Dining Plan: I have to vent.

[bstnsprts]

Does anyone really think that Disney is loosing money on this program? Do you also think that when Disney discounts rooms they are loosing money? Loosing money on ME service also? Does anyone here think that Vegas Casinos loose money because of comps? Free dining, paid dining plan, ME service, all to keep you onsite and off other properties. Spend the rest of your dollars on site. Free dining was a great marketing ploy. People paid rack rates, filled the on site hotels during the slowest time of the year, and created a buzz over the dining plan. Would we be talking about the dining plan if it wasn't for free dining. Don't believe for a second that the powers that be at Disney simply missed this loop hole. It is there and still there next year for a reason. Take advantage of what's offered and don't worry about Disney. Have you ever turned down a room discount because you felt that Disney might have to raise rates next year because of so many discounts? Prices will go up regardless each year, get the most out of what is being offered.

 

[buddy&wooz]

DISNEY chose to NOT differentiate between Adult and Child credits...GET A CLUE...THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A CHILD CREDIT.

I'm looking at my room key from our trip last month.

It says "Disney Dining A03C01" which was read by various waiters as 3 adults and 1 child. At two restaurants we were NOT allowed to use that card to pay for 4 adults, despite ample credits left (we had a second room with dining for one adult as well, just tried to simplify by using one card at a time.)

I know what the brochure says, I'm just citing a real world example.

 

[jann1033]

Does anyone really think that Disney is loosing money on this program? Do you also think that when Disney discounts rooms they are loosing money? Loosing money on ME service also? Does anyone here think that Vegas Casinos loose money because of comps? Free dining, paid dining plan, ME service, all to keep you onsite and off other properties. Spend the rest of your dollars on site. Free dining was a great marketing ploy. People paid rack rates, filled the on site hotels during the slowest time of the year, and created a buzz over the dining plan. Would we be talking about the dining plan if it wasn't for free dining. Don't believe for a second that the powers that be at Disney simply missed this loop hole. It is there and still there next year for a reason. Take advantage of what's offered and don't worry about Disney. Have you ever turned down a room discount because you felt that Disney might have to raise rates next year because of so many discounts? Prices will go up regardless each year, get the most out of what is being offered.

the op's point was not that disney offered the plan but that people are trying to get around the plan..if you read the documents you see over and over that kids have to order from the kid's menu if available..it even says kids under 3 can share from parent's plate so don't understand how feeling kids should use their purchased dining plan as the lit. says, for kids menus
items is an inaccurate comprehension of the lit . and they are presently closing the"loophole "( ie the slipper deal at crt which is labor intensive, someone said lobster at i believe japan is no longer offered or is in the process of being phased out and a while ago someone( think the info was from one of the guide book sites) said as of next yr (?? don't remember the exact details since it doesn't apply to my situation) credits will no longer be pooled which leads me to believe that it was not the "original " intention, so parents could by a cheaper plan and use the credits to use for Cal Grill. .).however look at all the other programs ( ak meal voucher, vkl voucher) that no longer exist possibly due to this same type of thing.

and don't really see how much i spend or don't spend on anything else at wdw has any bearing on it. if i chose to get the free dining package, i should be a smart enough consumer to know i am paying rack rates. it's not like anyone is forcing me to go..if i don't like the deal i don't go. i can decide if i want to give disney money or not according to what they decide to charge me but it doesn't give me the right to try to cheat them if i think they charge me to much. that really isn't an option, my options are go and pay or don't go and don't pay.

 

[Gillian]

I'm looking at my room key from our trip last month.

It says "Disney Dining A03C01" which was read by various waiters as 3 adults and 1 child. At two restaurants we were NOT allowed to use that card to pay for 4 adults, despite ample credits left (we had a second room with dining for one adult as well, just tried to simplify by using one card at a time.)

I know what the brochure says, I'm just citing a real world example.

I understand what you're saying, but your example is not the same. Because children are supposed to order off the kids menu if they are using the plan, the servers have to enforce this. It's really the only control on the dining plan.

Although a credit is a credit, the servers probably will get in trouble if they process an adult meal for someone who is clearly a child. The poster with the 9 year old who occasionally ordered off the adult menu with no problems most likely had servers who assumed the child was an "adult" (10+) and didn't even look at the card.

This is a different situation that a family of 3 adults, 1 child who chooses to use credits for 3 adult meals and pay cash for the child.

 

[hopesmommy]

Like it or not, Disney has created this loophole and the CM are telling people how to maximize the plan. The internet is not the only place the loophole is talked about.

As for the possible increase in the plan...Quit worrying about what "might" happen and live in the now. Prices will go up in the future just like EVERYTHING else no matter if people use the loophole or not.

Also, remember the Serenity Prayer...

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Telling people they are stealing when Disney says they can use the loophole is not having the wisdom to know the difference.

PLEASE moderator close this thread before it gets as ugly as these threads ALWAYS do.

 

[bstnsprts]

the op's point was not that disney offered the plan but that people are trying to get around the plan..if you read the documents you see over and over that kids have to order from the kid's menu if available..it even says kids under 3 can share from parent's plate so don't understand how feeling kids should use their purchased dining plan as the lit. says, for kids menus
items is an inaccurate comprehension of the lit . and they are presently closing the"loophole "( ie the slipper deal at crt which is labor intensive, someone said lobster at i believe japan is no longer offered or is in the process of being phased out and a while ago someone( think the info was from one of the guide book sites) said as of next yr (?? don't remember the exact details since it doesn't apply to my situation) credits will no longer be pooled which leads me to believe that it was not the "original " intention, so parents could by a cheaper plan and use the credits to use for Cal Grill. .).however look at all the other programs ( ak meal voucher, vkl voucher) that no longer exist possibly due to this same type of thing.

and don't really see how much i spend or don't spend on anything else at wdw has any bearing on it. if i chose to get the free dining package, i should be a smart enough consumer to know i am paying rack rates. it's not like anyone is forcing me to go..if i don't like the deal i don't go. i can decide if i want to give disney money or not according to what they decide to charge me but it doesn't give me the right to try to cheat them if i think they charge me to much. that really isn't an option, my options are go and pay or don't go and don't pay.

My point is don't you think that the executives at Disney knew that this would happen before they introduced the plan. These are not stupid people earning six figure salaries at Disney. Believe me, they actually do know the loop holes before the DIS Board does. Disney can simulate sending your family into outer space, but doesn't have the technology to distinguish between a child and adult credit in their restraunts. Come on. It may seem that everyone and their brother is using this loop hole, but I would guesse that in the grand scheme of things it is a very small percentage. Personally I would not worry about it. Disney has and always will make changes. The dining plan however it is used entices people to stay on site and spend all their vacation money at Disney. This is filling alot of empty seats, not to mention the additional money it is bringing in on alchohol sales at the restaraunts. About half the profit at a restaraunt comes from alchohol sales. Ma and Dad who are paying oop for a kids meal so they can go to CG might also purchase a nice bottle of wine. I could go on and on, I just think that Disney is well aware of the ins and outs of their programs, maybe even put the loopholes in intentionally, and until they decide to close loopholes we should continue to take full advantage of them.

 

[taximomfor4]

I understand what you're saying, but your example is not the same. Because children are supposed to order off the kids menu if they are using the plan, the servers have to enforce this. It's really the only control on the dining plan.

Although a credit is a credit, the servers probably will get in trouble if they process an adult meal for someone who is clearly a child. The poster with the 9 year old who occasionally ordered off the adult menu with no problems most likely had servers who assumed the child was an "adult" (10+) and didn't even look at the card.

This is a different situation that a family of 3 adults, 1 child who chooses to use credits for 3 adult meals and pay cash for the child.

I think the story you quoted HAD 4 adults at the table (the other adult from the other room). So they DID want to pay out of pocket for their child, and use the child credit for the other adult.

I think, lol.
Beth

 

[FayeW]

I think this scenario of using all of the TS credits available to purchase items from the adult menu and pay OOP for children was expected by Disney, and that is precisely why they changed the age for adult prices to 10+ instead of 12+. They are aware that the majority of children 10-12 will eat a handful of fries and some chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, or a slice of pizza, yet they choose to charge $27.99. I think that the changes made to the age restriction were made in anticipation of people ordering the most expensive items at the most expensive restaurants to maximize their vacation dollars. They are aware people are doing it, and they planned for it accordingly. I am sure that it all evens out in the end. Just imagine how many people took advantage of staying onsite (perhaps for the first time) and eating at TS restaurants because the dining is free. What do you think is going to happen the next time they come back? They aren't going to settle for a less "magical" vacation than they had before, so they will pay the prices, and adhere to rules in place at that time. I think it was brilliant marketing. They got people onsite, and more importantly, kept them out of the 4 other major theme parks in the the Orlando area.

 

[KCMiller]

Well, and it may be, too, that Disney didn't anticipate how people would use the credits. They can do market research out the ying, but until you unleash the power of the DISboards on a promotion, they have no idea what to truly expect !

Back when the Q&C vouchers first came out, remember how you could get a great deal using them at Beaches and Cream for the Prime Rib sandwich and the Kitchen Sink? It was something like $40 worth of food, and how many of us got the vouchers through Connections or someplace like that, and paid only around $11? The next year, the Kitchen Sink was specifically mentioned as NOT being available, and Beaches and Cream took the Prime Rib sandwich off the menu, because they were losing so much money on the deal (chatted with the manager of B&C about this - they were caught WAY off guard, and almost had to close). Disney didn't realize that people will find a way to maximize the benefits offered to them - heck, that's what this board is for, to find the best way to experience all WDW has to offer. So although I absolutely don't fault anyone for using the credits the way they want to, I also will not be surprised AT ALL when Disney cracks down, and makes changes. It's a learning experience for them, as well.


KC

 

[Chuck S]

I think there are several possible scenarios for the future of this diing plan.


1) A seperate "diing plan" limited menu will be used at restaurants -or-
2) The plan will increase in price to cover those that "work the system" - or-
3) The plan will change and have actual Child vs Adult credits -or-
4) Specific higher end menu items will just be discontinued, in effect, punishing those not on the plan and willing to pay OOP for the "goodies", for the abuses of those on the plan...we already see this happening.

 

[Brygida]

the joke is..hello !so far this has been free for most and still they try to abuse it. if you don't want to use it as is , don't get it. you don't have to search for and use every loophole you can find.

I think the joke is on everybody on this thread who truly believes they got a *free* dining plan. It wasn't free. Your entire package was overpriced to begin. The restaurants at WDW are overpriced.

Disney throwing in the *free* dining plan just means that you overall paid less for an overpriced package. It is a discount on the overpricing, putting it a little more in line with other available travel options. It is analogous to GM's *employee discount* on their cars. It would be more honest to themselves if GM just offered a lower priced car... instead of a phoney discount on an overpriced one. Disney is doing the same thing.

When we stayed at Disneyland in April, we got $150 *free* Disney Dollars on our package. When we stayed at WDW in September, we got *free* Dining Plan.... but I never kidded myself that it was free.... it was just a discount on the entire package.

Brygida

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

Disney NEVER GIVES ANYTHING FREE!! I always keep that in mind when I see these discounts and then I stay and eat off site. It has worked out well I have been able to go to WDW many more times than if I took advantage of their discounts and "free give aways".

 

[pamouselover]

Ok I just got back the 29th and I dont fell like I stole at all.
MY DD ate many times from the adult CS meals because they allowed it.The CM tell you can use it if they dont see something they like on the child menu. We did not do it to get more food, we did because she was tired of the same old thing. But I also let my DS order from the childs menu. So I think it even it self out. We were not trying to get one over on Disney...they offer way to much food. I think most people in this time are trying not waste food when we have people starving in our country.

 

[Bumbles]

My point is don't you think that the executives at Disney knew that this would happen before they introduced the plan. These are not stupid people earning six figure salaries at Disney. Believe me, they actually do know the loop holes before the DIS Board does.

I disagree.

Think about it...most 6 figure Disney execs aren't thinking of trying to save a buck constantly whereas real people like those on the DIS do. It's called big business...sometimes the execs are out of touch with the very people they're offering their product to.

I think it's very likely they didn't see that as a possibility. Or if they did, they wanted to see how widespread it would be.

I'd be very surprised if Disney doesn't start closing up the loopholes soon. I think they already are making plans for adjustment....the reports from folks at CM who can't pay OOP for their child, the slipper dessert going bye-bye......I'm sure there will be more

 

[jann1033]

the dining plan was a good incentive and they were not paying any more for it than if they stayed on site at regular rates( like probably most non disney website readers do) so they were getting their meals at no charge compared to the guy with out the dining plan promo who paid rack rates and is paying cash for his burger n fries at cosmic rays.

as far as gm(not sure why that was quoted) they do give their employees a discount on cars( my stepfather worked there and gets a discount on his car, last i knew you didn't tell them you were an employee till the end of the deal so it was a true discount)

if you don't want to pay the price don't go to disney. the world isn't going to stop revolving..it's not a necessity.but do you know of any business who doesn't want to make a profit??? do you think when you clip coupons or buy hamburger on sale that's any different than a promo from disney or anyone else? and does that give you the "right " to stick a lb of burger under your coat cause you think the price is to high? I mean talk about a loophole...they leave it right out there in the case... surely they know someone might try that tell that to the polka guy who got put in jail for stealing keilbasa around here a few years ago...

 

[keishashadow]

Stealing wasn't a bit harsh, it's completely inaccurate.

If it's a problem Disney will change the rules. AFAIK dining credits were always pooled even under prior plans.

I think a bigger issue is the number of guests who chose the most expensive items in the most expensive restaurants. You can also make a case Canada didn't expect their restaurant to be filled with MYW Dining guests ordering surf and turf and CRT didn't expect all the guests to be ordering the slipper dessert.

You can also make a case that Disney "intended" guest to be eating as they did before the plan.

A guest who uses a credit for an adult, that was paid for at the reduced price for a child, for HDD is getting a $25 value for a total cost of $10. I'm assuming the extra credit come from the loophole. An adult eating at Le Cellier can $75 worth of food for a credit that cost $35 but the TS portion cost $25.

It's not just the child/adult issue. Too many more restrictions or price increases and I'll go back to just paying as I go. I prefer skipping dessert and getting something later in the day.

Ahh, we meet again to do battle over the MYW Dining Option gory details. Can't resist - have to jump in w/my personal experience w/the plan.

**purchased the 1st day avail for trip in Feb. 2A & 1C.

**there was no brochure available at that time (I received one when we checked in).

**I was told by:

********the CM taking my reservation,
********the CM I asked while making our PS,
********the CM I spoke to when trying to verify the "loophole", and
********2 servers @ WDW (Yaughtsman & Cindy's) that:

Adults Must Use Adult Credits; Children Must Use Child Credits & Order Off the Child Menu If Available (without exception).

Call me a sheep, but it seemed reasonable as I paid for 2A & 1C!!!!!

**tourists aren't the only greedy ones, servers get their tips based on the total of the bill (4 adults meals results in a bigger tip than 2 adults).


For those of you who read the brochure with blinders on or "verbatim", without reason or prudence or any guilt---knock yourself out! WDW loves to tweak their products & has (at least) annual increases in their offerings - let's wait & see what transpires.

BTW, if we bought MYW tix w/dining option and those credits aren't separate:

Do I have a "case" for asserting that all the members in our party, Adult & Child, can use each other's tix when entering the parks?

We're all in the same "bioscan pool" that the WDW computers are supposed to recoginze. Wait, you say the park passes are seperated by Adult & Child - then so are the dining options.

Know I won't change your opinion...remember, I followed the rules as stated several times over to me "Pre-Brochure". To all: enjoy the dining & whatever magic you take from it.

 

[Nancyg56]

Why do people read more into the plan than there is, and try to force everyone into THEIR interpretation of the plan?

We got back a little over a week ago, and loved the plan. I did pay out of pocket for some of our kids meals (and used the DDE 20% discount on that). Calling me a thief is way over the line.

I talked to each CM BEFORE we ordered, told them what I wanted to do, and they were fine with it. Several even suggested ways to maximize the plan even more, told us we could include extras, etc.

DISNEY chose to NOT differentiate between Adult and Child credits...GET A CLUE...THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A CHILD CREDIT.

There isn't a set of credits for me, a separate set of credits for my wife, and separate for my kids. We started with 28 Credits, and they weren't split out by person. If Disney wanted, they COULD set it up that way....but until they do, it is a grouping of credits that can be used in "ANY ORDER, IN ANY AMOUNT, THROUGHOUT YOUR PACKAGE STAY UNTIL YOUR TOTAL IS DEPLETED" (Their wording!!!!!)

READ THE DOCUMENT.....don't read more into it and criticize those who want to maximize the value. HEY, Disney is getting PLENTY of money from us....please don't try to tell me they are going to go broke if I maximize THEIR plan using THEIR terms!

I agree with you. First I am paying for the plan, it is not free for me. I am paying rack rates for my rooms, we have 6 people, and AKL only allows 5 per room....I do not like to break rules. If Disney wanted to separate credits, they could do this. If the company felt that this was a problem it would have already been addressed. To the contrary, Disney to maximize the plan, as they would be penalized by management later. In the event the Disney begins to lose money, you can take it to the bank that credits will be separated, and used in the manner that some posters are suggesting that they should be used. I doubt that the plan would be canceled.

I am going in January, and I would love to use some of the child credits towards CG. If the credits are separated, I will get the message. If I feel awkward I will simply pay for CG OOP. Either way, DIsney set the plan up, and Disney can change it if they lose money, or if it is felt that people "take advantage" of a plan that they designed.

Go ahead and flame me. I have a DH and have 3 kids, so one of them is always mad at me.

 

[unixadm]

We're all in the same "bioscan pool" that the WDW computers are supposed to recoginze. Wait, you say the park passes are seperated by Adult & Child - then so are the dining options.

This is where you are wrong. The PARK TICKETS each have a PERSON'S NAME on them. Only that person can use THEIR park ticket. The tickets are not pooled onto a room key. We have 1 park ticket per room key.

On the Dining Plan, the credits ARE pooled on the room key. We had 28 TS, 28 CS and 28 Snacks pooled together. It didn't say 14 Adult TS, and 14 Child TS. There weren't different credits on different room keys. It COULD have been that way, and if it was, then it would be used that way.

Your case is DIFFERENT. You went 8 months ago when they were rolling this out and there was NO documentation. You were told about specific terms for YOUR plan as it stood, so the verbal instructions were what you had to follow.

Once Disney put out a DOCUMENT to follow, with specific TERMS, then any verbal instructions are overridden and I must abide by those terms, as Disney also must (although they have the every so popular, "Terms could change without notice at anytime" clause).

They do not separate child and adult credits, period...end of debate on that one. I have proof on every one of my receipts that show the number of credits used and number remaining......they ARE NOT separated.

BUT, our Annual Passes as well as the daily passes we got WERE separated and each ticket had a person's name on it, as well as whether they are an adult or child.

Apples and Oranges

 

[lucincia]

It's not that difficult to separate out adult/child credits IF Disney wants to.

They are separating out TS, CS, and snacks already on the dining plan. Throwing in Adult/Child credit separation only adds another 2 classifications for total of 4 classifications for TS and CS (TSA, TSC, CSA, CSC).

If they want to do it, they can do it right away.

People who oppose those using dining plan as they see fit probably never sped before in their lifes, since it is against the law.

 

[freakylick]

BUT, our Annual Passes as well as the daily passes we got WERE separated and each ticket had a person's name on it, as well as whether they are an adult or child.

Apples and Oranges

I'm sure that you meant to address that to Lewisc as well.