DDP Causing Some Issues?

[Santa]

DDP is a great value to everyone that chooses to use it. The only issue I see is in the menu's. They are starting to look very much alike. At some point the menu's will probably be identical at every restraunt (except signature restraunts) included in the DDP and the value of the DDP will be diminished by the food quality. Then the only choice will be for a steak, chicken or pasta dish no matter if it's OOP or DDP.

The restraunts have a theme and so do some of the menu choices. But those themed menu choices are slowly vanishing.

 

[loveshak22]

My husband and I aren't wealthy by any means and we went to Disney at the end of January and were on the DDP. It was just the two of us and so that may affect what I am about to say, but I don't think it saved us any money. If it did, it was very little. The only thing I found nice was that we didn't have to pull out our wallet and pay for everything out of pocket. So it "seemed" like we were saving money because of that I think.

We used all our credits and had TS meals for dinner every night (Concourse, Coral Reef, 50s Primetime, Whispering Canyon). I added up what we would normally eat and it was about the price of the DDP. Now I will admit that we got more food than we would have normally eaten, but I don't know if that's a good thing

One issue for example, at lunch on the DDP at a CS restaurant we each got an entree/combo meal, drink and dessert. Well I don't really care about a dessert at lunch. So if I would have added up just the entree/combo or drink then it would be cheaper to pay for it with cash. Also, there were a lot of inconsistencies between what places offered what. One place would include a burger and fries as a combo whereas another just offered a hot dog as an entree. Well in that case the DDP is really a rip-off. Because I can tell you that the cost of a hot dog and soda, while expensive at WDW, would have been cheaper out of pocket.

Plus with dinners, we wouldn't have ordered 2 appetizers. With one appetizer, 2 entrees, and one dessert to share we would have been fine. And when I added that up with what we would have eaten for lunch and snack then I MAY have saved $20 for the whole trip. But they try to sell the fact about how much you save when compared to the 2 apps, 2 entrees, and 2 dessert cost of the meal.

It was about $321 for the DDP. a day for each of us on the DDP for a total of Maybe with a family it's worth it, but as a couple it was about an even trade-off.

I didn't mind making ADR's in advance and I didn't have any troubles. I didn't even make an ADR for our trip until January and we left for WDW on January 27th. Maybe it's because I made late dinner reservations and there were only 2 of us and so it was easier to get in with just 2, but we didn't have a problem...but like a previous post pointed out, it was the slow season.

 

[loveshak22]

DDP is a great value to everyone that chooses to use it. The only issue I see is in the menu's. They are starting to look very much alike. At some point the menu's will probably be identical at every restraunt (except signature restraunts) included in the DDP and the value of the DDP will be diminished by the food quality. Then the only choice will be for a steak, chicken or pasta dish no matter if it's OOP or DDP.

The restraunts have a theme and so do some of the menu choices. But those themed menu choices are slowly vanishing.

Good point Santa. I forgot to mention that in my post.....almost every place we went, and we went to 3 very different restaurants, had very similar sides and entrees. We had a lot of mashed potatoes! At both the Concourse and the 50s Primetime Cafe our side was mashed potatoes! Luckily the Coral Reef had au gratin potatoes....not a big change up, but it was better than more mashed potates! And the onion ring appetizer I believe was a choice at all the restaurants we ate at.

 

[Sk8Leigh]

And all the cost savings ignore the fact that they are getting an appetizer, dessert, and entree for each person, which most people wouldn't normally order. IT"S TOO MUCH FOOD MEAL AFTER MEAL!!!!

Some folks aren't interested in eating THAT much food. They save money by foregoing appetizers or dessert, or eating more counter service, or skipping meals (I don't usually eat three meals a day).

This is why I wouldn't use the DDP. I don't need that much food. I might eat at one TS restaurant a day--probably entree only--and then maybe popcorn for a snack and something like a croissant for breakfast. And it might not even be TS, I might just get CS for my meal. It fills me up and costs way less than the DDP would cost for the day. And I don't have to worry about if I'm getting my money's worth out of the credits.

But because of the DDP I have to worry about where I might want to eat in 3 months with 3 friends who generally have no idea where they want to eat. And if the ADR that I made ends up being for a couple of hours earlier or later that I would like when the time comes, tough.

So yeah, I wouldn't mind at all if the DDP came to an end.

 

[kimis]

My husband and I aren't wealthy by any means and we went to Disney at the end of January and were on the DDP. It was just the two of us and so that may affect what I am about to say, but I don't think it saved us any money. If it did, it was very little. The only thing I found nice was that we didn't have to pull out our wallet and pay for everything out of pocket. So it "seemed" like we were saving money because of that I think.

We used all our credits and had TS meals for dinner every night (Concourse, Coral Reef, 50s Primetime, Whispering Canyon). I added up what we would normally eat and it was about the price of the DDP. Now I will admit that we got more food than we would have normally eaten, but I don't know if that's a good thing

One issue for example, at lunch on the DDP at a CS restaurant we each got an entree/combo meal, drink and dessert. Well I don't really care about a dessert at lunch. So if I would have added up just the entree/combo or drink then it would be cheaper to pay for it with cash. Also, there were a lot of inconsistencies between what places offered what. One place would include a burger and fries as a combo whereas another just offered a hot dog as an entree. Well in that case the DDP is really a rip-off. Because I can tell you that the cost of a hot dog and soda, while expensive at WDW, would have been cheaper out of pocket.

Plus with dinners, we wouldn't have ordered 2 appetizers. With one appetizer, 2 entrees, and one dessert to share we would have been fine. And when I added that up with what we would have eaten for lunch and snack then I MAY have saved $20 for the whole trip. But they try to sell the fact about how much you save when compared to the 2 apps, 2 entrees, and 2 dessert cost of the meal.

It was about $321 for the DDP. a day for each of us on the DDP for a total of Maybe with a family it's worth it, but as a couple it was about an even trade-off.

I didn't mind making ADR's in advance and I didn't have any troubles. I didn't even make an ADR for our trip until January and we left for WDW on January 27th. Maybe it's because I made late dinner reservations and there were only 2 of us and so it was easier to get in with just 2, but we didn't have a problem...but like a previous post pointed out, it was the slow season.

That is why we make the DDP work for us. We eat at the 2 point resturants and we do save a lot of money. I guess it just depends on where and what you eat. My dh loves fresh fish like lobster, trout, crab, tuna, and basically anything that swims in the ocean (I don't--just give me steak LOL). So he eats very well and very expensively on the plan. The first time we did the DDP a cm told us to make the program work for us and we do. You do get a lot of food on the dining plan but it is still a great way to eat healthy and try new things you normally wouldn't. Plus as I mentioned it is a great way to be able to eat like that and not have to pay the extra. Every cm we talked to about love the plan. They are going to get an 18% tip so they love if you order expensively. We end up using the snack portions to go to Goofy's candy store for the grandkids. Everything under $4.00 is considered a snack. That is everything except the candy that is sold by the pound. So it works great for us.

 

[eliza61]

I (almost) believe that we are the only ones that do not participate in the DDP. The issue we are having (along with others that pay cash) is that people that would not normally dine at high end TS are booking like crazy and ressies for a last minute trips are almost impossible.

Has anyone else experienced this? When does this dining plan option come to an end? Why was this ever a good idea?

Hold back the flames it is an observation & a follow up to a conversation we had with cast members at CG as well as CG regulars.......The only place we didn't have a ressie issue was V&A's is that not part of DDP?

I think it is more of a combination of things not just the DDP that may make last minute ressie a little difficult. I don't use (never have,probably never will) the ddp when I do disney for a variety of reasons but I do make a few ADR's and some times I do make last minute trips. Disney is no longer a place where you can drop in on the weekend and just wing it. It is just too crowded for that. Even the supposedly down seasons are getting more and more packed. January and February used to be really SLOW, no longer.
Anyway when I tour last minute I just adjust my schedule, some suggestions.
1. Eat at off hours. Of course it's going to be difficult getting an adr at 12:00 noon or 6:00 pm. We some times eat a brunch then have a late dinner (7:00)

2. Try the Resort TS as opposed to those in the parks. You'll have a lot more luck there.

Good luck

 

[loveshak22]

Even the supposedly down seasons are getting more and more packed. January and February used to be really SLOW, no longer.

I concur with that statement! My husband and I were there at the end of January and it was by no means "slow." It was slower than other times I have been but this was the first time visiting at the end of January and was really looking forward to a more slow-paced Disney than visits in the past. And while it was more of a slow-paced trip, there were still plenty of crowds.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I started reading this agreeing with the OP. The DDP & 180+10 ressie policy are definitely a disadvantage to those (i.e. Florida residents) that don't need to plan a WDW vacation that far in advance. If we were flying to DL that would be different, but how many people plan a local, weekend getaway 190 days in advance? Not many, I'm sure! The restaurants are more busy now that more people are choosing TS dining over CS. Although, some of the most popular restaurants were like that long before the DDP. There just wasn't as many that were constantly booked up. Due to the fact that I can understand this frustration, I didn't read the OP offensively as many of you did.

Sadly, it didn't take me long to doubt we actually felt the same way on the subject. The OP mentioning the special treatment from "our concierge" more than once is quite laughable. It soon became clear that he/ she posessed an elitist POV, which I'm very much opposed to. FWIW, we spend a large sum of money on food, while on vacation. That's where most of our vacation budget goes. That doesn't mean that we are any better than anyone else choosing to or not to dine in any particular restaurant. IMHO, any insinuation that one person may be better than another doesn't say good things about the person with the attitude.

So, while I agree the current system isn't to the advantage of everyone, I certainly don't think some deserve the experience more than others. I also hope the OP isn't choosing their words carefully & doesn't really feel the way their words would imply.

 

[pta-mom]

Whether or not the DDP saves money is questionable depending on your family size & eating habits. For example, we have booked the DDP this year (same as last) but this time our oldest child is no longer a child in DW eyes...therefore, we are paying adult prices for an eleven year old. That means that for my family of four, at all TS meals we will be eating three adult appitizers, three adult entrees, three adult desserts & my nine year old will have the kids meal...of course, we are not totally heartless, we will share some of our food with him as well...mostly the veggies!! Seriously though, this is too much food for us in all likelihood & will be costing us about $1200 for ten days.

Why than do we get it? Because, we have plans to see a dinner show, eat some great steak, eat inside what looks like a huge acquiruim (sp?), taste African, Mediterranean, Polyensian, Mexican, Moroccon & Japanese food all within ten days!! If we had to pay out of pocket...well, let's just say that it would not be happening!

There is something really freeing about going to these places, six months after I've booked them, & eating anything on the menu my heart desires! I'm on holiday & I want as little worries as possible...with my holiday completely paid (including food) prior to arrival, there really is not much to worry about!

If it's free...great! If not...that's fine too! Not available...that would make me very sad!

 

[ladysoleil]

There are many long timers (30 plus years of going to WDW)who HATE THE DDP! First, it packs the restaurants. Second, because it's such a deal, it's RUINING THE MENUS at WDW, which used to be innovative. The prime example is Yachtsman Steakhouse, which is now a JOKE!!! Crappy steaks may make some people happy, but not us, because we remember when Yachtsman was good.
\\(\\

Yep. That's why we won't do the dining plan again. Too much food, too much hassle, not enough variety. It was interesting the one time we got it for free but our next trip, I declined it. I'm a good planner but I don't ever want to have to sit down with a spreadsheet again just to figure out what to have for dinner and I got tired of playing "guess what I'm in the mood to eat 3 months in advance".

I also really don't like that the food in many of the previously distinctive places has been watered down or changed entirely to accommodate the dining plan. It's like the old joke in New York about how all the restaurants on a certain block all share the same kitchen- you think you have a choice but you're really eating at the same place no matter where you sit. That's why I don't like the dining plan.

I'm really thinking of having my birthday dinner off property on our next visit. We're not rich or snobby but I am a cook at heart, my mother is a professional chef, and I really like to eat- and the last couple of times, the food hasn't been worth it.

 

[Fly me with Balloons]

This plan has been lousy for us. We always have built our trips around fine dining in the evening. This plan makes it more difficult to get reservations, and God forbid you ever want to just "wing it"...you'd better be able to schmooze, or you are SOL. Can't wait till they end it.


But, the free dining plan was a true nightmare...

 

[byoung]

We love using the DDP.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

DDP is a great value to everyone that chooses to use it. The only issue I see is in the menu's. They are starting to look very much alike. At some point the menu's will probably be identical at every restraunt (except signature restraunts) included in the DDP and the value of the DDP will be diminished by the food quality. Then the only choice will be for a steak, chicken or pasta dish no matter if it's OOP or DDP.

The restraunts have a theme and so do some of the menu choices. But those themed menu choices are slowly vanishing.

Yes menu choices are vanishing due to the DDP!

 

[ransom]

DW and I just started going to WDW last year, so I have no experience with WDW food pre-DDP.

However, I'm pretty experienced with restaurants of all kinds.

I'll say this about DDP. It is a savings for us versus what we would pay without it. We tend to eat the more expensive items on menus. And since an "appetizer" can be a salad, we would almost certainly order an appetizer each at every restaurant. We probably wouldn't get a dessert very often, though.

Still, I added up what it would cost, including tax and tip, to eat as we normally would, and the DDP cost 40% less. That's just for us, though; I can certainly see how many, many people would see little or no savings under the DDP. That's why it's good that the DDP isn't forced on anyone.

As far as complaints about the food quality versus what used to be there, as I said, I can't comment based on direct experience. But, what we ate last December was fair-to-good quality, in general. Very few table service dinners were of the quality we'd expect from a chain eatery, for example. It was usually better than that. But very little was of the quality we'd expect from a truly fine restaurant.

If WDW restaurants used to offer truly fine dining, then I'm sad I missed out on that. Still, never having known it, I'm grateful that the DDP lets me save money.

 

[lucincia]

I agree with OP and I want to take it a step further!

Why do we let people into Walt Disney World in the first place? I mean, if we are the only people in the parks, there would be no lines, no wait, and we can do anything we want to at any time. Isn't that the World suppose to be for - me, me, me and me?

It's just ridiculous that Disney set the prices for the park tickets, resort rooms and such within the grasp of the lowly mortals, and on top of that, giving out discounts like water. It's just stupid on Disney's part, inconvenienting us more important people.

I say raise the price of the tickets to at least $200 or more, take away all the discounts, and not let anyone younger than 25 into the parks. It will make the whole Walt Disney World experience so much more enjoyable.

GET RID OF DDP! GET RID OF CHEAP TICKETS! GET RID OF DISCOUNTS!

Disney, please let us enjoy the parks as Walt intended, for people like us.

 

[Mcbruns]

Sorry it sounded that way but some of us will be CHEERING when the DDP ends!

Just curious - why do you think it will end? You've mentioned that twice. Disney is getting money up front from people - I think they like that lot's.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I agree with OP and I want to take it a step further!

Why do we let people into Walt Disney World in the first place? I mean, if we are the only people in the parks, there would be no lines, no wait, and we can do anything we want to at any time. Isn't that the World suppose to be for - me, me, me and me?

It's just ridiculous that Disney set the prices for the park tickets, resort rooms and such within the grasp of the lowly mortals, and on top of that, giving out discounts like water. It's just stupid on Disney's part, inconvenienting us more important people.

I say raise the price of the tickets to at least $200 or more, take away all the discounts, and not let anyone younger than 25 into the parks. It will make the whole Walt Disney World experience so much more enjoyable.

GET RID OF DDP! GET RID OF CHEAP TICKETS! GET RID OF DISCOUNTS!

Disney, please let us enjoy the parks as Walt intended, for people like us.

Now your seeing it clearly!!!!! Finally you make sense!!!!

 

[sweet_mel]

I agree with OP and I want to take it a step further!

Why do we let people into Walt Disney World in the first place? I mean, if we are the only people in the parks, there would be no lines, no wait, and we can do anything we want to at any time. Isn't that the World suppose to be for - me, me, me and me?

It's just ridiculous that Disney set the prices for the park tickets, resort rooms and such within the grasp of the lowly mortals, and on top of that, giving out discounts like water. It's just stupid on Disney's part, inconvenienting us more important people.

I say raise the price of the tickets to at least $200 or more, take away all the discounts, and not let anyone younger than 25 into the parks. It will make the whole Walt Disney World experience so much more enjoyable.

GET RID OF DDP! GET RID OF CHEAP TICKETS! GET RID OF DISCOUNTS!

Disney, please let us enjoy the parks as Walt intended, for people like us.

I hope to goodness that this post was pure sarcasm right??

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Just curious - why do you think it will end? You've mentioned that twice. Disney is getting money up front from people - I think they like that lot's.

Because it has been cancelled several times before. An additional problem is people think it is free range to eat soup to nuts and then they once again Disney will re analyze and
figure out it isn't finacially wise.

 

[Harrop]

Sorry to burst your bubble, but the DDP will not end.