2008 DDP discussion, questions, rants and vents

[Nancyg56]

Well, nobody has to buy the DDP if they don't want to. It is not forced on anyone. So, if it is a rotten deal for you, just don't buy it. I look forward to the delux DDP myself.

Also, just because there are a lot of people ranting about the DDP on the discussion threads, that doesn't mean there are not many people believing the 2008 plan is worth it. Those of us who love the DDP in spite of the changes (and there may be a lot of us) are just reading all the posts and enjoying the discussion - I, for one, prefer at times to remain silent and just let others rant and rave. It is very interesting to just sit back and observe the posts.

I realize that I am not forced to purchase the DDP or anything else for that matter. I have used the DDP and paid for it as well as enjoyed free dining last summer, which in reality is not free but is one of many marketing strategies. I do understand why there is a lot of discussion about the changes, they really are drastic when compared to the current plan. I honestly do not see ranting and raving, but a very interesting discussion of the changes and how these changes are going to impact those planning future trips.

 

[DisneyGerry]

I think overall the menu has been 'dummied down' but have appreciated the appetizers and especially the desserts--so that part of the DDP plan has probably put some cooks/ chefs to work.

Still miss (I guess it was for the 2000 millennium) a white chocolate model of the Epcot Spaceship Earth filled with white chocolate mousse--very good!

Of course the DDP is a great deal--just think it is a lot of food.

Also, the Disney cast members/ servers for buffets had to love the DDP and its 18% tip for that work--they are probably the big losers since probably losing some tip income now that tip will not be included.

 

[emmababy]

After much debate over whether or not to do the 2008 dining plan, we decided to do it. Not because we think it is a good deal anymore but because we scored awesome plane tickets ($120 r/t), and will have disney rewards, so we won't be paying as much.

At best we will break even, but not having to stare at prices every time is nice. I will miss the app very much!!

 

[adisneynut]

I have made most of the ADR and some of the places have few appetizers that appeal to 15 year olds. I am traveling with 3. So I was wondering if they can choose a salad as an appetizer?

 

[cmwade77]

I hate that they did away with the gratuities being included, I think that was the best thing, of course if it were up to me we wouldn't tip at all, I mean why should I pay extra just for them doing their job? Before everyone starts saying well servers don't get paid even minimum wage, really how is that my concern? That is something the servers need to address with their management and in their contracts.

I think their pay should be increased and no tips allowed anywhere in WDW.

 

[pilferk]

I hate that they did away with the gratuities being included, I think that was the best thing, of course if it were up to me we wouldn't tip at all, I mean why should I pay extra just for them doing their job? Before everyone starts saying well servers don't get paid even minimum wage, really how is that my concern? That is something the servers need to address with their management and in their contracts.

I think their pay should be increased and no tips allowed anywhere in WDW.

You would still pay....you'd just pay more for the menu items.

If you look at countries where tipping custom is a bit different, that's what you see: Higher wages for the servers...but higher prices for the customers.

Either way you pay.

 

[CarolAnnC]

Tipping is customary throughout the U.S. in most restaurants, although not prevalent in Europe we found this past summer.

The alternative to tipping is to of course increase the prices to cover such (about 15-20% typical) and not to tip. Some people prefer to tip more for better services, etc.

I would have no problem though paying more for meals and having the tip included.

 

[Allegro]

I've watched the debate over the 2008 DDP with some surprise. I guess the whole thing is that the "savings" compared to 2007 is less but really as a first time user (who hasn't used it yet) I thought it was terrific. I guess I never really looked at the DDP as a real savings. If I wanted to REALLY save money eating I would pack peanut butter and jelly and cereal. I see it as kind of a luxury.

The amount of food that I could waste was what scared me at first but the 2008 changes make this less likely. I like that.

1) If I have an appetizer I NEVER have enough room left over for my main course. Not all that non-plussed about not having the appie. I'm thinking I won't go hungry.

2) I hear I can save my desserts for breakfast - I'm happy with that idea to.

3) I like the idea that I'm deciding the tip. I don't normally tip 18% (normally 15%) but will tip well (20% +) for good service and commensurately for poor service. I like having that control.

I don't like the fact that since I'm responsible for the tip that I actually have to think about money while dining but I can live with that - I'm pretty easy going.

Just my impressions as someone who wasn't spoiled by what was apparently a great deal last for 2007. The truth is if I was living vicariously with those who have BTDT so as to survive the wait I would be happily oblivious right now.

 

[bicker]

I hate that they did away with the gratuities being included, I think that was the best thing, of course if it were up to me we wouldn't tip at all, I mean why should I pay extra just for them doing their job? Before everyone starts saying well servers don't get paid even minimum wage, really how is that my concern? That is something the servers need to address with their management and in their contracts.

That is a somewhat common misperception. The reality is that the gratuities-for-service concept is an aspect of our culture, not something between servers and their management. You tip at restaurants because our mores dictate that that is how the cost-of-service is covered. Otherwise, you'd encounter prices that are roughly 15%-20% higher than you do. So the deal is restaurant patrons in the United States are offered a dining experience for the menu price based on their accepting the obligation to provide an appropriate gratuity.

 

[bless7ings]

2) I hear I can save my desserts for breakfast - I'm happy with that idea to.

I missed this. Could someone please explain this comment?

 

[thunderbird1]

I missed this. Could someone please explain this comment?

A lot of people who are too full after dinner for dessert pick a dessert that will travel well and get it to go. Obviously, this doesn't work for ice cream, but cakes and cheesecakes travel pretty well. Some save dessert for later in the parks, like when they're watching the fireworks or evening parade. Others take it back to their room with them, put it in the fridge, and have it for breakfast.

 

[bless7ings]

yeah, I guess I read that...I guess I was magically hoping for something else!!!

 

[Nancyg56]

I hate that they did away with the gratuities being included, I think that was the best thing, of course if it were up to me we wouldn't tip at all, I mean why should I pay extra just for them doing their job? Before everyone starts saying well servers don't get paid even minimum wage, really how is that my concern? That is something the servers need to address with their management and in their contracts.

I think their pay should be increased and no tips allowed anywhere in WDW.

It would be nice if everyone got paid a living wage but as it stands now, servers in the US generally rely on gratuities for their income. If the establishment raised wages to the level necessary to get someone to do this job in a professional manner, and don't kid yourself, servers in most Disney TS restaurants are professionals, you would be choking on the cost of your shrimp cocktail and your steak.

 

[Pirates4me]

In keeping with the thought that the more you spend at Disney the less you get,I am not surprised that the DDP has taken the route that it has. We have used the DDP three times and were looking forward to having it again until we found out the new and improved plan. As far as I can see, here are the major differences.

Disney dropped the cost from $38 per adult to $37. Big savings!

The DDP no longer includes a appetizer. Added cost to me as a diner - $7-$10

The DDP plan no longer includes the 18% gratuity. Added cost - 18%

I have been told that some restaurants are no longer included.

Surprised...NO! disappointed...YES!

 

[huey578]

I'm curious if you could charge the tip to your KTTW card??

Tipping is customary throughout the U.S. in most restaurants, although not prevalent in Europe we found this past summer.

The alternative to tipping is to of course increase the prices to cover such (about 15-20% typical) and not to tip. Some people prefer to tip more for better services, etc.

I would have no problem though paying more for meals and having the tip included.

 

[huey578]

I disagree... $38 for counter service, table service and snack. That is still a good deal. We were there this past June. I won a free trip and was not able to add DDP to reservation. We still ate at Chef Mickey, O'hana, Sci-Fi,Le Cellier,Coral Reef and we missed the DDP immensely.

In keeping with the thought that the more you spend at Disney the less you get,I am not surprised that the DDP has taken the route that it has. We have used the DDP three times and were looking forward to having it again until we found out the new and improved plan. As far as I can see, here are the major differences.

Disney dropped the cost from $38 per adult to $37. Big savings!

The DDP no longer includes a appetizer. Added cost to me as a diner - $7-$10

The DDP plan no longer includes the 18% gratuity. Added cost - 18%

I have been told that some restaurants are no longer included.

Surprised...NO! disappointed...YES!

 

[adisneynut]

I'm curious if you could charge the tip to your KTTW card??

I am sure that we be acceptable. Since you can purchase meals and drinks and snacks along with spa services and otehr items tips wouldn't be any different.

 

[antkim]

After reading most of this thread (missed a few pages in between) I just have to speak my mind.

Whether people like the new plan or not YOU ARE STILL SAVING MONEY!! Yes, it is not as much as it once was BUT it is still a savings! Disney has made it more convenient for people to experience better dining while in Disney at a lower cost...whether that be 30% or 40%! What they have created is a more "all inclusive" type of vacation.

I personally think that the waiters are CRAZY to have wanted the 18% gratuity removed and a few people here have made comments about how they do not feel they should tip....so the waiters lose unfortunately.

I do wish and hope that we will be given a CHOICE of app or dessert instead of just dessert but who knows if it will happen.

I guess I just find it hard to understand how so many can be so incredibly upset. Being Disers, we are all about saving money when vacationing in WDW....well YOU STILL ARE!

When Disney does not offer a promotion people get mad, when they adjust their packages (but still save money for guests) people get mad, when Disney adjusts their resort prices to keep up with most other hotel pricing policies people get mad....BUT WE ALL KEEP GOING like it or not.

People may not like my view but I think I am only being realistic. Disney is a huge corporation that has us all wrapped around their fingers and we will continue to visit whether an app is included in the dining plan or not. No one is forcing you to purchase a plan that you feel is not beneficial to you and your family. Just keep receipts for all the food you paid OOP for...just don't come here complaining about how much food costs in Disney after your trip when you could have saved over 30% had you purchased the dining plan!

OK...flame suit is on and zippered tight!

Kim

 

[barndweller]

I guess I just find it hard to understand how so many can be so incredibly upset. Being Disers, we are all about saving money when vacationing in WDW....well YOU STILL ARE!

When Disney does not offer a promotion people get mad, when they adjust their packages (but still save money for guests) people get mad, when Disney adjusts their resort prices to keep up with most other hotel pricing policies people get mad....BUT WE ALL KEEP GOING like it or not.

I agree with you, Kim.

It really puzzles me how people on the plan whether free or purchased feel that it's a real deal when they don't even eat all the food they order. How is that a great value? Folks have thrown away a lot of the food they "purchased" just because it's included, not because they were famished. Would you do that if you had to pay OOP? Why do you think Disney would be happy to continue doing that? And why are you willing to use your "pre-paid" tip money even if you get lousy service? I don't think the 2007 DDP was a great value. I think it was a grossly underpriced marketing tool to try to get people hooked on TS restaurants and to keep them on property spending more money on the other stuff.

Lots of DISers claim they love the DP just for the convenience of not having to carry cash. They are annoyed that they have to take cash for tips next year. HUH? Anyone can use their keys to "pay" for anything & not carry any cash. Disney could just as easily have a package that just includes meals with little or no savings. That would be convenient if that's all you're concerned about.

Disney is under no obligation to be fair. Nor are they required to offer any money saving plans or packages. People can wish all they want but to be outraged is rediculous.

 

[kdzgon]

I agree with you, Kim.

It really puzzles me how people on the plan whether free or purchased feel that it's a real deal when they don't even eat all the food they order. How is that a great value? Folks have thrown away a lot of the food they "purchased" just because it's included, not because they were famished. Would you do that if you had to pay OOP? Why do you think Disney would be happy to continue doing that? And why are you willing to use your "pre-paid" tip money even if you get lousy service? I don't think the 2007 DDP was a great value. I think it was a grossly underpriced marketing tool to try to get people hooked on TS restaurants and to keep them on property spending more money on the other stuff.

Lots of DISers claim they love the DP just for the convenience of not having to carry cash. They are annoyed that they have to take cash for tips next year. HUH? Anyone can use their keys to "pay" for anything & not carry any cash. Disney could just as easily have a package that just includes meals with little or no savings. That would be convenient if that's all you're concerned about.

Disney is under no obligation to be fair. Nor are they required to offer any money saving plans or packages. People can wish all they want but to be outraged is rediculous.

I agree - and have posted multiple times - that the DDP is a (huge) marketing tool for Disney (and now that many are "hooked", it is also easier to raise the effective price, too).

As to it not being a "deal" if you do not finish all the food, I would have to respectfully disagree. I like the variety of eating an appy and a main entree, but the overall portions are simply too big (and often unhealthy). It's still a value to me, as I get to sample a greater variety of foods, incl some items I would likely never have tried if I were paying "full price" OOP. I personally would prefer reduced portion sizes while retaining the appetizer, but I do realize this is not the best business move for Disney. (I'd also like to see more vegetables served with meals, but I don't expect that, either ). Of course, we are leaving less behind on our own plates as we now share more of our meals with the grands since they switched to the allegedly "more healthy" kids' meals - I've never seen so much dried out, unappetizing food in my life!

I can see where the new DDP can still be a savings for some families, but I don't think it is averaging 30% for the majority of guests, especially once the kids are considered adults (or are too old to be satisfied with the paltry offerings on most children's menus at WDW).