2008 DDP discussion, questions, rants and vents

[YesMickey]

We would love to see that, and the plan would be of an even greater value to us if it did. (One of the reasons we chose buffets for most of the sit downs).

Our daughter, only 5 right now, enjoys a HUGE variety of foods, and frankly, doesn't care for most of the kids selections at all. (That and the fact that most of them are just junk food anyway is kind of frustrating).

Yea, my kids love all types of food. I mean PBJs are something we fix them when short on time. They like them but they would prefer something else, ie. veggies, especially on vacation and out to eat. I mean we can get chicken nuggetts at McD's. There should be a different age class and price for the kids. I mean a 10 yr old doesn't pay the same for the parks, why should they be charged the same as a grown man for meals. It's not like they are gonna order the big steaks or the high priced meals. My DD7 loves seafood pastas. A half portion of something like that would be perfect for her now, much less in 2 yrs, because a full plate would be a waste of not only food but of money.

 

[Tricia1972]

Yea, my kids love all types of food. I mean PBJs are something we fix them when short on time. They like them but they would prefer something else, ie. veggies, especially on vacation and out to eat. I mean we can get chicken nuggetts at McD's. There should be a different age class and price for the kids. I mean a 10 yr old doesn't pay the same for the parks, why should they be charged the same as a grown man for meals. It's not like they are gonna order the big steaks or the high priced meals. My DD7 loves seafood pastas. A half portion of something like that would be perfect for her now, much less in 2 yrs, because a full plate would be a waste of not only food but of money.

Unfortunately 10 year olds are charged the same as an adult for park admission. (Something I am NOT looking forward to )

 

[bicker]

Indeed, and the issue isn't a matter of "Why should?" Pricing is often simply a matter of "How much are people willing to pay?" That governs what the pricing should be, as long as it is some number over the cost to provide.

 

[Colleen27]

I agree, once the kids turn 10, the dining plan is no deal. I mean $38 a day. My kids could share a plate at a TS. That's why we are going as many times as we can before my oldest (DD7) turns 10.

It depends on the 10yo. DS9 eats more than I do half the time, and likes an amazing variety of food. I'd have no problem paying for him as an adult, and actually debated upgrading him to an adult even though he'll still be 9 when we go back. DD6, OTOH, eats about 1/3 of a kids meal at most, so I don't imagine I'll be so happy with adult prices & portions when she's 10.

 

[floridascgirl]

I have been dutifully reading all of the posts and it's alot of dining info. to take in. I think that I'm getting a handle on it all, but for the life of me I can't figure out what a DDE is! Forgive me if it's a silly question. Someone was discussing a package plus dining v.s. room only with AP & DDE. Thanks!

 

[bicker]

It depends on the 10yo. DS9 eats more than I do half the time, and likes an amazing variety of food.

This is a good point. I've seen complaints from parents about how little food there is for their 8 yo or 9 yo, and how the only way to get adult portions for their big eater is to upgrade their admission to full-price as well as their Dining Plan. Disney needs to draw a line, and so they aim to draw that line down the middle, at the point where the optimal number of guests will spend the optimal amount of money.

 

[Tricia1972]

I have been dutifully reading all of the posts and it's alot of dining info. to take in. I think that I'm getting a handle on it all, but for the life of me I can't figure out what a DDE is! Forgive me if it's a silly question. Someone was discussing a package plus dining v.s. room only with AP & DDE. Thanks!

In a nutshell...

DDE is a discount card that you can purchase for approx $65 when you're a FL resident OR if you have AP's. It gives you a 20% Discount at most TS restaurants and a few CS locations (very few CS locations)

Some people use the DDE with the DDP because where the DDP just covers food, the DDE also covers adult beverages.

 

[LAS321]

I've been doing some planning for my August 2008 trip and was really disappointed to see how the dining plan changed. I'm really not sure it's worth it anymore. Does anyone know what it costs per person per day? My adult daughter and I would be going for 12 days. I don't mind the loss of the appetizer so much, but to have to pay the gratuity stinks. Also, it seems as though many Epcot restaurants are no longer included!!

 

[asmit4]

The new cost is 1.00 less per day than it was last year. I think it was 38.99 last year.

While many restaurants at epcot are still missing as well as various others- if this year is like previous years, the contracts will be solidified in the next few months and come 2008, those restaurants missing will most likely be on the DDP.

 

[DVCJones]

We have all read about the change in the DDP for 2008. How would one ( or many) go about suggesting a change to the current plan to change the DDP.

I have read where many of us would like the option of selecting an appetizer instead of dessert. I think this would make the changes to the dining plan easier to take . I also think that Disney would make a lot of guest happy by giving them a choice.

I can't believe the Disney didn't think to do that. It is not like it would make a huge difference in their profit and it may get more people to buy it. I for one can't stomach the thought of having that many sweets.

So my question.....Who should I address my complaint/suggestion to? Maybe if they get more than one letter (or email) they may give us options.

 

[DVCJones]

We have all read about the change in the DDP for 2008. How would one ( or many) go about suggesting a change to the current plan to change the DDP.

I have read where many of us would like the option of selecting an appetizer instead of dessert. I think this would make the changes to the dining plan easier to take . I also think that Disney would make a lot of guest happy by giving them a choice.

I can't believe the Disney didn't think to do that. It is not like it would make a huge difference in their profit and it may get more people to buy it. I for one can't stomach the thought of having that many sweets.

So my question.....Who should I address my complaint/suggestion to? Maybe if they get more than one letter (or email) they may give us options.

 

[tjkraz]

I can't believe the Disney didn't think to do that.

I can't answer your question, but I will suggest that it may be incorrect to assume that Disney didn't consider the option. One of the things they may be trying to prevent is sharing of meals. I don't know how widespread the practice might be, but I have heard stories of two adults sharing a single appetizer and entree and calling it a meal. Dining in that manner would better facilitiate the 2 TS credit experiences (i.e. "we can afford to eat at California Grill tonight because we can just share meals tomorrow") or getting three full meals per day out of the plan (share credits for breakfast and dinner, use CS for lunch.)

By comparison, you really can't do that sharing an entree and a dessert.

I also think that people would be more inclined to pay for an appetizer out of pocket if they really wanted it, than they would a dessert.

By offering the plan with just 2 meals per day, some of which require double credits, Disney is banking on folks still having to spend extra dollars to eat during their stay. Offering greater variety in the use of those credits may increase guest satisfaction, but that may come at the expense of $$$.

Since you posted this in the DVC forums, I'd start by sharing your comments with Member Satisfaction: DVCMemberSatisfactionTeam@disneyvacationclub.com

 

[rinkwide]

...start by sharing your comments with Member Satisfaction: DVCMemberSatisfactionTeam@disneyvacationclub.com

Thanks much. I just requested that all restaurants go back to first-come-first-served and cash payments only.

 

[Sparkie]

Question?

If I start my trip with basic dinning and later decide that delux might suit my needs better- can I "upgrade" and pay the difference? I would assume that it would be like upgrading your ticket and would have to pay the difference on each nights stay including any that have already occurred- or is your dinning option set when you check in and if you want to change you have to do it then?

I dont know if we could eat 3 meals per day- the 2007 plan about overstuffed us but it would be nice to have an extra meal here and there for breakfast or to cover those 2TS places-

Thanks for the info-

 

[bicker]

The full list of participating restaurants for 2007 were posted on Disney's website for the first time on November 15, 2006. Expect the full list of participating restaurants for 2008 to become available sometime in mid-November, 2007, not before.

 

[Chuck S]

Thanks much. I just requested that all restaurants go back to first-come-first-served and cash payments only.

The member satisfaction team has nothing to do with DDP. The DDP is operated by Disney Travel Co., and is simply available to DVC members by a negotiated agreement.

DVC does not set the terms of use for the DDP, Disney Travel Co. does.

 

[Anthony1971]

I would also think that most people will want coffee with dessert which is not included unless it is your only drink there making the guest pay for something, if not an appetizer, so they can leave a tip accordingly. I think Disney will have some problems with the tip not being included and may have opted for the most likely way to get the tip line in to remind people and force them to write an amount.
And of course to get people to spend more $

 

[sherabby]

I thought I read that the deluxe dining plan does include the appetizer. Maybe I am wrong? If we do the plan we are going deluxe this time.

 

[apostolic4life]

I wouldn't get my hopes up for a choice. The decision they have made is based purely on the economics of restaurant management. It is incorrect to say the appetizer and dessert will generate the same profit for WDW. Desserts are one of the greatest profit generators for any restaurant. Desserts are made from cheaper ingredients and can be priced from $6-$10 at WDW. Appetizers will run between $7-$15 each and chances are the higher priced appetizers are the ones with the worst profit margins.

I believe WDW has considered what you are suggesting (Disney rarely overlooks the details when it comes to making money), but as is the reality of the happiest place on Earth, profit will win out over the few who would shout with their disgruntled voices.

Yes, it would be nice to have the choice (we don't eat dessert much either), but the reality of it is we probably never will.

 

[CarolAnnC]

Since this question is not specific to DVC, but directed to changes in the Disney Dining Plan, I am moving this thread to our DDP Board here on the DIS. Thank you.