2008 DDP discussion, questions, rants and vents

[apostolic4life]

bicker and I often do disagree, but we also agree sometimes.......just wanted to clear that up. Didn't want to sound like bicker and I never had common ground.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

OK... so now we are reduced to arguing... I am going to ask that we all step away and take a deep breath before revisiting this thread......I can start deleting people and giving our infractions but since the title of this thread is 2008 DDP discussion, questions, rants and vents, I would like to keep it open for just that and I know that sometimes we become very passionate about what our rants and vents are..

Please respect each others opinions... do not resort to sarcasm to make your points. People......this is a message board where we are suppose to convey our thoughts and opinions to each other for helpful purposes....not to belittle each other..

Thank you..

 

[apostolic4life]

OK... so now we are reduced to arguing... I am going to ask that we all step away and take a deep breath before revisiting this thread......I can start deleting people and giving our infractions but since the title of this thread is 2008 DDP discussion, questions, rants and vents, I would like to keep it open for just that and I know that sometimes we become very passionate about what our rants and vents are..

Please respect each others opinions... do not resort to sarcasm to make your points. People......this is a message board where we are suppose to convey our thoughts and opinions to each other for helpful purposes....not to belittle each other..

Thank you..

Thank you Mackey Mouse!!!!

 

[WishesQueen]

On the lighter side!!

My family is definitely still using the DDP. I still say I wish it included Appetizers instead of dessert. The tip is not a big deal considering the price didn't get raised.

The DDDP is really way too food for us and we are good eaters!!

My question is! Is there any chance for tweeking or changes on Disney's side for the 2008 plan or is it set in stone? and do we have to wait to see the 2009 plan?

 

[sandym718]

I have a feeling it's pretty "set in stone" for 2008. Though, I believe it was Bicker who mentioned on another thread - if they would make any changes (say pay extra $ and get the appy and/or tip included), they would have to be Optional, since many people have already paid for/planned their trips.

2009 is just wait and see, I guess! They have until the package prices come out, which is usually August lately I guess, to announce any changes.

 

[LexPlayer]

bicker and I often disagree, but I respect the opinions presented because of their willingness to discuss things respectfully..........you need to do the same. In the past bicker has often provided us with information to bolster the points they present; bicker has earned our respect as a good DIS'er. Even in disagreement, I would suggest a show of respect if you hope to earn some for yourself!!!

So, bicker makes a conclusory statement. I ask for examples. He tells me to look it up myself. Is it too much to ask for supporting evidence?

 

[bicker]

I know how frustrating it is to walk into the middle of a conversation. If you want to catch up, the archives are there available for you. Let's discuss that further via PM so the thread is not further derailed.

 

[disneyfan2kids]

I think that even if they had raised it to $49.99/adult, I would've kept the DDP. For ME it was about convenience, pick your drink/app/entree/dessert and not worry about a tip or any other $$. I LOVED it! It felt like an "all-inclusive".

Now - worrying about cash for tips...or signing 3 pieces of paper to charge to room...or worrying how expensive the "pre-paid" meal really costs b/c I have to factor in 18-20% on top... No thanks.

Honestly - you could tell me and SHOW me that I'm going to save MORE money with the new DDP, and I still wouldn't do it based just on the loss of convenience that WAS "sign and go" and not worry about $$.

IMO... the convenience factor is gone.

I'll eat less TS meals and eat in my villa... (on the flip side - now I'm splurging for a 1 BR... woo-hoo!!!)

 

[angelmav]

I think that even if they had raised it to $49.99/adult, I would've kept the DDP. For ME it was about convenience, pick your drink/app/entree/dessert and not worry about a tip or any other $$. I LOVED it! It felt like an "all-inclusive".

Now - worrying about cash for tips...or signing 3 pieces of paper to charge to room...or worrying how expensive the "pre-paid" meal really costs b/c I have to factor in 18-20% on top... No thanks.

Honestly - you could tell me and SHOW me that I'm going to save MORE money with the new DDP, and I still wouldn't do it based just on the loss of convenience that WAS "sign and go" and not worry about $$.

IMO... the convenience factor is gone.

I'll eat less TS meals and eat in my villa... (on the flip side - now I'm splurging for a 1 BR... woo-hoo!!!)

Great post and I agree with you 100%

As to the real issue at hand, no everyone doesnt take bicker all that seriously here

I think it will be interesting to see what the sales figures for the 08 plan are like, what the attendance numbers are this year (keep in mind its not all about dining, but the economy could really put the brakes on travel). I also think these boards will be a much more interesting read as we get first hand accounts of said plan good and bad!

 

[GreatLakes5]

I think my biggest "rant" is that once I have the snacks figured out it all gets changed....I spent some learning curve time in terms of what was included in the plan (& which I had been paying OOP for because I didn't know it was included)....it takes me a while to get things memorized - now I have to start from scratch in many respects.

We're going the beginning of February - our plan is to utilize cash for tips. We will look for our server and hand him/her the tip in cash and be on our way. That's the plan anyway.

I'll be able to "vent" once I have my first experience under my belt.

 

[LexPlayer]

I know how frustrating it is to walk into the middle of a conversation. If you want to catch up, the archives are there available for you. Let's discuss that further via PM so the thread is not further derailed.

I will further refine my request. I kindly request that you cite me a past change that was as significant as the changes between the 2008 DDP to the 2007 DDP (removal of gratuity, removal of appetizer, snack limitations). I apologize if this is too burdensome. However, I'm sure everyone would benefit from this information.

 

[bicker]

Switching to pay-one-price for admission. The opening of the first moderate on-side resort. The end of the Magic Kingdom Club. Priority seating. The introduction of the Disney Dining Plan.

There's five. Now please take this side conversation to PM.

 

[GreatLakes5]

Switching to pay-one-price for admission. The opening of the first moderate on-side resort. The end of the Magic Kingdom Club. Priority seating. The introduction of the Disney Dining Plan.

There's five.

I'd add the need for ADRs - though perhaps related to the DDP - when I told my dad that we needed a reservation for Crystal Palace he laughed because he thought we were joking. He hadn't been since early 80s.

The opening of Epcot. (I was there for that one).

 

[CanadianGuy]

The switch from the previous ticketing styles (everything included hopping and never expired..)....

To the new Magic Your Way pick your options for additional pricing style.. That created quite the furor as I remember it..

Knox

 

[kaytieeldr]

So, bicker makes a conclusory statement. I ask for examples. He tells me to look it up myself. Is it too much to ask for supporting evidence?

Given the breadth and content of said supporting information - said information can be found by either doing a search, or just looking back at posts from the summer of 2007. Particularly enlightening would be any threads containing posts from a DISer using the name disney server.

 

[bless7ings]

I do have the list...where are you looking to buy the cheese plate? I can try to see if I can find it! The list is a bit confusing but I will check!

Antkim, I KNOW a lot of people on here would love to get a hold of that list!!! If you could find it in your heart to find it and type it in, I know lots of people would be thanking you!!

 

[bless7ings]

I think that even if they had raised it to $49.99/adult, I would've kept the DDP. For ME it was about convenience, pick your drink/app/entree/dessert and not worry about a tip or any other $$. I LOVED it! It felt like an "all-inclusive".

Now - worrying about cash for tips...or signing 3 pieces of paper to charge to room...or worrying how expensive the "pre-paid" meal really costs b/c I have to factor in 18-20% on top... No thanks.

Honestly - you could tell me and SHOW me that I'm going to save MORE money with the new DDP, and I still wouldn't do it based just on the loss of convenience that WAS "sign and go" and not worry about $$.

IMO... the convenience factor is gone. - end of disneyfan2kids quote


This is were I must step in and say something!

To Disney, who is lurking out there, people aren't happy with the new plan. You have heard a lot of opinions. This is what I hear it all boils down to: We like the tip included, that is convenient and we can tip extra if we want for good service. We like to have this all taken care of before hand and if out of the gratefulness of our heart we give, then we give. We would love to have both appetizer and dessert back, but if we have to lose something at least give us a choice between the appetizer or a dessert. This is where I must step in. People are upset at the changes and are saying they are willing to pay extra for these things and conveniences(and their prices are starting to get scary for me ). Now I know my husband would say the same thing, but I do the budget....I somehow have to make the budget ssstttrrreeetttccchhh!!! We came as a family in 2005 and thought it was our "once in a lifetime vacation at Disney." But we loved it!!! We are addicted and have been planning to get back. My husband who thinks family vacations are very stressful said after this vacation to Disney, "This is what all vacations should be like!" You have something for everyone. Entertainment is at your feet. He doesn't have to get everybody packed in the car to go somewhere!! He doesn't have to drive anywhere, Disney has many modes of excellent transportation system!(We talked to the bus drivers, your system is complex and fascinating!) I love the boats and monorail the best! You have treated him in such a way with just the transportation system and you have taken away any guilt he might have felt. Let me explain. I don't particularly care to drive if I don't have to and I don't like to feel like I am missing out on something. (who does? ) Well when we went our family was having a great time at Blizzard Beach, but the little ones were in a need of a nap. He felt comfortable and not guilty by letting me go back to the room to put them down for naps. Why? Well let's count the ways. The transportation system is great and can be very relaxing and fun! Even with two little ones in a double stroller. The people are kind and helpful. I loved the boat rides back to the Wilderness Lodge they were calming and beautiful.(thanks to my parents who came with us and paid for the rooms!! ) Let me continue to paint a picture. My exotic walk up the pathway to the resort, and the beautiful theming of the pool area and into the marvelous grand lobby of the Wilderness Lodge and up the elevator to our beautiful themed rooms. I do our bedtime rituals and off to sleepy land they go...and what do I do but lap up the luxury of being able to get comfortable on the bed and read to my hearts content while the little ones are sleeping and the older ones are off playing and having fun with dad and grammy and grandpa making special memories that they still reminisce from time to time. Did I feel left out? A little bit, but I turned it into something I totally enjoyed and don't get to do much.(at least w/o me feeling guilty!) And this is just the tip of the iceburg of the many things I could count that my husband loved about this family vacation!(and the rest of us!)

All this to say, and my point is: I like your new advertising the past few years that every family can afford to come to Disney! I have found a family vacation that my husband enjoys and doesn't get stressed out. He can go, unwind and relax because you have thought of a lot of the little things. And for men a big thing is convenience and food!! (at least my man) He'd say he'd pay anything for that, but how often would we be able to go back? As it is it's been way to long in us getting back. I was hoping for 2007. So its in the talks now for this year. So please, keep the dining plan reasonable, convenient and fun! I didn't mention that all our older kids said the meal plan was one of the best things about our vacation to Disney!! They felt for once in their life that they were treated like kings and queens. As soon as my husband heard about the dining plan, he knew our family needed it!!!!! The kids and him would not eat unless they had the plan! Mom wasn't the one looking out for the purse strings shaking her head that they couldn't eat this or that or say they had to share.

Our vacation was truly wonderful and magical and I am looking for it again.

PLEASE keep your advertising slogan, every family can afford to go to Disney!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

When it was still Teppenayaki, the sushi was excluded in the DDP, as we can read in the opening post. What are the rules on this subject now that it's Teppan Edo? Still excluded the sushi, or are they considered a possibility for an entree now?

 

[apostolic4life]

So, bicker makes a conclusory statement. I ask for examples. He tells me to look it up myself. Is it too much to ask for supporting evidence?

Many of us here have been in this conversation since post #1 in this thread and we have seen the evidence/emotion/opinion posted in reference to this topic. With over 74 pages of discussion, many of us would rather not rehash previous items covered months ago.

If you are looking for some proffer of evidence of his "conclusory" statement, it is here on the DIS if you look for it.........seek and ye shall find.

 

[englishrose47]

I do have the list...where are you looking to buy the cheese plate? I can try to see if I can find it! The list is a bit confusing but I will check!

The cheese plate is in France and they also have lots of yummy sounding desserts under $4 . The cheese plate is $5.99 so that is oop, but it looked so delish from the posted pic I have to try it!!