DDP Inflation?

[staceyeileen]

I can be a bit obsessively analytical at times , so the last time we stayed on site at Disney (Oct 2009) I made up a spreadsheet of every food item we would hypothetically eat including prices. I used this to compare the cost of eating OOP to the cost of the DDP. Well, I just found this spreadsheet again tonight and I thought some of you may find it interesting!

My spreadsheet calculated that I'd save 26% by getting the DDP so of course I went with it at the time. We enjoyed it a lot and felt we got good value for our money. We didn't actually end up eating 100% from my hypothetical menu.

The items I priced out included QS from Flame Tree, Tangierine Cafe, and Cosmic Ray's and TS from Boma, O'hana, and Le Chefs de France. Well, I just re-ran the numbers with the exact same food choices and with the 2013 prices I'd only save 8% with the DDP. While it seems that the cost of my food paying OOP has risen 11% in the past 3 years, the cost of the DDP has increased 39%!! I will also note that the biggest inflation in the actual food prices came from Boma and O'hana. All the a la carte options at the QS places and Le Chefs seemed to rise only a tiny bit or not at all.

 

[cluvsdisney]

I believe Disney updated their marketing to account for the decrease in savings. It used to say up to 40% and now I think it's 20%. I also think it's the character meals are what really adds value to the DDP - the prices are outrageous but super popular. Throw 2-3 of those into the mix and the DDP looks to be a better deal.

 

[Peachkins]

I've seen a lot of people mentioning that they may not consider the dining plan for their next trip, and I'm one of them. I would say that the last time I went I did get my money's worth, but I also had my niece along and we did do several character meals. Without those types of meals, I could probably do just as well without the plan. I will say though, having the plan is convenient. It's nice going on vacation knowing that most of your meals have essentially already been paid for.

 

[Aurora l]

It is so expensive now. A few years ago it made more sense. Unless we are doing the character buffets, I can't justify it.

 

[michelleiada]

I agree! It is much more expensive now. We have always enjoyed the Dining Plan however I'm not convinced that with the new pricing its worth it??