2008 DDP discussion, questions, rants and vents

[RACHELSMOM1]

To LovinHavinNoClampets , and Disfan3 ,
Thank you for such kind words. DH , Myself , and our three princess DD8 , DD6 , and DD3 (Rachel really is a princess) , all enjoy WDW and are excited to try out the deluxe DDP next April to celebrate Rachel's birthday . Can't wait to make those ADR's at 180 days out!!

 

[TexasCourt]

Is the Deluxe Dining Plan cheaper if you are DVC members and/or AP holders? TIA!

 

[libinatorsmom]

Reading all the posts is very interesting... we booked our May 08 trip with the dulx ddp and we are just excited as can be.... this hs now opened up the opportunity for us to hit all the dining expereinces we wished for and dreamed of... we are actually reworking our entire dining plan now and cant be anymore excited!!!!!! it was more expensive but we get all we are needing and wanting and more - with the refillable mugs too... I am super excited about our trip and our Dulx DDP...

 

[rogerram]

Is the Deluxe Dining Plan cheaper if you are DVC members and/or AP holders? TIA!

being a DVC member, they never have before and I don't expect they will be now.

 

[jerry557]

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!)

Well, people naturally want to stretch their dollar as far as it can go. That's just being smart consumers.

And it seems there is a number of people here that thinks it is wrong for a family to use up all their credits. This is considered "abuse?" I guess I just dont understand that.

Not everyone thinks it's too much food... I have no problem using up each day's credits and then some... I've always had a fast metabolism and when I exercise (like walking in the parks 7 miles a day), it even increases my metabolism more...

 

[Lewisc]

It's up to guests to follow the rules. It's up to Disney to make sure the rules reflect how Disney intends the plan be used.

Too many "greedy" guests were abusing Disney's generosity by using "child" credits for adult meals so Disney separated the credits into adult and child categories.

I suspect, but can't prove, Disney priced the plan assuming it would be used like a buffet. Every guest dining would "pay" by using a credit but not every guest would order appetizer and entree and dessert. I don't think it was intended that one TS credit would feed two adults. Many of the restaurants have at least one appetizer that is almost entree sized. It was really up to Disney to make it clear, if that was their intention. There wasn't any reason Disney couldn't have directly charged one credit per guest dining. Even better do something like provide complimentary seconds or serve appetizer and/or dessert family style. That would make it easier to explain and enforce a one credit per guest policy.

Disney switched CRT to a fixed price meal which effectively stopped sharing and credit stretching. I'm surprised Disney doesn't implement some kind of fixed price minimum menu for popular restaurants like CG.

Guests can get a box of donuts for one credit and a half gallon of milk for another credit. Should Disney be surprised when two snack credits provide a, not particularly healthy, breakfast for a family?

Guests who purchase the dining plan will be paying a dollar less and getting less. Those guests who purchase the dining plan will be under greater pressure to book restaurants like Le Cellier if they want to break even.

ADRs might be slightly easier to get but Disney likes crowded restaurants. Too few guests purchase the 2008 DDP Disney will just discount dining as part of a promotion, PIN or public.

Disney likes profitable restaurants. I'd be surprised if they deviate from the menu standardization that was implemented.

Some posters like to blame the dining plan for changes. I think they have it reversed. Disney decided to make the restaurants more popular and profitable by standardizing and simplifying the menus. The dining plan is a result of that decision not the cause.

Dining plan guests are entitled to a discount for pre-paying and an additional discount for comitting to having most of their meals at WDW (quantity discount).

Disney has V&A for guests who are looking for a memorable fine dining experience. Disney could have excluded one or more signature restaurants from the dining plan.

The deluxe dining plan provides an appetizer and probably pays the restaurants less per credit. The current plan pays the restaurants approximately $26 /TS credit. Simple math suggests the deluxe plan has to pay less. Too many guests use the deluxe plan at signature restaurants you may see more reductions, assuming you're one of the conspiracy people who blame every menu change on the DDP. Deluxe dining guests have no reason to avoid signature restaurants.

 

[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

so if cost of DDE card is $85 will take 42 meals to get back on your math.if average check is say $50 tip $9 you save $10 still have to have 8.5 meals to break even.was thinking of getting dde card to get stuff not on ddp alchohol ect,but the saveings are not worth it
I tip 15-20%
Paulh
Forgot to add you have the cost of an annual/residents pass to add in as well

 

[lonegungirl]

This is uncalled-for.

Actually, I found the original post insulting and was initially motivated to post a harsh and sarcastic response. I squashed the impulse, on the basic principle that You Shouldn't Always Say What You Think.

So I can sympathize with the second poster.

 

[bicker]

Then the second poster should have called-out the first poster, instead of engaging in the same activity, eh?

 

[TKERBELL]

Couple of questions - A statement (followed by a question) - Couple of opinions (with a hypothetical question)

Questions.....

1) If you made your WDW plans using the former DDP and your WDW trip is during the "conversion" if you will.....I get that they will honor the former DDP that you are paying for....but how will the "computer generated" point system know which one you have or the server for that matter...which begs to ask - if there is no way of distinguishing between the two then someone who purchases the new DDP (standard) then will they be able to say..."wait I get the app/des with my TS meal"......

2) With the Deluxe DDP there is no differintiating (sp??) between TS and CS - do you still get an app/des with your TS?

Statements.....

1) As DVC members who have to pay for the DDP, former or new and improved, we are a family of 6 - DH, Me, DD16, DS13, DS11 & DS5 - we have always been prone to sharing - not to "rip" Disney off but just because we all like to try different things and none of us eat a whole lot we just eat often - so with the former DDP we ate all day simply by sharing meals...note we NEVER NEVER used our 1 child credit for an adult credit - with this statement I have to ask a question - Does that make me & my family part of the "thieves" trying to get over on Disney....I mean we did pay for the DDP we just used our Meal credits for more than just 3 meals a day?


Opinions ('cause just like everyone has a belly-button - EVERYONE has an opinion or two)

1) I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new Deluxe DDP - I get to eat more - again we don't eat a lot we just eat often - I also get included a travel mug from my resort for every member of my party - Bonus - DH & I are coffee drinkers - and while my kiddos don't drink a whole lot of soda - they are on vacation - so Mom lifts the rules - Works for me

2) As a former server/bartender - TIPS are earned not expected -

T = To
I = Insure
P = Prompt
S = Service

If I have a server who gives me just that - they get 15% - WOW me and my pocket gets deeper - which leads me to my opinion of the tipping being removed - GOOD RIDDANCE - now my server will take care of me & my brood and EARN the tip......If you go to work everyday at your "job" and you don't preform to your boss'/supervisor/managers' expectations - what happens??? Your evaluations will drop - well a server/bartender is evaluated everyday at every table - Maybe I am being too picky when it comes to servers/bartenders - but hey I was one once - I know how hard it is and I know how hard you have to work for your money - if it wasn't hard they wouldn't call it work......(BTW - We always tipped above the gratuties included if the service justified it)

FLAME AWAY!!!!

 

[angelmav]

TKERBELL, while I agree with what your saying about the DDDP, you realize that you dont actually have control over your tip? Parties of 6 or more its an automatic 18%. As much as I could justify the DDDP, adding that much tip to three meals a day puts it out of the realm of possibility.

 

[jerry557]

TKERBELL, while I agree with what your saying about the DDDP, you realize that you dont actually have control over your tip? Parties of 6 or more its an automatic 18%. As much as I could justify the DDDP, adding that much tip to three meals a day puts it out of the realm of possibility.

Although I must say that Disney is not the only place that does this. Most resturants add automatic gratuity for large parties.

 

[kaytieeldr]

2) As a former server/bartender - TIPS are earned not expected -

T = To
I = Insure
P = Prompt
S = Service

And once again, I ask - how does the expectation (not guarantee) of money given to the server AFTER the meal, insure prompt service during the meal?

 

[pilferk]

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?

For those that continue to use the DDP....no. Or at least, not for the most part. Because if you do that, you're not realizing much (if any) savings over paying OOP...because the breakfasts and lunches are less expensive, overall.

I think the effect will largely be the one pointed out on this board: Less people will choose to use the DDP. Which is probably what Disney wants (or at least expects). Off loading that demand on the restaurants, and possibly providing higher profit margin per patron (I'm guessing on that), might have the effect many are looking for: Better quality of offerings and a bit less hectic pace for service.

But that's just my guess...we'll have to wait and see, I guess.

 

[pilferk]

Is the Deluxe Dining Plan cheaper if you are DVC members and/or AP holders? TIA!

I can comment on the DDP side: I was quoted the EXACT same price you've seen around here when adding the basic plan to our DDP ressie....and when they offered the DXDDP upgrade, I was again quoted the exact same price you've seen mentioned.

So for DVC'ers...no.

 

[pilferk]

so if cost of DDE card is $85 will take 42 meals to get back on your math.if average check is say $50 tip $9 you save $10 still have to have 8.5 meals to break even.was thinking of getting dde card to get stuff not on ddp alchohol ect,but the saveings are not worth it
I tip 15-20%
Paulh
Forgot to add you have the cost of an annual/residents pass to add in as well

Don't need a florida residents pass...you just need to BE a florida resident (as in, you have a florida address) to get the card for $85.

I'm not sure you can adequately factor in the cost for an AP for 2 reasons:

1) It covers admission, too...and if you're going more than twice in a year it probably saves simply on admission. Are you also going to allow people to factor in the savings on admission as a discount to the DDE card? I doubt you'd want to do that.....

2) Most people don't buy an AP simply to get the DDE. I certainlly wouldn't recommend that course if you're looking to save money.

You'd need to spend about $425 to "pay" for the $85 version of the card.

You'd need to spend about $300 to "pay" for the $60 version of the card.

Not too hard to do if you're an AP holder, visiting more than once per calender year. Heck, it's not all that hard to do in one 1 week trip for a family of 4...that's pretty close to what we spend on TS in a week.

 

[TKERBELL]

And once again, I ask - how does the expectation (not guarantee) of money given to the server AFTER the meal, insure prompt service during the meal?

Well in order to "earn" the gratuity - it is the servers responsibilty to give prompt service....

jerry557 - You are 100% on the mark that it is not just Disney that adds the automatic gratuity to parties of 6 (or 8 depending on the restaurant) or more - that I *think* (speculation) stems from parties of 6 (or 8 depending on the restaurant) having "split" checks and getting the shaft in the end because in the average restaurants there are no sections that have tables all ready sized for larger groups and so the server loses the abilty to "turn over" a 4 top table multiple times to *make* money since they have to shove tables together to accomodate larger groups - and larger groups *generally* like to linger and chat for longer periods of time and they take more time to serve (for lack of a better word) especially if you (the server) has other guests to take care of as well.....So now imagine you have waited on a party of 8 (6 adults & 2 children) that is a family that may have not seen in each other in a while - in your section you have 3 four-top table and a two-top table - 2 of your four-top tables are now being occupied with this large party who undoubtly will have you running for multiple items at multiple time (not a slam just a realistic point if view for that large of a group) now you still are responsible for the other tables you have - it is much more difficult to take care of 1 large party and 2 smaller tables that to have your section completly filled with the max people at the tables.....am I making ANY sense at all.....(that was more for me please don't be offended) - and did you know that even though the add-on gratuity is a *policy* it is not something that is mandated by ANY laws - if you feel your service for your large party was not WORTH the automatic gratuity - get a manager - let them know and be specific - even at Disney, just because they serve at Disney doesn't mean they are AMAZING & STELLAR servers!!!!

angelmav - yes being a family of 6 I am used to the expected/automatic gratuity - but as I stated above if it was not worth the tip get a manger and be specific - still even if the service was up to par I see your point about 3 meals a day with the expected tip - it can be costly - my biggest beef with companies that do add on the tip (15%-18%) is when the buffet restaurants do it (including Chef Mickey and Crystal Palace) - ok really all the server did was bring me juice/milk and coffee (and really they just drop a pot off) and they clear my plates (actually the bussers do that) - however I don't see the same issue with Family -style serving - ie Liberty Tree, Garden Grill - the server does have to bring the food and bring more food....LOL

I think there really is no answer to the server issue - when it was included in the DDP the server was automatically guarenteed a tip regardless of the service - now the server has to earn if you will the tip but in a group situation they still make out......

So again I re-state I am a family of 6 and unless the service was crappy then I will have to suffer that Disney is no longer tipping the server it is now my responsiblity - but mark my words - if I don't think the server deserves the gratuity that was added on I am will be speaking to a manager and I will make sure that they understand the server in no uncertain terms earned the gratuity that was added on to my bill.....I would do the same at any establishment - it is referred to as Customer Service for a reason.....

 

[pilferk]

And once again, I ask - how does the expectation (not guarantee) of money given to the server AFTER the meal, insure prompt service during the meal?

Ask Pavlov.

It might not insure you good service WHILE you're dining, assuming you're the "first" patron for the server.

But the conditional reward, if rewarded consistently over time, will eventually lead to learned behavior. That's the thought process, anyway.

Give good service, get reward.

Give bad service, no reward.

Learned behavior: Good service = reward.

And no...I'm not likening servers to dogs.

 

[TKERBELL]

And no...I'm not likening servers to dogs.

 

[bornwiththeears]

Surprise!!!! I booked our packages yesterday and my TA didn't mention a change in the dining plan. I called to book my ADR's and the CM asked if we would be using the dining plan, but offered no other information. We booked two restaurants in EPCOT - now I am wondering if they are on the plan. Are the new prices posted for the Deluxe and regular plan?