Details on the Free Dining Package?

[cassi06403]

Forgive me - I haven't been on the DIS in quite a while. I'm sure there are plenty of threads out there somewhere, but I haven't been able to find them!

A few questions about this year's free dining package:

1) Is it the same as past years where as long as your first night is before Sept 20 you get free dining until the end of your stay?

2) Is it the same as past years where as long as you buy a single base ticket you get the free dining as part of the MYW package?


Thanks bunches!

 

[tlhbdm]

Yes and Yes

 

[cassi06403]

I just found this thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1782177

Now I'll have to go find out just how much the dining package has changed since the last time we used it. I'm worried that I'm going to be shocked!

Anyone have this info off the top of their head?

I'm being a lazy DISer today. (So unlike me!) Forgive me again!

 

[tlhbdm]

When was the last time you were on DDP?

 

[TDC Nala]

2008 has two Dining Plans for you to choose - the Basic (which your get for free with the free dining package) and the Deluxe. The Basic is the same as the 2007 dining plan except for two major changes: 1) Table service appetizers are not included for age 10 and over. 2) The gratuity is not included (except at CRT and dinner shows).

Note also that with your snack credits, you are now permitted to purchase only single serving items. No half gallon of milk, no large bag of chips, no box of donuts.

The Deluxe plan costs about twice as much and includes: 3 meal credits per night of your stay that can be used for either table or counter service; 2 snacks per night; and a refillable resort mug for each member of your party using the plan. Appetizers at TS are included for adults on the deluxe plan, but the gratuity is NOT included (except, again, for CRT and dinner shows).

You can "upgrade" your free dining package to deluxe dining by paying the difference per night between the basic and deluxe plans.

 

[cassi06403]

Thank you so much for all the info!

We were just on the DDP in Dec 2007. (We had to PAY for it! ) We much preferred the FREE DDP in 2006!

Bummer about the changes - especially since I can no longer get my bag of bagels for one snack credit!!

I think a call to Disney Reservations may be in order for tonight!

 

[toledo13]

2008 has two Dining Plans for you to choose - the Basic (which your get for free with the free dining package) and the Deluxe. The Basic is the same as the 2007 dining plan except for two major changes: 1) Table service appetizers are not included for age 10 and over. 2) The gratuity is not included (except at CRT and dinner shows).

Note also that with your snack credits, you are now permitted to purchase only single serving items. No half gallon of milk, no large bag of chips, no box of donuts.

The Deluxe plan costs about twice as much and includes: 3 meal credits per night of your stay that can be used for either table or counter service; 2 snacks per night; and a refillable resort mug for each member of your party using the plan. Appetizers at TS are included for adults on the deluxe plan, but the gratuity is NOT included (except, again, for CRT and dinner shows).

You can "upgrade" your free dining package to deluxe dining by paying the difference per night between the basic and deluxe plans.

Generally, how much is the tip? Is it worth it to do free dining now that you have to 'pay'? We WERE thinking about taking our own breakfast and lunch, and then buying a TS meal every day....?? Is it still cheaper to do the free dining?

 

[TDC Nala]

I am not doing free dining - but if you are going to eat at table service restaurants anyway, you'd be paying for the meal AND for the tip. Depending on where you go and what you order, one table service per day can surpass the cost of the PAID dining plan, much less the free one. If you don't have to pay for the meal, just for the tip, don't you still come out ahead? You wouldn't even HAVE to use the counter service and snacks. After all, you didn't pay for them.

Unless you're getting a good room discount (I'm using DVC which means I don't have to buy a package anyway) then go with the free dining.