disney coloring pages to our kids while children at all of the table around us had theirs. We finally asked about it when he took dessert orders and he did bring them at that time.

We did not ask for anything except what we were entitled to under the DDP. Nothing was expected except good service and good food.

At least the food was good.

[iloveokw]

Doc:

We agree. We like where we eat at our favorite restaurants and when we want to eat. Very seldom do CS and the last (2nd time we did DDP we decided not to do it again. I think that the DDP has dumbed down the dining at WDW. With a kitchen we eat in some and offsite some (and enjoy the leftovers). Glad you are able to take the kids and grandkids we've known too many Docs that have worked too long and didn't enjoy the "golden years".

[DiznyDi]

Oh My!:scared1:
We also use the TIW card and find it much more to our liking than the DDP, though did use the DDP prior to the changes made in 2008. The DDP no longer has value to us.

Sorry to hear of your experience at CA Grill. The restaurant was wrong to deny you the 'first come, first serve' table when you were obviously there. Our one and only experience at the CA Grill was not favorable - and yes, at the time we were on the dining plan - and we have no desire to return.

[CarolMN]

...(snip)....Our biggest complaint about the program in general was that we ate waaay too much - just due to the deviation from the way we usually dine. The menus were fine, food was generally OK and the service was all right with a couple of exceptions. Most of our servers were wonderful and made the experience the same - .......We agree and after one trip with the DP (back when it included appetizer, tax & gratuity), we will not do it again. Too much food! The TiW is much better suited for us and does not tempt us to eat more than is good for us. And we spend less, too, LOL.

Thanks for the review.

[disynut]

I'm so sorry that you had such a poor experience with the DDP. I always enjoy reading your posts because you are always so informative on DVC and you are always on top of things with Disney. This time, you have confirmed what I've been feeling about the dining. With DVC, we've been doing more and more eating in our room/out of the world. We've been visiting WDW at a minimum of once a year for the past 10 years. The last few we've really seen the lack of choices for kids' meals, high prices for pretty good food(but not great and definitely not what you're paying for), and the amount of time spent waiting for a table(even when you have priority seating) take its toll on us. That's why we have not done the ddp--it's just not for us. Last month while at WDW we ate every meal in/from our room(packed a cooler to the parks) or off site except one at House of Blues. We felt like we really maximized our food dollars and our vacation time. I think we'll be doing this more and more except for the occasional character meal.

[dianeschlicht]

Glad to hear we aren't the only ones who don't like the DDP. Too much food....no choice of appetizer or dessert, and not including the tip meant we spent a lot more using the DDP than we do with the TIW card.

As for your experience at Olivia's and CG... Olivia's no longer prepares their meals on site, but gets them from somewhere else. Their kitchen is now bare bones, and does not include a chef. It has definitely gone done hill since that happened, and we now only go there for lunch. California Grill has been problematic for us for some time. Our main complaint there is that you can wait more than an hour past your ADR to get seated, and that doesn't include getting your food or even ordering. We last had a reservation there a couple of years ago, and after 1 hour and 45 minutes and not yet being seated, we left and went to Olivia's. Now I have pretty much scratched both off my to do list. We do Jiko, Artist Point and Turf Club instead.

[Dean]

As I've said many times before, DDP is a specialty choice that works for some situations and not for others. Shorter stays, planning more expensive single coupon choices and for certain children tend to be the best values. It is a lot of food for us, that's why we generally share a meal, even when we've gotten the DDP. One thing to note is that your restaurant options are generally not ones that tend to generate the best $$$ value, other than maybe Coral Reef and WP. Overall though I'd say the CS options makes or breaks the basic DDP. We concentrated on WP express and Pepper Market as our main CS outlets this last trip, both some of the higher $$$ values as well as better food for CS. While not applicable to us right now, the locations without kids meal choices are also an interesting aspect.

It's certainly Disney ball to play with but I think they'll have to change the present plan at some point if they plan to cont it long term. To me the logical progression is to have more flexibility but keeping around the same $$$ return. Maybe a choice of an appy OR desert and possibly even having separate credits for those or combining them with the snack credits in some way. Maybe have credits that are used for either CS or TS, possibly 1 credit for CS, 2 for TS and 3 for Signature. Or they could do what they did with the FnF and it's subsequent ill fated programs and quickly make it a non usable program. It seems it'd be easy to modify to make it better for a broader segment while keeping the same basic cost and $$$ value structure. And in my thinking, they could come up with one program that serves the purpose of at least 2 of the current 3 plans if not all 3.

[Pootle]

The situations you describe at Olivia's and California Grill are both disappointing and unacceptable. It did make for interesting reading though and will serve as a reminder (to me) that stuff like that happens to everyone at some time. Glad the occasions were not special celebrations and hope that's your run of poor dining experiences done with!

[rbuzzotta]

We also had a bad experience at Olivia's in April. And that is our families favorite restaurant!!! My Mahi Mahi was horrible. DD was refused from ordering off the kids menu (yes, she is 11 but we have never been denied ordering off the kids menu even for my 17 year old!!!). Finally the manager allowed it (we were not on the meal plan). My girls eat like birds!!! The food took forever to come and the place was not even 50% full!!!

We will be back for 16 days in the summer and already my famly said they do not want to eat there again...........sad to me as we have always eaten there our first and last nights of our trip (except when the girls were little and we ate at Chef Mickeys the first night......way back to when it was at DTD!!).

[whitfamily]

We have decided to not use the DDP again either. We generally throw away the deserts and alost always find ourselves burning off the majority of our snacks on the final day. Nice to have the snacks for the ride home, but I could buy the same stuff at Hess leaving MK for a third of the price.

Our trip this weekend will be our first DVC and sans DDP. Will be interesting to see if we're able to actually make some of our own meals and how buying CS pans out vs DDP costs.

[Chuck S]

We also had a bad experience at Olivia's in April. And that is our families favorite restaurant!!! My Mahi Mahi was horrible. DD was refused from ordering off the kids menu (yes, she is 11 but we have never been denied ordering off the kids menu even for my 17 year old!!!). Finally the manager allowed it (we were not on the meal plan). My girls eat like birds!!! The food took forever to come and the place was not even 50% full!!!

We will be back for 16 days in the summer and already my famly said they do not want to eat there again...........sad to me as we have always eaten there our first and last nights of our trip (except when the girls were little and we ate at Chef Mickeys the first night......way back to when it was at DTD!!).


We've always had poorer service in the evening at Olivia's, even though the food is usually good. We try try to eat there before shift change, when the breakfast crew is still on duty...that morning crew seems to be much better at customer service. Alrthough we'll see if that changes as more and more of the long term breakfast crew reaches their retirement. We've already lost several of them.

[rocketriter]

Another disadvantage of the DDP: it introduced our kids to prime rib, lobster tails and king crab claws--and now that's what they try to order in restaurants back home!

[jimmytammy]

We have never tried the DDP and it is based on what you say...to much food!
I am a big guy who loves to eat, but dont enjoy being miserable. I feel I would over-indulge and maybe force my family to do the same. TIW works great for us. Many times, Tammy and I will share a meal and still be full. Dining in WDW is definitely a highlight of our trips as we get to experience many meals that our neck of the woods doesnt offer.

And we have had a similar experience at Olivias. Doesnt deter me from going back, but it seems to recur at the same places.

We just returned from a 10 day stay, and I must say, we had wonderful overall experiences in dining, except for Spoodles. It really impressed us back in Dec., but we became quickly un-impressed this last time. Service was good, food was lousy. Hopefully Cat will make it better.

[FinallyBoughtDVC]

I agree about the DDP - we were getting the deluxe one - which worked great when we had our two sons (ages 16 & 20) with us - they always ate what we couldn't. And, we always, always came out ahead in the dollar column.

But, when it's just dh, me and dd(10) - we use our TIW card.

CG has always been one of my favorites. I have found their service to be spotty at best these past two years. Once in a while - it's incredible - most of the time, simply mediocre.

It used to be a "must do" every trip - not so much anymore.

Bizarre about Olivia's - can't imagine what would hold up an order in the kitchen for that long unless they had an injury (burn/cut) in the kitchen that had to be dealt with and perhaps cleaned up...that's just plain weird.

Glad everythign else worked out okay! :)

[yasuern]

So sorry that you had these not so Disney experiences Doc.

We have never done a dining plan and probably(even if free) never will - I know which restaurants we like to eat at when at WDW and try hard to obtain these ADRs always allowing for some back up and flexibility just in case. We could never plan our whole vacation around meals. As previously stated we just attempt to get the few we really enjoy(tradition if you will) on our trip and really wing the rest - even going - dare I say it - off property to eat:scared1:


Kinda like all those touring plans out now - How on earth did we manage w/o them:rolleyes1 - Do you remember when there wasn't even fast pass? and still we managed(Although I always utilize FP when possible)

Must add one thing - SOO VERY JEALOUS - 10 days at OKW:worship:


Sue:goodvibes

[La2kw]

As for your experience at Olivia's and CG... Olivia's no longer prepares their meals on site, but gets them from somewhere else. Their kitchen is now bare bones, and does not include a chef. It has definitely gone done hill since that happened, and we now only go there for lunch. .

Holy cow! When did this happen? Why did the original DVC resort get the shaft like this? I am appalled.

[culli]

Ironic how you see this thread about DDP and how it doesn't fit into peoples situation. We are one of those and the reason we bought into DVC was the kitchen and ability to cook in the room. I find dinning with the family which includes 3 young ones a big pain. When wife and I go alone we found good value with table of wonderland card. Had some drinks eat where we want, order what we want and only eat out a few times.

Anyway now the ironic part is there are threads out here that people are all up in arms about DVC not getting free dinning etc and contemplating selling their DVC or at least feeling ripped off because they didn't get it.

[SusieBea]

Holy cow! When did this happen? Why did the original DVC resort get the shaft like this? I am appalled.


I agree; but, it does explain some things about our last few experiences there.

[d-r]

yeah, me too - Olivia's has been very spotty; how is that even possible that food is prepared somewhere else?

I'vexseen a lot of cut backs since the dining plan.

[Chuck S]

I wouldn't surpise me at all if casserole dishes and large items are prepared elsewhere, in fact, I think the prime rib that used to be served at almost every Disney restaurant years ago was prepared in a central location. But I don't see how they can get by without some sort of trained person to deal with allergies, plating the food, assembling sandwiches, and cooking steaks. So there would have to be someone, maybe not a Le Cordon Bleu chef, but at least a short order cook, back there in the kitchen.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I am a bit confused with your review.

We have DDP this weekend and are looking forward to it. We got the lowest plan due to the extreme amount of food and hope that we can do the TS and CS and not be stuffed.

In any case--I am lost as to how this was the fault of the DDP for your two experiences at Olivia's and the Contemporary.

It seems these could have happened without the Dining plan. I agree the service was poor, but I am trying to understand if this was b/c you had the dining plan--or if it was just poor service.

Not wanting the plan due to too much food is one thing.

Not wanting the plan b/c they treated you that way b/c you were on plan would be something that I would want to know and cannot figure out by your post.

We got the dining plan to save money and enjoy some of our favorite restaurants without worry for the bill.

From some of the issues--are DDP guests stuck ordering only specific items on the menu.

We have Le Celier and Spoodles as 2 of our restaurants (the other two are buffet). I had presumed that we could order anything off of the menu within the rules (meal, appetizer or dessert, plus non-alcoholic beverage and kids plan orders kids menu). Is this not true? No chocolate moose?

We have a non-paying toddler--so he will use up our snack allocations and share meals.


Thanks.

[Chuck S]

We have Le Celier and Spoodles as 2 of our restaurants (the other two are buffet). I had presumed that we could order anything off of the menu within the rules (meal, appetizer or dessert, plus non-alcoholic beverage and kids plan orders kids menu). Is this not true? No chocolate moose?

We have a non-paying toddler--so he will use up our snack allocations and share meals.


Thanks.


Actually, it is not "appetizer or dessert" it is dessert only. Appetizers are not included on the standard plan, and they will not substitute an appetizer for a dessert.

[BWV Dreamin]

I am a bit confused with your review.

We have DDP this weekend and are looking forward to it. We got the lowest plan due to the extreme amount of food and hope that we can do the TS and CS and not be stuffed.

In any case--I am lost as to how this was the fault of the DDP for your two experiences at Olivia's and the Contemporary.

It seems these could have happened without the Dining plan. I agree the service was poor, but I am trying to understand if this was b/c you had the dining plan--or if it was just poor service.

Not wanting the plan due to too much food is one thing.

Not wanting the plan b/c they treated you that way b/c you were on plan would be something that I would want to know and cannot figure out by your post.

We got the dining plan to save money and enjoy some of our favorite restaurants without worry for the bill.

From some of the issues--are DDP guests stuck ordering only specific items on the menu.

We have Le Celier and Spoodles as 2 of our restaurants (the other two are buffet). I had presumed that we could order anything off of the menu within the rules (meal, appetizer or dessert, plus non-alcoholic beverage and kids plan orders kids menu). Is this not true? No chocolate moose?

We have a non-paying toddler--so he will use up our snack allocations and share meals.


Thanks.
My brother, an OKW owner, went to Olivia's in Dec. He was not happy with the food or service. I think the Cali Grill was just a happening. I know someone who just got back from eating at Cali Grill, and it was fabulous as usual. I see no fault of the DDP for any of these experiences.

[Dean]

I am a bit confused with your review.

We have DDP this weekend and are looking forward to it. We got the lowest plan due to the extreme amount of food and hope that we can do the TS and CS and not be stuffed.

In any case--I am lost as to how this was the fault of the DDP for your two experiences at Olivia's and the Contemporary.

It seems these could have happened without the Dining plan. I agree the service was poor, but I am trying to understand if this was b/c you had the dining plan--or if it was just poor service.

Not wanting the plan due to too much food is one thing.

Not wanting the plan b/c they treated you that way b/c you were on plan would be something that I would want to know and cannot figure out by your post.

We got the dining plan to save money and enjoy some of our favorite restaurants without worry for the bill.

From some of the issues--are DDP guests stuck ordering only specific items on the menu.

We have Le Celier and Spoodles as 2 of our restaurants (the other two are buffet). I had presumed that we could order anything off of the menu within the rules (meal, appetizer or dessert, plus non-alcoholic beverage and kids plan orders kids menu). Is this not true? No chocolate moose?

We have a non-paying toddler--so he will use up our snack allocations and share meals.


Thanks.There are essentially no exclusions to what you can order as an entree. Your choices of restaurants should give you better than average value esp if you also get good value from your CS options which are actually more variable in my book. As noted, they will not sub the appy for a dessert though I think they should consider it. For the buffet's your under 3 y/o can also eat for free and get his own. One thing to think about is that at Le Cellier they have been having special meals lately where you get BOTH appy and dessert. They often don't tell you so you should ask. It was the prime rib, fish and a couple of others. You could get the Beer Cheese soup and the a choice of 3 or 4 desserts. The Filet of Beef was not on this list so we passed it up first stop but took advantage second time since we were going to get the prime rib anyway. Again, you may have to ask if they're still doing it, we did the second time around when they gave us the regular menu instead of the DDP menu.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I went and reread the plan--it looks like the kids meal includes an appetizer and dessert (as long as the source is correct)--they had the adult meal listed correctly.

That's okay--I prefer dessert over appetizers. :)

We will consider the cheese soup--thanks for the heads up.

And I completely forgot about under-3's being free at the buffets anyway. :)

Cool beans!

Too bad about the sub-par experiences. I have heard in general of a decline in service across the board, but good to know that other folks are having some positive experiences elsewhere.

[WebmasterDoc]

I am a bit confused with your review.

We have DDP this weekend and are looking forward to it. We got the lowest plan due to the extreme amount of food and hope that we can do the TS and CS and not be stuffed.

In any case--I am lost as to how this was the fault of the DDP for your two experiences at Olivia's and the Contemporary.

It seems these could have happened without the Dining plan. I agree the service was poor, but I am trying to understand if this was b/c you had the dining plan--or if it was just poor service.

Not wanting the plan due to too much food is one thing.

Not wanting the plan b/c they treated you that way b/c you were on plan would be something that I would want to know and cannot figure out by your post.

We got the dining plan to save money and enjoy some of our favorite restaurants without worry for the bill.

From some of the issues--are DDP guests stuck ordering only specific items on the menu.

We have Le Celier and Spoodles as 2 of our restaurants (the other two are buffet). I had presumed that we could order anything off of the menu within the rules (meal, appetizer or dessert, plus non-alcoholic beverage and kids plan orders kids menu). Is this not true? No chocolate moose?

We have a non-paying toddler--so he will use up our snack allocations and share meals.


Thanks.

Sorry for the confusion. I did not mean to suggest that the DDP was the problem for anything. In our case, the value was not there for my wife and I - it was fine with 2 children using the plan. We will not use it again ourselves, but will the next time we have grandchildren with us. On this trip we had to participate since we were all staying in a 2BR villa and everyone had to be on the plan. Next time we will have separate villas.

Our extreme disappointment with 2 meals had nothing to do with the DP. Those issues were the fault of the CMs at those restaurants. We have dined at both locations many, many times without problem but were still very disappointed with the treatment we received at both on this trip. With the Olivia's meal, the manager removed the charge for the one meal - which did not benefit us at all since we were on the DDP and the pre-paid credit still went unused - so in that one instance we would have been better off had we not been on the DP.

Regardless, the DDP holds no value for the way we enjoy dining at WDW - especially since we also have the TIW card. With the children on this trip we felt it would be easier to have all meals planned out in advance with no need for anyone to spend time preparing meals throughout the day. That was the only benefit we found with using the DP on this trip. The other issues were just frustrating.

Your meals will include an entree, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage. Appetizers would be extra, as would adult beverages. The kids DP allows them to order from the children's menu which usually includes an entree and 2 sides (appetizer and dessert - or even 2 desserts if desired).

[Dean]

I went and reread the plan--it looks like the kids meal includes an appetizer and dessert (as long as the source is correct)--they had the adult meal listed correctly.

That's okay--I prefer dessert over appetizers. :)

We will consider the cheese soup--thanks for the heads up.

And I completely forgot about under-3's being free at the buffets anyway. :)

Cool beans!

Too bad about the sub-par experiences. I have heard in general of a decline in service across the board, but good to know that other folks are having some positive experiences elsewhere.Even if you don't order or they don't have the special meals that include the soup, we find it wonderful and couldn't go without it. We did the DDP 2 a week ago and we had good service and good food though I do think there have been declines overall.

[toocherie]

I went to Calif. Grill in late March using TiW and had a terrible experience with service. So it's not the DP that is causing the problem.

[Sammie]

I wouldn't surpise me at all if casserole dishes and large items are prepared elsewhere, in fact, I think the prime rib that used to be served at almost every Disney restaurant years ago was prepared in a central location. But I don't see how they can get by without some sort of trained person to deal with allergies, plating the food, assembling sandwiches, and cooking steaks. So there would have to be someone, maybe not a Le Cordon Bleu chef, but at least a short order cook, back there in the kitchen.

You would be right, for example the roasted chicken at Cosmic Ray's is the same as the very expensive roasted chicken at the Grand Floridian cafe.

[jco_direwolf]

I went to Calif. Grill in late March using TiW and had a terrible experience with service. So it's not the DP that is causing the problem.

We use to LOVE the CA Grill. Infact we loved it so much we had our wedding reception there.

We've not been back to the CA for 2 or 3 years we felt the food quality had slipped so much.

johno

[DonnaL]

We also have decided not to use DDP again....we last used it January 2008. On that trip, we had 3 adults and while we did enjoy the plan, we also felt it was too much food and we ate an uncomfortable amount. We also have used TIW (before it was TIW, feel it is a better value for us and will probably purchase it again for future trips. Our last few trips have included some days spent offsite doing other things and we didn't dine onsite all that much so felt it wouldn't be worth it for those trips.

[M5ward]

We've never used the DDP and probably never will. We like an appetizer with our dinner (even if we split one), and I like a drink or two (alcoholic drink, that is) with my meal. I also don't want to feel pressured to use up a bunch of credits. TiW has served us well the last two trips, and we will continue to buy it.

[OurDogCisco]

I wish the TIW card was offered to all DVC members and not just annual passholders. We rarely get an annual passholder's ticket because we are rarely at WDW twice in one year. Normally, we go about every 13 to 14 months for about 10 days each trip. We live farther away. We live closer to DL so we tend to use our points there more often.

For those that are reading this and thinking that DDP is too much food, don't worry it isn't if you really plan out your day. Some of the things we do is split CS at breakfast and Lunch for the adults. So, we'll order one meal and my husband I would split it and do the same at lunch. We make sure we don't do too many buffets as that is really where you'll fill up. We make sure we space the meals appropriately. For example, if we do a buffet around 8 am we'll do a early dinner at 5 pm and have a snack in between. Or we'll do a later buffet around 10 am. We save the desserts for breakfast. I find WDW has smaller portion sizes compared to Chillis or Chevys. We also share a lot of food with our kids. It is a great way to have them try something new without actually ordering it. It has gotten our 8 year old to like Salmon. Oh, the other thing we do is not save our snack credits for a the best value. I think people are so hung up on getting the best value it works against them. We'll use 2 snack credits for waters and 2 for an actual snack and share among us. You still come out ahead but you don't fill up on junk between meals.

So, while the DDP plan didn't work for the OP it isn't all doom and gloom for everyone else. I like the plan. In fact, TIW has some disadvantages as well too. So, don't worry too much.

[mopee3]

WOW where to start. :happytv:
This missive is about the DDP :thumbsup2not about how food, service, or how the restaurants in general have gone up or down since DVC started, if fact it is about the Deluxe DP (DDDP) :woohoo:not the regular DDP. We also have a TIW card and I love it because I love Valet service.:yay::yay::snooty:
We have found that after 10 days of the DDDP we are starting to become a bit jaded with all the rich food.:rolleyes: But then when we get home because we have no places like CG, Artist Point, Jiko, Yachtsman Steakhouse, etc., we find ourselves yearning for these places.:lovestruc If you have not eaten at the Grande Floridian Cafe in the morning, well can you say "Lobster Benedict", :love: then you need to try it out. Have you ever seen the NASA Shuttle leave this earth from your table in the Wine Room at the Cal Grill, while sipping on a wonderful dark red California Zin? :banana::banana: One might say, "but you said this is about the DDDP" and it is because without this plan I would never spend $100 for breakfast (Grand Floridian) and $450 at the Cal Grill for dinner, :scared1::scared1:or $550 a day. But I would spend $280 for 4 adults on the DDDP for that meal and many others like it.:rotfl2:
We ate on the regular DDP on our first trip and found it to be just fine but we ended up spending money in addition to the cost to the plan mainly on breakfast.
So for us it is the DDDP and planning for when, where, and what we eat at the World. This planning takes out all the guess work about “where are we going to eat tonight”? We eat a good sit down breakfast: Boma, Captains Grill, Grand Floridian, etc, then do the parks or just sit around the pool until dinner at 5:30. The early dinner gives us time to walk off a bunch of the wonderful food. :rotfl2:
Another funny part about this plan is not being able to utilize a bunch of the 1-credit restaurants. :sad1::sad1: We have done this but, talk about a bloated piggy boy!!:headache:
Remember the DDDP includes appetizer, entrée, drink, and desert. You don’t have to choose between the app and desert. Oh and those deserts!!:yay

And it is not about being made of money, because we are not, but when I take my bride on a vacation she doesn't like to cook!!:woohoo:

Last Feburary my wife and our two much older daughters,;) ages 33 and 38, went on a ten day trip. :goodvibesI saved the slips and compared them to using the TIW card. The DDDP won out but only by about $200.:confused3 This included adult beverages, tips and those little cubes they put in the drinks.

So for us it is the DDDP and full speed ahead to the Tree houses!:lmao::lmao:

[disneynutz]

We ate dinner for the first time at Olivia's a couple of months ago. The food was average and in our opinion, priced too high for the ambiance of the restaurant.

With the dumbing down of the menus more food is being prepared by vendors ready to heat. Disney specifies the recipes and since they buy in such large quantity, the food purveyors prepare the food in ready to heat bags and containers. That's why a BBQ rib at Cape May tastes the same as the BBQ ribs at Hoop-Dee-Doo.

[bobbiwoz]

Like others, I'm a bit envious that you were spend 10 wonderful nights at OKW, and how great that you didn't have to move!

We'll use the DDP in December always because it includes the Candlelight Processional as well as the Fantasmic package and TiW doesn't. Le Cellier did have the 3 course meal on the DDP but we didn't use it because it didn't include the filet. Thank heavens that dessert was included that night or I never would have tasted the wonderful Whiskey Chocolate Cake! Usually I don't order dessert, but did sort of feel I "had" to!:rotfl:

We're trying the Counter service plan when we go in June.

Bobbi:goodvibes

[Geyser Gazer]

Doing DDP just once has saved us thousands of dollars. I always thought that we would be avid DCLiners but by day 3 of a 5 day DDP feeding we had had enough. On our last night at the Coral Reef we joked about what a relief it was that we had used our last credit. Somehow though, after settling up our bill said that we each had one TS left. I asked my wife if she could stuff another steak in before Epcot closed, she smiled (kind of). Ironically, one of our favorite meals was using those credits for a late breakfast at Whispering Canyon after packing and cleaning our villa. This was because we were actually hungry for the first time since we had arrived.

[circhead]

:sad1:Doc - I'm sorry two of your meals were less than hoped for.

I have never done the DDP but have (when possible) gotten the DDE card.

I live 20 minutes from NYC ( for those not from the area that means the island of Manhattan not any of the other boroughs.);) I can get any type of food I want, when I want it.

There are restaurants at WDW I will not eat at again because IMO they are just trying too hard to fill a stereotype and I can get better at home. However, there are several restaurants at the World that I enjoy and tend to go back to. Le Bistro is among my favorites. I love French food and this restaurant is spectacular. I have eaten at 5 star French restaurants in NY and Le Bistro is comparable. :thumbsup2

For me the DDP will never be in my plans. I don't want anyone telling me where or what to eat. I want to see a whole menu not a specialized, reduced version. I want to eat the food I want - if that means I skip the appetizer or dessert that's my choice ( Unfortunately - I must say Disney's desserts are goooood :rotfl2:and I have the hips to prove it.)

I hope that Disney reconsiders and allows DVC members to buy a TIW card without an annual pass because I for sure would get one. One of my last times with the card my husband and I saved enough on 2 dinners to make it wortwhile.

Again, I'm sorry you had bad dining experiences - but since Ca Grill is one of your favorites I hope you chalk it up to a bad server and give it another try.

Pat

[disneynutz]

Like others, I'm a bit envious that you were spend 10 wonderful nights at OKW, and how great that you didn't have to move!

We'll use the DDP in December always because it includes the Candlelight Processional as well as the Fantasmic package and TiW doesn't. Le Cellier did have the 3 course meal on the DDP but we didn't use it because it didn't include the filet. Thank heavens that dessert was included that night or I never would have tasted the wonderful Whiskey Chocolate Cake! Usually I don't order dessert, but did sort of feel I "had" to!:rotfl:

We're trying the Counter service plan when we go in June.

Bobbi:goodvibes

We tried the Quick Service Dining Plan during our last visit. There really isn't much $ savings but convenience is a factor. The real hidden gem is Wolfgang Puck Express. Very good food and a very good value. :goodvibes

[FindTheMickeys]

I think it's kind of ironic that one of the reasons I bought into DVC was for the kitchens. Now, don't get me wrong, I love to eat out, but much prefer CS for lunch and then a nice dinner in my room. Saves tons of money and when I get the munchies at 10 p.m. I can raid the refrigerator just like at home:rotfl2: That being said, I wondered once (barely) about DDP and when I was told that DVC memebers weren't eligible, huh, well, there's another plus to DVC. Still saving me money:love:

[BWV Dreamin]

We tried the Quick Service Dining Plan during our last visit. There really isn't much $ savings but convenience is a factor. The real hidden gem is Wolfgang Puck Express. Very good food and a very good value. :goodvibes
How about Artists pallete at SSR?

[Dizny Dad]

I just have to jump in on this . . .all has been said, but I think the more people that speak up, the better for all.

DDP - yup, too much food! DiznyDi & I would much rather have an appetizer.

Cali Grille - We tried it once two years ago, with great enthusiasm. We dressed appropriately, arrived early; all the right approaches. As with others, we waited a while for our ADR; then watched a man in a striped shirt and plaid shorts and sandals walk all over the place with his drink in his hand looking out all of the windows and talking loud to his crowd across the way. After being seated, we were really treated as an inconvenience and with a nose in the air when we inquired about the fancy named item that turned out to be green beans (geeze louise). The service had nothing to do with the DDP. We just find other placed are more convenient for us if we want to be found to be below someone's expectations.

This past trip, we used only the TIW (Interesting name -makes me embarrassed every time I have to say it to our server). There were four adults. We totaled just over $1300, ate as we pleased, and that included the tip and a few libations (please tell no one :rolleyes1). The DDP would have been $1600 plus tip and attitude adjusters. We win. :woohoo:

[TDC Nala]

I like Olivia's but I never eat their food in the restaurant, just in the Gurgling Suitcase. Maybe 3 turtle krawls make the food better.

I do not do the dining plan. Anything that fixes it so I can't order two appetizers if I want those and can't go to Bluezoo isn't worth it in my opinion.

[jco_direwolf]

I hope that Disney reconsiders and allows DVC members to buy a TIW card without an annual pass because I for sure would get one. One of my last times with the card my husband and I saved enough on 2 dinners to make it wortwhile.

The card is break even at $375 of Table Service. For 2 people at nicer places that works out to about 3 or 4 meals, more like 3 with a good bottle of wine. (You said you could do it in 2 meals.)

Then with a AP if you go for say 5 days, a park hopper is $272, the DVC AP $369, so you are paying another $97. So you would only really need to spend about $500 on meals. Which works out to 4 more $125 meals or 2.6 $187 meals.

What I'm saying is depending on how much you really use it and go to the parks, you might be better off getting one AP... and if you go before July 31, I've got a 10% off card for you (we have 6 right now...)

johno

[circhead]

The card is break even at $375 of Table Service. For 2 people at nicer places that works out to about 3 or 4 meals, more like 3 with a good bottle of wine. (You said you could do it in 2 meals.)

Then with a AP if you go for say 5 days, a park hopper is $272, the DVC AP $369, so you are paying another $97. So you would only really need to spend about $500 on meals. Which works out to 4 more $125 meals or 2.6 $187 meals.

What I'm saying is depending on how much you really use it and go to the parks, you might be better off getting one AP... and if you go before July 31, I've got a 10% off card for you (we have 6 right now...)

johno

Thanks for the offer of the card. We're going in December this year though. VWL - with our first grandchild - can't wait to see her expression when she sees that lobby decorated for the holidays.:santa:

I like your math - I'd hadn't sat down and done the figures so I will keep it in mind - maybe I'll get one in December. Thank you. ;)

We saved enough on 2 meals with the DDE (TIW) card to make it worthwhile
1.Bistro De Paris with wine pairings and I upgraded my dessert to Gran Mariner Souffle (my favorite) and
2.Victoria and Albert's also with wine pairings.

Total cost with tax and tip around $350 per meal.

It was our 25th anniversary trip and we ate our way through the resort.:lmao: