Average adult CS: $13, TS: $28, Snack $3

[disneyjunkie]

You make excellent points and Pumbaa! Just like how Le Cellier is always thrown into the mix as the reason to get the plan, but what if you want to go there for lunch and have the 13.99 Steak sandwich (which is pretty darn good BTW), then you have effectively blown the 'value' of the plan. Any plan that you have to 'work' to come out ahead is not a slam dunk value for all.

There are plenty of times when my son and I will only order an entree and a drink. Or we use a credit for counter service breakfast or a character breakfast.

For me the value is in the convince more than in the money saved.

We may skip the steak and go with chicken instead.

I love having as much of the trip prepaid as possible. The dining plan allows us to try restaurants we'd pass over if I had to pay OOP. We're free to order based on what we want, not on how much something cost.

I don’t' worry about maxing out the plan or getting the most value out of each credit.

I'm looking forward to using the deluxe plan next summer and it's not because we plan to steak and lobster all week. Heck, my son will order chicken strips more ofter then steak.

 

[FDV]

That adds up to $44 per day. Those wondering if the 2008 Dining Plan is worth it. Yes, it appears to be from a money standpoint, as long as you don't always order the cheapest thing on the menu and as long as this is what you would eat out of pocket normally.

On average you are saving $6 per day per adult. That is 13.6% average savings.

That's not accurate. First of all, those are not average prices, and I don't know where you got them. That is definitely more to the high side.

If you are eating normally, the average person would not spend nearly that much, because you look at the prices on the menu, and generally don't eat desert.

If you are trying to gorge yourself on the most expensive items at the most expensive restaurants (And don't mind gaining 10 pounds over a 1 week vacation like I did on the DDP), then it is still possible to save 10-25% (Disney's advertised 40% just seems impossible). But this plan is most definitely not an easy decision any more, especially if it's all adults. (One adult and 3 kids, and this plan is gold).

The beauty of the plan (for me), was not having to deal with a bill. Having to deal with the annoying tip slip totally kills it for me.

 

[duffy]

It is def. one less thing to worry about. We were on the regular DDP our last vacation and it worked for us. Yes, it was a lot of food but its nice knowing we dont have to worry about how much money is left in our checking account and should we order a desert ... how much is it? This is the type of thing I dont want to have to think about. Its our vacation and the less stress the better. This upcoming trip we opted for the DxDDP so that we could try all 2ts meals we didnt get to try last time.

We've never used the dining plan, but I agree: it's one less thing to worry about.

 

[VacationDad]

That's not accurate. First of all, those are not average prices, and I don't know where you got them. That is definitely more to the high side.

They are completely accurate. Those are the averages from this spreadsheet:

http://personalpages.tds.net/~rb/DIS/MYW Dining/DisneyDiningRanking2008.htm

Click on the Table-Average and Counter-Average tabs at the bottom and look at the average cost for all restaurants.

 

[FDV]

They are completely accurate. Those are the averages from this spreadsheet:

http://personalpages.tds.net/~rb/DIS/MYW Dining/DisneyDiningRanking2008.htm

Click on the Table-Average and Counter-Average tabs at the bottom and look at the average cost for all restaurants.

Problem is, you are misinterpreting the data to make the DDP sound like a great deal, when it is not, unless you significantly over eat. We did the plan twice (before the changes). The first time was interesting because we got to try some new restaurants. The second time we were ready to cry uncle about half way through. My daughter literally cried because we had to go eat again.

Now to address this analysis. First, I'd love to see the raw data from this spreadsheet, because I compared it to some of the actual restaurant menus, and most of them seemed too high. Second of all, you are assuming people eating on a normal basis eat desert at every meal, when in fact, most people do not eat desert, or if they do they often share. Third, you are assuming that all table meals will be dinner, when in fact, when eating normally, just as many eat table service lunch, or breakfast. And lastly, you are assuming that every counter service credit will be used for lunch, and not breakfast(Which is where most of ours went).

I don't need to waste the time on it, but I would love to see someone put together a cost comparison of what someone would eat and spend "eating normally", as compared to the DDP. There is little doubt that people spend more on the dining plan than they would if they were eating without it. In fact, that is probably why WDW created the DDP, so people spend MORE money, not less.

And the worst part of all, is that the WDW restaurants are grossly over-priced. If you eat outside the park, as many people do (And we plan to), you can get much better food for less than the WDW stuff. Maybe someone should average the DDP against the competitor restaurants.

I don't want to discourage anyone from using it if it's what you want, but I just don't think we should call something "average" when you are only using 1/3 of the data. This "average", would be a statistical anomaly in real life. Use the plan because you want to enjoy the experience, and not to think you are going to save money.

 

[VacationDad]

Problem is, you are misinterpreting the data to make the DDP sound like a great deal, when it is not, unless you significantly over eat.

Umm...it is simply a comparison of how much the DDP plan costs per day compared to the same food purchased out of pocket. Nothing more, nothing less. It includes entree, drink, dessert and tax. I don't think breakfast is included in that spreadsheet because obviously dinner is the best use of TS credits in terms of value.

 

[FDV]

Umm...it is simply a comparison of how much the DDP plan costs per day compared to the same food purchased out of pocket. Nothing more, nothing less. It includes entree, drink, dessert and tax. I don't think breakfast is included in that spreadsheet because obviously dinner is the best use of TS credits in terms of value.

Sorry, you're not getting out that easy. This is YOUR quote:

....and as long as this is what you would eat out of pocket normally.

The point is, under normal circumstances, virtually no one would eat like they do on the DDP.

 

[VacationDad]

Sorry, you're not getting out that easy. This is YOUR quote:



The point is, under normal circumstances, virtually no one would eat like they do on the DDP.

Nobody on vacation eats like they normally do the rest of the year. Otherwise we would all be 300 pounds. I suppose people could sneak in a bunch of peanut butter crackers to munch on through the day if that is their idea of good vacation eating.

 

[stinkythumbs]

With us there was so much food, I couldn’t believe that Disney even had the dining plan. At times we ate only a bite or two of an appetizer just because we had to spend it. Now, since you have to pay for an appetizer means you really have to want the food.

Also,
I can appreciate the fact that you have to leave your own tip. I responded in a survey from Disney that I think the gratuity should be based on service and up to the diner and not automatic. I recommended a sliding scale based on their service.

The only thing I would change is since I'm not a desert person, I say it should be either a appetizer or desert.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I can appreciate the fact that you have to leave your own tip. I responded in a survey from Disney that I think the gratuity should be based on service and up to the diner and not automatic. I recommended a sliding scale based on their service.

Too bad the union rejected the first contract that removed the gratuity from the DDP. It was only accepted after it was imposed on all of DDE and "large" parties of 6 or more.

 

[stinkythumbs]

Too bad the union rejected the first contract that removed the gratuity from the DDP. It was only accepted after it was imposed on all of DDE and "large" parties of 6 or more.

Too bad for who?

 

[LSchrow]

That's not accurate. First of all, those are not average prices, and I don't know where you got them. That is definitely more to the high side. deal with a bill.

actually. i found vacationdad's numbers low ~ our experiences have been higher (& no, we don't "gorge" ourselves, gain weight, feel our time was "restricted", etc ).
we eat most of our TS dinners in WS b/c we enjoy the food, convenience & the atmosphere of WS itself, especially in the evening (staying at BWV's), & actually spend very little time in the parks otherwise.
the DDE would actually cost us significantly more OOP than DDP (we have AP's), but i certainly don't feel the need to dispute the merits of it ~ as with the DDP, it will be good for some and not for others. as for the DxDDP: some people do eat 2 decent meals a day; i think it's an excellent option for them, again just not for us.
i, for one, am glad that there are so many options ~ fully content with my choice as well as happy for the others who found their best option.......

 

[FDV]

Nobody on vacation eats like they normally do the rest of the year. Otherwise we would all be 300 pounds. I suppose people could sneak in a bunch of peanut butter crackers to munch on through the day if that is their idea of good vacation eating.

Of course nobody eats the same on vacation as they do at home, that's not what I said. And I'm certainly not suggesting anyone bring crackers with them. Although many people do bring snacks with them to save money, and it's not a bad idea.

The point I'm trying to make, is that "on average", the DDP probably makes WDW an extra buck or two, not the consumer. Why else would they do it? They probably spent a lot of man hours analyzing the spending habits of guests and came up with a plan that was slightly in their favor. No doubt they anticipated some people will make poor use of the plan and some will use excel spreadsheets to get every Penny's worth from it.

If your goal is to eat large expensive meals at WDW for the cheapest price, then the DDP is definitely for you. If your goal is to have a vacation, and not worry about crunching numbers, reservations, or maximizing your DDP value, then don't do it. Or if you are on a tight budget, then don't do it because you can definitely eat cheaper, even if you go to a TS every day.

For what it's worth, if the tip were still included, I would probably use the DDP this year, even if it were $5 more expensive. But with the silly tip slip system they created, I just don't care to deal with it.

 

[VacationDad]

The point I'm trying to make, is that "on average", the DDP probably makes WDW an extra buck or two, not the consumer. Why else would they do it?

The DDP gets people into the restaurants. It is not an all-inclusive plan so I'm sure they count on people buying other things like alcohol. I may skip alcohol at some places but in others, I definitely want a pint of Guinness or whatever. So I am sure they make more money just getting people into the restaurants.

I guess we can agree that the DDP is not a bad deal for everyone, just like it is not a great deal for everyone. For those who can take advantage of what it offers, it can save them a little bit of money.

 

[angelmav]

Of course nobody eats the same on vacation as they do at home, that's not what I said. And I'm certainly not suggesting anyone bring crackers with them. Although many people do bring snacks with them to save money, and it's not a bad idea.

The point I'm trying to make, is that "on average", the DDP probably makes WDW an extra buck or two, not the consumer. Why else would they do it? They probably spent a lot of man hours analyzing the spending habits of guests and came up with a plan that was slightly in their favor. No doubt they anticipated some people will make poor use of the plan and some will use excel spreadsheets to get every Penny's worth from it.

If your goal is to eat large expensive meals at WDW for the cheapest price, then the DDP is definitely for you. If your goal is to have a vacation, and not worry about crunching numbers, reservations, or maximizing your DDP value, then don't do it. Or if you are on a tight budget, then don't do it because you can definitely eat cheaper, even if you go to a TS every day.

For what it's worth, if the tip were still included, I would probably use the DDP this year, even if it were $5 more expensive. But with the silly tip slip system they created, I just don't care to deal with it.

Excellent points, it also really comes down to when you want that TS meal, anything but dinner and it is not in the consumers favor (we like to take that break at lunch or a late breakfast ourselves, all things being equal). That said, the regular dining plan isnt terrible, just touting it as a savings isnt exactly accurate either. The ability to pre-pay is the only way some would be able to eat at Disney, I completely get that. Interesting that on the disney website, they list that 40% figure, but when you click the link it states save 30% on your dining! Interesting admission on their part!

As to the deluxe, am I the only one that cringes when people say that they got it so they wouldnt break the bank while their, I cant help but wonder how much those gratuities for all those TS meals will run them, that, to me is the real detriment of the Deluxe plan and the real hidden cost.

 

[Merriwind]

That adds up to $44 per day. Those wondering if the 2008 Dining Plan is worth it. Yes, it appears to be from a money standpoint, as long as you don't always order the cheapest thing on the menu and as long as this is what you would eat out of pocket normally.

On average you are saving $6 per day per adult. That is 13.6% average savings.

Do these figures include the OOP tip that must be paid on the TS?

 

[VacationDad]

Do these figures include the OOP tip that must be paid on the TS?

Since the 2008 Dining Plan does not include gratuity, they do not. It is just a comparison of what you would pay out of pocket for an average snack, a CS meal, and a TS meal. That includes tax, but not gratuity.

I think the notes on that spreadsheet show exactly what is used to calculate the average costs.

 

[deide71]

We were planning on the dining plan for our trip in '08. But with the loss of the gratuity (the appetizer is not such a big deal for us) it really loses a lot of the value.

I don't need another character dinner, thanks. We will have a villa at OKW so we can easily prepare a few simple meals. We will also have a car, so eating offsite a few times will be thrown in as well.

I will miss the excitement of planning my ADR's and perusing the menus, but we will likely save a considerable amount of $$.

 

[Merriwind]

That adds up to $44 per day. Those wondering if the 2008 Dining Plan is worth it. Yes, it appears to be from a money standpoint, as long as you don't always order the cheapest thing on the menu and as long as this is what you would eat out of pocket normally.

On average you are saving $6 per day per adult. That is 13.6% average savings.

Do these figures include the OOP tip that must be paid on the TS?

Since the 2008 Dining Plan does not include gratuity, they do not. It is just a comparison of what you would pay out of pocket for an average snack, a CS meal, and a TS meal. That includes tax, but not gratuity.

I think the notes on that spreadsheet show exactly what is used to calculate the average costs.

Adding in the standard 18% WDW gratuity would increase the OOP daily expense by just over $5 to $43.04. (18% of the $28 average TS meal is $5.04.) This reduces the average daily savings to 96 cents or 2.5 percent. Still a savings, but minimal according to these average figures.

Despite a big cut in value versus past years, the plan could still save money for those who work at "maximizing" the plan and are sure to use every credit. Personally, I wouldn't prepay for food for the possibility of saving so little on average.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Too bad for who?

Too bad for the guests. Disney listened and removed the auto grat on the DDP. The union didn't like that, so that was voted down. The service charge was then added for all DDE and "large" parties (6 or more guests....including infants)

Personally, I think this isn't going to work out well for the waitstaff either.