2008 DDP: Choice of App. or Dessert

[Belle1962]

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.

Just got back. Can confirm this is being enforced. Even if you show them your medical id bracelet. I just ordered dessert and then left it. Kinda like my own little rebellion. I didn't want Disney to get the idea they could save money by this change!

(I can see the suits now--ok guys--we can give them an appy or a dessert. Desserts are cheaper, there are guests who can't eat them, the selection is limited and some people will be too full to eat them and not want to carry them around. Let's go with dessert and we will make even more money because more people will let that portion go unused)

 

[bicker]

There are always at least some people who will be concerned more about what they're getting than they are about enjoying their vacation. I suspect they know that, and factored it into their decision-making.

 

[hematite153]

Just got back. Can confirm this is being enforced. Even if you show them your medical id bracelet. I just ordered dessert and then left it. Kinda like my own little rebellion. I didn't want Disney to get the idea they could save money by this change!

(I can see the suits now--ok guys--we can give them an appy or a dessert. Desserts are cheaper, there are guests who can't eat them, the selection is limited and some people will be too full to eat them and not want to carry them around. Let's go with dessert and we will make even more money because more people will let that portion go unused)

Yeah. This decision really bothers me. There's all this stuff about how Disney is creating healthier food options. But, if you get their dining plan it comes with dessert twice a day! I have (previously anyway) successfully substituted a salad or the kids grapes or applesauce (unsweetened) for the counter service dessert, at least.

I do get the argument about timing of the meal, but, they could have said something like App or Dess, but, the whole party must choose the same part of the meal.

I have (also previously) successfully substituted berries for the listed desserts so I may make a point of trying for this.

 

[Belle1962]

Yeah. This decision really bothers me. There's all this stuff about how Disney is creating healthier food options. But, if you get their dining plan it comes with dessert twice a day! I have (previously anyway) successfully substituted a salad or the kids grapes or applesauce (unsweetened) for the counter service dessert, at least.

I do get the argument about timing of the meal, but, they could have said something like App or Dess, but, the whole party must choose the same part of the meal.

I have (also previously) successfully substituted berries for the listed desserts so I may make a point of trying for this.

I only ate at two table service that weren't buffet or family style. (Tepan Edo and Sci Fi). At tepan Edo I gave my dessert away to the mom and daughter next to us. I had emailed Disney about their so called 'healthier eating" and the response I got back was basically--there are sugar free and healthier options at their restaurants. But--we were never hungry on the plan--even minus the appys and dessert. The time I ordered an appy I just paid for it. The server (Tepan Edo) felt the need to explain to me several times that it would cost extra--I kept telling her I knew it--but she kept repeating it (LOL).

 

[solfan68]

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.

While I, personally am a big proponent of the app/des choice... This was my understanding of Disney's thinking. Someone around here said it earlier, and its certainly true. Disney will do what is good for Disney. Turning over tables and accommodating more guests(DDP or otherwise) means more bucks for the mouse. Nuff said.

 

[hematite153]

While I, personally am a big proponent of the app/des choice... This was my understanding of Disney's thinking. Someone around here said it earlier, and its certainly true. Disney will do what is good for Disney. Turning over tables and accommodating more guests(DDP or otherwise) means more bucks for the mouse. Nuff said.

Yes, but, I think you'd turn tables over just as quickly by letting people get app & entree only. My family generally eats appetizers quickly (because we're hungry) but lingers over dessert. We'd spend a lot less time sitting at the table if we ate app & entree than by eating entree & dessert. Plus, I'm likely to pay OOP for an appetizer, then, ask for something different (i.e. berries) for dessert, whereas, we would have only had app & entree if that had been an option.

In other words, I get the logic of their decision, but, I think they've missed out on how it will actually work--and they've missed a critical PR point about how this action contradicts their claims that they are making things healthier.

 

[hipchickie]

Just got back. Can confirm this is being enforced. Even if you show them your medical id bracelet. I just ordered dessert and then left it. Kinda like my own little rebellion. I didn't want Disney to get the idea they could save money by this change!

(I can see the suits now--ok guys--we can give them an appy or a dessert. Desserts are cheaper, there are guests who can't eat them, the selection is limited and some people will be too full to eat them and not want to carry them around. Let's go with dessert and we will make even more money because more people will let that portion go unused)

That is a great idea - I just figured we would not order anything, but that is much better. It kills me to be wasting it though, so I think I will try to give it to another table first.

 

[hipchickie]

There are always at least some people who will be concerned more about what they're getting than they are about enjoying their vacation. I suspect they know that, and factored it into their decision-making.

I just knew it was a matter of time before someone chimed in with one of these ridiculous comments

When are you going? Maybe we will see each other - I will be the one with the scowl counting pennies on a bench, I assume you will be the one skipping down Main St USA throwing $100 bills to the crowd?

 

[solfan68]

Yes, but, I think you'd turn tables over just as quickly by letting people get app & entree only. My family generally eats appetizers quickly (because we're hungry) but lingers over dessert. We'd spend a lot less time sitting at the table if we ate app & entree than by eating entree & dessert. Plus, I'm likely to pay OOP for an appetizer, then, ask for something different (i.e. berries) for dessert, whereas, we would have only had app & entree if that had been an option.

I see what you are saying. I just didn't flesh out my point well enough, I suppose. If they give everyone a choice, then they risk(time wise) being right back where they started. Some might get APP, some DES. There's also the notion - as started earlier:

1. Dessert is cheaper (more money for Mouse)
2. If you do opt to get APP and pay OOP, that's alright (more money for Mouse)
3. Some people, even with just an entree, are full at the end of the meal. No DES served. Yes, that's right... more money for mouse.

Frankly, I would have rather given the Mouse a few more bucks up front and left the plan as designed. The buck per day I will be "saving" this summer is not worth the hassle. Unfortunately, they didn't ask me.

 

[hematite153]

I see what you are saying. I just didn't flesh out my point well enough, I suppose. If they give everyone a choice, then they risk(time wise) being right back where they started. Some might get APP, some DES. There's also the notion - as started earlier:

I do understand your point. Although, I'm not convinced that I've explained myself clearly enough.

I was saying that they could require the choice to be consistent for every table. In other words, we cannot have one person order the appetizer and another order the dessert. Leave it to each family to make a decision about who gets what they want.

I like the idea of giving my dessert away to a neighbouring table that isn't on the plan--I may try that if/when I am unable to get a dessert I can enjoy. (I.e. counteract the "more money for the mouse" idea by preventing someone else from paying for dessert.)

 

[n2mm]

I just knew it was a matter of time before someone chimed in with one of these ridiculous comments

When are you going? Maybe we will see each other - I will be the one with the scowl counting pennies on a bench, I assume you will be the one skipping down Main St USA throwing $100 bills to the crowd?

I'll be there right behind you (arrive Jan. 26th). I'll be picking up the pennies in case you drop some.

 

[MarieA]

My DS (20) and DD (24) are in WDW right now. They are using the dining plan and were told they could not substitute an appetizer for dessert.

 

[LexPlayer]

I will be ordering the cheapest appetizer on the menu, just to make sure that I get my 3 courses- I don't want my table turning over too quickly...

 

[bicker]

I just knew it was a matter of time before someone chimed in with one of these ridiculous comments

You see it that way only as a reflection of your own discomfiture, I suppose. However, with respect, note that the problem is with your perspective, not the reality I outlined.

 

[TruBlu]

So... you can't get a hotdog on a white bun at Casey's anymore BUT you can chase that healthy wheat bun with two cheesecakes a day. Nice.

 

[byoung]

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.

I agree, would love the choice though.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Reminder to play nice folks.

DIS Guidelines

3. NO FIGHTING/SARCASM: While we'd like to think that a Disney fan site is always lighthearted, there are times when there are disagreements. Let's face it, there are certain topics that can transform any of us into a raging "Donald Duck." When you sense this is happening, we ask that you step away from the discussion before it escalates into a fight. Just like Mom always said about fighting, we don't care who started the argument and we don't want it on the DIS. (Okay, she didn't say the part about the DIS, but you know what we mean.) No attacking others and no sarcasm please. Either will result in an infraction.

 

[hipchickie]

You see it that way only as a reflection of your own discomfiture, I suppose. However, with respect, note that the problem is with your perspective, not the reality I outlined.

I disagree respectfully

 

[hematite153]

So... you can't get a hotdog on a white bun at Casey's anymore BUT you can chase that healthy wheat bun with two cheesecakes a day. Nice.

Exactly!

How do they justify this new policy in terms of their claims that they are making their food healthier?

I think we should all write letters.

 

[bicker]

Remember, the healthier food initiative doesn't necessarily apply to the Dining Plan specifically, but is a more general objective. And, overall, healthier food choices are available, far more so than were available years ago.

Whether the patron chooses healthier choices is up to the patron.