Why is DDP $47?

[mickeyluv'r]

During the spring months, DDP is $46.99 for adults and $12.99 for kids. I am looking at pricing, and this doesn't really make DDP much of a discount - UNLESS - Disney is raising prices on meals in a big way.

As of Jan: Crystal Palace dinner was $29 for adults and $14 for kids.

I figure a snack is worth about $4, and the QS meal is about $15 (with dessert and drink) SO that meant the value of the $40DDP (2009) was about $49. worth of food.

For Easter, the rate at Crystal Palalce for dinner was $34.99 for adults and $16.99 for kids. The 'holiday period' was the two weeks surrounding Easter (4/5- 4/18 and 5/24-7/11).

In which case havig DDP was a really good deal. I didn't go during this time so I don't know if they tacked on the surcharge for DDP guests. Maybe someone can answer that for me.

This upcoming year the whole DDP price is raised to $47 on 2/12/10 - 4/10/10, 6/04/10 - 8/14/10, and 12/17/10 - 12/31/10.

So basically the WHOLE spring season (plus summer and Christmas) has become like a 'holiday' period when it comes to DDP!?!?

What does that mean the out of pocket cost of Crystal Palace will be? Perhaps $35, or maybe more? Or is it that DDP is no longer a savings during those months?

[disney*mom*82]

I was kinda wondering the same as you. Sorry I cant be much help, but I was wondering where the justification of the price increase was. I doubt the quality or quantity will be any better, so my only guess is that they will raise the prices on the menus at those times. If not and I get the DDP, I may be a little upset. Granted, we usually eat some pretty expensive meals while on the DDP, but if we arent able to save very much, we may be better off POP and not being restricted to the places that accept the DDP. IDK, we dont have it put on our March ressi, but Im sure we will add it. It is so mcuh easier IMO.

[asmit4]

I don't think anyone really knows for sure if the prices will be 'holiday' pricing but I think we can safely bet on it. I am guessing that they are raising the DDP for those times b/c the food costs will also be raised during those times. They figure they did it before around the holidays, so why not do it during 'busy' season to bring in more $$$.

[vicki_c]

I think you can assume that the menu prices for the fixed price meals - buffets, character meals - will be increased $4 or so per adult during those same dates (kids $2-4, adults probably $4-6 depending on which meal).

But the summer dates do look odd - I thought they normally ended the holiday surcharge in July sometime. We've been 2x in mid-June and had to pay the holiday surcharges on the meals (we don't do the DDP).

Personally I was glad to hear they added the same surcharge to the DDP price, but that's because we don't buy it and I hated knowing that I was paying more and the DDP person next to me was still paying the same year-round price for the DDP.

[princessmom29]

You have to remeber also that you are basing the comparision on one of the lowest priced TS options at DW. At Le Cellier for instance each adult could run $45 or more with a beverage and dessert. Our average bill per adult for a TS meal last year was about $40 so for us even at $47.99 it would be a discount.

[tinka-belle]

The $47 DDP dates correspond to the dates the "holiday surcharge" is in effect at all fixed priced dining locations. For example, Crystal Palace will jump from $29 to $33 or $35.

It's not just the character meals, it's all the fixed price dining going up in price during those dates. IMHO the only reason they limit the price hikes to those is the confusion printing two menus with different prices would cause in all the other restaurants. Too many prices to change, too many dates to change menus for, really confused waitstaff, major screw ups if the wrong menus are given out.

At this point the Deluxe Dining Plan, which did not raise prices for 2010 or go to seasonal pricing, is looking better to me for the surcharge dates. If we do our July 4 trip to Disney this year I may opt for the DxDP for the extra $25/night (normally $30/night more) and book a few signature restaurants.

[mickeyluv'r]

princessmom29, the reason I picked CP was because I had the numbers to work with. I also picked it because it was one of the meals that went up in price during the surcharge period, which I am guessing is what's going on with this.

Hmmm...So it's looking like maybe the buffets would maybe be a 'better deal' during those times.

I also agree it makes DxDP look like a better deal. Normally I'd consider it kind of overkill, but it's almost a consideration. I don't think my family would go for it though, as it's a challenge to get them to do one TS meal a day.

[pixeydust]

I was wondering where the justification of the price increase was. I doubt the quality or quantity will be any better.

Weasked a number of times last year why the prices were increased during holidays, etc and were told "Due to guest demand" :confused3 And no, we didn't notice either an increase in quality or any special holiday items.:sad2:

[tinka-belle]

"Guest demand"?????

Please raise the price so I have to spend more for my vacation!

"Guest demand" is soooo typically mousespeak for: "It's crowded during these time periods so we know we can sqeeze a few extra bucks from people. So many want to eat here that even if we lose a good chunk of people who refuse to pay this price, we still have full ADR's and are turning people away from a full restaurant."

A better answer would be "supply and demand". It's just business, they know they can upcharge and people will still pay it.

[candielips]

These increases bring me back to just 3 yrs ago when the DDP was just under $40 & included your app & tip. Wouldn't that be nice again?

[Katy&NoahMom]

I guess that I missed that $47 increase. Can someone give the scoop? I did not realize that the dining plan changes prices at different times. We are hoping to go early June.

[DebbieB]

I guess that I missed that $47 increase. Can someone give the scoop? I did not realize that the dining plan changes prices at different times. We are hoping to go early June.

http://www.mousesavers.com/mywplusdining2010.html

Starting in 2010, the additional cost (on top of a regular Magic Your Way package) varies depending on the time of year:

1/01/10 - 2/11/10, 4/11/10 - 6/03/10, 8/15/10 -12/16/10 is $41.99 per night per adult or junior (ages 10-17), $11.99 per night for children (ages 3-9).

2/12/10 - 4/10/10, 6/04/10 - 8/14/10, 12/17/10 - 12/31/10 is $46.99 per night per adult or junior (ages 10-17), $12.99 per night for children (ages 3-9).

[princessmom29]

I just noticed that the rate increase for the DDP doesn't include Thanksgiving! Weird, as there has been a holiday surcharge for thanksgining in the past. Wonder what's up with that??

[mickeyluv'r]

I wonder if they will add it later...or maybe they plan to offer some kind of promo then....

[jaff87]

Does anyone else have an issue with the DDP pricing and kids? Mine are 11 & 13 (not kids by WDW Standards) and to be honest, whether it is $41.99 or $46.99 - neither of my kids eat that much in a given day!

[SarahD]

Does anyone else have an issue with the DDP pricing and kids? Mine are 11 & 13 (not kids by WDW Standards) and to be honest, whether it is $41.99 or $46.99 - neither of my kids eat that much in a given day!

I hear ya'! My oldest is 10 this trip and cost is why we're doing the quick service and not the regular dining.

[toddlers_mom]

I guess I am not one to complain...$47 for a day of 3 TS or QS meals plus 2 snacks is an awesome deal. I don't mind it. Way cheaper than what happened to me eating at the Pop century food court this past May.

[robinb]

Because they can charge that much for the DDP and people will gladly pay it now that they think it's a bargain :rolleyes1.

No offense toddler's mom :). I just saw your post and didn't mean to make you feel bad. It *may* be a bargain for your family depending on how many kids you have 9 and under and how many character meals you book. Just so you know, that's $47 per day per adult and you only get 1 TS and 1 CS and 1 snack. You may be thinking of the Deluxe DDP which is $72 per night.

[robinb]

I hear ya'! My oldest is 10 this trip and cost is why we're doing the quick service and not the regular dining.My DD is also 10 and we are skipping the DDP too. Your child can order off the kids menu at the regular TS restaurants. It's just the buffets and dinner shows that will make you pay adult pricing.

[toddlers_mom]

Because they can charge that much for the DDP and people will gladly pay it now that they think it's a bargain :rolleyes1.

No offense toddler's mom :). I just saw your post and didn't mean to make you feel bad. It *may* be a bargain for your family depending on how many kids you have 9 and under and how many character meals you book. Just so you know, that's $47 per day per adult and you only get 1 TS and 1 CS and 1 snack. You may be thinking of the Deluxe DDP which is $72 per night.

Its ok :) I was thinking of the wrong plan. All in all the deluxe costs us 92/day which is still a bargain (I think) considering its Disney and everything is overpriced there.

[robinb]

Its ok :) I was thinking of the wrong plan. All in all the deluxe costs us 92/day which is still a bargain (I think) considering its Disney and everything is overpriced there.Right ... but do you really want to spend all your park time going from one expensive meal to another? It may be a bargain in one way, but not in another. I know that my daughter would have rebelled after the 2nd or 3rd day of non-stop eating :rotfl:!

As long as you're not doing character meals breakfast, lunch and dinner you would do better to pay out of pocket.

[ms mouse]

I think it really depends on your family. My girls are teenagers and they enjoy the meals, especially the dinner shows and signature dining. We go to disney often so they dont really feel like they loose anything. Even when they were little we liked the break during the day to "regroup" and rest. We did delux last year when we got free dining, and they are really disappointed we arent doing it this year. It really just depends on your family

[Disney Fool]

amen.

[jaff87]

I hear ya'! My oldest is 10 this trip and cost is why we're doing the quick service and not the regular dining.

We have always done the DDP, but I just cannot justify the increased pricing this year for both my kids, especially my daughter who still won't eat anything other than bread & butter, maybe some mac & cheese. My son is willing to try new things, but again, there is no way they would eat that much in a given day. We are seriously thinking about the Quick Service plan this time around.

[TillyMarigold]

I guess I am not one to complain...$47 for a day of 3 TS or QS meals plus 2 snacks is an awesome deal. I don't mind it. Way cheaper than what happened to me eating at the Pop century food court this past May.
Um, the $47 is for one TS, one QS, and one snack.

The 3 meals plus 2 snacks plan is the Deluxe Dining Plan, which is $72.

[shaunaluvsdisney]

I totally agree with PP. My son is 11. Eats a very small amount and prefers kid fare like mac and cheese and pizza-kids menu items. $41.00 a night is a lot to spend on a kid that is 11 that will in no way ever eat that much food. Is there something else we can do? We love the DDP for us the adults. I suppose everyone on your trip must be on DDP if some are? We have 4 kids. Twins that are 5, a 15 yo, and our 11 y.o. I would love for my 11 year old to not have to pay 41 a night but pay OOP for him and let him order off kids menus since that is the portion size he eats and food he prefers. Any ideas?

[robinb]

I totally agree with PP. My son is 11. Eats a very small amount and prefers kid fare like mac and cheese and pizza-kids menu items. $41.00 a night is a lot to spend on a kid that is 11 that will in no way ever eat that much food. Is there something else we can do? We love the DDP for us the adults. I suppose everyone on your trip must be on DDP if some are? We have 4 kids. Twins that are 5, a 15 yo, and our 11 y.o. I would love for my 11 year old to not have to pay 41 a night but pay OOP for him and let him order off kids menus since that is the portion size he eats and food he prefers. Any ideas?
You can pay OOP for him at TS restaurants when ordering from the kids menu and use his TS credits for meals for your other adult family members. You should be able to get get another meal or two in that way. Of course, fixed price meals like buffets and character meals would be at the adult price for him and you would probably want to use credits for him in that case.

[Miss M.K.J.]

We had free dining at Disney in September and it was nice. BUT I will say the food there is way overpriced. Our character breakfast for a family of 4 was 125.00 just for breakfast!! We had dinner at 50's Prime Time Cafe although we loved it it was still 130.00 Liberty Tree Tavern was pretty close to the same price. Our QS lunches also ranged from 45.00 to 65.00. I have said that if it wasn't for the dining plan then we would not have ate at those places but you do have to eat so unless you bring lunch and dinner with you then you will have to pay those overpriced prices. We had thought of going in February but I hate to pay for the dining. It was nice not having to pay for your meals with free dining but we also felt at times we were locked in to a certain park. It has it's good and bad points.