2011 DPP concerns & Disney email address

[divawife]

Although I am still hoping, it really does look like the desserts will be gone from the DPP plan from both TS and CS. They need to change the name to Disney Entree Plan or DEP.

 

[2Tiggies]

Although I am still hoping, it really does look like the desserts will be gone from the DPP plan from both TS and CS. They need to change the name to Disney Entree Plan or DEP.

With Disney, having an open mind and an above average sense of humor is something of a survival tactic

 

[StitchFan73]

Totally wondering aloud but-we often upgrade to Deluxe when the base plan was offered. I wonder if they take away the app (already done) and then the dessert-will it make upgrading to the Deluxe plan seem like a better deal? Especially for those folks who are already shelling out a bit more for a Moderate room compared to a Value room.

I also wonder if Disney is playing an assumption game. Value resort guests are more of a park commando type, and the QSDP is more appealing. Whereas a higher cost resort guest is more of the kick back and relax type and more likely to take the time required to fully enjoy the base, and even more so, Deluxe plans?

Again-just musing.

 

[catne]

Don't think I will send any pre-protests...since there has not actually been anything announced for the US plans, well I think I will just wait and see what the changes, if any, actually are...the US does not always exactly follow the same as the UK plans.

 

[Praying Colonel]

I remember before they removed the appetizer and tip from the DDP that many said it didn't do any good to send a complaint before it happened. Then after the removals were announced, many said it didn't do any good to send a complaint since it's already happened. I guess the only time to send a complaint was so that it arrived exactly as the change was being announced.

 

[Tricia1972]

I remember before they removed the appetizer and tip from the DDP that many said it didn't do any good to send a complaint before it happened. Then after the removals were announced, many said it didn't do any good to send a complaint since it's already happened. I guess the only time to send a complaint was so that it arrived exactly as the change was being announced.

I know you're just kidding, and you bring up a good point. Just when were we supposed to complain.


As I said before, I don't feel that sending well written emails does much to get Disney's attention. It's not that it's a bad thing to do, but in my mind it's kind of like telling your kids "Poking your brother makes me so mad!" and then offering to take them out for ice cream after supper. The kids never get the point that hitting is bad when you reward them for their behavior.

Overall I think that Disney reads the boards and knows how we generally feel about their changes, but their biggest concern is "are guests happy enough to continue to buy our product and fill our parks". If we are, they increase their profit margins and we've shown them that while they frustrate us, we'll continue to reward them with our money.

 

[2Tiggies]

Overall I think that Disney reads the boards and knows how we generally feel about their changes, but their biggest concern is "are guests happy enough to continue to buy our product and fill our parks". If we are, they increase their profit margins and we've shown them that while they frustrate us, we'll continue to reward them with our money.

That is so true. There was much discussion when the DDP dropped the tip and appetizer. Three years on nobody is talking about that and it is still the most popular of the three plans. The thing is, guests who spend time in the park have to eat. Plan or no plan, you have to buy something or bring your own. Now I know that there are those who bring their own food, but let's face it, if you can rather just buy in the parks, it is so much easier.

It may initially cause some to consider staying offsite if they feel the dining plan is not good value, but I really believe that you have your core of onsite and offsite guests, all for their own reasons and it is doubtful that the dining plan is going to have a serious impact on Disney's revenue.

This falls into a similar category to a company which acquires a new director who comes in and makes major changes. Everyone is unsettled by the changes, some leave, others who don't have any previous comparison join and have no issues as it is all they know, but for the most part, people adapt and get on with it. It is a trend of human nature. If Disney researches where to place trash cans, you can be sure someone in there has done the necessary homework on human behavior, including initial reactions and adaptations to change. And remember, initial reactions count for nothing if that is all they are.

I don't know if I will continue to get a dining plan if they make the rumored changes. But I also don't know if it will suit me as is is now in a few years time when my needs and/or touring patterns change.

 

[twokids0204]

With the value of the DDP going down, not only will it drive folks to CS or off-site meals as already stated, but I believe it will also drive guests off-site for accomodations.

One of the perks of staying on-site - especially for the Value resorts is the fact that you can get the DDP.

I stayed at the Ramada on 192 last year (before checking in to WDW), for $50.00 per night / for 2 queens w/ a coffee maker and fridge.

 

[Lewisc]

I remember before they removed the appetizer and tip from the DDP that many said it didn't do any good to send a complaint before it happened. Then after the removals were announced, many said it didn't do any good to send a complaint since it's already happened. I guess the only time to send a complaint was so that it arrived exactly as the change was being announced.

Neither--you register your complaint at the same time you book a trip without dining. Disney downgrades the plans but enough guests book the plan and Disney (thinks) it made the right decision.

I'm not sure even that matters. I'll speculate the plan is being structured so Disney can offer free dining as an alternative to other discounts. If I'm right Disney may not care if the number of guests paying for dining drops.

 

[2Tiggies]

With the value of the DDP going down, not only will it drive folks to CS or off-site meals as already stated, but I believe it will also drive guests off-site for accomodations.

One of the perks of staying on-site - especially for the Value resorts is the fact that you can get the DDP.

I still don't believe onsite guests are going to dine offsite - at least not in large enough numbers to have any noticeable impact. It is a hassle to have to leave to eat somewhere offsite, not to mention time consuming. I think those who stay offsite anyway will dine offsite. I am not advocating the rumored changes in any way but you won't find me venturing offsite just to get something to eat. I would rather stay at a value and eat at EoS every night.

 

[dandave]

I still don't believe onsite guests are going to dine offsite - at least not in large enough numbers to have any noticeable impact.

I completely agree! I believe that Disney agrees, as well. That's why they don't really give a hoot whether or not people like or dislike the Dining Plans. It's like corraling a herd of lemmings.

 

[twokids0204]

I still don't believe onsite guests are going to dine offsite - at least not in large enough numbers to have any noticeable impact. It is a hassle to have to leave to eat somewhere offsite, not to mention time consuming. I think those who stay offsite anyway will dine offsite. I am not advocating the rumored changes in any way but you won't find me venturing offsite just to get something to eat. I would rather stay at a value and eat at EoS every night.

I agree... but what I am saying is the deciding factor to staying onsite vs offsite for some, may be the availability of the DDP.

 

[2Tiggies]

I agree... but what I am saying is the deciding factor to staying onsite vs offsite for some, may be the availability of the DDP.

True, but I think this more the case with free dining. Proportionately few people will stay onsite just for the dining plan.

 

[Lewisc]

True. Of course Disney could make the plan appear to have more value by raising prices in the restaurants.

Without a dining plan that makes sense (at least to me) I'm more likely to stay off site. Through PL you can usually get a deluxe hotel for not much more then the price of a Disney moderate hotel. Without a dining plan that makes sense (at least to me) I'll have fewer table service meals. I may have some meals in non-Disney DTD restaurants or in the S/D. I might rent a car and have some off site meals.

I doubt I'd be willing to pay more for TS meals (either out of pocket or increased DDP costs) given the current menus, service and quality of food.

 

[2Tiggies]

I accept that I could well be in the minority here, but I only stay onsite and don't do so just for the sake of the dining plan. In fact, I don't think the dining plan has ever been a pulling factor in keeping me onsite because I know I can eat the same food without a plan, and have done so before.

 

[nurtz]

I accept that I could well be in the minority here, but I only stay onsite and don't do so just for the sake of the dining plan. In fact, I don't think the dining plan has ever been a pulling factor in keeping me onsite because I know I can eat the same food without a plan, and have done so before.

Well, I am with you in the minority then. I have been traveling to WDW for 30 plus years...countless trips...and have never used the dining plan and probably never will. I don't feel like I am missing anything. We will continue to vacation as we have in the past..staying onsite and paying OOP.

 

[2Tiggies]

Well, I am with you in the minority then. I have been traveling to WDW for 30 plus years...countless trips...and have never used the dining plan and probably never will. I don't feel like I am missing anything. We will continue to vacation as we have in the past..staying onsite and paying OOP.

It really depends on what is important to you on a trip. We are never in our room except to shower and sleep, so the fact that they are smaller is not an issue. If I have to choose between touring and food, I want to tour the parks. I want onsite for Disney transportation, EMH and just being there

Now for some, the core of planning is around nice meals and trying different or old favorite restaurants. I do like a few nice TS a week, but it's not going to make or break my vacation.

Having said all that, I am enjoying the QSDP right now - it is a good fit for our needs and I just pay OOP for the TS we want to do. But that is not my motivation for staying onsite.

 

[TDC Nala]

Guests do stay and eat onsite without the dining plan. They'll continue to do so. If you've always been staying onsite and you like it, will you move to staying offsite just because you don't like the price of the dining plan?

 

[nurtz]

Guests do stay and eat onsite without the dining plan. They'll continue to do so. If you've always been staying onsite and you like it, will you move to staying offsite just because you don't like the price of the dining plan?

I know we won't. We love being onsite and we eat quite well not using the dining plan. I have family members who love the dining plan but certainly would still stay onsite without it.

 

[free2div]

Have stayed offsite in the beginning before I knew how great it was to stay onsite. We love being able to just park the car and not worry about driving back and forth to the parks and paying parking and then forgetting where we park. Also we have found most of the time it is cheaper to stay onsite than off even without dining plan. Dining plan is nice but we dont always get it and that has never been the reason to stay onsite.