Doh, there's 2 threads on this, I was all confused thinking my numbers stuff was deleted or something (it's still morning...my brain doesn't wake up until I get off of work).
Some more numbers in relation to the price increases (copied from said other thread, Fred)
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For the credit costs, going back to Faldred's original calculations, we see the following (assuming all entitlements are the same):
2QS + 1S = 37.58
1TS + 1QS + 1S = 55.59
3Dx + 2S = 99.97
Using 3 for S (to symbolize an average of $3 for snack) we get
2QS = 34.58
1TS + 1QS = 52.59
3Dx = 93.97
QS = 17.29
Dx = 31.33
1TS + 1(17.29) = 52.59
TS = 35.30
So, in non-peak season, these are the rough estimated costs per credit per plan:
QSDP: 1 QS credit costs ~$17.29
DDP: 1 TS credit costs ~$35.30
DxDDP: 1 Dx credit costs ~$31.33
(*Cost per credit, at least in my world, is an estimation of how much the actual credit costs you when you buy the plan. There is no bearing on what you order, or how many credits you leave unused, since you still have them, they're just not used. Value per credit is where these things come into play. Again, at least in my world )
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I'll have to wait and see what menu prices look like for next year, but with the change to the 15% claim (just a couple years ago it was 25%!), I'm not expecting them to go up by nearly as much as the plans themselves.
The real effects of the pricing.
Some will say that we need to wait to see next Year's menu prices. Not really necessary. Menu prices don't suddenly flip on January 1. Some menu items have been priced the same for 5 years. Other menus may have been adjusted recently, others may see an adjustment at any time.
Historically, we know the trends -- Dining plans and character meals see big increases every year. Regular menus increase at only about 2-3% per year, overall.
Heh, yup, I did say that! However, I do agree. The future menus will only further refine the data and I'm not holding out hope there's going to be anything major done. Basically, in my case (not everyone's, just mine) when I say I have to wait for the menus, it's more about refining the estimations than it is about determining the overall general "feeling" toward any of the plans.
Also, before anyone freaks out over the restaurant lists (which, I bet many already have...) a reminder that:
The list of restaurants in the initial 2013 brochures is not final. They include only Disney-owned restaurants and those who have already signed the contract for 2013 (likely none at this point).
Non-Disney restaurants have until the end of the year to sign back up for the next year. Historically, only 1 restaurant has ever dropped participation in the dining plan, Fulton's, and they rejoined for 2012. There's a good chance that your favorite restaurant that was on the plan for 2012 will be on it for 2013.