2009 Dining

[VMK_Mouse]

It looks like when Disney releases a new concept/idea/package/plan, whatever-you-would-like-to-call-it, it sticks around for about 2 years and then it is changed.

Do you think the 2009 DDP and DxDPP will be the same as the one for 2008 or do you think they will change it again?

If you pick yes, please tell me why or what you think will change.

 

[MomNeedsVacay]

I've never done the DDP, but it sounds like a lot of people who did it in 2007/liked it in 2007, didn't partake in it in 2008. Hopefully they'll change it to accomidate non-dessert eaters like ME!

 

[Tricia1972]

I voted no.

I think they changed it to open up the TS locations a little, make a little more profit, and to ease up on the dining strain that occurred by having so many people on the plan.

It sounds harsh, but Disney won't care about those who aren't buying the plan this year if it doesn't affect their bottom line. Most of the people I have heard who aren't doing the plan are still eating on Disney property, they just aren't doing so many table service restaurants. However, those TS locations are still filling up. Even though reservations have been easier to get (for some), I haven't heard any reports of half empty restaurants. I am guessing they're filling up with walk up customers and that's a huge victory for Disney. Can you imagine the people who didn't research and couldn't eat with the Dining Plan once they got there? These non-researching people may now get lucky and just walk up and sit down.

For Disney it's a win win.

It's not a victory for the consumer that loved the old plan though.

 

[Disneydd2]

I hope they do. I hope they add the tip and appetizer back into the plan. But that may just be wishful thinking.

 

[litlpixie]

I hope they do. I hope they add the tip and appetizer back into the plan. But that may just be wishful thinking.

Me too....My DH loved going out to eat and not needing any $$ on him and I am not much of a dessert eater....coffee is my dessert...but I love me some appetizers!!!!

 

[VMK_Mouse]

I hope they do. I hope they add the tip and appetizer back into the plan. But that may just be wishful thinking.

I just wonder how many waiters will make less or even possibly be "stiffed" because of the changes. I personally would still tip them based upon their service 15%-20%, but not all ppl will. I have already read accounts of this.

I am sure there are ppl who are mad about having to tip out pocket and are leaving only $1 -$2 per person or forgetting to leave a tip at all.

 

[apostolic4life]

I can see how this thread is going to shake out already..........the "change" OP wants to discuss is tipping. This should be fun; the threads about tipping always are!

 

[chief19spixi]

I voted yes!! It seems already so early in the year that the CM's and the loyal disney guests are both a little ticked off about this 2008 dining plan! If your guests and your hard workers are not happy than it means that its time to make some changes!

 

[dacky041208]

I don't know if they will do this, but I think the change that would make people the happiest would be to give them an option of app or dessert, and then add the tip back in, even if they needed to raise the price a few bucks.

However, if they get through this year and people stop complaining about the changes, I doubt they'll change it to our benefit.

 

[cymbaldiva]

I think something will change, it almost always does.

The question is, will it be a positive change?

 

[VMK_Mouse]

I can see how this thread is going to shake out already..........the "change" OP wants to discuss is tipping. This should be fun; the threads about tipping always are!

You are obviously more negative than I. Well, let's hope everybody is not so negative. That was not the intent of my question.

Sorry to disappoint you.

 

[VMK_Mouse]

I think something will change, it almost always does.

The question is, will it be a positive change?

That is a good question, of course positive is in the eye of the consumer, know what I mean?

I think the current plan would have been okay had they released they reduced the price by more than $1. I guess the bean counters thought they were doing us a favor by giving us $1 back. Had they dropped it by $8 - $10, that would have made more sense and I am sure more easily accepted.

 

[VMK_Mouse]

I don't know if they will do this, but I think the change that would make people the happiest would be to give them an option of app or dessert, and then add the tip back in, even if they needed to raise the price a few bucks.

However, if they get through this year and people stop complaining about the changes, I doubt they'll change it to our benefit.

Dacky, I think you make a great point about desserts and appetizers. Some places we go I prefer the appetizer and others I prefer dessert.

I can see how removing the tip was a smart idea. People complained about the poor service and how the service was so bad because the waiter knew they were getting paid either way.

There are always complaints from somebody about something. Ya know what I mean? I guess Disney will evaluate their bottom line in addition to feedback from their guests and employees and then make an eduated or un-educated decision.

Overall, I agree with you. And adding some stuff back, mainly flexibility, and raising the cost would not be so terrible.

 

[VMK_Mouse]

I voted yes!! It seems already so early in the year that the CM's and the loyal disney guests are both a little ticked off about this 2008 dining plan! If your guests and your hard workers are not happy than it means that its time to make some changes!

I was not aware that the CMs did not like the change.

 

[newfie]

Just curious. Will you be given a bill at the end of your meal if you are on the dining plan with the 18% tip there that you are required to pay. If so what happens if you truely get poor service?

 

[VMK_Mouse]

Just curious. Will you be given a bill at the end of your meal if you are on the dining plan with the 18% tip there that you are required to pay. If so what happens if you truely get poor service?

They do give you an itemized receipt with your meal total. You are not required to pay 18% unless you are a table of 6 or more. But you are expected to pay 18% of you bill total, pre-tax.

If you recieve poor service, you should ask for a manager before leaving your table. They can only make it right if you say something right then. If you do recieve poor service, you should certainly make sure you tell a manger than you do not feel your server earned 18% and why.

 

[VMK_Mouse]

To answer my own question, I do not think there will be a change unless Disney feels they are losing money.

Would I like to see a change? Yes! The changes I would like to see are the choice between an app and dessert on the standard MYW dining plan and for Disney to reduce the price a bit more for pulling an item from the plan as well as the included gratuity. If they would like to add the flexibility in and gratuity back in, they are welcome to raise the plan price a little bit to compensate.

Who knows, that may be their plan anyhow. LOL! Trick us to make us think we are getting a good deal, when it is all the same anyhow.

 

[apostolic4life]

You are obviously more negative than I. Well, let's hope everybody is not so negative. That was not the intent of my question.

Sorry to disappoint you.

No, I have just seen threads like this quickly go downhill.......Since you are new, I will dismiss your insult as the musing of thread troll! You seem to be here (as well as on your other thread) simply to stir the pot about DDP!



No disappointment here..........you gave me the exact reaction I expected.

 

[apostolic4life]

They do give you an itemized receipt with your meal total. You are not required to pay 18% unless you are a table of 6 or more. But you are expected to pay 18% of you bill total, pre-tax.

If a patron receives proper service 15-20% is the range a customer often leaves as a show of appreciation..........you will not be "expected" to leave 18%. Sure, a server would like everyone to believe 18% is the "expected" tip, but reality dictates the tip is based on the quality of the service rendered, not the false expectations of a server. When good service is given, I say tip 15-18%; great service, 18-20+%; poor to average service, 0-15%. Servers should not "expect" 18% just because you sit at their table. They should service the patron and earn that higher tip! As for the party of 6, I do agree with VMK about speaking to a manager about poor service so you do not get stuck with paying 18% for poor service.

 

[Nikisha421]

I did the plan in 2007 and LOVED it. My daughter never complained which is AMAZING. Well I am trying it in May with the Db(new acronymn)Disney boyfriend