2008 DDP discussion, questions, rants and vents

[bless7ings]

I love the name JediTim.

Does it help to book using our Disney Visa? That would be probably not. The only advantage I have seen having a Disney Visa is being able to have 6 months of 0% interest on your trip.


We payed our deposit of 200 with another card, but plan to pay the whole thing off with the Disney Visa. Would they then offer us something??? No. Once you book Disney is not going to offer you anything. The only specials you will get is hanging out on the Disboards and finding out when the specials come out and then you have to call Disney and see if you can apply the special code to your reservation. You will need to surf the different board on here to find the codes. But I would start with frequenting the Codes board. I believe they have a sticky right up front with special code info.

 

[bless7ings]

Hi there,
We just got back on Friday from 10 days on the dining plan and there was no problem splitting a meal at Chefs De France, Raglan Road and Yak & Yeti.

Thanks for taking the time to post that.

Tricia,

I finally talked to my husband and he agreed he'd rather pay out of pocket this time instead of using the DDP. We would both rather have the appetizers then the desserts and he said he was fine with splitting. We were so full last time. But we both said when we bring the kids again it's much easier to be on the DDP for us. That prepays, makes it so I am not trying to be watching the pennys with such a large family, the kids know what they can choose from and be happy, happy, happy! And theres a lot more reasons.

Thanks for all your help and encouragement. Thanks to everyone else too.

Wow a vacation with just my sweetheart!! Could it really be true?!?

 

[UAB master]

Thanks for all the information. If you participate in the DDP do you have to make ADR for the table service restaurants?

 

[bless7ings]

I haven't been since 2005, but from all I keep reading it doesn't matter if you are on the DDP or not because the DDP has become so popular it has made it necessary to make your sit down table reservations because everyone is turning away walk ups. Some people are saying they have got lucky at some, but not quite a few. I personally would not take the chance.

We just decided to not be on the DDP this next trip for the two of us and I will definately make reservations.

 

[sharon_wv]

I really am appreciating this thread. Ronda, you are so right about the definition of "value". We're going to have a 1 y/o, 2 y/o and 3 y/o. Our 2 y/o hits the witching hour about dinnertime, so even if what we order may cost more, we probably won't enjoy it, right? In addition, like I think Tricia said, to see our kids faces when they see Mickey/Minnie, etc at Chef Mickey; Pooh Bear at Crystal Palace, & most importantly (for the girls at least) the princesses in Epcot. Then it'll be awesome to see the adults (like the grandparents enjoy watching the kids too. .... priceless stuff.

Bottom line is that the DDP will just be more convenient for us; so I'm really happy with our decision.

p.s. I don't know how to quote others. I got some error about not enough posts when I did it earlier today...

Thanks again everyone! I'll keep looking back

 

[JediTim]

I love the name JediTim.

Does it help to book using our Disney Visa? We payed our deposit of 200 with another card, but plan to pay the whole thing off with the Disney Visa. Would they then offer us something???

Thanks...avid Star Wars Fan and Disney Fan...last year was the first time I was able to make the Star Wars Weekends...great time for any fan.

I also paid with the Disney Visa card with the $200 deposit...I am hoping that I can get a discount. I also know that they offer six months of free financing on the trip but don't believe they offer it unless you ask...I paid last year with the same card but never received the six months off.
Tim

 

[bless7ings]

I used it and it worked. But before I put anything on for the Disney trip I asked a thousand questions. I don't remember if I had to ask specifically. I would call. I do remember that I could keep putting charges on my Disney card to rack up disney dollars and that still had to be paid off monthly or they would have finance charges. The only thing that did not rack up finance charges is if the charge was coded for a Disney trip. Hope this helps.

I mentioned before about checking out the codes forum to know when the discount codes come out for when you are going. You go to Disney Resorts and then there is a sub catagory at the top called Codes and Rates. When you hit that button there are a bunch of sticky's at the top that will help explain to you FAQ and guidelines of discounts and codes. There is also a thread on all you want to know about free dining. The other thing you can check out is WWW. mousesavers.com. I think you go to discounts on somewhere on there she has listed historic discounts since at least 2004. When they come out and for what time period. That will give you some clue as to what Disney has done for the general public, Disney Visa card holders, Florida residents and annual passholders. The only thing it doesn't list is what the rate actually was.

 

[Elderado]

When we went last year, on our last day we realized that we still had like 10 treats left and it was time to leave MK and head to the airport...so we got our ten ice cream treats and handed them out to people walking by, our kids enjoyed the surprised look on people's faces when they recvd a free treat.. We are headed back in 2 months on the DDP and you can bet that this time we will have used ALL of our credits before our last day is over

 

[LETSGOFAM]

how does it work when you actually go to buy your food on the DDP? I read the big snack list at first, but there's no way I would remember that, so how do you know what is included when your at the park and either go to a restaurant or just want a snack? I don't want to wait in line and then get to the counter with a blank look on my face and 5 people to order for! Not to mention people behind me waiting.

 

[WeLuvTink!]

The snacks are labeled on the menu with a "DP" insignia. However, just to be sure I usually say I want to use # snack credits to get X,Y,Z.

 

[Mississippi Mamma]

I tried to shop carefully when I decided to get the Delux Dining Plan (with wine) for our upcoming trip. We really like to eat out and try food that we can't get at home. The appetizer was one of the attractions of the plan for us, and now I find out it is gone! Here is my question: If we are eating on the Delux Dining Plan, which now does not include an appetizer, can I order an appetizer and pay for it seperately? In other words, am I stuck just getting an entree and dessert since that is what is on the plan?

 

[apostolic4life]

I tried to shop carefully when I decided to get the Delux Dining Plan (with wine) for our upcoming trip. We really like to eat out and try food that we can't get at home. The appetizer was one of the attractions of the plan for us, and now I find out it is gone! Here is my question: If we are eating on the Delux Dining Plan, which now does not include an appetizer, can I order an appetizer and pay for it seperately? In other words, am I stuck just getting an entree and dessert since that is what is on the plan?

You are mistaken....the Deluxe plan does include appetizers. Here is the link to the information on the Deluxe Dining Plan inclusions:

DDDP

 

[RACHELSMOM1]

I tried to shop carefully when I decided to get the Delux Dining Plan (with wine) for our upcoming trip. We really like to eat out and try food that we can't get at home. The appetizer was one of the attractions of the plan for us, and now I find out it is gone! Here is my question: If we are eating on the Delux Dining Plan, which now does not include an appetizer, can I order an appetizer and pay for it seperately? In other words, am I stuck just getting an entree and dessert since that is what is on the plan?

The Delux DP includes appetizer, but not gratuity. The regular DP does not include appy or gratuity.

 

[kritter]

The Delux DP includes appetizer, but not gratuity. The regular DP does not include appy or gratuity.

RachelsMOM1,

I love the pic. in your sign. Sorry, off topic but I do love it.. Precious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[sarobison]

Can't decide what to do! Our last several trips have been on DDP (or some previous similar plan) but now, I just don't know. We're (hopefully) going in early-mid August w/ DS8, DS 4, DW, and me.

DDP is sooooooooo much easier than OOP because I don't have to worry about a budget. No apps doesn't really bother me b/c except for the lobster soup at Coral Reef (worth paying OOP) I won't miss them. And sorry folks, we're "pick what you're hungry for now" people, I can't forecast what I'll eat six months in advance with any degree of certainty (other than to know that I'll always order dessert ).

IT'S THE GRATUITY! I mean seriously. Let's say we do a buffet. The total for that meal would be ~$80, so a 18% tip would be ~$15. Sorry folks, I ain't tipping $15 for somebody to fill my drink up! I know I should "tip what I feel is appropriate" but I don't want to be too cheap either.

What to do!?!?!?

 

[Tricia1972]

Can't decide what to do! Our last several trips have been on DDP (or some previous similar plan) but now, I just don't know. We're (hopefully) going in early-mid August w/ DS8, DS 4, DW, and me.

DDP is sooooooooo much easier than OOP because I don't have to worry about a budget. No apps doesn't really bother me b/c except for the lobster soup at Coral Reef (worth paying OOP) I won't miss them. And sorry folks, we're "pick what you're hungry for now" people, I can't forecast what I'll eat six months in advance with any degree of certainty (other than to know that I'll always order dessert ).

IT'S THE GRATUITY! I mean seriously. Let's say we do a buffet. The total for that meal would be ~$80, so a 18% tip would be ~$15. Sorry folks, I ain't tipping $15 for somebody to fill my drink up! I know I should "tip what I feel is appropriate" but I don't want to be too cheap either.

What to do!?!?!?

If the gratuity is the one thing holding you back on the DDP (vs OOP) then I say do the DDP.

Paying OOP or on the DDP you will be asked to tip what you feel is appropriate. So either way you may feel the pressure for the 18% tip. If the DDP will save you money everywhere else - then do it!

 

[lazydoxy66]

I've read several other web forums on this subject. It sounds like most everyone who has used the DP in the past is very disappointed with the changes to the plan this year. Most people are asking why they can't decide between an appy or dessert. Some are really bugged by the fact that the tip is no longer included. On the other hand if you look at various postings for reviews of restaurants the biggest complaint is cost.
I think it really boils down to your preferences for types and size of meals, where you want to eat, and will you choose the priceier items.
Also, it was mentioned somewhere else that Disney was giving this new incarnation of the DP 3 months then they would reevaluate it based on consumer feedback. So everyone who has used this plan this year, let the big D know what you thought.

 

[LETSGOFAM]

We have never been to WDW and this will be our 1st time this June. We picked the DDP so we could have everything mostly paid for upfront and not worry about how much this or that is during our vacation (other than gifts) We have 7adr's planned also which include a dinner show and 4 character meals. I hope in the long run that it will be worth it for us. We also have 3 kids and the oldest will be 15 - he's an eater!

 

[square pond]

Can anyone tell me if they have had any experiance with a ten year old or older ordering off the childrens menu for their entree but still being able to get an adult appetizer and dessert?? There are a few places our 10 year old will not want something off the adult menu but would like the appetizer and dessert. Thanks for any input on this.

 

[apostolic4life]

Can anyone tell me if they have had any experiance with a ten year old or older ordering off the childrens menu for their entree but still being able to get an adult appetizer and dessert?? There are a few places our 10 year old will not want something off the adult menu but would like the appetizer and dessert. Thanks for any input on this.

I don't know for sure, but I would think since you have paid full adult price for the 10 year old they would let him/her do this. Just check with the server before ordering or call WDW and inquire about it.