2008 DDP discussion, questions, rants and vents

[Brian Noble]

I even made my son eat the "real food" at 'Ohana, and would not let him order chicken fingers (for what would have been something like the 12th time during the week.)

Amazingly, he did not starve.

 

[englishrose47]

My DGS was happy as long as there was Mac & Cheese! He ordered it when he could have had steak!!DGDS ordered steak evrytime they could and were thrilled to eat of the adult menu!

 

[Harmonysmomma]

Can someone refresh my memory.. how much per person and per kid is the Dining DELUX plan? Please and thank you

 

[kaytieeldr]

DISers seeking general information about the Dining Plans, including cost, should consider checking the "****2008 Ddp FAQ****" http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1545287, a mere two threads below this one in the list.

 

[Harmonysmomma]

Thanks! I was looking on the wrong thread.

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

I can't stand it - the more I plan our trip the more comments I have about DDP and DDDP. In summary, because we like so many "signature" two-credit locations, we will probably consider the DDDP when both kids are over 10 - especially when DS becomes bottomless pit boy teen!! In the mean-time, we like "free dining" but won't otherwise pay for DDP. I have two reasons for this. One - even if we convince DD to order kid meals, only $703 of what we order in a typical WDW week is covered under DDP (and yes, I've included taxes in that figure) but it costs about $870 for my family after DS turns 10. (Difference in cost of resort only vs resort plus DDP varied by a few dollars depending on resort. I guess tax rates are slightly different. We used menus revised since Jan. 2008 to calculate our meal costs.) Two - the kids didn't want kid meals at age 6/7 and 8/9. Well, honestly, that's an oversimplification. When DDP first appeared, the kids liked it because each location had child meals comparable to adult meals in personality and flavor - just kid portions. International options, while toned down, were none-the-less available in international pavillions and signature dishes at resort TS locations really had personality - no longer. DDP seems to have homogenized the experience of dining at WDW. We've even missed adult options that are no longer offerred because they don't "fit" the DDP (Spoodles was totally ruined for us), but the major change is in the kid meals. In addition to eliminating distinctive child size options, the bland fare doesn't even match the restaurant anymore. There isn't even a kid burger available at the burger station at Cosmic Rays?! (Actually, we'd rather have a smoked salmon kid meal in Norway, kid sushi platter in Japan, or half shawarma with celery and hummus dip in Morrocco...) Well I could go on and I know I may have unusually "foodie" kids but until everyone is over 10 or the kid meals get a major injection of personality or international flair, we will pay OOP for exactly what we want. Truely special food used to be one of the elements of Disney Magic and we miss it.

 

[englishrose47]

I can't stand it - the more I plan our trip the more comments I have about DDP and DDDP. In summary, because we like so many "signature" two-credit locations, we will probably consider the DDDP when both kids are over 10 - especially when DS becomes bottomless pit boy teen!! In the mean-time, we like "free dining" but won't otherwise pay for DDP. I have two reasons for this. One - even if we convince DD to order kid meals, only $703 of what we order in a typical WDW week is covered under DDP (and yes, I've included taxes in that figure) but it costs about $870 for my family after DS turns 10. (Difference in cost of resort only vs resort plus DDP varied by a few dollars depending on resort. I guess tax rates are slightly different. We used menus revised since Jan. 2008 to calculate our meal costs.) Two - the kids didn't want kid meals at age 6/7 and 8/9. Well, honestly, that's an oversimplification. When DDP first appeared, the kids liked it because each location had child meals comparable to adult meals in personality and flavor - just kid portions. International options, while toned down, were none-the-less available in international pavillions and signature dishes at resort TS locations really had personality - no longer. DDP seems to have homogenized the experience of dining at WDW. We've even missed adult options that are no longer offerred because they don't "fit" the DDP (Spoodles was totally ruined for us), but the major change is in the kid meals. In addition to eliminating distinctive child size options, the bland fare doesn't even match the restaurant anymore. There isn't even a kid burger available at the burger station at Cosmic Rays?! (Actually, we'd rather have a smoked salmon kid meal in Norway, kid sushi platter in Japan, or half shawarma with celery and hummus dip in Morrocco...) Well I could go on and I know I may have unusually "foodie" kids but until everyone is over 10 or the kid meals get a major injection of personality or international flair, we will pay OOP for exactly what we want. Truely special food used to be one of the elements of Disney Magic and we miss it.

We will still do the DDP , but our first experience was before the changes, I agree it used to be a lot of food! I wish they would offer a choice of appie or dessert and include the tip again. We will be a party of 7 next year so the automatic 18% will be charged unless we split into 4 & 3! Have to give that some thought!!

 

[apostolic4life]

I too have kids who tend to be adventurous eaters......my DD2 loves Asian food (she really likes BBQ eel sushi), and we encourage them to try everything once. The changes in the kids meals make it harder to find something interesting for them to eat, but they always seem to be happy even if their options are limited to mac & cheese or chicken tenders.

The DDP was not the cause of the changes which have been made at WDW restaurants........they were an avenue for management to implement a series of changes to make on property dining profitable. I would bet the homogenization of menus would have taken place without the DDP. The powers that be used the DDP to get the seats in the restaurant filled; it was done in conjunction with the Magical Express to get people accustomed to staying on, and eating on property. Both of these factors increased the restaurant revenue and then they implemented the menu changes and removed the tip and appetizer to make it profitable. They have, in essence, created a plan that offers a slight (10-15%) discount, and they have created a loyal following of people who like the idea of having the bulk of their food expenses paid prior to coming to WDW. Is the current plan the great deal it was when we saved 20-30% on our dining, no, but it is still a savings which they do not have to offer at all..........I see it as, at least my family can save something. Also, if a person no longer sees value in the DDP, their is always the DxDDP..........many have said they would be willing to pay to have the appetizer back, well they gave an option, but what people really want is to have those big 30% discounts on their food. Not gonna happen..........at the end of the day WDW is there to make money, not make you 100% happy.

 

[First timer]

subscribing

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

I think Disney should be in business to make a profit AND make me happy. I don't mind paying for what I get - I want more kid options if we're required to order off the kid menu. If they can't extend the kid menus then maybe let me buy an adult DDP for her but not have to buy an adult ticket for a 7 year old. Now, we'd just pay OOP for her, but then her DDP goes to waste, so my family is better off just paying all OOP - for the way we eat, that is. I know it's great for others. I'm not arguing with their profit but I don't understand why the food throughout WDW had to loose so much of it's personality. Let me pay $2 extra for the kid's sushi so she doesn't have to eat mac-n-cheese. Some TS let me pay a few dollars extra for a steak rather than PBJ - that's the right idea - now add unique (premium) options and international options at international pavillion CS locations, please. Let me pay a bit extra if that's what's needed for Disney's bottom line rather than deleting my options. Anyhow, this is just what I'd want: pay more $ if necessary and keep the food magic rather than eliminate tasty options. I'm sure the majority (that's why it's they way it is, sadly) would rather give up a bit of (must be insignificant to them) magic to keep costs down. I want food at WDW to remain part of the special magic. Anyhow, it's only my Disney wish, my "rant" per the thread.

 

[apostolic4life]

I think Disney should be in business to make a profit AND make me happy. I don't mind paying for what I get - I want more kid options if we're required to order off the kid menu. If they can't extend the kid menus then maybe let me buy an adult DDP for her but not have to buy an adult ticket for a 7 year old. Now, we'd just pay OOP for her, but then her DDP goes to waste, so my family is better off just paying all OOP - for the way we eat, that is. I know it's great for others. I'm not arguing with their profit but I don't understand why the food throughout WDW had to loose so much of it's personality. Let me pay $2 extra for the kid's sushi so she doesn't have to eat mac-n-cheese. Some TS let me pay a few dollars extra for a steak rather than PBJ - that's the right idea - now add unique (premium) options and international options at international pavillion CS locations, please. Let me pay a bit extra if that's what's needed for Disney's bottom line rather than deleting my options. Anyhow, this is just what I'd want: pay more $ if necessary and keep the food magic rather than eliminate tasty options. I'm sure the majority (that's why it's they way it is, sadly) would rather give up a bit of (must be insignificant to them) magic to keep costs down. I want food at WDW to remain part of the special magic. Anyhow, it's only my Disney wish, my "rant" per the thread.

I agree, the food is a big part of our trip......we enjoy the great options that used to be more readily available too, but I also understand what they did and why they did it. Yes, a number of people would be willing to pay a few dollars extra so they could allow their kids more options, but the majority of people would not be willing to pay for an increase which is equal to the cuts WDW has made in the plan. To get to the same bottom line (and keep things like last year's plan) Disney would have to increase the plan price by about $15 per person (kids maybe 1/2 that). Most people would go through the roof with an increase of that size because it does not fit into their idea of what is acceptable; most would think $5 per person is too much. Like I said previously, the majority of people want the huge discounts from years past, but until crowd levels drop and sales go down those discounts are gone.

I too understand your point about paying a few dollars to "upgrade" your child's meal at the individual restaurants, but implementing this on a kid's menu could be a nightmare. Having a few restaurants (non-Disney ones mostly) who offer some adult items for additional charges is one thing, but try to explain to little Suzy or Johnny when they can't get the kid's shrimp cocktail even though it is on the menu.......I do not want to sit next to that table.

The DDP is not for every family, and if it does not fit the way someone usually eats then I would avoid getting it. It is no longer the "deal you can't pass up" as it has been in years past, so many people are rethinking the use of it as it pertains to their family. I also think this is what Disney wanted......the traffic in most restaurants is getting so thick, Disney may now be expecting the new DDP to thin the crowds out a little. The new DDP could be as much about crowd control as it is about profit.

Just some thoughts from a small place in a small world.






P.S. They do not want to make you as an individual happy and meet all your needs..............they want to meet the overall needs of the majority and have an atmosphere of happiness. The individual is not always the focus at WDW.

 

[OceanStateKelly]

Were loved the ddp when we went jan 2006. Dining out everyday is all part of the trip and I like having are meals paid for before we go, I'm sure will be doing it again this time. But I'm a little sad, most kids want to eat off the reg menu- not my dd who will be turning 11 eats like a bird, so will be paying adult prices and she be eating off the kids menu and it'll be the samething everywhere we go chicken fingers LOL

Kelly/RI

 

[ckotcamp]

I went back in July of 2007 with my girlfriend (two high school graduates at the time) and we were both on the DDP. It was absolutely amazing, because it was a graduation present from my mom to the two of us. It was great having everything completely paid for, meals wise, when we were on our vacation, because my mom said that we'd have to pay for anything else when we were down there.

Now, this year she is sending us again (now 2 struggling, broke, college kids) on the DDP again. However, we're going for 7 nights, that's 7 table service meals, and we're not going to be able to get our appetizers. Unlike most people, neither of us felt it was too much food because we eat a ton, being growing teenagers. Also, we're going to have to fork over the money for tips this year. At probably 10 bucks a dinner, for 7 dinners, we're going to have to pay about seventy dollars in tips alone. Neither of us can truly afford this, and both feel bad asking for more money from my mother since she's already paid the huge amount of money for the vacation. We just miss the appetizers and gratuity included. I feel like this year, instead of being in complete bliss and magic, I'm going to be constantly worrying about the money I'm paying for the "free dinners" in gratuity, and the lack of appetizers. I certainly hope that in the future years they will either get rid of gratuity again, or include the appetizers. I'm not asking for both, but one or the other would certainly be nice!

I understand that the DDP is still quite a significant savings, but for two kids putting themselves through college, a 7 night stay at Disney is really difficult, and I don't want to not be able to afford to get there every once in a couple years like I love to do!!

PS, yeah 70 bucks probably seems REALLY ridiculously small to most of you but I'm really cost-conscious and am paying an arm and a leg for college already, I really need every dollar I can save:-(

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

The DDP is not for every family, and if it does not fit the way someone usually eats then I would avoid getting it. It is no longer the "deal you can't pass up" as it has been in years past, so many people are rethinking the use of it as it pertains to their family. I also think this is what Disney wanted......the traffic in most restaurants is getting so thick, Disney may now be expecting the new DDP to thin the crowds out a little. The new DDP could be as much about crowd control as it is about profit.

Maybe I can accept the loss of foodie magic if TS dining becomes less of a zoo - hmm - will try to shift my thinking...

As far as the individual vs majority... I had always felt Disney was Disney because of the special attention and magic from CMs. Please don't rain on my Disney parade

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

CKOTCAMP
Do they still allow you to use a TS meal at a CS location and give you an extra snack voucher? If so, you could avoid tips by eating all CS and get extra snacks, some of which are decent - see list on sticky thread.
There was a 10+ year hiatus in my WDW visits between being taken as the kid almost every year and then going as the adult with my own kids (now every year) - it's survivable if you can't make your preferred WDW vacation schedule while you're setting yourself up for a successful future. I know it's tough, but think how many more WDW trips you can afford when you're established in your career.
Finally, some sympathy from us since we helped friends go who wouldn't otherwise have been able to afford it. Basically, in addition to our support in Orlando and at WDW (car, food, lodging) - other relatives contributed Disney Dollars, bought their park passes, there was even a long lost relative that bought the airfare. Can your mom get the word to others that you'd appreciate "spending money" or "Disney Dollars" for your upcoming trip?

 

[apostolic4life]

Please don't rain on my Disney parade

The magic is still there......if it wasn't I wouldn't keep going. I'm not trying to rain on your parade..........really!! I think we (guests) just have to look a little harder these day to find it. Yes, the CMs are the ones who deliver the magic, and thank God for the ones who love their job and do it with enthusiasm! With the current economy, the littles things the CMs do helps keep the magic alive without adding extra cost to the vacation.

 

[apostolic4life]

I went back in July of 2007 with my girlfriend (two high school graduates at the time) and we were both on the DDP. It was absolutely amazing, because it was a graduation present from my mom to the two of us. It was great having everything completely paid for, meals wise, when we were on our vacation, because my mom said that we'd have to pay for anything else when we were down there.

Now, this year she is sending us again (now 2 struggling, broke, college kids) on the DDP again. However, we're going for 7 nights, that's 7 table service meals, and we're not going to be able to get our appetizers. Unlike most people, neither of us felt it was too much food because we eat a ton, being growing teenagers. Also, we're going to have to fork over the money for tips this year. At probably 10 bucks a dinner, for 7 dinners, we're going to have to pay about seventy dollars in tips alone. Neither of us can truly afford this, and both feel bad asking for more money from my mother since she's already paid the huge amount of money for the vacation. We just miss the appetizers and gratuity included. I feel like this year, instead of being in complete bliss and magic, I'm going to be constantly worrying about the money I'm paying for the "free dinners" in gratuity, and the lack of appetizers. I certainly hope that in the future years they will either get rid of gratuity again, or include the appetizers. I'm not asking for both, but one or the other would certainly be nice!

I understand that the DDP is still quite a significant savings, but for two kids putting themselves through college, a 7 night stay at Disney is really difficult, and I don't want to not be able to afford to get there every once in a couple years like I love to do!!

PS, yeah 70 bucks probably seems REALLY ridiculously small to most of you but I'm really cost-conscious and am paying an arm and a leg for college already, I really need every dollar I can save:-(

Well, I would love it if I had someone to send me and my friend to WDW every year (even if I had to pay for tips)! As for the sympathy, I have a hard time scrapping any up for you........not trying to be mean, just not too sympathetic. I work full time to support my family and still go to school part time to keep up with my profession...........and I pay for every penny of my WDW vacations. I understand you are a young, "broke" (relative term since your parents are sending you AND a friend to WDW) college student (I too have been there), so I will just leave you with a simple thought:

When someone thinks enough about you to work hard and give you a precious gift, don't complain when you have to buy the batteries to make it work.

 

[kdzgon]

I agree, the food is a big part of our trip...... To get to the same bottom line (and keep things like last year's plan) Disney would have to increase the plan price by about $15 per person (kids maybe 1/2 that). Most people would go through the roof with an increase of that size because it does not fit into their idea of what is acceptable; most would think $5 per person is too much. ...


...

Ummm, isn't that what they did - actually, maybe even a "bit" more than $15 per day, considering the removal of both appetizers and the tip?

Come to think of it, maybe that IS why so many people are "go[ing] through the roof...", considering this thread alone is 100 pages long.

 

[englishrose47]

Ummm, isn't that what they did - actually, maybe even a "bit" more than $15 per day, considering the removal of both appetizers and the tip?

Come to think of it, maybe that IS why so many people are "go[ing] through the roof...", considering this thread alone is 100 pages long.

I agree I would have rather paid $5 more and had tip included and CHOICE of appie or desseert!!

 

[Katiebell]

When someone thinks enough about you to work hard and give you a precious gift, don't complain when you have to buy the batteries to make it work.

From one parent to another, great analogy.

ckotcamp, your mom paid for RT airfare for you and your girlfriend, hotel and tickets, and the dining plan in July of 2007, and she is doing it again this year? Is she interested in adopting any more kids??? You didn't mention when you were going, but I'd suggest you start a change jar and save up a little for tips and incidental expenses. Sounds like you've been given a fabulous gift, and I'd be really, really grateful if anyone gave me a gift like that! If you really miss the appetizers and you both eat a lot, I'd suggest you switch to buffets for your TS meals. Then you can eat all you want.

Ummm, isn't that what they did - actually, maybe even a "bit" more than $15 per day, considering the removal of both appetizers and the tip? Come to think of it, maybe that IS why so many people are "go[ing] through the roof...", considering this thread alone is 100 pages long.

Yep, the change this year is a HUGE drop in value to the consumer with the loss of both the tip and the appetizer course, and only lowering the cost of the plan $1 per person per day. But there are still people purchasing the plan OOP, even though it's not the amazing deal it has been in the past. Imagine the collective hysteria if Disney had simply increased the price of the plan $15-$20 per person! Well, they added extra meals (counting on that almost NO ONE will do two, let alone three TS meals a day), increased the cost $30, and they call it the Deluxe plan