Deluxe Dining Plan-Anyone else intrigued?

[chrismb22]

I really like it and I don't think it's too much food but my only complaint is that the tip isn't on there. I really liked the idea of not having to THINK about anything while away. It became like an all-inclusive resort to me.

So, what I'll probably do now (once we hear the official word) is just get $600 (or more) in Disney gift cards and bill everything to our room. That shuold more than cover our food -- I'm going to keep all the same reservations we have now. I'll pay off the room at the end of the week with those and if I go over, I go over.

Either way, I'm still in Disney and I can still get my Mickey bar. That's all that counts!!

 

[honeymo78]

My upset wasn't at disneybride but more the categorization that we all must be fat gluttons by mike scope and others on this forum. Deluxe will be a welcome change for many.

 

[ndgqccmiller]

We did the dining plan in 2006. Our kids were ds9, dd6, dd2. It was perfect foe us, but we are planning on going Oct 2008 my ds will be 11. I can't imaguine him eatting 70.00 worth of food. For our family food and character meals are part of what we love. I just can't say it's worth it for us. I didn't read every post but I really wish Disney would do a Jr plan. Maybe do 39.99 for kids 11-17. I mean at most resturants Chilis, Outback, Olive Garden , Red Lobsters the kids meal is up to age 12. I just don't know how Disney can say this makes sense. We have told everyone use the dining plan. Not this plan if you have kids 10-17. Silly I think. They are always trying to bust the bank! I mean I still love Disney and can't wait for 2008 but 1750.00(w/out tip) in food for7 days is again just silly for us. I know they still have the other choice but how do you go backwards after you have already done it the better way!

Just my two sense!!

 

[diswedwish]

My mom and I will be excited to try it on our Jan. trip - if it's similar to what Deb had on her site. We already have our ADRs made based on the old DDP, and I priced that vs. where we'll plan to eat if the Deluxe plan comes out. It made sense $ for us - that was a rough estimate of the TS places plus the extra snack per day and cost of the mug (so no CS factored in). My mom wanted to see some numbers before she decided one way or the other. I did a good job plugging the 2 credit TS restaurants though She's a little eater - so the Jabba the Hut comments were funny to me; if it was all about the quantity she'd never go for it! We'll be eating at signature places just about every night - the only one she's tried so far is Artist Point and she loved that - now I get to share the rest of them with her I hope they release the details soon...

 

[Becky2005]

I'm excited because to me it sounds like the dining portion of the Premium plan (with the addition of snacks/refillable mug)...so I'm THRILLED.

We did the Premium plan last time and although it was nice, I really don't need all the recreation stuff. This is exactly the type of plan I was hoping would eventually show up.

Now, I'm not sure how it will pan out since my older 2 will be adults but I know we easily dropped at least $200/meal (seemed like practically all of them were in that range -- I was trying to keep track of what we would have spent if we paid OOP instead of the plan for *everything*) in 2005 & most the time we didn't order an appetizer. My DH doesn't like Disney but he likes eating & that is what got him to Disney in the first place. The dining plan was new that year and basically he wanted to be able to have 3 sit-down meals/day if he wanted to, etc... (and we DID on a couple days -- we also had to cram La Nouiba, parasailing, fishing, horseback riding, tours in there to make it worth the $ for the Premium).

I'm pretty confident for *our* family, it will be a good thing.

 

[Becky2005]

I also think its insulting to call this the jabba the hut plan - obviously plat and prem must be that too. Do you people eat 3 times a day at home? What is so wrong about eating 3 meals - you don't have to lick your plate. And I'm not sharing my vacation meal with DH and end up ordering something I don't like just so we can share and clean our plates. I also get a heck of a lot more exercise in every day at disney than I do at home.

When we go out at home, I never order dessert. You bet I ordered it every time when we went on the Premium plan. The funniest thing is I think I ate more that week than ever & I LOST weight. I was pretty sure I did (since I weighed myself & according to the scale I lost 5 pounds) but what confirmed it was I went to take my DS over to his friend's house after we got back & was talking to the parents, the dad said "Did you lose weight?" So, even with all the big meals, desserts, etc.. with all the walking, it just cancelled each other out & then some. A lot of the time we never ordered the appetizers anyway because there was nothing we liked/wanted.

 

[Mickey-4-Me]

The new plan is definitely enticing; however, when I do the math... it may just be too much $$$ to feasibly spend. Personally, I don't want my dining to nearly equal my room & ticket package. BUT - there seems to be a lot of families (on the Dis anyway) that are definitely interested. If it suits your family - Great. I can still benefit by getting more food porn!

$69.99 x 3 (ages 10+) = $209.97
$19.99 x 2 (ages 3-9) = $39.98
Total $249.95 (per day) x 7 (nights) = $1749.65 (Deluxe DDP) + $314.94 (estimated gratuity) = $2064.59 (Total) / 7 (nights) = $294.94 (per day including gratutiy)
Gratuity $314.94 (18%)
(Three TS/CS, Two Snacks per night)
(Appetizer, Entrée, Dessert, Non-alcoholic Beverage, Tax) No Gratuity Included

$37.99 x 3 (ages 10+) = $113.97
$9.99 x 2 (ages 3-9) = $19.98
Total $133.95 (per day) x 7 (nights) = $937.65 (DDP) + $168.78 (estimated gratuity) = $1106.43 (Total) / 7 (nights) = $158.06 (per day including gratuity)
Gratuity $168.78 (18%)
(One TS, One CS, One Snack per night)
(Entrée, Dessert, Non-alcoholic Beverage, Tax) No Appetizer or Gratuity Included

I like Disney food. I can afford the new plan. I just don't think I want to spend that kind of money. That is $294.94 PER DAY for food alone on the Deluxe DDP. I spend less than that PER WEEK at home.

Now, let's consider the traditional DDP. If the appetizer and gratuity are now excluded, but the price remains (basically) the same - I'm no longer (solidly) sold. I need to give this topic some more thought. The appetizer and tip made this pre-paid plan marketable (and cost-worthy) to me. Something else is going to have to tip the scale for me.

We may quickly become an OOP CS meal family with a couple of OOP TS meals thrown in.

PLUS, if there is such a fuss over ADR availability now - imagine the future. I predict ADR #'s for sale on ebay.

If you add the new (rumored) increased resort rates and ticket prices for 2008 also. Disney may have just priced this frugal, savings driven family out of a vacation. Instead of yearly... maybe every two years. I'll see you all in 2009.

 

[WendyisDarling]

I'm definitely intrigued. Current DDP we have paid OOP for a few TS meals and leave with several CS credits unused. I like the idea of doing all TS. Several character breakfasts would be great. TS lunch is a nice rest from the heat. I don't think TS lunches are more food than many of the CS places. We like to go to Sci-Fi for lunch. A Reuben w/ fries or a salad isn't more food than what some get at Cosmic Rays. (Wonder if apps and dessert will be included with lunch TS? That would be too much for me, but so it the CS dessert. JMHO) TS for dinner is a must for our family. I would love to do a late character breakfast and an evening 2 TS meal. Basically, when I am on vacation I like to sit down and have someone else take care of the meals. Not fond of searching for a CS table and carrying trays. I also don't like buffets for the same reason. I understand that sounds ridiculous to some, but it's my vacation and that's what I like.

We aren't gluttens either. We do order app., entree and dessert on the plan. Do we lick our plates clean? No. It's fun to try new things.
I think most of that has been written by other posters.

However, I just don't think it is a very good value for the money. I have priced out a few different scenarios and we might save a few dollars. our youngerst DS will be 10 before our next trip. He is still a chicken fingers, mac and cheese kids meal type. I think he would still order that most of the time even with adult entrees available. If we share, exclude or choose either or for apps. and desserts (what we normally do) our spending is less than the plan. If the tip was included, we would be sold just for the luxery of the all inclusive, pre-paid trip.

From reading many posts, it seems the exclusion of the tip is the biggest problem for past users who are deciding against the plan.

I really want to like the deluxe plan and have been trying to figure out ways to justify it. I'm planning a 10 night trip next year. I'm considering a few options: a split stay with 1/2 on deluxe plan (lots of character meals and places DS10 will eat adult food) and OOP for the other 1/2. Also thinking of staying off-site for a few nights. We were planning on treating MIL who lives in the area to 3 nights at Disney, but maybe we'll take her to the beach or other Orlando attractions and save money to put toward the deluxe plan.

Likely we will just pay OOP and not try to conform to any plan. Just do what we want.

The tip exclusion is the deal breaker for us. I guess that won't change if it is in the union contract as I have read, right?

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I just pulled out my PassPorter from last year to see how much I spent on food to compare it to the costs of the new DDP. Here's what I figured out;

My first night at Disney, I had one CS meal, one TS meal, and bought a refillable mug. That cost almost $50.

On my first full day I ate one one-credit TS meal, and one signature meal. I had budgeted $75 for the day, but only spent just over $50. I also had two snacks, one at breakfast, and a Dole Whip. I had an entree at the one-credit TS meal, and two apps and a dessert at the signature meal, since I didn't feel like paying $30+ for an entree. So in reality, I only ate one full TS meal that day, it was just split between two TS locations.

On my third day, I had one one-credit TS meal, one signature TS meal, and one snack. I had an entree and dessert at the one-credit TS meal, and two apps and a dessert at the signature meal. I spent over $60 on food.

I did the same thing on day four, one one-credit meal and one signature, eating once again the entree and dessert at the one-credit meal, and two apps and dessert at the signature meal. I spent almost $60 again.

I'm not going to go through each meal day by day, but I spent over $70 the next day, (two TS and one snack,) $30 the next day (one TS and two CS,) (sick that day, otherwise would have done two more TS,) almost $80 the next day, (one TS, two CS,) (still sick, otherwise would've done another TS meal,) over $70 the next day, (two TS and two snacks,) over $50 the next day, (one TS and three snacks,) (started to get sick again,) about $50 the next day, (two TS and one snack,) and on the last day, one TS.

Out of all those meals I believe I only ordered an entree about five times, but with the DDP I wouldn't have to worry about cost, and could get an entree at each meal, as well as an app and dessert. Yes, it's a lot of food, but I would probably do two TS meals a day, one being signature.

 

[girli565]

Exactly.

Plus I imagine it will be per night not per day as that has been the way packages have been structured for quite a few years now. So if you arrive in the am and have most of your last day to play at WDW, it makes it even easier to use all those credits.

Exactly!! I'm actually very excited about this proposed (rumored) plan! I know some aren't happy about it but ultmately it's their own decision whether or not to purchase any kind of DDP plan.

Don't like it... don't buy it! The consumer's will dictate the market once disney realizes no one is buying the packages. And then maybe 2009 will see a return of the regular DDP!

 

[CarolA]

IMHO, Deluxe Dining Plan equals "The Road to Obeseity"

NO you don't burn that many calories at Disney (sorry, standing line not a calorie burner, walking around park while eating the "ice cream snack" probably not a break even. Disney meals have more calories then you burn in a day at Disney.)

Don't believe me...

Typical LeCellier Meal based on CalorieKing.com

Cheddar Cheese Soup (Cousin's Sub) 201 Calories 11.4 grams fat
Filet (used Outback Steakhouse since I don't think Disney does this "with no oils etc") 570 calories 44 G fat
Risotto 190 Calories 5 G fat
Creme Burlee 210 10 G fat.

Total for this meal. 1171 Calories 70 G Fat (notice no pretzel bread included)

A 150 pound person burns about 246 calories and hour of moderate walking. Remember that's WALKING. Standing in line etc does not count. So just to burn off this meal you have to WALK FOUR HOURS!!!! Not to mention that I think you have exceeded the recommended fat intake!

So two meals a day like this plus a snack etc.........

 

[mickey2000]

IMHO, Deluxe Dining Plan equals "The Road to Obeseity"
NO you don't burn that many calories at Disney (sorry, standing line not a calorie burner, walking around park while eating the "ice cream snack" probably not a break even. Disney meals have more calories then you burn in a day at Disney.)

Don't believe me...

Typical LeCellier Meal based on CalorieKing.com

Cheddar Cheese Soup (Cousin's Sub) 201 Calories 11.4 grams fat
Filet (used Outback Steakhouse since I don't think Disney does this "with no oils etc") 570 calories 44 G fat
Risotto 190 Calories 5 G fat
Creme Burlee 210 10 G fat.

Total for this meal. 1171 Calories 70 G Fat (notice no pretzel bread included)

A 150 pound person burns about 246 calories and hour of moderate walking. Remember that's WALKING. Standing in line etc does not count. So just to burn off this meal you have to WALK FOUR HOURS!!!! Not to mention that I think you have exceeded the recommended fat intake!

So two meals a day like this plus a snack etc.........

What me worry?? I take...........

 

[CarolA]

What me worry?? I take...........

Well at least it's not Alli.... (For those of you using that...pack extra clothes... You are going to experience those "unpleasnt side effects..)

 

[Colleen27]

IMHO, Deluxe Dining Plan equals "The Road to Obeseity"

Obesity is not caused by a week's overindulgence on vacation; it is caused by overall lifestyle. The deluxe dining plan is no more the road to obesity than cruising or all-inclusive resorts are. The road to obesity is the one that runs past Starbucks, for that 1000 calorie morning coffee drink, to McDs for a 1000 calorie value meal (with a diet soda, of course ), and on to the neighborhood pizzaria for another high calorie dinner before plopping down in front of the TV too tired to exercise. (And I mean no offense by any of this - I've been guilty of all of the above at various times!)

I can see how the calories consumed on the deluxe plan might be a real concern for frequent WDW visitors. I wouldn't want to eat that way every trip if I was going several times a year either. But for the average Disney visitor going once a year or less, the temporary break from everyday eating habits going to make or break their overall diet or weight.

 

[NMW]

IMHO, Deluxe Dining Plan equals "The Road to Obeseity"

NO you don't burn that many calories at Disney (sorry, standing line not a calorie burner, walking around park while eating the "ice cream snack" probably not a break even. Disney meals have more calories then you burn in a day at Disney.)

Don't believe me...

Typical LeCellier Meal based on CalorieKing.com

Cheddar Cheese Soup (Cousin's Sub) 201 Calories 11.4 grams fat
Filet (used Outback Steakhouse since I don't think Disney does this "with no oils etc") 570 calories 44 G fat
Risotto 190 Calories 5 G fat
Creme Burlee 210 10 G fat.

Total for this meal. 1171 Calories 70 G Fat (notice no pretzel bread included)

A 150 pound person burns about 246 calories and hour of moderate walking. Remember that's WALKING. Standing in line etc does not count. So just to burn off this meal you have to WALK FOUR HOURS!!!! Not to mention that I think you have exceeded the recommended fat intake!

So two meals a day like this plus a snack etc.........

It's simply crazy to think that one weeks vacation will put a person "on the road to obeseity" in my opinion. The way someone lives their life on a day to day basis determines that. I am not obese, and I've eaten that exact meal you detailed WITH the pretzel bread on the same day I did a character breakfast in the morning and did fish and chips for lunch. Do I eat like that the other 51 weeks of the year? No, not even close. Well, maybe holidays and our summer vacation to Myrtle Beach, but you get my point. That eating the way I do at Disney is not my lifestyle, it's my vacation.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I don't think it's the "road to obeseity" either. I rarely weigh myself, but when I went to Disney in 2005 I weighed myself right before and after my trip just to see how much weight I gained or loss. I ate that meal at Le Cellier too, except I had the maple-bbq filet with potatoes instead of risotto, as well as more then a dozen other meals and tons of snacks, and this was during the food and wine festival, and I drank a lot more alcohol then usual.

You know what? I lost three pounds.

And the other posters are right I don't eat that way everyday. I usually eat a lot less, and I usually eat healthier, though I have been eating a lot of junk recently, including a surplus of macaroni and cheese and ice cream, but I did stock up on Lean Cuisine last night, so it all evens out.

 

[Luv2trav]

IMHO, Deluxe Dining Plan equals "The Road to Obeseity"

.......

This is absolutely ridiculous to say. I know for myself I usually diet knowing very well I am going to splurge on vacation. Plus when I get home I watch what I eat. So what if I decide that 1 week out of the whole year I don't count my calories.. I spent 13 days this past vacation eating whatever I wanted and only gained 1lb... and now I am actually down 10lbs since then. To say this plan is road to obesity is ridiculous. There are healthy options to choose from too. Not every meal has to be the high fat high calorie option.

I for one enjoy the the breaks and character meals. Beats the heck out of standing in line to meet them. Plus it's very entertaining. I am looking forward to trying some the signature places.

 

[CarolA]

All the "Outcry" over my post only makes me wonder.

If it doesn't apply then why are you upset?

 

[Luv2trav]

All the "Outcry" over my post only makes me wonder.

If it doesn't apply then why are you upset?

Because you make it sound as if anyone who wants this plan is obese which is absolutely not true.

 

[NMW]

All the "Outcry" over my post only makes me wonder.

If it doesn't apply then why are you upset?

Well, I can only speak for myself, but your posts makes it seem like anyone who would purchase this plan must be A. obese already B. Hoping to be obese soon C. Not care one way or the other-like if I get fat while at Disney-Oh well, at least I ate good.

Mostly I just think it's silly to suggest that a person's eating habits on a one week vacation is what determines something as important as their health.