2008 DDP discussion, questions, rants and vents

[TexasCourt]

Also, for the Deluxe, can the 3 meals all be TS? Thanks!

 

[LovinHavinNoClampets]

Also, for the Deluxe, can the 3 meals all be TS? Thanks!

Yes they can. Or you could also do one signature meal or dinner show for dinner and a TS for breakfast and lunch, or a myriad of other combinations. It's a much more flexible plan that will offer better dining options for many of us.

 

[TexasCourt]

Yes they can. Or you could also do one signature meal or dinner show for dinner and a TS for breakfast and lunch, or a myriad of other combinations. It's a much more flexible plan that will offer better dining options for many of us.

WOW! That is AWESOME! Well worth $70 per day! We are gonna GRUB!!!

 

[pilferk]

Your numbers are a good starting point. Without any facts I'll speculate more guests tip less then 15% (remember a 15% tip on the discounted check is only 12%) then tip over 20%. Some restaurant patrons "double the tax" as a tip but the sales tax rate in FL isn't high enough for that to work.

I can't imagine the union negotiators agreeing to the automatic DDE tip if the typical DDE customer tipped back the discount.

The numbers weren't meant as anything other than an example showing how the "typical" guest could tip 20%, the "atypical guest" could tip 15% (18% on the discounted meal-ish) and you'd end up with a number right in the wheelhouse of the number they came up with.

Yeah, CT's sales tax is 6%, too. We typically triple the tax + add the change to round out the bill to an even number when at home. At WDW, I tip a little more because, by and large, service is usually better.


On the union stuff:

I could tell you stories,Lewis....I could tell you stories. Suffice to say, in my experience with LARGE unions, reping very oddly configured (meaning LOTS of different professions) and very LARGE bargaining units...sometimes one piece of the unit pays the price to effect a deal for everyone, or for betterment of a different population in the bargaining unit. It sucks....for sure. It's not fair...for sure. But trust me when I say it happens. Maybe not here...I don't know...but the possibility is certainly there. Given how unhappy the servers were (and we've seen it reported here), I wouldn't give the union the benefit of the doubt on this one. If you do....bully for you...and we'll just agree to disagree.

 

[jcpuppy.com]

Also, for the Deluxe, can the 3 meals all be TS? Thanks!

After speaking with a cm today the answer is yep!
I signed up for our jan trip..son and I will give the deluxe a try
trying a couple sig/characteer meals, some breakfasts..not sure how we will spend all the points, but we will try.

I don't guess those special lunches at AK with speakers counts as a ts point?

 

[jdd]

Don't forget second breakfast, elevenses, and tea!

Breaking news! Disney announces 2009 addition to DDP: The Super Premium Hobbit Dining Plan! 7 TS credits, 4 snack credits, and a bonus mushroom credit per day. Price: $129.99/day for adults; $79.99/day for children. Disclaimer: desserts, napkins, silverware, and seats will no longer be covered (seats will be available for purchase for length of stay at additional cost).

Hysterical! I personally couldn't eat all the food on the basic dining plan (and I'm not a small person!).

Let's face it - the dining plan will work for some people and not others, just like it always has. We've used it twice, and enjoyed it, but really felt we wouldn't do it again - even before the changes. My kids don't really eat that much, and we spent too much time this past April on TS meals - I'd rather be in the parks.

I also feel the servers will suffer - I tend to tip well because I waitressed in college, but I know lots of people who still think 10% is a good tip! My preference would have been to raise the price, not make people pay OOP for tips. That was the only reason we really felt the plan was worth it - we never had to reach for our wallets. I never carry cash, and who wants to charge just a tip???? Seems strange to me....

Anyway, we look forward to less food (we were really stuffed last April) and more time in the parks on our next visit.

 

[Lewisc]

My impression from the servers who posted, which probably means almost nothing, the servers weren't happy with the included tip being dropped. Those servers said Disney presented it as a non-negotiable demand and those servers weren't happy their union allowed Disney to drop the included tip. I'll agree allowing Disney to drop the included tip may have been a price of getting a deal done.

I doubt DDP guests will tip, on average 18%, particularly at buffet restaurants. Disney gains very little by adding an automatic tip on DDE discounted checks. Disney and the union must at least think the average DDE guest tips less then 18%, on the undiscounted check.

I think the major reason Disney dropped the tip is to save $$$. My guess is the gratuity could have cost Disney 20-25% of the cost of the meal plan plus that was an item outside of Disney's control Disney has the ability to reduce the cost of food by changing the menus.

I could tell you stories,Lewis....I could tell you stories. Suffice to say, in my experience with LARGE unions, reping very oddly configured (meaning LOTS of different professions) and very LARGE bargaining units...sometimes one piece of the unit pays the price to effect a deal for everyone, or for betterment of a different population in the bargaining unit. It sucks....for sure. It's not fair...for sure. But trust me when I say it happens. Maybe not here...I don't know...but the possibility is certainly there. Given how unhappy the servers were (and we've seen it reported here), I wouldn't give the union the benefit of the doubt on this one. If you do....bully for you...and we'll just agree to disagree.

 

[paulh]

will they change the name off the DDE card to DDT(tip)card as inclusion of an auto tip wipes out savings plus it has to be paid for how much is that?
Paulh

 

[BubMunkeyBles]

Haha. Exactly how me and DF feel.

WOW! That is AWESOME! Well worth $70 per day! We are gonna GRUB!!!

 

[pilferk]

My impression from the servers who posted, which probably means almost nothing, the servers weren't happy with the included tip being dropped.

Had the concessions counteracted that loss, completely, what would they have to be unhappy about? If it was a zero sum, or if the servers were potentially making MORE than the DDP plan auto tip, why would they care?

So you sort of have to think that it's NOT a zero sum, here. Or that was my impression. I could be wrong....

I doubt DDP guests will tip, on average 18%, particularly at buffet restaurants.

Agreed. Do you think the average OOP guest does? I know the tipping guidelines I've seen would indicate not. Does that mean a reduction in tips compared to now? Yup. So? I'm missing the point, here. If everyone is tipping you 10%-15%, why would you provide lower service quality to a DDP patron over an OOP patron? Because you're ticked that the DDP tip might be 3% - 8% less? Not the patrons fault......though, as I said before, perception might be otherwise.

Disney gains very little by adding an automatic tip on DDE discounted checks. Disney and the union must at least think the average DDE guest tips less then 18%, on the undiscounted check.

Disney gains at least a token concession. One that, ultimately, costs them nothing. What it puts in the pockets of the servers would (or rather, SHOULD) be the unions concern. Whether it was much of one or not....I don't know.

I'd guess the actual thought process here is that the average tips from dde patrons, as a whole, is around, or less than, 18%. That's if we're asssuming this was supposed to be a zero sum equation, in the end (something I'm not ready to assume, but will entertain as a "for instance"). That's very different than saying the typical/average guest TIPS less than 18%. We saw that in my example numbers. I know, it's nitpicking...but I think it's an important distinciton so...there you are.

 

[reeeoga]

Hmm...the deluxe brochure I'm looking at has Kona, Tony's, Sci-Fi & Mama Melrose on it.

http://adisneyworld.disney.go.com/m...cific/eng/nontheme/tickets/08deluxedining.pdf

they are listed in the brochure, but there is no "dot" next to the names. Am I missunderstanding the brochure? If it is listed it is on the plan? I thought that if it didn't have the "dot" it wasn't on the plan.

 

[pilferk]

will they change the name off the DDE card to DDT(tip)card as inclusion of an auto tip wipes out savings plus it has to be paid for how much is that?
Paulh

For Florida Residents: $85

For AP holders: $65

 

[CarolA]

will they change the name off the DDE card to DDT(tip)card as inclusion of an auto tip wipes out savings plus it has to be paid for how much is that?
Paulh

WHAT??? The automatic tip does not "wipe out savings"?????

I don't think your math makes sense. (Unless of course you were one of the folks who "didn't tip" before???? In that case, when complaining about this change please look in the mirror and complain to the right person LOL!) Basic math below:

Cost before DDE $10. Tip 1.80 Total $11.80

Cost AFTER DDE $8 Tip 1.80 Total 9.80

Savings $2

 

[Lewisc]

they are listed in the brochure, but there is no "dot" next to the names. Am I missunderstanding the brochure? If it is listed it is on the plan? I thought that if it didn't have the "dot" it wasn't on the plan.

The "regular" brochure has a "dot" next to every restaurant to indicate if that restaurant is table service or is quick (counter) service. The deluxe plan makes no distinction so the "dot" is only used to identify character meals and restaurants that require 2 credits.

 

[RACHELSMOM1]

Mug $13

Kona Lunch
Crab Cakes 10.49
Polynesian Plate Lunch 12.19
Dessert $5.99
Drink $3
Total for lunch : $31.67

Dinner #1 Rose & Crown

Prawn Cocktail $8.99
Grilled Steak $21.99
Sticky Toffee Pudding $5.99
Drink $3
Total Dinner #1 : $39.97

Dinner #2 Spoodles

Mediterranean Dips $8.99
Steak Kababs $22.99
Creme Brulee $6.99
Drink $3
Total Dinner #2 : $41.97

Snacks
Pepto Bismol $3.99
Tylenol $2.99

Grand Total for this day : $133.59
Not including tax.

Sweet deal... but then you gotta wonder, why even bother getting a room at all.

You get the room because you need a place to stay at WDW. Reconsider.....you could have character breakfast and then signature meal for dinner, with a CS in between, or one day CRT bfst, and dinner at Spirit of Aloha, etc...just so many ways to plan out your day , so if you don't like it just don't buy it. We will be using it next year...Deluxe DDP for us all the way!!!

 

[LovinHavinNoClampets]

You get the room because you need a place to stay at WDW. Reconsider.....you could have character breakfast and then signature meal for dinner, with a CS in between, or one day CRT bfst, and dinner at Spirit of Aloha, etc...just so many ways to plan out your day , so if you don't like it just don't buy it. We will be using it next year...Deluxe DDP for us all the way!!!

OT: Rachel is beautiful!!! I love your avatar and sig pic! she looks like a little

 

[reeeoga]

The "regular" brochure has a "dot" next to every restaurant to indicate if that restaurant is table service or is quick (counter) service. The deluxe plan makes no distinction so the "dot" is only used to identify character meals and restaurants that require 2 credits.

Thank You!

 

[Disfan3]

I love your attitude. My thoughts are about the same, except I have kids, and still love the Deluxe plan!!

OT!! SORRY!!

Rachelsmom

I love your picture!!! I have several students in my class with DS . God bless you and your PRINCESS.

 

[thunderbird1]

Just a couple points:

1) I called yesterday to add the DDP to our Jan '08 DVC ressie. The person at members services was very emphatic, very clear, and very prompt in pointing out the changes in the DDP...INCLUDING the fact it would no longer include gratuity. That won't stop everyone (on-line booking, especially) from not getting the message about the changes, but it should minimize the damage/excuse from many. I'm also not sure CRO will do the same thing, but I'd think that's the plan.

2) The reports are that a tip card and/or reminder on the bill will tell you that tips were NOT included with your DDP plan and offer some suggested tip amounts based on your bill. So they should be reminded, if they've forgotten, when they eat.

Thank you! I'm glad it sounds like they'll at least try to make it painfully obvious to people. Of course, there are still those who won't tip because they don't tip, but that's for another thread.

Since you all seem to have your thinking caps working overtime today, do you think the new DDP will change where people eat or what they order? Since they'll now have to cover the 18% (or whatever they leave) on their own, do you think they'll stop booking at only the most expensive restaurants, or ordering only the most expensive items off the menu? Will they do more breakfasts and lunches or buffets for their TS meals, since bfst and lunch are cheaper and they leave smaller tips at buffets? Or do most people not overanalyze this stuff the way we do?

Mug $13

Kona Lunch
Crab Cakes 10.49
Polynesian Plate Lunch 12.19
Dessert $5.99
Drink $3
Total for lunch : $31.67

Dinner #1 Rose & Crown

Prawn Cocktail $8.99
Grilled Steak $21.99
Sticky Toffee Pudding $5.99
Drink $3
Total Dinner #1 : $39.97

Dinner #2 Spoodles

Mediterranean Dips $8.99
Steak Kababs $22.99
Creme Brulee $6.99
Drink $3
Total Dinner #2 : $41.97

Snacks
Pepto Bismol $3.99
Tylenol $2.99

Grand Total for this day : $133.59
Not including tax.

Sweet deal... but then you gotta wonder, why even bother getting a room at all.

Oh, I understand needing the room to sleep off the food coma I'd be in for the 18 hours a day I wasn't eating. What I wonder is, why bother getting the park tickets?

That's right, the parks will be those long expanses of concrete we walk across to get to our next meal.

 

[bless7ings]

Disney has clamped down on some of the biggest abuses as follows

1. You used to be able to pay for a child credit ($12?) and get ADULT meals at TS resturants so folks would pay cash for thier kids meals and use the "cheap" TS credit to eat more TS meals.

2. The first time they did free dining folks "invented" family members staying with them to get more credits. Now during free dining EVERYONE has to be present at check in.

The "abuses" that you see left are not IMHO true abuses. It's things like http://www.wdwinfo.com/images/smilies/woohoo.gifsharing all your meals so you can eat at twice as many resturants. Is is an abuse? Probably, but it's not like it's illegal or anything.

I think the other thing that has occured is this "maximum" value. People order food and things they don't really "want" beacause "you get the best value" if you order the steak instead of the chicken, or they get the desert and eat one bite, but "it's free" (Yeah and it's wasted!)[/QUOTE]

Thank you Carol A for saying this.http://www.disboards.com/images/smilies/wink.gif Our family used the dining plan in 2005. I was getting all the info I could on this new plan before I went. I remember reading your point one and hearing that people were getting away with it and I thought it was out right lying and wrong. It stated child credits for child meals.

The sharing credits was not what I considered an abuse.http://www.wdwinfo.com/images/smilies/confused24.gif Disney stated the rules and said we were able to use the credits any way we saw fit.http://www.wdwinfo.com/images/smilies/wizard.gif Well why did I want to order all that food if we were going to throw it all away.http://www.wdwinfo.com/images/smilies/scared07.gif That is downright wasteful and wrong!!(there was a lot of talk at that time that people were not going to be on the dining plan for that very reason. They couldn't stomach so much waste in food. They also felt they would not spend that much in food.http://www.wdwinfo.com/images/smilies/popcorn.gif)

We wouldn't have either but that was the treat!! http://www.wdwinfo.com/images/smilies/cloud9.gifWe loved it!!!http://www.wdwinfo.com/images/smilies/cloud9.gif It was actually one of the top highlights of what my children enjoyed the most of the vacation!!!!!!! Mom NEVER has let the children order anything(just about) they wanted off the menu!! They felt like kings and queens!!!! In my family budgeting for our large family, that would be considered being a good steward of your resources. At home I stretch a lot of meals. We don't eat out much and when we do, we order only what we will eat. It made no difference to Disney. Who it made the difference to was the restaurant. They did not like to see their tips walking in to a different restaurant! They did not care if you wasted food, it was more money in their pocket!! They even wanted you to maximize on the items so they made more money. That was not an abuse either. But I see it as not pleasing your self. Unless pleasing yourself is getting the most for your bang. I would rather eat where I wanted and order what I felt like. So we didn't do that either.

Just had to say my two cents.

p.s. mom was only allowed to share if the people who were sharing were in agreement.http://www.wdwinfo.com/images/smilies/hug.gif