Advise for Avoiding the Segmenting Pitfalls

[csmommy]

Believe me all of the CM's are well aware of the issues and they are discussed all day every day. We had the DDP in the middle of our stay last month and it was a pain. 4 trips to the Front Desk, 3 different sets of KTTW cards and DDP credits that were removed from our DDP segment and moved to our non DDP segment.

Bill

You would think that a company as large as Disney would have found a way to correct this situation by now. How long have they offered this? About a year?

According to the 3 managers that I spoke to, Disney did not expect Guests to have more than 1 or 2 segments. The CM's and managers wish that segmenting would be canceled until the software is fixed and implemented across property. They told me that Disney is looking at the numbers to determine if additional revenue has been generated with segmenting and that they expect that there will be policy changes to fine tune the program if it is continued.

Bill

My feeling is Disney should not have released this if they couldn't make it work for all scenarios.

I had understood the original thought behind the segmenting was that this was a way to get dining $ from DVC members, that not enough of us dined at WDW b/c we can cook at our rooms. So while their revenues will not be the same as non-DVC WDW guests, I would think they are getting more money from us since you can use it when you would like instead of all or nothing. I wonder what they were looking to make from this compared to what they are making.

 

[bastraker]

I have segemented many times over the past year. Most recently from 6/29-7/11 at BLT.
1 - no plan
3 - deluxe
1 - no plan
3 - regular dining
1 - deluxe
1 - no plan
1 - deluxe
1 - no plan

There are going to be problems. There seems to be no way around it, but being prepared makes it a little easier. I had to make many trips to the front desk and I can't even count or remember the amount of keys I went through.

One problem we had with every segemented stay at BLT was that on the 2nd day, we would get locked out of our room and the front desk would have to cancel the whole trip and rebook it again (usually took 1/2 hour). The manager I spoke to on this last trip said this has been a frequent problem for them.

Another issue is housekeeping(if that matters to you). Because of the segements, you never get your scheduled services the way your suppose to. Many days housekeeping was knocking on my door telling me that we were checking out when we weren't and the days we were due for T&T were never done. My suggestion is to call housekeeping a day or two before your services are due and see if you are on their schedule. Or, if you miss the service one day, call the next morning and see if they can come that day. That worked for us.

Also, with every segement and new set of keys you get, the credit card on the room gets lost. Therefore, if you want a credit card attached to the room, you need to bring it with you and have it added everytime you switch.

If you go to a meal (or get snacks) and there are no credits on your card, just charge the meal to the room and then you can go to the front desk and they will use your credits to fix it. I had to do this once or twice at Beach Club in February.

One more thing, sorry for being so long, when you go in the morning to get new keys, the old keys will still work for your meal plan if you still have credits left on it. We had CM's tell us that the credits were carried over onto the new card and the old card would not work, but that has not been our experience. Just bring all cards with you and see which one works.

Good luck and post back how it goes. We are going again in October. I always like to do a few nights deluxe so we can do signature meals a few times. Hopefully it gets better.

 

[Nanapapa3]

Totally understand. For $1500.00 we get 11 TS meal including 1 Signature, 8 apps, 9 snacks & 3 QS meals, & we plan on sprinkling pixie dust to others who do not have resort mugs since we will get so many.[/QUOTE]


Hi csmommy,
Can you tell me about the resort mugs?
We are segmenting in Sept. (2 nights each BCV,VWL,OKW)
If we get the QSDP or the DDXDP for our first night at BCV, can we use the mugs at the other resorts?
Also, you said you get 8 apps with your plan...which plan do you get apps with? I thought only dessert was goven
Thanks!

 

[Sandisw]

Hopefully I will see you both at the BLT pool, relaxing & we can swap positive stories of how our segmenting is going!

Definitely!!! Will be fun!!! And, I think since we are going in to this segmented dining with our eyes wide open, it will work out fine. For the savings, it will be worth it!!

 

[disneynutz]

Hi csmommy,
Can you tell me about the resort mugs?
We are segmenting in Sept. (2 nights each BCV,VWL,OKW)
If we get the QSDP or the DDXDP for our first night at BCV, can we use the mugs at the other resorts?
Also, you said you get 8 apps with your plan...which plan do you get apps with? I thought only dessert was goven
Thanks

Officially refills are available for your length of stay where the mug was purchased. That's why Disney is testing technology to enforce the policy.
Appetizers are included with the Deluxe plan, search Google for the DDP PDF.

Bill

 

[csmommy]

Totally understand. For $1500.00 we get 11 TS meal including 1 Signature, 8 apps, 9 snacks & 3 QS meals, & we plan on sprinkling pixie dust to others who do not have resort mugs since we will get so many.

Hi csmommy,
Can you tell me about the resort mugs?
We are segmenting in Sept. (2 nights each BCV,VWL,OKW)
If we get the QSDP or the DDXDP for our first night at BCV, can we use the mugs at the other resorts?
Also, you said you get 8 apps with your plan...which plan do you get apps with? I thought only dessert was goven
Thanks![/QUOTE]

Just to elaborate a bit more on both the DDxP & the QSDP you get a resort mug. It is my understanding every time my plan switches to DDxP I am supposed to get a mug & that is going to happen 3 times for us. I certainly do not need that many mugs so I will "gift" them to people w/o.

As for apps you get them with the DDxP. DDxP consists of 3 meal which includes Appetizer (lunch & dinner), Entree & Dessert or 1 full buffet.

Definitely!!! Will be fun!!! And, I think since we are going in to this segmented dining with our eyes wide open, it will work out fine. For the savings, it will be worth it!!

I am PMing you my cell, would love to say hi. We will be at TOTWL on 8/16 to wish DD Happy Birthday. We are having them deliver a Cinderella chocolate slipper intead of cake so we can sing to her. So excited!!!

 

[333disneymom]

OK - we leave in 8 days! Can't wait!!!

In reading about the DP issues & segmenting I am trying to walk into this armed as best as possible in order to attempt to avoid the issues others have had. Yes, we are crazy, but I told DH about it & have made all our reservations, & he is committed (or at least SHOULD be lol) to giving this a try.

Day 1: DDxP
Day 2: DDP
Day 3: none
Day 4: DDxP
Day 5: DDP
Day 6: none
Day 7: DDxP
Day 8: DDP
Day 9: none

Thanks!

Please report back and let us know how your trip went. I have a future segmented trip and am hoping all goes well for you.

 

[csmommy]

Please report back and let us know how your trip went. I have a future segmented trip and am hoping all goes well for you.

Will do. Fingers crossed it will all work out!

I have segemented many times over the past year. Most recently from 6/29-7/11 at BLT.
1 - no plan
3 - deluxe
1 - no plan
3 - regular dining
1 - deluxe
1 - no plan
1 - deluxe
1 - no plan

There are going to be problems. There seems to be no way around it, but being prepared makes it a little easier. I had to make many trips to the front desk and I can't even count or remember the amount of keys I went through.

One problem we had with every segemented stay at BLT was that on the 2nd day, we would get locked out of our room and the front desk would have to cancel the whole trip and rebook it again (usually took 1/2 hour). The manager I spoke to on this last trip said this has been a frequent problem for them.

Another issue is housekeeping(if that matters to you). Because of the segements, you never get your scheduled services the way your suppose to. Many days housekeeping was knocking on my door telling me that we were checking out when we weren't and the days we were due for T&T were never done. My suggestion is to call housekeeping a day or two before your services are due and see if you are on their schedule. Or, if you miss the service one day, call the next morning and see if they can come that day. That worked for us.

Also, with every segement and new set of keys you get, the credit card on the room gets lost. Therefore, if you want a credit card attached to the room, you need to bring it with you and have it added everytime you switch.

If you go to a meal (or get snacks) and there are no credits on your card, just charge the meal to the room and then you can go to the front desk and they will use your credits to fix it. I had to do this once or twice at Beach Club in February.

One more thing, sorry for being so long, when you go in the morning to get new keys, the old keys will still work for your meal plan if you still have credits left on it. We had CM's tell us that the credits were carried over onto the new card and the old card would not work, but that has not been our experience. Just bring all cards with you and see which one works.

Good luck and post back how it goes. We are going again in October. I always like to do a few nights deluxe so we can do signature meals a few times. Hopefully it gets better.

Thanks for letting us know. I will make sure I hold onto all our cards. When you received your new cards did you also get a printout of what credits were left?

 

[sweetdana]

I have done it on 2 trips. ..and plans on it in Aug.
and .. I would do it again.
I did lose a few snack credits, from not wanting to go back to the desk.. but I prolly saved 400$ so .. I still won.

I would consider (if you have not already seperated them) with 2 days DDP and 1 skip.. it would cost a drop more, but be much easier. (or 2 days DDP and 2 days none.)

But I would go and have fun. you will be at the front desk every day, depending on room location/resprt maybe no big deal.
HAVE FUn!

I do think it is more work for them, and I am not sure how much profit they are resulting from it.. it is possible they drop it.. use it before it is gone. I HOPE not.. I guess you can do it on your own anyway, by changing the 1st party in the ressie, but then you might change rooms too..

 

[dizzneebabe]

OK - we leave in 8 days! Can't wait!!!

In reading about the DP issues & segmenting I am trying to walk into this armed as best as possible in order to attempt to avoid the issues others have had. Yes, we are crazy, but I told DH about it & have made all our reservations, & he is committed (or at least SHOULD be lol) to giving this a try.

Day 1: DDxP
Day 2: DDP
Day 3: none
Day 4: DDxP
Day 5: DDP
Day 6: none
Day 7: DDxP
Day 8: DDP
Day 9: none

He is OK with being the one to get a new card(s) each day if necessary. We are also split staying - 1st 3 nights AKV - Jambo (heard Kidani was a nightmare w/ this ) & then onto BLT for the rest of the trip.

My biggest concern is going to a restaurant & then being told we do not have the dining plan. Or at least the correct dining plan (ie - ordering app's when using DDxP credit & being charged for them).

So - to all those who have done this recently, please let me know if you feel there is anything we can be proactive about. Should we give our cards to the server at the beginning of the meal & ask her to work it out as we are eating? Should I have a credit card on file at the room, charge the meals (or app's) to it & then deal with it when we are back at the resort?

Thanks!

This is just my opinion, but the stress and aggravation associated with this, just wouldn't be worth the savings...not to mention MY TIME! All that time at the front desk, even if things go smoothly! I don't want to have to "manage" my vacation every day.

With people having so many segments, there will undoubtedly be longer wait lines at the front desk (for others like me) and longer wait times at restaurants while servers and/or managers discuss with folks their dining credits.

Everything in moderation...


Just my $.02!

 

[dizzneebabe]

OK - we leave in 8 days! Can't wait!!!

In reading about the DP issues & segmenting I am trying to walk into this armed as best as possible in order to attempt to avoid the issues others have had. Yes, we are crazy, but I told DH about it & have made all our reservations, & he is committed (or at least SHOULD be lol) to giving this a try.

Day 1: DDxP
Day 2: DDP
Day 3: none
Day 4: DDxP
Day 5: DDP
Day 6: none
Day 7: DDxP
Day 8: DDP
Day 9: none

He is OK with being the one to get a new card(s) each day if necessary. We are also split staying - 1st 3 nights AKV - Jambo (heard Kidani was a nightmare w/ this ) & then onto BLT for the rest of the trip.

My biggest concern is going to a restaurant & then being told we do not have the dining plan. Or at least the correct dining plan (ie - ordering app's when using DDxP credit & being charged for them).

So - to all those who have done this recently, please let me know if you feel there is anything we can be proactive about. Should we give our cards to the server at the beginning of the meal & ask her to work it out as we are eating? Should I have a credit card on file at the room, charge the meals (or app's) to it & then deal with it when we are back at the resort?

Thanks!

This is just my opinion, but the stress and aggravation associated with this, just wouldn't be worth the savings...not to mention MY TIME! All that time at the front desk, even if things go smoothly! I don't want to have to "manage" my vacation every day.

With people having so many segments, there will undoubtedly be longer wait lines at the front desk (for others like me) and longer wait times at restaurants while servers and/or managers discuss with folks their dining credits.

Everything in moderation...

Just my $.02!

I REALLY the OP has a great vacation, regardless!!!

 

[Nanapapa3]

This is just my opinion, but the stress and aggravation associated with this, just wouldn't be worth the savings...not to mention MY TIME! All that time at the front desk, even if things go smoothly! I don't want to have to "manage" my vacation every day.

With people having so many segments, there will undoubtedly be longer wait lines at the front desk (for others like me) and longer wait times at restaurants while servers and/or managers discuss with folks their dining credits.

Everything in moderation...

Just my $.02!

I REALLY the OP has a great vacation, regardless!!!

Wow...it's kind of selfish that you are more concerned about your wait times in line or at restaurants
The OP is not doing anything against the rules and is willing to go to the front desk to make their vacation work for them.
We are looking forward to their post when they return to see how it all works out and hope they have a great time

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I ran all my numbers again, and I chickened out of my original plan. The Deluxe would have saved more if I did all buffets, but since I had table service (that I squeezed in to cover the TS credits...) the savings didn't amount to enough.

I did still call and add qsp to our first day and qsp to our first day at BLT. When I called the CM said I couldn't do it. Then she mentioned something that made me ask if I could lose my reservation. She said yes. I asked for the supervisor. She came back and said they could do it. She explained that I would need new keys each time. I agreed so she put me on hold. The call took 34 minutes.

OP - I plan on going to the desk the morning that my qsp ends to get my new room key--just to be safe. I figure early am (before we hit parks) will cause least inconvenience instead of coming back tired from the park.

Also, I am going to take a sharpie to use for keeping track of which cards are room keys and which are dining credits. (I might create talley marks.)

The reason I went with two QSP days is for the mugs. I do know that the QSP saves us some money, but the mugs save us even more. (I wasn't sure with the new process if I would be able to use my Jambo mugs for my length of stay at BLT --even though it is one "visit" - I am unsure of Disney's definition at this point.

 

[bastraker]

Will do. Fingers crossed it will all work out!



Thanks for letting us know. I will make sure I hold onto all our cards. When you received your new cards did you also get a printout of what credits were left?

You could ask for a printout, but I always kept track and new what was left.

 

[hakepb]

I ran all my numbers again, and I chickened out of my original plan. The Deluxe would have saved more if I did all buffets, but since I had table service (that I squeezed in to cover the TS credits...) the savings didn't amount to enough.

I did still call and add qsp to our first day and qsp to our first day at BLT. When I called the CM said I couldn't do it. Then she mentioned something that made me ask if I could lose my reservation. She said yes. I asked for the supervisor. She came back and said they could do it. She explained that I would need new keys each time. I agreed so she put me on hold. The call took 34 minutes.

OP - I plan on going to the desk the morning that my qsp ends to get my new room key--just to be safe. I figure early am (before we hit parks) will cause least inconvenience instead of coming back tired from the park.

Also, I am going to take a sharpie to use for keeping track of which cards are room keys and which are dining credits. (I might create talley marks.)

The reason I went with two QSP days is for the mugs. I do know that the QSP saves us some money, but the mugs save us even more. (I wasn't sure with the new process if I would be able to use my Jambo mugs for my length of stay at BLT --even though it is one "visit" - I am unsure of Disney's definition at this point.

Based on All Star Sports RFID system, each segment = a visit. Although in 2012 DDP gets a mug.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Based on All Star Sports RFID system, each segment = a visit. Although in 2012 DDP gets a mug.

That's what I am thinking, which irkes me. Doing a split stay should not mean people have to purchase a second set of mugs. Can't we base my visit on riding Magical Express to and from the airport? (I know this doesn't work for all-- and doesn't work for us when we drive, but Disney should be able to determine that a family has stayed onsite for a "visit" not a "segment.")

Rereading this...if AKV/BLT had that system, the mugs would only work for two of my three days...

Thankfully, Disney serves Nescafe, so my only real fix of coffee isn't met by the mug anyway! (When they change the design, I like them as souveniers, though.)

 

[mjstaceyuofm]

Wow! All this segmenting sounds like a ton of work. Best of luck to you. Here's a few questions though:

1) Being a DVC Member (assuming as much as this is the DVC Planning board), I would assume you'll be having some food in your room (breakfast, afternoon snacks, etc.) so does the Dining Plan really make all that much sense?

2) Why not get an AP and the Tables in Wonderland Card? Your trip is 9 days which is pushing up against the "break even" point for getting an AP. Have you looked at the numbers to see if that might make sense? Even if you're not coming back this year, the TIW Card saves you 20% off dining, the AP gets you a ton of savings all over the place. Not everyone in your party would need an AP, only you, and then get the TIW Card. If you've already bought tickets you could apply that to the cost of an AP. Just a thought.

We've never done the DDP as it just looks too cumbersome to try and figure out how to use all those credits. The TIW card pays for itself many times over and we've found it's the best option for us.

Just a thought...

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Wow! All this segmenting sounds like a ton of work. Best of luck to you. Here's a few questions though:

1) Being a DVC Member (assuming as much as this is the DVC Planning board), I would assume you'll be having some food in your room (breakfast, afternoon snacks, etc.) so does the Dining Plan really make all that much sense?

2) Why not get an AP and the Tables in Wonderland Card? Your trip is 9 days which is pushing up against the "break even" point for getting an AP. Have you looked at the numbers to see if that might make sense? Even if you're not coming back this year, the TIW Card saves you 20% off dining, the AP gets you a ton of savings all over the place. Not everyone in your party would need an AP, only you, and then get the TIW Card. If you've already bought tickets you could apply that to the cost of an AP. Just a thought.

We've never done the DDP as it just looks too cumbersome to try and figure out how to use all those credits. The TIW card pays for itself many times over and we've found it's the best option for us.

Just a thought...

Matt,

OP will have to reply from her end, but I wanted to give a perspective for why this currently doesn't work for us. We always stay in a studio. We don't have food beyond breakfast items that I bring because we are flying and not renting a car. We tour commando, so we aren't in/near the villa when hungry.

The dining plan works for us because my kids are under 10. The cost to buy their plan is less than the cost of a buffet for them. I see the difference as a credit towards the cost that my husband and I pay. Keeping track of the credits is relatively simple because I make the ADRs for the number of credits.

 

[csmommy]

Wow! All this segmenting sounds like a ton of work. Best of luck to you. Here's a few questions though:

1) Being a DVC Member (assuming as much as this is the DVC Planning board), I would assume you'll be having some food in your room (breakfast, afternoon snacks, etc.) so does the Dining Plan really make all that much sense?

2) Why not get an AP and the Tables in Wonderland Card? Your trip is 9 days which is pushing up against the "break even" point for getting an AP. Have you looked at the numbers to see if that might make sense? Even if you're not coming back this year, the TIW Card saves you 20% off dining, the AP gets you a ton of savings all over the place. Not everyone in your party would need an AP, only you, and then get the TIW Card. If you've already bought tickets you could apply that to the cost of an AP. Just a thought.

We've never done the DDP as it just looks too cumbersome to try and figure out how to use all those credits. The TIW card pays for itself many times over and we've found it's the best option for us.

Just a thought...

Planning it wasn't a ton of work at all, as a matter of fact it was lots of fun playing around with the different scenarios, we will see how much work it is to implement.....

To answer your other questions:

1. Like disneydreamingdebby we are in a studio & only eat breakfast in our room. We are flying in & not renting a car.

2. We use our DVC points to go every other year so we do not get an AP & therefore are not eligible for a TOWC.

We like the DP b/c it is prepaid & we do not have to stress looking at the menu. Everyone can order whatever they want & it is already paid for - so that makes it stress-free for us.

Maybe one day we will be able to go more often, but for now no AP for us.

 

[Sandisw]

Wow! All this segmenting sounds like a ton of work. Best of luck to you. Here's a few questions though:

1) Being a DVC Member (assuming as much as this is the DVC Planning board), I would assume you'll be having some food in your room (breakfast, afternoon snacks, etc.) so does the Dining Plan really make all that much sense?

2) Why not get an AP and the Tables in Wonderland Card? Your trip is 9 days which is pushing up against the "break even" point for getting an AP. Have you looked at the numbers to see if that might make sense? Even if you're not coming back this year, the TIW Card saves you 20% off dining, the AP gets you a ton of savings all over the place. Not everyone in your party would need an AP, only you, and then get the TIW Card. If you've already bought tickets you could apply that to the cost of an AP. Just a thought.

We've never done the DDP as it just looks too cumbersome to try and figure out how to use all those credits. The TIW card pays for itself many times over and we've found it's the best option for us.

Just a thought...

I think that is the thing with the dining plans--they work for some and not others. We are doing a segmented trip as well and did choose the DxDDP for just one day.

The rest of the time will use the TIW card. For that one night, and the meals that we chose, the DxDDP works out better than the TIW card, considering the mugs--which are more a souvenir for some. But, will certainly get used at the pool in the hot afternoons!

We will be in a 2 bedroom but will not be doing food, other than a few breakfast items--and only because a few of my guests want to have it. If they were not coming, we would not be doing any in room stuff. When I go to Disney, I don't want to eat in the room or cook--its vacation for me and that to me is not vacation.

We do travel yearly so this will be the first time with TIW. Because we will have between 6 and 9 people at each meal (some eating at different places) it works out well for me this trip! We bought AP's because we are going again in February and will just plan our trip 1 week earlier next year.

I know the price of the plans are going up next year and there is a good chance we won't do them because we don't always do TS every day. This summer, again, with the guests we are bringing, it made sense.