Connections

[Humpbacks1962]

I still find this rather intriguing...

Some people will buy vouchers to split meals, right? But if you can't get seconds for the same price, how is that a deal? How different is it from buying everything in the voucher and splitting? You are only saving a couple of bucks anyway!

Being forced to order only the expensive items to pay for the value of the voucher is very limiting. Regardless of taste preferences, if you want to come out even, you have to get whatever is more costly.

Then many "appreciative customers" leave a tip over and beyond what the waiter will get. Where in the world did you save the money you were bragging about saving?


Wanda

 

[disneyjunkie]

Humpback1962, I think everyone knows you don't think connections is a great deal. However there are many of us here who think that it is.

We we may not save TONS of money using the vouchers, but that OK with us. Some of us want to have our meals paid for before we get there.

I think connections is awesome, between dining vouchers, $4.50 movie tickets, and the deals with Toys R Us, I will save a pretty good chunk of changes.

Even if a family doesn't come out ahead or end up lossing money on the vouchers, that's their choice. If a family wants to go to BNC and stuff themselves to the gills, that's ok, it's their vacation.

 

[Humpbacks1962]

I know disneyjunkie, but it is still puzzling to me that just about every reason to get those vouchers is weak, and even the greatest advantages that some mention don't make a lot of sense, especially when it comes to sharing meals and savings.

And then they tip...

Wanda

 

[DMRick]

I understand the sharing meals part. Instead of getting a smaller, inexpensive mean, a bigger meal is ordered (which would cost more) and shared. For instance, for myself, I would order a regular hamburg, fries, small dessert. The cost would be about $20, and I prob wouldn't finish it. I'd order bigger if I was sharing..Here are rough costs from B&C

Burger $6.95
soda $1.95
dessert $7.95
$16.85 total
$2.52 tip
$1.01 tax
$20.38
(still a great savings with my voucher (even if I left a couple of bucks extra, depending on service..sometimes we tip 20%), and prob about what a meal of the same type stuff would cost anywhere in Dis)

Same meal knowing I have a voucher and will be splitting the meal.

double burger $8.95
soda $1.95
Kitchen sink $21.95(we would still share a smaller dessert, and feel we made out OK,but for others)
$32.85
$4.92 tip
$1.97 tax
$39.74 total

Forgive any errors in math..can't find the calculator.

So I see where they can be a good deal. I thought someone said you could also order a side..if this is true, you get an even better value (if you could eat it).
For the breakfasts..we are only saving a couple of bucks each..but with 5 of us, over three days useage, that's $30..nothing to sneeze at.

 

[chris1gill]

About the Q&C vouchers, go to Pepper Market, they add a tip... the tip gets paid in it's entirety... The value of the meal is written on the bottom left hand side of the voucher... Everyone, PULL OUT YOUR VOUCHERS & LOOK... there is a place to put the meal cost... the servers are given 15% on that amount... Ask any one of them, we certainly made sure at B&C... Now, Wanda who always tips & would feel back about not tipping, she is free to give an additional 15%, if she wants to tip the servers 30% that is certainly her choice... Personally, I tip 20% IF the service is really good & 15% if the service is okay... Personally the waitstaff should be quite happy I'm using a voucher, because if their service stinks I leave 10% or less... I don't tip for bad service... These people are getting 15% of your meal cost whichever voucher you're using....

That's it, we'll continue to use them & save money... Oh, by the way, I'd like to know which food discounts you can get with AAA & American Express.... Last time I checked there were 3 restaurants where you could save with DC & AP.... I know Wanda often mentions them as a vehicle for savings, so I'd like to see those savings explained....

 

[Dopeygirl]

Just doing a little *bump* because I've been wondering about the discounts using AAA and AmEx also, since I read Wanda mention it a few weeks back--hoping she'll add that information. I'd love more information on those!! Also, what about AP? I know World Showcase lunch but anywhere else? With DC, I was under the impression that it was at a few places in DD only. If there are places within the park, I might consider purchasing it.

Any additional information would be great!

 

[Humpbacks1962]

LOL.. You know what is most amusing about the boards... People taking everything to heart!


What I meant was, since some people make a rave about Connections letting them go to restaurants they could "not otherwise afford", I am sure they could use AAA, Entertainment, AMEX white glove restaurant discounts in restaurants too. Most of those, last I heard, were in Downtown Disney. Want the whole list? Do your search! It is available for anyone anyhow...

But if the thing is to pig out at discounted prices, for the savings that Connections give you, why not try those instead? At least YOU choose what to eat and save, not them! Vouchers in the parks save you next to nothing anyhow, so you have to go to two resorts. What difference does it make arguing about not using AMEX's, etc., discounts inside the parks anyway?

You know, this reminds me of the crop circles. "Circologists" affirmed they were made by extraterrestrials even after skeptics proved they were made by local residents who even confessed! Some people will always swear by Connections no matter what you say. The reasons for people believing outlandish claims applies even to offers that "save" you money... Pride, defended it too long before why change now, stretch it to make it fit, blah blah blah

Read what you want into it. Arguing about both without solid proof and running around in loops is just as boring and gets the same people angry always for the same reasons anyhow...


Wanda

 

[DMRick]

But if the thing is to pig out at discounted prices, for the savings that Connections give you, why not try those instead?

I don't understand..why do you have to put it like that? No one was saying they wanted to pig out at disc prices..they were sayign they wanted to eat at discounted prices?

You said:

I know disneyjunkie, but it is still puzzling to me that just about every reason to get those vouchers is weak, and even the greatest advantages that some mention don't make a lot of sense, especially when it comes to sharing meals and savings.

So I showed an example..no reason to comment on "pigging" out. I happen to like the food at Beaches. How many examples would I have to put down? I also did the figgering on the breakfasts for us...and we are saving some on those too. We aren't going to discount places, but Boma's and Chef Mickeys.
If vouchers don't work for you, I would suggest you not use them. But for some, who either do their homework on pricing, or want to prepay their vacation meals, they are perfect.

I am sure they could use AAA, Entertainment, AMEX white glove restaurant discounts in restaurants too. Most of those, last I heard, were in Downtown Disney. Want the whole list? Do your search! It is available for anyone anyhow...

Of course someone took it to heart..you typed it, they assumed you knew of what you spoke. I have DC and Amex, and I do use them to get a little off at a couple of places...but for us, the vouchers are a better deal, for where we go. If it doesn't work out to be a deal for you (or someone else), then go another route. I showed how we are saving money, after you said it didn't make sense..good enough for me

 

[chris1gill]

You know DMRick, I find it very interesting that time and time again we have shown our real life savings, and time and time again Wanda has said that the DC, Entertainment, AAA, AMEX discounts were much better... I'd like to see her real life savings. Last time I checked DC offered discounts at one restaurant PER park & you they weren't the inexpensive ones either.

I think Wanda is just showing her contempt for those of us who do use and like the vouchers.

 

[HookdonWDW]

FYI: We just got our vouchers, and the Q&C and the Lunch Vouchers both expire 5/31/03

 

[auntsue]

The idea of the Q & C vouchers intrigues me, but I have a couple of questions. First, can you order the coupons the same day you join? Second, how long does it take to get the vouchers? When we ate at B&C in Nov, the bill came to $74 for four of us, with nothing extravagant, and I don't think that included the tip, so right there, I would save about $40 of the cost, and if I order some breakfast coupons it should work out that I won't be losing money by joining. Thanks for the info.

 

[BedKnobbery2]

Wow, I go away for a few days, and this topic explodes! LOL

Just wanted to address a few things.

Humpback, when I did my calculations for the Q&C vouchers, I purposely did not include the most expensive items on the menu to see if they would be a good value for the average user. Yes, you can maximize the value by ordering the most expensive item, but maximum value determination wasn't my goal--average user value was. And what I found was that when you calculate all the factors in, the vouchers will usually save you money over the a la carte prices.....remember that factoring in to this is the sales tax, which is covered by the voucher and is often what would bump the total over the $11 mark. Again, this is keeping in mind that the order includes an entree, side dish, drink, and dessert. Just as an example, here's a sample from Pecos Bill Cafe:

Entree/Sidedish: John Henry Cheeseburger w. fries $5.49 (most expensive item is $7.29)
Drink: Bottled Water $2.00 (most expensive drink: $2.79)
Dessert:Chocolate Cream Pie $3.49 (this is the most expensive dessert, but the other is a float)
Tax:5%
Total: $11.52

It's a modest savings, but it is a savings. And again--it is only a savings IF you would have gotten all that food to start with.

Now, regarding splitting the orders to save money; again, using pecos bill as an example. The only kid's meal they offer is a hotdog, which neither of my kids like. They'd both want a burger, fries, and a soda. My younger son is a 'picker'....he'll typically eat about 1/3 of his meal. My Older son is a clean plate club member. So, instead of ordering them each a burger meal and a drink (which would be $15.50, with tax), I could order them the double cheeseburger meal with a large drink and a dessert, which would be more than enough food for the 2 of them, and would save us $4.50.

I should also say, that I am at heart a skeptic. I have no ulterior motive in trying to determine the value of the meal vouchers; I'm just interested in whether or not they are a value. I've never used them, and am not even a Connections member yet. I'm fairly certain I would only use them at the 'great value' locations (ie, Pepper Market and Beaches & Cream) and even then, simply because both restaurants are located in the resorts we plan to stay.

Certainly, it is possible to eat more cheaply than the cost of the voucher. I don't think anyone has refuted that. But, for people with specific eating habits and large appetites, the vouchers will probably provide them some savings--some. Not a bundle, but then...money is money!

 

[MandaMom]

chris1gill and RDMRick,

I just wanted you guys to know that I have been looking at all of the Connections posts because I like to save money and eat well. Largely due to your contributions and Mary's Mousesaver page I am going to order vouchers.

I have been reading all of the Connections posts for information and almost every one of them has a Humpbacks1962 bitter reply. They are very irritating. I wonder why she doesn't slam any other posts. I think she is specifically targeting Connections posts and feels she has to put her 2cents in. I think that she has a major Connections chip on her shoulder and is very negative . She herself has never tried it. How could she possibly speak on the savings or lack thereof? I could understand if she voiced her feelings in 2 or 3 posts, but literally every Connections post I've seen has a Humpbacks post. I mean we are all on these posts to save money, why else would we be on the Budget Board?? She is the self appointed evangelist for other discounts. I too would like to see the savings from Amex, DC and Entertainment she is touting. For outside the parks Entertainment is good but Amex and DC are 10% off at very few restaurants and during only specified times (usually lunch time).

Humpbacks1962 is the one taking things too personally.

I looked seriously looked into Connections (crunched numbers) to see if I could save money all her comments have not detered me from saving money.

Character Breakfast 15.99
Example + beverage (2.00)
+ tax 8.25 (1.48)
+ gratuity (2.70)

Total: 22.17 for a 17.50 Breakfast Voucher that's a total savings of 4.67

That's without making a "pig" of yourself. LOL

Also, I called the 3 restaurants I will be visiting next month. Which are Beaches and Cream Chef Mickey's Buffet and the Pepper Market respectively. I wanted to make sure that the servers get the 15% gratuity with the vouchers. I was assured that they are paid the 15% gratuity on the check.

For those of you who want to pay on top of that if the service is good then do so at your own discretion. I will tip at least 20% if I feel service is excellent. I used to be a server and to answer to questions regarding how Disney makes money off these vouchers is simply because it brings money into the restaurant. Food costs for a company like Disney must run maybe 5% to 10%(this will be higher depending on the quality of the food you are consuming. In my experience ( the Hyatt Food and Beverage division) as a server whenever a voucher came in such as a preset meal voucher for airline people or Bed and Breakfast package (something of this nature) we had a promo code to use and the cash would come out of our daily totals at the end of the day. Basically the Hyatt was tipping us out for something for which they had already received money.

In this case I believe Disney either gets a percentage or pays connections to resale these vouchers which would otherwise be used for the Disney Vacation Packages that include meals.

Hope this answers some questions for people out there.

Humpbacks 1962 chill out. You are not the mother for the board. We are all adults. Leave your remarks and then move on. Let people make their own informed decisions and if you are going to leave disparaging remarks about a certain discount or program please post some proof of nonsavings since so many people have posted their Connections savings on here. Stop lurking in the Connections posts. We have all heard what you have to say. You should not take things to heart so much. It is not a direct insult to you that people are posting their savings. Why are you so negative are you unhappy with yourself??? You're really secretly using them yourself right?? Hee Hee I knew you couldn't be that sensitive about something could you Wanda?

The only thing me and the rest of the voucher people take seriously is savings. You may want to try it sometime.

If people can add they can see the savings in the above example.

 

[Sheree]

are the character breakfast vouchers good at all of them including crystal palace and cindy's?

we usually do 2-3 char breakfasts and 2-3 character dinners (don't think there's vouchers for that!)

then a few counter service restaurants for lunch.

dinner is the one I wish there were vouchers!

 

[clhcpaca]

I have a question about the vouchers that cost $29.50. The description says Lunch. Is there a time restriction on them? I am taking a solo trip in September and I like the World Showcase restaurants. The vouchers seem to be a decent deal there, but I was wondering if there were any time limits.

Thanks

 

[chris1gill]

MandaMom, thanks so much & glad our posts could help you out! Believe me I went over the value of these vouchers with menu's and a calculator before ordering them. That way I was sure to order the correct number according to the restaurants we would be going to... and, we didn't want to spend extra... I agree with all of your conclusions by the way.

Sheree, occasionally a restaurant may not participate, but both Cindy's & Crystal Palace participate in the voucher program... The vouchers do indeed cover drink & 15% tip as well as tax... it's a good deal, maybe not saving a ton, but at least some!


clhcpaca, the lunch vouchers are indeed for lunch... what you can do, is ask what time the last seating for lunch is... I think we ate at LeCellier at 3:45pm, it still worked out great & we weren't hungry til breakfast time the next day after eating such a meal!! Unfortunately I'll always have to use those vouchers, because my DH now wants to visit LeCellier every trip!!! It did save us about 30 or 35.00's (We used 2 vouchers)

Hope this helps & thanks again MandaMom!!

 

[MandaMom]

Sheree

You can find this information on mousesavers.com. I am sure you can use it a Cindy's and Crystal Palace . If you need any additional information Mary on mousesavers updates her info regularly and this is one of the best resources besides actually having a voucher which will stipulate which restaurants honor them.

I should be receiving mine soon and I will post if any restaurants are different other than those appearing on mousesavers.

clhcpaca, I read a thread on this board that they will still take the lunch vouchers up to 4:30pm. You should call ahead if you have a chance and ask about the policy regarding the lunch voucher for the specific restaurant in which you will be dining.

 

[Sheree]

thanks everyone! trying to figure where we'll be dining and what vouchers to order!

Sounds like it's not worth it for a child, but definitely worth it for cindy's and CP!

Have to check out the Q&C ones for lunch too!

 

[Disneymomma]

I have been reading with interest the Connections posts-I have convinced my NON-DH
to go with DD and I this year! I would like to know what is the latest times that the restaurants accept the 29.50 liunch vouchers-Does any one know? Could we eat a 3:30 or 4:00 lunch?- I would like to be able to justify the cost to my Disney grump of a husband. Thanks.

 

[auntsue]

Can anyone tell me how long it takes to get the vouchers? Also, if I join, can I order enough for my whole group to use, say for example, 11 people at 5 breakfasts each meaning 44 breakfast coupons, etc.

Are they good for the character breakfasts at Hollywood & Vine and Park Fare?