Dining plan change from years past?

[momrox]

I had the dining plan in 2005 and it seems to have changed. No gratuities? and are the appetizers included in lunch and dinner table service?

 

[havoc315]

No gratuities. No appetizers. And the price has doubled.

In 2005, it was a great deal that saved money. Easily could save 30% or more by using the dining plan.

Now, in comparison, it's usually cheaper for most people to simply skip the plan. People who really maximize the plan, always ordering the most expensive item, filling up on tons of desserts, snacks and soda, -might- possibly save 5-10% best case scenario. For people who don't eat in such a way, it's cheaper to just skip the plan.

 

[bigmac5]

I had the dining plan in 2005 and it seems to have changed. No gratuities? and are the appetizers included in lunch and dinner table service?

We were last at Disney in 2005 as well and yes-changes. I miss the appetizers but we did have a lot of food then. but be sure to check out the snack list--It is much better than before!!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3039087

 

[bdklein]

I had the dining plan in 2005 and it seems to have changed. No gratuities? and are the appetizers included in lunch and dinner table service?

It has changed, and really offers no value any longer.

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

We were last at Disney in 2005 as well and yes-changes. I miss the appetizers but we did have a lot of food then. but be sure to check out the snack list--It is much better than before!!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3039087

Oh, I remember the snacks being better back in the day, too! Our first trip was 2007 and we could get a whole box of 8 donuts for 1 snack credit in the resort store. Big bags of chips. There were many things that were only 1 snack credit and were enough for all four of us to share. Not anymore....

Only time dining plan seems to make sense now is when it's free!

 

[momabbate]

I understand that it has changed since 2005. I wish it gave the choice between appetizer or dessert. That said, we have used the plan for both our trips and love it. No we don't save 30%, but we do have the freedom of not looking at cost. We are not dessert eaters at home, but love to eat desserts on vacation. Plus the fact that it is paid for before vacation starts helps my hubby relax. The only way I would not do it would be to use the money on gift cards to pay for meals. This way dinning is still paid ahead of vacation. This next trip I am going to pay closer attention as I have a feeling more changes will come plus cost will no likely go up.

 

[momrox]

Thank you all. Since I will be a single traveler and more than likely won't get free dining because I am staying at Little Mermaid, I may cancel my dining plan.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Oh, I remember the snacks being better back in the day, too! Our first trip was 2007 and we could get a whole box of 8 donuts for 1 snack credit in the resort store. Big bags of chips. There were many things that were only 1 snack credit and were enough for all four of us to share. Not anymore....

Only time dining plan seems to make sense now is when it's free!

Yes it's true that you can't get the box of donuts anymore but there are a whole lot more snack options now. Just check out my list, link in siggy for choices.

 

[vacation_junkie]

I had the dining plan in 2005 and it seems to have changed. No gratuities? and are the appetizers included in lunch and dinner table service?

You use to be able to get an extra bottled drink for a QS Breakfast in lieu of a dessert because obviously theres no dessert at Breakfast (Darn, I could use a piece of cheese cake to wash my mickey waffles down).

Salt water taffy is no longer on the "snack credit" list ...boooo!!!!!