2008 DDP: Choice of App. or Dessert

[desertbloom]

I don't know if this info has been confirmed on another thread but here is what I was told. (I don't have the patience to sift through 68 pages of postings) I spoke to a CM about the dining plan changes for 2008 last night when I called to change some details on my reservation. He told me you have a choice of an appetizer or dessert. Hopefully this is accurate as I know many of you don't want dessert. I am especially happy for people who are diabetic like my mother. Also, I am glad I read about the changes here as the CM that I spoke to originally did not make ANY mention of the fact that part of the plan was taken away. She did mention the gratuity was not included now after I specifically asked about it. No mention at all of the app being gone. I would have been pissed if I got there and found out I had to shell out the tip and part of my food was no longer covered. I'm hoping they are not trying to "sneak it past" people.

 

[Brian Noble]

While it would be nice if this were the case, I suspect this is yet another instance of a mis-informed DRC CM. The brochure is still quite clear on this point: entree and dessert for adult diners. It is possible that some places may allow substitutions, but it is not yet formal policy.

 

[TDC Nala]

I am also reasonably sure that this is not the case. WDW-DINE agents are notorious for dispensing inaccurate information regarding almost anything about special dining programs or events.

You will not know whether or not substitutions will be permitted unless you ask at the restuarant, but all Disney literature is consistent on the adult basic dining plan for 2008: entree and dessert included, no appetizer. Especially since the deluxe DP offering does include the appetizer.

I have friends I eat with who are diabetic and the TS restaurants almost always offer fruit sorbet or sugar-free desserts.

 

[BuffaloGal]

I can tell you that Disney is being very clear with its' servers. ABSOLUTELY NO SUBSTITUTION of an appetizer for a dessert. Period. Not even for a diabetic or an allergy. You can substitute an app for an entree if you aren't very hungry, though.

 

[bicker]

Thanks for the info from the source, BuffaloGal.

 

[GILL-WDW]

I wonder if things will change once 2008 begins... I guess we will have to wait for about a month.

 

[TDC Nala]

I doubt things will change. If they put the tip back in (which I seriously doubt they will EVER), it won't be until another year starts.

 

[cdawngo]

I really hate that they have changed the dinning plan. It's not like Disney was losing any money. I feel that the servers are going to get short changed and become quite upset when dealing with dining plan guests.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I agree with TDC Nala, mostly. There will not be any changes to the 2008 Dining Plan (supposition unsupported by anything Disney has revealed). Any changes, negative or positive, would not go into effect until 1/1/09.

 

[hipchickie]

I can tell you that Disney is being very clear with its' servers. ABSOLUTELY NO SUBSTITUTION of an appetizer for a dessert. Period. Not even for a diabetic or an allergy. You can substitute an app for an entree if you aren't very hungry, though.

In the last 2 days I have spoken to someone whom I was told is in charge of the DDP, as well as 2 others in management positions and they repeated this verbatim.
I will say that I got the subtle impression that it may change later on, but at THIS TIME, there are absolutely NO SUBSTITIONS on the plan. Which leaves me pissed off at my completely uninformed AAA travel agent and with 2 diabetics who have to eat fake sugar swill or fruit for the dessert.
but that is another story....

 

[gohogs34]

In the last 2 days I have spoken to someone whom I was told is in charge of the DDP, as well as 2 others in management positions and they repeated this verbatim.
I will say that I got the subtle impression that it may change later on, but at THIS TIME, there are absolutely NO SUBSTITIONS on the plan. Which leaves me pissed off at my completely uninformed AAA travel agent and with 2 diabetics who have to eat fake sugar swill or fruit for the dessert.
but that is another story....

we will be there on Jan. 27th. Maybe something will change for us?

 

[hipchickie]

we will be there on Jan. 27th. Maybe something will change for us?

I would not expect it by any means

 

[wide awake]

I just have a feeling there will be some changes in the plan...and the appetizer OR dessert is a great place to start....the app is my favorite part of the meal !

 

[bicker]

There will always be changes. The question is when, and what. The changes are as likely as not to be "good" or "bad" via a vis the guests' perspective.

 

[CarnotaurDad]

This is my own personal opinion. I am not a CM or in management or work for Disney in any way.

I absolutely do NOT think they will offer an app or dessert and here is why (IMHO):

* Part of offering just one or the other is to help turn over the tables more often. Basically, with allowing an app, entree and dessert with each meal, the time it takes for each meal is (obviously) longer than if you allow just a dessert and an entree.

* If they allowed a choice of app or dessert, in a hypotheical family with two adults, one adult would choose an app (and split) one would choose a dessert (and split) and the dinner is no faster than normal and Disney can't turn over the table as quick as they might like.

* Desserts are less expensive (in general) to have than apps, and are also more of a "treat" so Disney chose that instead of the appetizer.

* If people want to pay out of pocket for an appetizer, that's fine with Disney. Then at least the table is paying extra money.

I may be totally off base here, but I can't imagine them allowing one or the other because it would lengthen the meal without any additional revenue.

Keep in mind that I am NOT condemning this decision, just thinking about it from a business standpoint.

 

[Tricia1972]

This is my own personal opinion. I am not a CM or in management or work for Disney in any way.

I absolutely do NOT think they will offer an app or dessert and here is why (IMHO):

* Part of offering just one or the other is to help turn over the tables more often. Basically, with allowing an app, entree and dessert with each meal, the time it takes for each meal is (obviously) longer than if you allow just a dessert and an entree.

* If they allowed a choice of app or dessert, in a hypotheical family with two adults, one adult would choose an app (and split) one would choose a dessert (and split) and the dinner is no faster than normal and Disney can't turn over the table as quick as they might like.

* Desserts are less expensive (in general) to have than apps, and are also more of a "treat" so Disney chose that instead of the appetizer.

* If people want to pay out of pocket for an appetizer, that's fine with Disney. Then at least the table is paying extra money.

I may be totally off base here, but I can't imagine them allowing one or the other because it would lengthen the meal without any additional revenue.

Keep in mind that I am NOT condemning this decision, just thinking about it from a business standpoint.

I agree with your post 100%. To me it seems logical from Disney's standpoint to think this way.

 

[kaytieeldr]

This is my own personal opinion. I am not a CM or in management or work for Disney in any way.

Hey, no, wait a minute. Those are MY opinions!!!!!! Wah! CarnotaurDad stole my opinions!!!
Obviously, I agree completely with both the OP and the PP!

 

[pickles]

It would also stand to reason you may be inclined to pay OP for an appetizer when by the end of the meal you may be too stuffed to pay OP for dessert(and you may not even take the free one)
so from a money point of view their choice is very logical

 

[NMW]

I think cutting the appetizer will cut down on the total legnth of the meal. I know that when I waitressed in college, appetizers took almost as long as the entrees to prepare. Desserts on the other hand...many like cheesecake, were simply taken out the fridge and placed on a plate.

I also don't think Disney will give people an option of either or for 2008.

 

[angelmav]

Hey, no, wait a minute. Those are MY opinions!!!!!! Wah! CarnotaurDad stole my opinions!!!
Obviously, I agree completely with both the OP and the PP!

I hate it when I find myself in complete agreement with others on any Disney related dining thread darnitt!

I also think this is the reason this wont change back, it makes too much sense for disney to do it this way, plus enough people will 'overspend on the deluxe DP to get the app and all inclusive nature back' its win-win for disney and a much closer to break even plan for everyone else.

OK, now let me find a thread I can disagree with