DDP help....last time was in 2007!

[Crazy Mother of Two]

I am very excited to book another Disney vacation w/DDP for Sept.2013. The last time we were there was Sept.2007 and boy have things changed!

I noticed that appetizers (which I prefer instead of desserts) are no longer included and neither are gratuities.

I was online checking out the sit-down restaurants menus to see what was going on there (I checked Le Cellier,The Coral Reef and The Brown Derby since those were our favorites), and I don't know if it's just me ... but the menus don't look as appetizing as in 2007. Am I wrong?

Okay - so my question is ... has anyone else noticed a difference and if so - has that difference made the DDP not (as) worth it?

Also, are the gratuities a pre-set charge or are they at the diners discretion? How much do you end up paying at the end of a meal?

 

[TDC Nala]

First of all, everything I say here is going to be based on the 2012 plan as we right now don't have any idea how or if the plans are going to change for 2013.

Yes you are right...on the regular dining plan no more appetizers (for adults, kids get little three course meals). To get appetizers you have to trade up for the deluxe dining plan. There are a few ways to get appetizers...some restaurants have fixed price three course meals you can get on DDP. Or you can do a Fantasmic package which comes with all three courses.

No gratuities included on any dining plan (with a few exceptions - CRT, dinner shows - where the tip is included in the price of the meal)

Yes, the menus have changed since 2007. Some will say for the worse. Others will say they are just fine. But you will see a difference. The biggest difference really appears to be the skyrocketing out of pocket price for buffets and other fixed price/all you can eat restaurants. Those used to be not the best deal on the dining plan for adults - they were great deals for children - but now if you want to do a lot of them you should consider the dining plan. (You may also need to know that Le Cellier is now a 2 credit signature restaurant at dinner)

The Restaurant Board does not allow gratuity discussion anywhere but on the Tipping Information sticky thread on the main board, and even there, we have had to limit discussion about personal tipping habits, so there's no discussion about how much other people tip. Unless you are a party of six or more or are using a TIW membership (automatic 18% there) what you tip is entirely up to you. Please no tipping discussion outside the tipping thread...the first post of that thread will have an FAQ and an explanation of the tipping discussion policy.

 

[Crazy Mother of Two]

Thank you so much for your reply!
And especially for stopping me before I made even more boo-boo's regarding tipping!
I see that Le Cellier is 2 credit .. boo

I'm just nervous about NOT using the DDP! Not sure why but I am!

 

[havoc315]

Mathematically, under 2012 pricing for adults, the dining plan is only worthwhile if you plan to eat a cs lunch with dessert every day, plus have a character dinner, or steak and dessert at a 1-credit restaurant.
If you skip or share any desserts, usually cheaper to skip the plan.
If you want to do 2-credit meals like Brown Derby or Le Cellier, then usually better to skip the plan (or upgrade to deluxe if eating signature every night).
If you want appetizers for your meal, or you get mid- priced entrees at mid priced restaurants, then skip the plan.

In 2007, the plan was a great deal -- you could save 20% or more, without really trying.
Now, you have to really use the plan strategically, to eek out 5-10% in savings. If you don't consciously work on ordering the most expensive items, then you lose money on the plan.

 

[Crazy Mother of Two]

Mathematically, under 2012 pricing for adults, the dining plan is only worthwhile if you plan to eat a cs lunch with dessert every day, plus have a character dinner, or steak and dessert at a 1-credit restaurant.
If you skip or share any desserts, usually cheaper to skip the plan.
If you want to do 2-credit meals like Brown Derby or Le Cellier, then usually better to skip the plan (or upgrade to deluxe if eating signature every night).
If you want appetizers for your meal, or you get mid- priced entrees at mid priced restaurants, then skip the plan.

In 2007, the plan was a great deal -- you could save 20% or more, without really trying.
Now, you have to really use the plan strategically, to eek out 5-10% in savings. If you don't consciously work on ordering the most expensive items, then you lose money on the plan.

Yes! In 2007 we made out like bandits and ended up using our snack credits at the Coronado gift shop for lollipops and things for gifts to friends!
We don't usually eat desserts (maybe 5 times out of the allotted 14/pp) and as much as we wanted snacks it always seemed that we had just eaten or were about to eat.
I love the idea that I can order any entree and not worry about the price - whereas in real life that never happens! And magical things are supposed to happen in Disney!
Oh how I long for the good ole days of....2007!

 

[DisGirl1971]

Thank you so much for your reply!
And especially for stopping me before I made even more boo-boo's regarding tipping!
I see that Le Cellier is 2 credit .. boo

I'm just nervous about NOT using the DDP! Not sure why but I am!

Even though we don't have a crystal ball to know what 2013 is going to bring, I do know that they have had a Free Dining discount every year since 2005 for the month of September, and if I had to guess, they will have it in 2013 also, just like every other year, as that is still hurrican season. So, really, most likely you will be able to get a free dining discount for your September 2013 trip which will save you a fortune since you are staying at a moderate and your entire family is priced out as adults.

Here is a link I have bookmarked with Free Dining booking information and release dates:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2771101

 

[havoc315]

Yes! In 2007 we made out like bandits and ended up using our snack credits at the Coronado gift shop for lollipops and things for gifts to friends!
We don't usually eat desserts (maybe 5 times out of the allotted 14/pp) and as much as we wanted snacks it always seemed that we had just eaten or were about to eat.
I love the idea that I can order any entree and not worry about the price - whereas in real life that never happens! And magical things are supposed to happen in Disney!
Oh how I long for the good ole days of....2007!

For the privilege of ordering without looking at the price, you are pre-paying for the most expensive entree.
If you skip half your desserts as you suggest, then your entrees would need to be about $32 just to break even on the plan. And the most expensive entrees, generally speaking, are about $29.

So it's like saying-- pay for the most expensive meal in advance, plus a little extra, and then you can get the privelege of ordering whatever you want.

 

[shoney]

Yes! In 2007 we made out like bandits and ended up using our snack credits at the Coronado gift shop for lollipops and things for gifts to friends!
We don't usually eat desserts (maybe 5 times out of the allotted 14/pp) and as much as we wanted snacks it always seemed that we had just eaten or were about to eat.
I love the idea that I can order any entree and not worry about the price - whereas in real life that never happens! And magical things are supposed to happen in Disney!
Oh how I long for the good ole days of....2007!

sounds like it was a great deal in 2007. We are going in Feb...first time w/ddp (but it was free).

Did you not eat dessert because you don't care for it? (I am not a dessert eater!) Or because you were just too full? Keep in mind you won't have an app this time around so you may still have room for it!

Our kids are 10 and 12 and very light eaters. They will probably wind up splitting an adult meal (or ds10 will get a kids meal if he doesn't like anything). My husband and I will order a bottle of wine at dinner so one of them could have my soda and dessert. This will free up credits to have additional meals.

For our family, I don't think paying for the DDP would be worth it. As a family who truly enjoys going down to Mexico for the all-inclusive resorts, I can understand liking the freedom of an all-inclusive plan, however the cost of it doesn't make financial sense for some families.

Have a great time!!!

 

[Crazy Mother of Two]

Even though we don't have a crystal ball to know what 2013 is going to bring, I do know that they have had a Free Dining discount every year since 2005 for the month of September, and if I had to guess, they will have it in 2013 also, just like every other year, as that is still hurrican season. So, really, most likely you will be able to get a free dining discount for your September 2013 trip which will save you a fortune since you are staying at a moderate and your entire family is priced out as adults.

Here is a link I have bookmarked with Free Dining booking information and release dates:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2771101

You're right about that and if I free dining then even if we wanted appys at all the dinners it would still work out! Thanks for the link...heading there now....

 

[Crazy Mother of Two]

Did you not eat dessert because you don't care for it? (I am not a dessert eater!) Or because you were just too full? Keep in mind you won't have an app this time around so you may still have room for it!

We aren't really dessert eaters...occasionally if it sounds really good then YES! My kids like it more then me and my DH but we are foodies more than sweeties.

 

[Crazy Mother of Two]

For the privilege of ordering without looking at the price, you are pre-paying for the most expensive entree.
If you skip half your desserts as you suggest, then your entrees would need to be about $32 just to break even on the plan. And the most expensive entrees, generally speaking, are about $29.

So it's like saying-- pay for the most expensive meal in advance, plus a little extra, and then you can get the privelege of ordering whatever you want.

Hmmm... I am going to check the menus again because when I briefly checked last night it seemed that the majority of our choices would be between $30 and $41.50 per entree. I checked Teppan Edo, Tokyo Dining and The Coral Reef. So I estimated if we each had an appy, a main course and a soda plus tax would come close to $180 (then add in gratuities which I would have to do anyways) it would be over $200 for our sit-down meals. If I am correct in my math then they are allotting approx. $206/per day for the 4 of us to have a snack, a quick service and a sit-down plus the 4 mugs @$12.99(?) but I'm not certain now.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Thank you so much for your reply!
And especially for stopping me before I made even more boo-boo's regarding tipping!
I see that Le Cellier is 2 credit .. boo

I'm just nervous about NOT using the DDP! Not sure why but I am!

LC is only 1 credit for lunch. 2 for dinner.

Yes it was so much nicer when it first started. We used it for the first time in Jan. 2005 (brand new and we paid for it) and we got all the goodies-appetizer, entree, dessert, and tip. Such a good deal.

 

[Crazy Mother of Two]

LC is only 1 credit for lunch. 2 for dinner.

Yes it was so much nicer when it first started. We used it for the first time in Jan. 2005 (brand new and we paid for it) and we got all the goodies-appetizer, entree, dessert, and tip. Such a good deal.

and the refillable mug too!

 

[havoc315]

Hmmm... I am going to check the menus again because when I briefly checked last night it seemed that the majority of our choices would be between $30 and $41.50 per entree. I checked Teppan Edo, Tokyo Dining and The Coral Reef. So I estimated if we each had an appy, a main course and a soda plus tax would come close to $180 (then add in gratuities which I would have to do anyways) it would be over $200 for our sit-down meals. If I am correct in my math then they are allotting approx. $206/per day for the 4 of us to have a snack, a quick service and a sit-down plus the 4 mugs @$12.99(?) but I'm not certain now.

What menus are you looking at? I don't see any entrees at Tappan Edo or Toky Dining over $30. The most expensive at Coral Reef is $32.

As to the mugs, their price is about $15 now, but their value varies from person to person. We really don't use them at all, so they are worth $0 to us.

So looking at just food costs without the mug--
$29 is about the most expensive entree at most Ts.
$9 cs entree.
Soda with each meal -- $6 total.
Total = $44, about $47 with tax.
Ddp is $51.50.
So, by getting the most expensive possible ts entree, and above-average priced cs entree --- you still don't even break even unless you add in some snacks and desserts.
If you got a mid priced entree-- about $25, then your best case scenario is breaking even by ordering a the snacks and desserts.

I am curious where you saw menus with $40 entrees at 1 credit restaurants. And not sure why you included apps in your math -- as with tips, they aren't included.

 

[havoc315]

Hmmm... I am going to check the menus again because when I briefly checked last night it seemed that the majority of our choices would be between $30 and $41.50 per entree. I checked Teppan Edo, Tokyo Dining and The Coral Reef. So I estimated if we each had an appy, a main course and a soda plus tax would come close to $180 (then add in gratuities which I would have to do anyways) it would be over $200 for our sit-down meals. If I am correct in my math then they are allotting approx. $206/per day for the 4 of us to have a snack, a quick service and a sit-down plus the 4 mugs @$12.99(?) but I'm not certain now.

I'd look at it this way, since apps, tips, etc, aren't included:
For $206 per night, your family gets:
$60-$120 worth of TS entrees.
$20-$50 worth of cs entrees.
Up to approximately $25 in beverages.
$10-$20 in 'snacks'
And $25-$45 in desserts.
Plus 6.5% tax, and mugs for the duration of your stay

As you see, most of the potential savings doesn't hit, until you throw in dessert.

I feel like Disney is saying, "if you order our most expensive entree, then we will throw in dessert for free!"

 

[sharonabe]

Hmmm... I am going to check the menus again because when I briefly checked last night it seemed that the majority of our choices would be between $30 and $41.50 per entree. I checked Teppan Edo, Tokyo Dining and The Coral Reef. So I estimated if we each had an appy, a main course and a soda plus tax would come close to $180 (then add in gratuities which I would have to do anyways) it would be over $200 for our sit-down meals. If I am correct in my math then they are allotting approx. $206/per day for the 4 of us to have a snack, a quick service and a sit-down plus the 4 mugs @$12.99(?) but I'm not certain now.

However, you've included apps in your $200 for TS and the regular DDP does NOT include apps, so you need to take those out of your total if you're comparing to the price of the DDP.

 

[Crazy Mother of Two]

However, you've included apps in your $200 for TS and the regular DDP does NOT include apps, so you need to take those out of your total if you're comparing to the price of the DDP.

I added the appy but eliminated the dessert as if we would be paying out of pocket ordering what we wanted.

 

[Crazy Mother of Two]

What menus are you looking at? I don't see any entrees at Tappan Edo or Toky Dining over $30. The most expensive at Coral Reef is $32.

As to the mugs, their price is about $15 now, but their value varies from person to person. We really don't use them at all, so they are worth $0 to us.

Sorry... I also included Le Cellier. $43-$44 for the steaks/$14-$16 appy
$32 steak at Coral Reef / $12 appys.

But I must say - with all your info I now agree that unless dining is free then the DDP doesn't add up. I truly appreciate all your time and valuable info to help me see the light!

This is why I LOVE the DISboards!

 

[havoc315]

But you would have to use 2 credits for that $42 steak.
Your conclusion is true. The ddp is still nice when free.
Only worth paying for it, if you're really going to fully use the entitlements as designed.

Disney counts on profiting from people who simply add the ddp out of habit, or of fear of not having it. They won't even provide accurate pricing info -- you need to come here for that.

 

[Crazy Mother of Two]

Disney counts on profiting from people who simply add the ddp out of habit, or of fear of not having it. They won't even provide accurate pricing info -- you need to come here for that.

I was one of those for Fear of Not Having It!!! But I am over my fear - quite quickly I might add!
Thanks again