The slow decay of the DDP . . .

[Dizny Dad]

AS found on DVCNews:

In 2010 Disney will introduce tiered seasonal pricing for the Disney Dining Plan. However, according to Disney Vacation Club members will be exempt from paying the higher prices being charged to most cash guests.

The base price for the standard Disney Dining Plan is increasing to $41.99 per adult and $11.99 per child age 3-9. The Disney Dining Plan provides (1) Table Service meal, (1) Counter Service meal and (1) snack per day for the standard fee.

During peak dining periods, the price for cash guests increases to $46.99 per adult and $12.99 per child. The peak dining periods are defined as:

February 12 - April 10, 2010
June 4 - August 14, 2010
December 17 - 31, 2010

Disney Vacation Club members staying on points during these periods will not be required to pay the higher peak season rates. The $41.99 and $11.99 rates will apply throughout the year.

The pricing increase I can understand, and whether or not you use the DDP offerings is specific to your family requirements; but notice that the increase is not only the $, but the reduction of snacks offered.

We used to particiate in the DDP when we had a full family to feed, and at that time, it seemed like a better deal. Now with just DW and I, the TIW (interesting name - don't get me started) is a better way to go for us.

Just another slow decay of the magic . . . . .

[cvjw]

Every time we have done the regular dining plan, it has always included only one snack option. We were just on the quick service dining plan which gave us 2 snack options and 2 counter service meals per day. We had a hard time using 2 snack options per day - we aren't big eaters.

[eliza61]

Hey DiznyDad

I'm not a big fan of the DDP but I sure am getting tired of seeing Disney hike prices and cut services. It may totally be my imagination but that seems to have been the trend the entire last 2 years.
This is the 3rd time they have tweaked the ddp and not in the consumers favor.
I find it interesting also that they hiked the prices during the entire summer season when most families with school age kids tend to go.

[dianeschlicht]

Well, I for one wish they would never have implemented the DDP! I feel like it has been the total downfall of what used to be one of the things we loved about Disney...the unique table service spots. Now everything is becoming standardized and boring, even at the signature restaurants, and I feel it is the fault of the DDP.

[DoctorK]

There is no reduction in snacks or cutting of services here. The standard DDP over at least the last 3 years has always been 1 TS, 1 QS 1 snack. If by "tweaking" you mean raising the price, I'm not sure when a price hike has ever been in the consumer's favor! Besides, annual price increases are customary at WDW, and seasonal pricing was introduced last year at certain dining locations.

I would think DVCers would be happy to be exempt from the seasonal pricing. I sure am!

[vicki_c]

Originally Posted by DoctorK

There is no reduction in snacks or cutting of services here. The standard DDP over at least the last 3 years has always been 1 TS, 1 QS 1 snack. If by "tweaking" you mean raising the price, I'm not sure when a price hike has ever been in the consumer's favor! Besides, annual price increases are customary at WDW, and seasonal pricing was introduced last year at certain dining locations.

I would think DVCers would be happy to be exempt from the seasonal pricing. I sure am!

I agree - looks the same to me.

And as for the price - as a person who DOESN'T purchase the DDP AND has traveled to WDW during peak holiday pricing times 3 of our last 4 trips -- I'm happy they've added the seasonal pricing to the DDP. I always felt like it wasn't fair that I was paying a surcharge because I was paying OOP, but those on the DDP were not. So I'm glad they made it more equitable, but also happy that for all of you that DVC members are not impacted -- 'cause DVCers are all my peeps!

[goofy4tink]

I 'think' that when the OP mentioned the dropping of snacks offered, he/she meant that Disney made changes to the snacks you are able to get with your snack credit. I know that when the DDP first came along, there were a ton of snacks you could use that credit for. Then, Disney changed it so that only the cheaper snacks were available with that credit. Guests had been heading to the shops/food courts and buying boxes of donuts and using that snack credit, for instance. Disney stopped that.

But...Disney has been upping prices, but taking away benefits for year now. I don't so much mind the raised prices for things like the DDP or the special hard ticketed parties, but please, don't take stuff away at the same time. That's what drives me nuts...spend more for the dining plan but get less.

It almost looks like Disney is planning on a bigger change to the DDP. With them making it more expensive at times when the majority of families go to WDW, I almost have to wonder if they are going to either phase it out entirely or make some huge change to it.

I have to agree that it has made dining much less interesting, and I would love to see it gone. But, it's a huge money maker for Disney, so that's not likely to happen. And we get dumbed down meals as a consequence.

[eliza61]

Originally Posted by DoctorK

There is no reduction in snacks or cutting of services here. The standard DDP over at least the last 3 years has always been 1 TS, 1 QS 1 snack. If by "tweaking" you mean raising the price, I'm not sure when a price hike has ever been in the consumer's favor! Besides, annual price increases are customary at WDW, and seasonal pricing was introduced last year at certain dining locations.

I would think DVCers would be happy to be exempt from the seasonal pricing. I sure am!

When I mean tweaking I mean the double whammy of paying more and getting less.
The original dining plan covered apps and the tip. Then they took away the tip and raised the prices.
Then they raised prices and dumbed down the snacks. As goofy4tink mentioned orginally you had a boat load of snacks to choose from, pretty much the entire snack menu. Now not so much.
New changes are even less snacks.
Seasonal pricing stinks. period. If I remember correctly (and don't count on it) it was a service charge for the holiday periods. Ok not so bad. Now it's for the entire summer when the large majority of us with school age kids go.

And while we are exempted for now, I'm feeling pretty confident (enough so to bet a point or two) that this exemption will be gone in a year or so.
Sorry, I'm with DiznyDad on this. I'm feeling very unmagical.

[stopher1]

The real diminishment to what the DDP offered came, what 3 years ago when they took away the included appetizer and gratuity. Since then, as they've raised the prices, and as Diane said, made many of the truly wonderful unique table service experiences standard and boring (dumbed down in my mind) - the DDP has definitely lost it's appeal. Naturally the whole program is stacked in their favor (as each of the various "convenience items" are...DME, PhotoPass, MYW, etc) but the overriding "convenience" of the DDP still appeals to many...especially when marketed as "free".

[jodifla]

Originally Posted by dianeschlicht

Well, I for one wish they would never have implemented the DDP! I feel like it has been the total downfall of what used to be one of the things we loved about Disney...the unique table service spots. Now everything is becoming standardized and boring, even at the signature restaurants, and I feel it is the fault of the DDP.

Exactly! The DDP has been TERRIBLE for the quality of Disney dining.

[Tony-NJ]

We did the DDP years ago, like back in the late 90's and we thought it was a good plan back then - but now I agree that it has gotten out of control - all the menus look the same - even the sig restaurants are not that great anymore.

They should make the ddp quick serve only - 2 meals per day - then see if the restaurants continue to thrive. lets face it - I think the restaurants will always be full with or without the ddp!

Just my .00002

[Crystal_27]

Originally Posted by goofy4tink

But...Disney has been upping prices, but taking away benefits for year now. I don't so much mind the raised prices for things like the DDP or the special hard ticketed parties, but please, don't take stuff away at the same time. That's what drives me nuts...spend more for the dining plan but get less.

This I agree with. I know that Disney has price increases every year and that's expected. But, the increases in price on the dining plan over the last several years, coupled with the huge reductions they are making, are pretty pitiful. Still, for what it's worth, it is nice that DVCers will not be subject to the surcharges...that does make me feel a little warm and fuzzy. My guess, though, is that our 2010 trip will probably be the last time that we do the dining plan.

[Snurk71]

You know, I don't really understand when people complain about price increases or reduction of services. WDW is a business unit of a publicly traded corporation, and has profit margins it needs to achieve. That means they will regularly review their service offering and prices to maximize profits against demand. If they tip the scales too far and charge too high of a price for the service offered - people won't buy it. Then as long as Disney feels the service is worthy and can be acceptably profitable - they'll adjust the service/price mix (assuming they're not instituting go away pricing - where you charge an outlandish price to discourage buying instead of just pulling the plug). Disney doesn't gouge anyone - things like DDP aren't required (and neither is vacationing at a Disney resort/theme park for that matter).

My $.02

[Coach81]

We're gonna be trying the DDP for Christmas.. probably gonna be too much.. but gonna give it a shot. As far as this post.. don't think it changed, price increase is due to.. Disney trying to make more money...

[Dizny Dad]

Originally Posted by Snurk71

You know, I don't really understand when people complain about price increases or reduction of services. WDW is a business unit of a publicly traded corporation, and has profit margins it needs to achieve. That means they will regularly review their service offering and prices to maximize profits against demand. If they tip the scales too far and charge too high of a price for the service offered - people won't buy it. Then as long as Disney feels the service is worthy and can be acceptably profitable - they'll adjust the service/price mix (assuming they're not instituting go away pricing - where you charge an outlandish price to discourage buying instead of just pulling the plug). Disney doesn't gouge anyone - things like DDP aren't required (and neither is vacationing at a Disney resort/theme park for that matter).

No complaining here about price increases. They are a nature part of the evolution of our economic system. We all like raises!

I agree with most of you that have responded that the Disney Dining Experience was something to which DW and I looked forward with excitement, but in the last few years it has become predictable, boring, corner cutting, etc.

I agree that a move to remove the DDP from the restaurants could cause a rebirth in unique dining experience. Yes, not all families can afford such a move, but some can, and be willing to pay for it. I doubt if it would create a lack of ADR for Disney.

If you are going to increase the price, so be it, but maintain the magic and the quality we have come to attach to Disney. Don't let things fall to be at par with other vacation opportunities. Let's face it, most of us became involved with Disney because of its uniqueness and its "step above the rest" position in the vacation experience.