Anybody else want DDP to end!!

[Lewisc]

Is that any different than what some guests do at the buffet restaurants?

The menu price doesn't really matter to Disney. The question is what is the cost of the food ingredients and how much time does it take to prepare the dish. Probably one of the reasons lobster was dropped from Coral Reef.

I wonder if people would order differently if MYW dining guests were given a menu without any prices. Would guests order a 12 oz strip steak because it was bigger or an 8 oz fillet because it's more expensive?

You must be referring to those who post and seem very proud of the fact that they 'order the most expensive things' on the menu and every single course they can even if only 1 or 2 bites are taken because they are so stuffed.
Sometimes that's the problem with "free" ~ there are always those who take advantage.

 

[CPer'sMom]

Is that any different than what some guests do at the buffet restaurants?

No, it's not ~ Same thing, same waste of food ... people doing it because they "can".

 

[NMW]

Personally, if I had put down the cash for DVC, I'd be taking advantage of the kitchen in those units...especially for breakfast and dinner. I wouldn't think that many DVCers would get much use out of the Dining Plan.

We bought DVC in 2004 and have not nor do we plan to use the kitchen! We did not buy DVC to cook on our vacations, we bought it to pre-pay our hotel stays at our favorite hotel (BWV). The only thing we use in that kitchen is the big fridge. We fill it with beer, soda, juice for the kids and water. I admit we love having a big fridge as well as a washer and dryer. For the record, we are freinds with several DVC families and they don't cook either.

We also loved the old meal plans (gold/silver). I have posted before that not being able to buy the meal plans as a DVC member almost made us not purchase DVC. We bought in and are thrilled. We are even happier now that DVC members can buy the DDP-it's like an extra bonus we didn't expect.

 

[XFINALLYX]

so does this mean AP holders can buy the DDP now? cause i was told we werent allowed in january

 

[Lizzy2]

Could anyone give specific examples, other than the lobster/Gold plan deal, of what they are frustrated about? The reason I ask is that my husband is a chef and we have been reading the menus on other sites for the TS places where we have ADR's and we have thought that the menus sounded great.
So I'm wondering what is missing? And what are the specific problems with the service? I would be interested in specifics as opposed to just fussing about how the DDP that is really helpful to alot of folks, is messing everything up.
And on the elitest issue, Bicker, I just really would like to be able to see some more discussions where we don't "flame" folks for not having the money/advantages that others have. In my short time here I have seen numerous comments that intend to start a discussion but really start a war and usually its something a long the lines of "I'm paying all this money and how dare these low class people on the discounted DDP ruin my experience when on a normal day they couldn't afford to eat at the SD places" and I've even heard people say things to the effect that on top of not having the $ they don't have the manners or the class either. Its ridiculous!!! This is an amusement park albeit an amazing one and we are supposed to have fun. If you really want to eat upscale and weed out the lower classes with the price of the entrees then I'm sure that Orlando has some amazing restaurants in town. I'm sure there would be less of those annoying children, too.
When we are there in Oct. we will be with my BFF who has lung cancer at 36-
She will probably be in a wheelchair-I'm wondering whose dinner will we disturb? Who will not want to look at her bald head and the rash on her face from chemo while they eat? You may think I'm being dramatic but believe me if people will say that financially challenged people and children shouldn't be allowed to go certain places then they are not too far from thinking that handicapped people or people other races should stay out of their way, too.
It is simply more politically correct to object to others when you can say "Afterall, I'm paying all of this money for MY experience."
Do you see what I mean?
By the way, how's life in the big MA? I used to live in Brookline/Boston and I love MA!!!!
Thanks for the ear-

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

This is an amusement park albeit an amazing one and we are supposed to have fun. If you really want to eat upscale and weed out the lower classes with the price of the entrees then I'm sure that Orlando has some amazing restaurants in town. I'm sure there would be less of those annoying children, too.


When we are there in Oct. we will be with my BFF who has lung cancer at 36-
She will probably be in a wheelchair-I'm wondering whose dinner will we disturb? Who will not want to look at her bald head and the rash on her face from chemo while they eat?

I personally would be the first one to ask if she needs anything. I personally have lost many friends way too young in their lives to cancer and it sucks. But I don't think that was the purpose of the post.

This began for people wanting to Disney to delete the DDP. I personally have booked it for my family. What I am continually amazed it is the ones who are just so proud of themselves for the savings that they got to partake of at Disney's expense. But as long as Disney continues to make a profit from it, it will stay. Again my question comes into the picture, how do those of you who do take advantage of the program (and those who do it know who they are), continue to think that it is acceptable. I am not saying that if you are budget conscietious you should not participate in the program, nor am I saying you should be grateful, what I am asking is this: If you are given a freebe, why would you go beyond what is acceptable and become excessive. I have seen way too many posts from those who are excessive and it is sad to see many be proud of themselves for their accomplishments.

I am putting on the Flame Suit for sure now!!!

 

[Lewisc]

I'm not sure if it was Bicker but someone did a comparison of the Coral Reef menu showing what was deleted when it went from 2 to 1 credits. My memory is most of the menu items that were deleted featured more expensive ingredients such as lobster and scallops. The menu has a strip steak, I think it used to offer a fillet.

Could anyone give specific examples, other than the lobster/Gold plan deal, of what they are frustrated about? The reason I ask is that my husband is a chef and we have been reading the menus on other sites for the TS places where we have ADR's and we have thought that the menus sounded great.
So I'm wondering what is missing? And what are the specific problems with the service? I would be interested in specifics as opposed to just fussing about how the DDP that is really helpful to alot of folks, is messing everything up.
And on the elitest issue, Bicker, I just really would like to be able to see some more discussions where we don't "flame" folks for not having the money/advantages that others have. In my short time here I have seen numerous comments that intend to start a discussion but really start a war and usually its something a long the lines of "I'm paying all this money and how dare these low class people on the discounted DDP ruin my experience when on a normal day they couldn't afford to eat at the SD places" and I've even heard people say things to the effect that on top of not having the $ they don't have the manners or the class either. Its ridiculous!!! This is an amusement park albeit an amazing one and we are supposed to have fun. If you really want to eat upscale and weed out the lower classes with the price of the entrees then I'm sure that Orlando has some amazing restaurants in town. I'm sure there would be less of those annoying children, too.
When we are there in Oct. we will be with my BFF who has lung cancer at 36-
She will probably be in a wheelchair-I'm wondering whose dinner will we disturb? Who will not want to look at her bald head and the rash on her face from chemo while they eat? You may think I'm being dramatic but believe me if people will say that financially challenged people and children shouldn't be allowed to go certain places then they are not too far from thinking that handicapped people or people other races should stay out of their way, too.
It is simply more politically correct to object to others when you can say "Afterall, I'm paying all of this money for MY experience."
Do you see what I mean?
By the way, how's life in the big MA? I used to live in Brookline/Boston and I love MA!!!!
Thanks for the ear-

 

[Tinkerbell10403]

I,too, remember when you could literally get an ADR for CRT the day of.

However I do love the DDP. It is just so hassle free to have the bulk of your meals paid for before you leave. Not only that, but it is a great deal, especially if you are on vacation for a long period of time. WDW Dining is not cheap, and the DDP is a great way to experience many of the fine restaurants they have to offer.

For those that say that they wish they could walk up and get a seat, I am very sorry. The rule is that reservations are availible up to 180 days prior to arrival, DDP or not. That being said, with guests making ressies up to a half year in advance, it is not very likely that you will have your pick of restaurants if you show up without ADRs.

Also, some people say that they do not want to make ressies that far in advance because they do not know where they will be (park wise) that day. Honestly, it does not make a difference. If you decide to spend your day in MK, and have ADRs in Epcot, just make sure you leave in enough time, especially with smaller children and crowds.

No one is right or wrong, it is a matter of preference. I choose to use the DDP, and also make my ADRs exactly 180 days in advance. I like to rest easy knowing my meals are set, and making ADRs is free, and easy.

 

[Sammie]

Personally, if I had put down the cash for DVC, I'd be taking advantage of the kitchen in those units...especially for breakfast and dinner. I wouldn't think that many DVCers would get much use out of the Dining Plan.

And as for the promotional "free dining"...well, these are promotional offers intended for new Disney vacationeers to get them to the parks. It's what businesses do. They've already sold you a big price item, so they know they have your business. When they want to thank you for that business or keep you happy members, they will come up with a promotion geared toward your needs.

Even though the DDP for DVC members is a paid plan it has been a huge success. Many DVCers eat out at least one TS or CS every day, using their kitchen for snacks and maybe breakfast. Based on discussion on this very subject on the DVC forums I don't see many of us doing much cooking.

I think most of us like the larger accommidations, larger bathrooms, than the actual use of the kitchen. It is certainly nice for beverages and snacks though and a great place to put those left over desserts from the DDP.

 

[Tinkerbell10403]

I agree. DVC Member here and I can tell you we will probably eat breakfast in the room, but will be eating CS and TS each day as we are on the DDP. I did not buy into the plan just because some of the accomodations come w/ a kitchen.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I wonder if people would order differently if MYW dining guests were given a menu without any prices. Would guests order a 12 oz strip steak because it was bigger or an 8 oz fillet because it's more expensive?

That's a great point. I would be interested to know too.

 

[Kathy C]

I don't know that I a problem with the DDP, but more a problem with how long it takes for people to pay at CS that have the DDP. It seems that many people aren't exactly sure what they can and can't buy, their credits, etc. We have annual passes and have the DDE card. We save 20% off most of our meals (haven't eaten any place yet that has accepted the card) and that includes alcohol although we aren't big drinkers. It has saved us quite money too. We'll be using it for our third time this year when we go in October.

 

[lustergirl]

lustergirl, I think you overestimate your ability to get under fellow posters skin.

I don't stay at WDW resorts any more, we have a house in Celebration, so no DDP for me no matter what (so jealosy for those who get DDP when living in Celebration is my alternative? I think not). I use the DDE to get 20% off and I eat at a WDW signature restaurant at least twice a month which puts me in a pretty good position to make comparative reviews and I can honestly say that IMO the quality has been affected since the wholesale DDP campaign started. The only restaurant that I frequent that is just as good as before is Flying Fish. The CG is more spotty, Artist Point, while very good last time has had something that someone in our family wasn't pleased with in each of our last three visits. Jiko used to be very steady but with the advent of th DDP they dumped the (expensive) monkfish and the replacement just isn't up to par and their service is all over the map. Sure it's my opinion versus yours and I TOTALLY agree that you'd be a fool not to take advantage of and enjoy the DDP while it lasts or at least until the restaurants have morphed into each other (and by then even you'll be saying what's the point?). But trying to be snarky for no reason just seems silly to me (tounge firmly in cheek). Besides bicker and I already do that, don't we bicker?

Oh, but I did enjoy the effort of your post. If more folks around here had a better sense of humor...Well, we'd laugh a lot more!

Peter Pan,

I posted such craziness to show people how something so small and ludicrous can affect people. If you choose to enjoy the free dining plan then so be it. I will say that everyone should be entitled to such great deals- how does that sound??? Peace my fellow disney lover!!!!!

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

luster, I understand but as an fyi (although I think you already know) subtleties are often misinterpreted on the DIS, as is humor, sadly...Besides discussing the ridiculous and minute details of WDW is far more fun than worrying about the war, the price of gas or the pending spector of WWIII. So I say, anyone want to talk about refillable mugs???

 

[Viki]

We bought DVC in 2004 and have not nor do we plan to use the kitchen! We did not buy DVC to cook on our vacations, we bought it to pre-pay our hotel stays at our favorite hotel (BWV). The only thing we use in that kitchen is the big fridge. We fill it with beer, soda, juice for the kids and water. I admit we love having a big fridge as well as a washer and dryer. For the record, we are freinds with several DVC families and they don't cook either.

We also loved the old meal plans (gold/silver). I have posted before that not being able to buy the meal plans as a DVC member almost made us not purchase DVC. We bought in and are thrilled. We are even happier now that DVC members can buy the DDP-it's like an extra bonus we didn't expect.

Amen! I have never cooked a meal in my DVC unit and I don't plan to anytime soon.

 

[littleladykaty]

I remember when you could get ADR's the night before. I hate having to plan which park and whigh restaurant we're going to visit 3 months before we even arrive. Now I've heard that the food has started to become standardized in each restaurant. You know, each restaurant serves the same 5 dishes. Service is suffering because the employees are having their tips taxed. I'll be glad when they ditch this dining plan and get back to some high end food with some high end service. Experiencing top quality food was one of the drawing cards for us. We loved visiting all the top end restaurants and trying all the speciality dishes. I'd rather pay more money and have it the way it was 10 years ago. Anybody agree??

I'm sorry but one month of free dining could not possibly be the reason for all that you are blaming it for! The DDP brings in more business for Disney as that is what they are about...MAKING MONEY. Your post makes it sound like all those who come to Disney and take advantage of the free dining are ruining your experience...come ON. Is the food only good if only certain people can afford it? You should be glad you can afford "top notch" dining. The Free DDP allows so many families who could not afford to come otherwise to experience the magic of Disney. Which is really point isn't it? That was Walt's original vision... Disney isn't some snobby country club where only the elite are allowed to enjoy...it's for everyone.

Change is hard, but times they are a-changing...I've heard things are VERY expensive at Disneyland Paris...perhaps you should try there!

 

[NMW]

so does this mean AP holders can buy the DDP now? cause i was told we werent allowed in january

No, to my knowledge AP holders can not purchase the DDP. Only resort guests buying the room package or DVC members staying on points can buy it.

 

[Julylady]

AP Passholders CAN buy the dining plan. You need to book a package with a minimum of one-day park ticket. The first time we upgraded the one-day passes to APs. The 2nd time we just saved our one-day tickets and plan to use them in the future.

Donna

 

[BillSears]

I'm sorry but one month of free dining could not possibly be the reason for all that you are blaming it for!

I don't think that most of the complaints are about the free DDP but instead about the DDP all year long. The reduced selection on the menus and the need for ADRs far in advance are symptoms of the entire DDP not just the free DDP.

I know WDW will do whatever they can to maximize profits and fill thier restaurants. But I prefered the old days when you could walk up to most restaurants and have a good dinner with a large amount of options depending on price and no reservations.

 

[k5thbeatle]

I remember when you could get ADR's the night before. I hate having to plan which park and whigh restaurant we're going to visit 3 months before we even arrive. Now I've heard that the food has started to become standardized in each restaurant. You know, each restaurant serves the same 5 dishes. Service is suffering because the employees are having their tips taxed. I'll be glad when they ditch this dining plan and get back to some high end food with some high end service. Experiencing top quality food was one of the drawing cards for us. We loved visiting all the top end restaurants and trying all the speciality dishes. I'd rather pay more money and have it the way it was 10 years ago. Anybody agree??

Yes, I have been saying this for some time. You make some very good points. This "plan" is doomed to failure in that it takes away any incentive for any restaurant to strive for excellence. Standardized is a good description and a good point! I mean failure also in the sense that it does just that...standardizes everything.

I cannot agree more that the food service has gone downhill in the last few years.

PS And No I also am not speaking about the free month (although that's a bad idea too) but rather the dining plan in general!