Dining plan speculation that I have heard for 2008~

[bicker]

Yes, good point: Appetizers are typically just as labor-intensive to prepare as entrees.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I'm with those who are hoping the rumors of "new" tiered plans are true. The current DDP doesn't work for us. Our family of 3 prefers TS meals to CS, & don't really snack. A plan including all TS fits our dining style better. For dinner we order an appetizer, entree, & dessert/ person. We like a variety & often share to sample even more offerings. We also prefer restaurants that focus on quality over quantity. If we leave food, we leave it. Like others, we avoid the other dining plans, because we don't want to pay for recreational activities we won't take advantage of.

As far as wine being included, as many have noted, wine is available all over WDW. I've seen many people, especially at Epcot & PI that have over imbided. Either people will or they won't. I don't think including wine in a package will make much of a difference. That said, I have no interest in receiving a glass of "house" wine with my meals. If they include wine, there should probably be tiers for that also, or it wouldn't be of value for many people who would purchase a more expensive plan. I don't really see them charging less for those under 21 either. We've been to HDDR, & other dinner shows & didn't drink the alcohol. Our DS has always accompanied us. He's under 21. We've never felt ripped off, because of that. You have to decide if it's still worth it to you to book the plan knowing you won't drink. As others have said, wine (esp. if it's house wine) wouldn't make much of a difference in the "value" of the package.

Maybe, I'm the only person interpreting it that way, but I can't see WDW have dining packages that are resort specific. In other words, I don't think you would have to purchase the "moderate" plan, if you were staying in a moderate resort. This may be the terminology used, but I highly doubt it's as literal as many are thinking. WDW would prefer every onsite guest purchase a "Deluxe/ Premium" plan. If there does end up being a tiered dining system, I'm sure all onsite guests will be able to choose the plan that fits their needs best regardless of what level the resort of their choice falls in.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I forgot to add in my pp that if the dining plan of my choice does include a bottle of wine/ day that we don't care for, we won't complain to WDW & tell them we think they should cutback or eliminate it. If enough people complain that it's just too much, that can be seen as a green light for WDW to cutback & save money. A current situation comes to mind. I personally don't feel that's being considerate of those who enjoy the plan as is.

 

[honeymo78]

tarheel - I'm with you in hoping that there is a version of the current premium package (3 meals) without the recreation - not that I want the recreation package gone either. Some trips we are up for recreation, some trips we aren't, however we are always up for TS over CS.

With respect to resort level and package level, the only packaged that must be booked at a deluxe resort is the platinum package - as the highest tiered package, it projects an image of luxury, also it includes pre-trip planning serviced by the concierge level planners which is only availabe at deluxe resorts. The current premium plan (3 meals plus recreation) is available at any resort - from value to deluxe to dvc resorts (not on points). I have a feeling that any new tiered dining plans will follow that mold.

 

[Lewisc]

Yes, good point: Appetizers are typically just as labor-intensive to prepare as entrees.

I'm assuming an appetizer sampler platter for the table would consist of less expensive ingredients and would feature appetizers which don't require a lot of preparation and which could be prepared in advance. A restaurant could serve Caesar salad, family style.

Soup and salad can be prepared in advance and served almost immediately after a guest is served.

Disregarding the other rumored cutbacks I wouldn't have any problem if Le Cellier gave me a choice of their beer cheese soup or a salad.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

tarheel - I'm with you in hoping that there is a version of the current premium package (3 meals) without the recreation - not that I want the recreation package gone either. Some trips we are up for recreation, some trips we aren't, however we are always up for TS over CS.

I'm never in favor of eliminating an offering that others may want, just because it doesn't appeal to my family. I hate when that happens to us.

With respect to resort level and package level, the only packaged that must be booked at a deluxe resort is the platinum package - as the highest tiered package, it projects an image of luxury, also it includes pre-trip planning serviced by the concierge level planners which is only availabe at deluxe resorts. The current premium plan (3 meals plus recreation) is available at any resort - from value to deluxe to dvc resorts (not on points). I have a feeling that any new tiered dining plans will follow that mold.

Thanks for the info. I didn't know that about the platinum package. As I noted, we've never been interested because of the built in cost of recreation. I hadn't really spent any time looking into it.

If there is a tiered "meals only" plan, I too think each tier will be offered to all onsite guests. I just can't see them tying each dining plan level into the resort level. Without options, fewer people would purchase the plan.

There's people who stay in a value resort, because they're park commandos & only use the room to sleep & shower. That doesn't mean they don't enjoy fine dining, & are willing to pay for the best food available. Adversely, some people enjoy a Deluxe resort, but are more than happy eating CS on the run to have more time to enjoy the parks & resort. For some, the money saved on either can help them afford the other. Then there's those like us who enjoy the resort & dining more than the rides. The rides just add to the trip. I think WDW knows not all guests are alike & will try to accommodate as many individuals as possible, as long as they're still making money on the deal.

 

[Lewisc]

A plan that offers 3 TS meals per day works better if the guest is staying in a resort that has a TS restaurant. Disney may want to avoid overselling the plan. At least one of the better plans is, or at least was, only available to guests at deluxe restaurants.

I'd expect a premium plan, with 3 TS meals per day, will wind up costing us at least double the cost of the basic plan.

If there is a tiered "meals only" plan, I too think each tier will be offered to all onsite guests. I just can't see them tying each dining plan level into the resort level. Without options, fewer people would purchase the plan.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

A plan that offers 3 TS meals per day works better if the guest is staying in a resort that has a TS restaurant. Disney may want to avoid overselling the plan. At least one of the better plans is, or at least was, only available to guests at deluxe restaurants.

I'd expect a premium plan, with 3 TS meals per day, will wind up costing us at least double the cost of the basic plan.

2 TS meals would work for my family, but I suppose Disney can't offer a perfect option for everyone.

BTW, I've stayed at a Deluxe resort & never eaten in one of their restaurants. Our resort has nothing to do with our dining choices. Although, I know some do factor that into their plans. I personally don't think not have a TS restaurant at your resort would be the deciding factor on which plan people choose though. The deciding factor would most likely be price. Many people who stay at Value & Mod resorts can afford to spend as much on food as those staying in a Deluxe resort.

I'm in total agreement with them not overselling any plan. I just think the price of the plan should be the deciding factor. The premium plan isn't the plan that would overbook the restaurants anyway. They would gain nothing by severely limiting the dining only, premium plan & overselling the basic plan.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Well I like the dining plan, but I don't know what we would do with these changes. I would lean to the value plan because DH and I don't drink wine and we don't eat all TS meals. I suppose the 5 of us could share an appetizer and come up with a tip OOP. But I wish they'd go ahead and release the info, already.
Robin M.

 

[mickey2000]

Yes, good point: Appetizers are typically just as labor-intensive to prepare as entrees.

Just means that with no Appetizer, you get no bread with your meal at Mama Melrose

 

[Cinderumbrella]

A plan that offers 3 TS meals per day works better if the guest is staying in a resort that has a TS restaurant. Disney may want to avoid overselling the plan. At least one of the better plans is, or at least was, only available to guests at deluxe restaurants.

I'd expect a premium plan, with 3 TS meals per day, will wind up costing us at least double the cost of the basic plan.

I would be fine with that

 

[Lewisc]

Just means that with no Appetizer, you get no bread with your meal at Mama Melrose

On the other hand it makes it easy to provide a complimentary appetizer for the table. An "appetizer" that isn't labor intensive and isn't that expensive.

 

[BCV23]

Hmmm... but just an appetizer sampler platter would... You answer the "Are you on the Dining Plan?" question when you check in, and then the hostess brings you and a sampler platter, staged and waiting, to your table at the same time. That could work.

If moving tables is the motivation such a plan would only save a bit of time. It still would boil down to many/most DDPers occupying the tables through 3 courses.

And this is obviously personal but there is absolutely no way that I would be satisfied with a predetermined salad or sampler platter. That alone would make such a plan a total no go for me.

 

[Colleen27]

2 TS meals would work for my family, but I suppose Disney can't offer a perfect option for everyone.
.

That would be perfect for us too. Maybe we'll get lucky, and they'll offer the perfect plan for us. It wouldn't even have to be a great deal like the current DDP is - as long as it isn't costing us more than paying for those same meals OOP, I'd be happy to have it all prepaid.

 

[bicker]

If moving tables is the motivation such a plan would only save a bit of time.

Every little bit helps!

And this is obviously personal but there is absolutely no way that I would be satisfied with a predetermined salad or sampler platter. That alone would make such a plan a total no go for me.

I suspect that you'll visit WDW anyway. Regardless, as you already know, they're really aiming their changes at what they understand the standard guest purchasing behaviors to be.

 

[BCV23]

I suspect that you'll visit WDW anyway. Regardless, as you already know, they're really aiming their changes at what they understand the standard guest purchasing behaviors to be.

Absolutely. We would still dine in the restaurants as well. We just wouldn't purchase the DDP.

But I do think the likelihood is very low that there will be preselected appetizer for only those on the DDP. Two different classes of diners just doesn't seem in the Disney spirit.

The complaints of standardization of menu would truly be valid then...at least for those on the DDP.

 

[digman6]

NO apps. would help alot with moving tables. Stop for a minute and think about it~ if you have that 1 table that does not get appetizers your saving .by the time you tell them what you want and get it to the table roughly what 5-8 minutes (guessing of coarse), then the table eats it another what 5 minutes if that if your all sharing 1 item. then a 5 minute pause to get the meal out and clear the Appetizer plates.

So thats about 15 (maybe a bit less) minutes and you take that over time time frame of just dinner 4ish-9ish (thats 5 hours there) thats a hour and 15 minutes and you can actually open up alot more people getting to sit down ,especially if it was done all day as I am sure it would be.

those no appetizer people make it so we can all have a extra chance to get a seat were " We just have to eat". I think we will all see the benefit in the long run in the are of trying to get a time slot, not neccesarily in the dining plan itself though

 

[patsal]

Every little bit helps!

I suspect that you'll visit WDW anyway. Regardless, as you already know, they're really aiming their changes at what they understand the standard guest purchasing behaviors to be.

Actually for me, since I go often it will mean that I will skip WDW offerings other than my DVC resort and do things offsite. For example, I am planning two scenarios for April. The first if no dining changes: get WDW tickets and enjoy the WDW parks and restaurants. The second: if changes occur and they do not work for my family, then Sea World, US/IOA and offsite dining here we come. With the DDP I am more likely to stay on WDW property and without I will feel freer to do other things. Of course I am not the standard guest, however I am sure I will not be the only one.

 

[bicker]

Absolutely. We would still dine in the restaurants as well. We just wouldn't purchase the DDP.

And business is, of course, all about playing the probabilities, trading off how many people would versus how many wouldn't, taking into consideration how much the people who would contribute to profit versus the loss associated with how much the people who wouldn't would have contributed to profit.

XXX just doesn't seem in the Disney spirit.

If I had a dime for every time someone said this and it turned out that XXX came to pass, I'd be a millionaire. Actually, it amazes me how much we can find this phrase associated with things that have already come to pass. I think what people want to be the Disney spirit and the actual Disney spirit differ.

 

[Lewisc]

I think the Disney "sprit" is to exceed our (reasonable) expectations. The parks should be cleaner then our nearest 6 Flags park as an example.

Disney is certainly entitled to make the DDP less attractive. Prior meal plans weren't that attractive and most guests didn't even think of purchasing them. IF the 2008 plan isn't changed from what has already been "leaked" the plan will be close to "break even". Disney "spirit" should prevent Disney from continuing to suggest guests will save up to 40% on their food costs with the meal plan.

Although we me disagree as to if the terms of the 2005 plan allowed for it, we can agree Disney never anticpated how many guests would refuse to waste child credits on child meals. We wanted additional snacks but I don't think Disney anticpated a box of donuts and a half gallon of milk would provide breakfast. I don't think Disney anticipated how many guests would stretch credits by sharing meals.

My guess is the 2008 plan will cut back so much that Disney will wind up having to improve the plan. I'm not sure if they'll wait until 2009. The easiest thing may be to run promotions with dining.

If I had a dime for every time someone said this and it turned out that XXX came to pass, I'd be a millionaire. Actually, it amazes me how much we can find this phrase associated with things that have already come to pass. I think what people want to be the Disney spirit and the actual Disney spirit differ.