Are $60 buffets Disney's incentive to purchase the DDP

[Disneyhappy]

Not wanting to eat at a $60 buffet doesn't necessarily mean that a person can't afford it. Can I afford a $280 dinner? Yes...but would I? I have better things to spend my money on then some subpar food and characters. I might have taken the plunge on Chef Mickey's when it was $40 a person, but $60 a person is far far too much. (I think $40 is pushing it...but I am also aware that I am not a buffet person..I'm not a big eater at all.)

We own DVC and visit an average of 3 times a year. We've watched the quality of dining decline and the prices skyrocketing. $60 for character buffets with food quality equivalent to Old Country Buffett is a miss for us. I can't even justify that price with our Tables In Wonderland discount card. Can we afford it? Yes. But it doesn't mean we are willing to pay it. When we invite infrequent visitors or the kids, we do a few restaurants. We also go off site more and more since the implementation of the meal plan years ago. We continue to visit but our experiences have changed. We also sold off one of our DVC contracts because we preferred to add an extra trip to USO every year. Less cost prohibitive, allows for more spontaneity, quality of food is better in many cases (all must try Mythos) and Disney will never, ever be able to compete with their resort guest front of the line access.

 

[manning]

I know I will get blasted but oh well,
The big part of the problem is the US style of business, Tipping is everywhere and expected. I can carry my own bags, serve me coffee, why tip? order my lunch at any counter and tip jar?
Pay the people a fair wage, have every business do this and get away from the expected tip.
Works great for Australia, many parts of Europe. While tipping in some parts is considered rude.
I welcome the day that I don't have to finish a great meal, good time and then do the math of what the tip should be.
As well, back when I was bar tending I witnessed rude bartenders that would throw dimes and quarters back at people saying "looks like you need it more than I". Be thankful for any.
Back then as well tips were 5-7%, now we are up to 18-25%, We complain about buffet pricing, why not tipping pricing.
Ok sorry rant over.

Had this happen to this several times. I just looked at them, shrugged my shoulders and said "you're right you must get paid pretty good and from the several I got you are overpaid.

I'm not about to have an establishment tell me what to tip. I tip based on service. If Disney doesn't like it....tough!

 

[KYMickey]

Back then as well tips were 5-7%, now we are up to 18-25%, We complain about buffet pricing, why not tipping pricing.
Ok sorry rant over.

That's one thing I don't understand they keep pushing the percentage of standard tips upward. It would seem logical that if 15% for example was good 20 years ago it should be good now. The cost of the meal have increased significantly, probably more than doubled in that period of time so the tip would increase accordingly if you used the same percentage. That should more than compensate for increased cost of living for the servers. If anything I think from causes probably increased faster than many other costs so they may even be coming out further ahead.

 

[Minniesgal]

In 2013 we ate at V&As just the two of us, paid $400, thought thats expensive but worth it and as we are only here once ever 2-3 years I don't mind an occasional splurge.

In 2016 we ate a very similar meal at V&As and it cost us just over $700, we thought nice meal, not worth the cost, no desire to go back

For our next trip which should be 16 nights I'm planning the Boathouse (because we loved it), Flying Fish (because we missed it) and Califronai Grill and for the rest either groceries, offsite or offsite take away. We decided when we left this trip to cook more meals next trip so that the few we eat out we love rather than all meals merging into a sea of mediocre which is what happened our last trip.

I'd pay Disney prices for excellent happily but now we are paying disney prices even signature prices for mediocre. It doesn't work for me.

 

[Juliet25]

Do people normally tip 20% a Disney buffets? I was a server for a very long time, so I'm a generous tipper, but I can't imagine paying $240 + 48 (tip) for an average meal.

I tipped $30 tonight for a character meal. No way was the service that good. It was decent, but $30 was ridiculous. It was our first and last time using the DDP in its current state. The last time we used it, the app and tip were included. It was technically free dining, but it just barely came out ahead of an RO discount. I about spit out my mojito when I saw the kids price was $25. No way did they eat that many chicken nuggets. We are done with character meals. I'll just get a FP+ for the character spot at EPCOT if I want to meet Mickey with a minimal wait time.

 

[LAX]

Why not tax as well? It's a known amount that they have to calculate anyway. As you say other countries include their sales tax up front in prices. The only reason not to do it is to pretend the price is lower than it actually is.

I am certainly not opposed to including tax in the prices although menu prices will need to be changed every time the sales tax go up. I guess it won't be much of an issue if menus go digital (instead of print).

LAX

 

[wed100105]

Add us to the list of people who will draw the line and say no more. The quality does not justify the price now; I can't imagine paying this absurd increase for it.

This change, coupled with planning my vacations out at 180 days and 60 days and then having Disney throw a wrench into those plans by announcing new openings, attractions, and park hours so close to my trip that it is darn near impossible to change anything if I want to keep what I had planned has left me feeling very disatisfied and looking elsewhere for future family vacations..

 

[Disneylover99]

I tipped $30 tonight for a character meal. No way was the service that good. It was decent, but $30 was ridiculous. It was our first and last time using the DDP in its current state. The last time we used it, the app and tip were included. It was technically free dining, but it just barely came out ahead of an RO discount. I about spit out my mojito when I saw the kids price was $25. No way did they eat that many chicken nuggets. We are done with character meals. I'll just get a FP+ for the character spot at EPCOT if I want to meet Mickey with a minimal wait time.

You can buy yourself a couple of great counter service meals just on the tip money you save.

 

[wed100105]

It's pretty easy if the kids are 12 and under...

2 adults, 3 kids with any type of discount (there's a military 15% off, there's a $5 off 2 dinners, etc) and it's not too hard
1 App - $8 (didn't mention multiple apps)
2 Beer - $6 x 2 = $12
3 Kid Meals for 12 and under (drinks included) - $6/each x 3 = $18
2 Normal adult steak meals with side (smaller size) = $15/each x 2 = $30
Total before discount, tax, tip = $68
Using lower discount ($5 off) = $63
Tax and tip 25% of total before discount (18% tip, 7% tax - tax may be off, so adjust tip) = $17
Total = $80 (on the nose)...

This post is why Disney is going to lose families like mine. I'd rather pay $100 at The Cheesecake Factory, Longhorn, or the like than pay Disney $250 for a meal.

We had Five Guys last Saturday and I was thinking to myself, "I'm totally going to be overpaying next week at Disney." I haven't even left yet for my trip and I am second guessing myself. This will be our sixth trip since 2010, and I am already disenchanted due to FP planning, making reservations 180 days out, and changes in park hours and ride openings.

I believe th tipping point is here for our family-unless this is a magical trip, we will be looking elsewhere for our next vacations. Universal should jump on this opportunity and market more to families.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

That's one thing I don't understand they keep pushing the percentage of standard tips upward. It would seem logical that if 15% for example was good 20 years ago it should be good now. The cost of the meal have increased significantly, probably more than doubled in that period of time so the tip would increase accordingly if you used the same percentage. That should more than compensate for increased cost of living for the servers. If anything I think from causes probably increased faster than many other costs so they may even be coming out further ahead.

They have systematically schlepped the cost of their employees off on to The consumers above what is reasonable and customary.

Tips kinda jumped the shark when Starbucks started the tip jar...an unapologetic attempt at adding 10-20% onto the cost of the product with no investment by the company.

Again...Americans are terrible consumers...even moreso at WDW

 

[MommyinHonduras]

I would love some honest input. We are a first (and most likely is one time) family. There are 8 of us. So anywhere we sit down at a TS tip is included on site or off. We are staying at WBC for more space and I don't want to eat out every meal for 10 days. I have booked 3 TS meals. 1900 dinner, BOG Dinner and H&V breakfast. Rest will be in QS, at condo or offsite. Will I be that disappointed spending $300-400 Times three? Would you recommend dropping any? H&V is our HE day and ds 8 birthday, he asked for unlimited beacon and sausage and pancakes.for.breakfast and Jedi training. BOG Dinner is for dd 12 birthday, she has a belle dress and want steak and a photo with the beast. 1900 is for dd 6 birthday and she want to meet Cinderella.

 

[LSLS]

I would love some honest input. We are a first (and most likely is one time) family. There are 8 of us. So anywhere we sit down at a TS tip is included on site or off. We are staying at WBC for more space and I don't want to eat out every meal for 10 days. I have booked 3 TS meals. 1900 dinner, BOG Dinner and H&V breakfast. Rest will be in QS, at condo or offsite. Will I be that disappointed spending $300-400 Times three? Would you recommend dropping any? H&V is our HE day and ds 8 birthday, he asked for unlimited beacon and sausage and pancakes.for.breakfast and Jedi training. BOG Dinner is for dd 12 birthday, she has a belle dress and want steak and a photo with the beast. 1900 is for dd 6 birthday and she want to meet Cinderella.

Sometimes these boards can really scare people off. If they raise the prices to this, would those you mention be worth it for the food? Probably not. If they don't, are they worth it? Well, it's up to you. Don't let everything bring you down. I know the crusty vets keep getting more upset (me included in that), but I use the food section of the board, tons of great hints and advice there.

 

[MinnieSweetheart]

I would love some honest input. We are a first (and most likely is one time) family. There are 8 of us. So anywhere we sit down at a TS tip is included on site or off. We are staying at WBC for more space and I don't want to eat out every meal for 10 days. I have booked 3 TS meals. 1900 dinner, BOG Dinner and H&V breakfast. Rest will be in QS, at condo or offsite. Will I be that disappointed spending $300-400 Times three? Would you recommend dropping any? H&V is our HE day and ds 8 birthday, he asked for unlimited beacon and sausage and pancakes.for.breakfast and Jedi training. BOG Dinner is for dd 12 birthday, she has a belle dress and want steak and a photo with the beast. 1900 is for dd 6 birthday and she want to meet Cinderella.

H&V breakfast is Disney Jr. Characters (Doc McStuffins/Handy Manny/Jake the neverland pirate/Princess sofia). Honestly I can imagine a lot of 8 year olds would be quite disappointed to have those people at their birthday, bc its not "cool". If you have a car or way to go to another resort, I would look into Boma. It's half the price and I believe they even have chocolate chip pancakes on their breakfast buffet.

 

[bnhonest]

H&V breakfast is Disney Jr. Characters (Doc McStuffins/Handy Manny/Jake the neverland pirate/Princess sofia). Honestly I can imagine a lot of 8 year olds would be quite disappointed to have those people at their birthday, bc its not "cool". If you have a car or way to go to another resort, I would look into Boma. It's half the price and I believe they even have chocolate chip pancakes on their breakfast buffet.

Theyd miss out on Jedi Academy if they resort hopped for breakfast. H&V is just ok. 8 yrs old...probably not in to Handy Manny, Special Agent Oso, or the Little Einsteins. But to my knowledge, it's the only breakfast buffet in HS. It's not great, but it will do. (It was actually the worst meal we had on our last trip in 2014. But then again ...Jedi).

 

[MommyinHonduras]

Theyd miss out on Jedi Academy if they resort hopped for breakfast. H&V is just ok. 8 yrs old...probably not in to Handy Manny, Special Agent Oso, or the Little Einsteins. But to my knowledge, it's the only breakfast buffet in HS. It's not great, but it will do. (It was actually the worst meal we had on our last trip in 2014. But then again ...Jedi).

Not into those Characters really, my daughter Process Sophia but want to sign up for Jedi, Chewy and Kylo and Vader are who he wants to meet. Just a huge price tag for food that gets low marks I have heard. I am still on the fence on this one. They just dropped the singers/dance time too, so breakfast should be quicker? Well will see maybe money would be better spent on sw dessert party....

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I would love some honest input. We are a first (and most likely is one time) family. There are 8 of us. So anywhere we sit down at a TS tip is included on site or off. We are staying at WBC for more space and I don't want to eat out every meal for 10 days. I have booked 3 TS meals. 1900 dinner, BOG Dinner and H&V breakfast. Rest will be in QS, at condo or offsite. Will I be that disappointed spending $300-400 Times three? Would you recommend dropping any? H&V is our HE day and ds 8 birthday, he asked for unlimited beacon and sausage and pancakes.for.breakfast and Jedi training. BOG Dinner is for dd 12 birthday, she has a belle dress and want steak and a photo with the beast. 1900 is for dd 6 birthday and she want to meet Cinderella.

I originally started looking at the Disney boards to talk about food...and maybe hear some interesting rumors and backstories...

But now it's hard to talk about dining post Iger/dining plan.

Your honest questions make it difficult.

Disney restaurants are now significantly overpriced. They always have been...but the offset was a reasonable tourist/location upcharge, generally good food qualify, and some uniqueness for families and kids.

It just doesn't really hold anymore.

To be honest: you have to really value the character angle to pay the money for those 3 buffets.

My suggestion is hold on to park fare (best quality of the 3)...keep the be our guest only for your daughter (food In the magic kingdom is not good), and dump Hollywood and vine.

There are better meals to be had...so if you want some non-characters...I can offer you some suggestions. Sadly...the suggestions are harder and harder to make with each passing year though.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Why not tax as well? It's a known amount that they have to calculate anyway. As you say other countries include their sales tax up front in prices. The only reason not to do it is to pretend the price is lower than it actually is.

I'm certaintly not trying to have hot oil poured on me and I do realize this is slightly off topic from the original point of the thread (but it was brought up before me) but I tip off of the subtotal not the entire check because taxes go to the city, the state, the zoning district (if it's a specialized area) they do not go to the establishment.

In my area I believe Applebees is the only one currently who on their electronic register-type things that are on the table (where you can play games, order appetizers, or pay your tab) it says "tip is calculated before tax". I tip 15% for normal places and 15-20% for nicer places (in WDW for TS I would lean towards the 20%) but again it would be based off of the subtotal. In my area I have never tipped for buffet places...the ones I've been to (like Golden Corral or places at the Casinos) you pay upfront before you even enter into the main area not at the end..I haven't been to one in WDW though.

Just as an example in my city tax is 9.225% (6.5% of that goes to the State, 1.225% goes to our County, and 1.5% goes to the City), some cities around me are higher or lower than mine..the chain restaurants do not generally change their pricing from one city to the next in my area therefore if I eat at Applebees in my city and then go to a city boardering mine which has a higher tax then I actually end up paying more there.

This is the way I tip but others around me don't tip that way and there's not a problem with that (though my husband and I both tipped the same way prior to even meeting). To a waiter/waitress they may think they are getting less tip if they see what I tipped them but I'm just tipping in a different way.

 

[MinnieSweetheart]

Not into those Characters really, my daughter Process Sophia but want to sign up for Jedi, Chewy and Kylo and Vader are who he wants to meet. Just a huge price tag for food that gets low marks I have heard. I am still on the fence on this one. They just dropped the singers/dance time too, so breakfast should be quicker? Well will see maybe money would be better spent on sw dessert party....

YES!!! Star Wars Dessert Party would be way cooler for a young boy. The star wars fireworks are amazing and I heard they are getting bigger and better for summer.

 

[midaroco]

I would love some honest input. We are a first (and most likely is one time) family. There are 8 of us. So anywhere we sit down at a TS tip is included on site or off. We are staying at WBC for more space and I don't want to eat out every meal for 10 days. I have booked 3 TS meals. 1900 dinner, BOG Dinner and H&V breakfast. Rest will be in QS, at condo or offsite. Will I be that disappointed spending $300-400 Times three? Would you recommend dropping any? H&V is our HE day and ds 8 birthday, he asked for unlimited beacon and sausage and pancakes.for.breakfast and Jedi training. BOG Dinner is for dd 12 birthday, she has a belle dress and want steak and a photo with the beast. 1900 is for dd 6 birthday and she want to meet Cinderella.

If this is your first time, chances are you will absolutely love everything and not notice any of what the regulars are complaining about. It's like when you buy a house...you don't notice the dings and cracks until after you've fallen in love and purchased it. I don't think that's a bad thing either, I think you'll have a wonderful time.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

I will say I am staying out the tip vs non-tip fight I have always hated how much they expect on top of outrageous prices as it is. A tip used to be tipping for how you thought the service went. A tip used to be what was an extra nice gift. Not a required extra cost. *off that stump*

Now with all this talk I am seriously talking to my hubs about changing our dining plans.
1. how many huge meals will we really want?
2. is it worth this much for mediocre food and a show?
3. the tips are outrageous at some of these meals.
4. maybe we shouldn't be so worried bout food and if we decided we don't want to eat at that time we don't feel like we lost money. Easy to put on the Disney gift card. go to the two at least big meals and see about others maybe three.
In the castel, and BOG- two other maybes are Fantasmic dinner (with Minnie) and maybe one dinner show)
I like to buy a huge popcorn in a bucket or those cups so not getting those in the meal plan also adds up.