Dining Plan Help - Is It Really Worth It?

[disneynutz]

I'll use your post to make a point since it relates somewhat. That is, that there really are 2 issues. One is that of "saving money" and the other is that of value. IMO, any savings calculated should be based on what one spends because of the DP and what one would have spent without the dining plan. I'd put value in the arena of added benefits such as eating out more more or higher $$ meals than you would have gotten without the DDP.

My family was just talking about how brilliant Disney is when it comes to making money. If I understand correctly, for 2012 they increased the DDP price but they are giving everyone a drink mug that they are now testing the RFID dispensing system on. They are also including a appetizer for children which will cause the adults to buy a appetizer out of pocket.

How many would buy the mug if not on the DDP and how many get appetizers with there meals if not on the DDP?

Bill

 

[Mtnman44]

Just to add to my previous comments.

when you try to calculate how much you save on the dining plan, it is important not to compare what you paid vs. what the menu prices (convieniently shown on your receipt) for the food are. This is a simple mind trick, it misdirects you to the wrong number. Much like if you were to go into the store to buy a 32" TV for $400, however you notice that the 42" is on sale for $500, regular priced $700. You buy the bigger TV and come home to tell your wife that you saved $200. Most of our wives will not fall for this Jedi Mind Trick. No, you actually spent $100 more than you were going to spend. Yes you got a bigger TV along with that extra money, but it wasn't something you would have spent normally. The sale got you to spend more to get some more. This is called a marketing strategy or a sales technique.

So people will say, wow $45 a day is a lot better than paying cash for the buffets and lunches and snacks everyday. It is a bargain. While they are getting more food, the $45 a day per person is a lot more than most of the poeple would have spent normally on restaurants. Instead of lowering prices to meet demand, Disney invented the dining plan to fill up restaurants. Either strategy probably would result in lower margins, but the dining plan increased customer volume much better. Disney is a marketing genius.

Disney did not create the dining plan to help people spend less money while vacationing at WDW.

 

[Dean]

Just to add to my previous comments.

when you try to calculate how much you save on the dining plan, it is important not to compare what you paid vs. what the menu prices (convieniently shown on your receipt) for the food are. This is a simple mind trick, it misdirects you to the wrong number. Much like if you were to go into the store to buy a 32" TV for $400, however you notice that the 42" is on sale for $500, regular priced $700. You buy the bigger TV and come home to tell your wife that you saved $200. Most of our wives will not fall for this Jedi Mind Trick. No, you actually spent $100 more than you were going to spend. Yes you got a bigger TV along with that extra money, but it wasn't something you would have spent normally. The sale got you to spend more to get some more. This is called a marketing strategy or a sales technique.

So people will say, wow $45 a day is a lot better than paying cash for the buffets and lunches and snacks everyday. It is a bargain. While they are getting more food, the $45 a day per person is a lot more than most of the poeple would have spent normally on restaurants. Instead of lowering prices to meet demand, Disney invented the dining plan to fill up restaurants. Either strategy probably would result in lower margins, but the dining plan increased customer volume much better. Disney is a marketing genius.

Disney did not create the dining plan to help people spend less money while vacationing at WDW.

Absolutely correct and exactly the same scenario as those who use DVC rack rates to judge their savings on owning/buying DVC.

 

[Atchley]

I agree with all of the above, but one thing that has not been stated yet (and this may sound strange) is that your meals are paid for in advance, so when you do go to a character meal for dinner and see the prices, who cares; it's already paid for! It's kind of in a way like DVC...your hotel stay is already paid for.

Our first visit a few years back, we paid out of pocket and I just remember for each meal stressing and worrying about how much this is going to cost...for the last 3 years we have done the dining plan (and although it does save us money in our case), I don't have to worry about prices (I realize that I have already paid for it, but it just eases the stress about $$$).

Like previously stated, I think the DP's save you a lot of $$$ if you have kids, but not so much if it is just for adults.

Exactly my thoughts. I love the fact that our meals are already paid for in advance. One less stress.
We didn't do the DDP our first trip. I was so worried we wouldn't be eating by the end of the trip for fear of no money.
DDP is worth it to me just for my sanity.