Dining Plan Speculation

[Devil13]

It‘a not about whether it can work for some people. It absolutely can.
But OP claimed WDW loses money on it.

Point is —whether it works for your family or not, it works for Disney every time. They make money off the plan every time someone books it, whether they maximize it or not. Much like McDonalds doesn’t lose money on their meal deals.

Best case scenario is when it’s a mutual win— the guest realizes a value while Disney does as well.

Definitely agree with that. Disney always wins. If they didn’t, it wouldn’t be an option. The pricing structure for the food guarantees it, but if you’re buying what they’re selling you can maximize your money with the DP in some cases.

 

[gharter]

Definitely agree with that. Disney always wins. If they didn’t, it wouldn’t be an option. The pricing structure for the food guarantees it, but if you’re buying what they’re selling you can maximize your money with the DP in some cases.

Agree. In general, if you don't get the more expensive items at every meal, and all the snacks, you lose money.
We had it once "free" and couldn't/didn't want to eat all the food and snacks.
For those who can, maybe you do break even or even come slightly ahead.
In general, if Disney didn't make money on it, they wouldn't do it.
I get that people like to prepay their food and not worry about the bill.

 

[UK_Disney_Dopey_Hopeful]

I totally get that Dsiney make money on the dining plan, but then there isnt anything Disney does do that doesnt make them money..... that doesnt stop people from those activities though. You COULD go walmart at the end of a day and buy all your Disney Merch, but you dont, you spend it at the parks because you want that particular something.

Its the same with the dining plan, you COULD just buy meals as you go but Disney know that the ease of a dining plan (and seperate tiers of dining plan to try and capture as many people as they can!) will easily get the appeal of lots of guests.

im of the same opinion as many others here. If i went to Disney without a dining plan, any place we chose to eat at i would look be looking at price, rather than looking at what i want. Its strange in a way because im sure i could have just the same stuff without it costing me anymore without the dining plan, BUT, with me its a mental thing.

Having paid for it all as part of the booking price it just tends to swallow itself up with the monthly payments and you kind of forget your paying for the food, your just paying for the holiday.

I know if i paid for the exact same holiday minus a dining plan, i would end up somehow not saving as much towards the food and just end up looking at the cheaper options rather than the meals i really want

Dining plan all the way for me! Heres hoping for a return soon

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I think the dining plan will be back. Disney makes good money off of it.

DDP can be a great deal, even with free dining. If I stay moderate with 3-4 Disney adults the room discount will be $50-75. If free dining is offered I’m taking it. You can’t feed 3-4 people at Disney for that price. Even if we upgrade it’s a deal. Now I won’t pay OOP for the plan but if it’s “free” I’m there.

I have known of people who have done trips to Disney and just got a package and barely used the DDP because they didn’t know you needEd ADRs. A coworkers sister went and didn’t use any TS credits. She hated the whole vacation.

One of my coworkers just told me the last time they did Disney as a group they went to AK and never made it past the tree of life because it was just “too much.” They turned around and left. Had dining credits never used, etc.

Disney definitely makes a killing on these plans.

 

[Future_WorldPhonencian]

DDP makes Disney, 3rd party restaurants, and servers lots of money. Guests like it even though it gets them to spend more. As soon as Disney can open up their restaurants full capacity, it will be back. Dining is a big driver in the summer and fall. I know Disney would love to open it up by then. Its all about those COVID numbers. Mask up and get your vaccine when its your turn if you are able.

 

[PoohBearFamily]

Just over a week ago when I called Disney to ask some specific questions about resorts and ticketing (we're planning our first WDW trip next year!), the cast member I spoke with took like 15-20 minutes alone to thoroughly describe all the layers of the dining plan and the 3 levels. She talked about things like, which plan she recommends for me, her favorite eligible snacks, and why we should choose a Dining plan for a family like ours with young children.

She convinced me so much into buying one, that I was honestly shocked when I got to booking and didn't see it as an option. I didn't realize it was taken away. I'm unsure why she would've talked about it on and on the way she was did, if it wasn't currently available, soon-to-be available again, or at least coming back by spring 2022 (when I am planning our trip).

 

[Jmljasmine]

I think you have it backwards.
Disney still made a fortune on people maximizing the dining plan.

Like a casino, the dining plan was designed so the house ALWAYS wins.

The savings were all illusory.
instead, they actually got people who might typically just spend $50-60... but now Disney got them to spend $80!

So Disney for an extra $20-30 from the guest. In return, Disney gave them a few more sodas, few desserts and snacks, maybe a glass of wine. The dessert might be priced $8 on the menu... but only costs Disney $1.

Basically.. no matter how much you “maximize” the dining plan, Disney wins. Without the dining plans, guests would mostly spend less on dining, not more. (Without a dining plan, how many people would get dessert and alcohol at every meal??). Without the dining plans, Disney would make less revenue and less profit.

If there is a problem with the dining plan from Disney’s perspective — more people have realized it’s a bad value, so fewer people are buying it.

I agree. I remember as a teen, the early version of the dining plan really did save us money (my dad is an accountant so he actually ran the data...) Surprise surprise, they modified the plans shortly after and we stopped buying the plan because we no longer made out better with it. I take after my dad so I run an analysis every now and then and haven't seen a way for us to even come close to the DDP paying for itself so I haven't gotten it. I know a lot of people still do though so I don't see it going anywhere long term.

 

[disneymom0104]

I agree. I remember as a teen, the early version of the dining plan really did save us money (my dad is an accountant so he actually ran the data...) Surprise surprise, they modified the plans shortly after and we stopped buying the plan because we no longer made out better with it. I take after my dad so I run an analysis every now and then and haven't seen a way for us to even come close to the DDP paying for itself so I haven't gotten it. I know a lot of people still do though so I don't see it going anywhere long term.

Yes, I remember back in the 2007 range I believe it was advertised as up to a 35% off value (I may not have that exactly right, but it was advertised as savings). They only had the regular plan, it included an appetizer AND dessert as well as drink and entree AND it included gratuity. And it was like $39 per adult per day. By 2008 the appetizer and gratuity were already dropped.

I love "free" dining for my family of 6. There isn't any discount that comes close to that savings for us. We are planning a trip for August, likely off property and the food alone is going to cost a ton. Disney considers 5 of my family members adults and that adds up so quick. With free dining we had a table service meal every day. That won't be the case when paying out of pocket over 10 days for 6 people.

 

[Jmljasmine]

Yes, I remember back in the 2007 range I believe it was advertised as up to a 35% off value (I may not have that exactly right, but it was advertised as savings). They only had the regular plan, it included an appetizer AND dessert as well as drink and entree AND it included gratuity. And it was like $39 per adult per day. By 2008 the appetizer and gratuity were already dropped.

I love "free" dining for my family of 6. There isn't any discount that comes close to that savings for us. We are planning a trip for August, likely off property and the food alone is going to cost a ton. Disney considers 5 of my family members adults and that adds up so quick. With free dining we had a table service meal every day. That won't be the case when paying out of pocket over 10 days for 6 people.

2007 sounds right. My family of origin and my current family like appitizers but could do without dessert so that is probably part of why it really doesn't work for us. Plus with all my littles are still little, we never buy food for everyone. Lots of sharing or ordering just appitizers (yes, I really like appitizers- often better then entrees). For us, the DDP only works well if we got it as a free promotion and a room discount wasn't an alternative but I could see it as a better deal if families had bigger members and liked dessert more.
That 2007 one though, I want that back (though realize they never will. Saved so much on appetizer and the seas had a Lobster meal that wasn't excluded, followed by sorbet. Yum. And I love lobster so would have ordered it anyway).

 

[pigletgirl]

I think more people than you think purchase the dining plan (us included). It isn't whether is a "better value" but rather more of the all inclusive feel to the resort. It actually makes my budgeting easier (even with tips). I do think it'll be back.

 

[ellbell]

I think more people than you think purchase the dining plan (us included). It isn't whether is a "better value" but rather more of the all inclusive feel to the resort. It actually makes my budgeting easier (even with tips). I do think it'll be back.

This⬆ It took all of the guess work out of it for me. I didn't have to think about if my kids would want snacks or water or slushie with their meal. I didn't have to think about if I wanted a steak or a salad. I didn't come home with money on gift cards that didn't get used and is just sitting there useless to me and I didn't have to come up with extra money because we didn't eat exactly what I budget for. The dining plan gave me freedom from worrying about it. I budget the tip only and give a flat tip that goes above 20% of what we order everytime so there is no guess work.

 

[FCDub]

I couldn’t knowingly pay more for something that’s not terribly complicated to begin with, but to each their own.

 

[pigletgirl]

I couldn’t knowingly pay more for something that’s not terribly complicated to begin with, but to each their own.

YMMV. Again for us it isn't about the cost as it is the experience in and of itself. It is fun for our family and I know my daughter is nearing the Disney adult age and is excited about ordering off the adult menu (she is an adventurous eater). This gives us flexibility. It does the same for those who are big on character dining.

Everyone vacations differently and with a family there are many stressors that are always present but for our family, having the dining plan takes that away.

 

[michelleiada]

We are dining plan people also. We are DVC and always have a full kitchen but still do the dining plan every time. We use the kitchen for snacks and breakfast only. Our next trip is in 62 days and I am praying it returns before then, among other things, although doubtful at this point. We were hoping to try the deluxe plan this time as a splurge. Please Disney, bring back the dining plan, character dining, parades, and fireworks. I see photos of the crowds in the parks...if you can allow that many people in one area...you can bring back fireworks, parades and shows. Ok...my rant is done. Sorry i got off topic. Ive been stuck home too long! Lol

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

I think you have it backwards.
Disney still made a fortune on people maximizing the dining plan.

Like a casino, the dining plan was designed so the house ALWAYS wins.

The savings were all illusory.
instead, they actually got people who might typically just spend $50-60... but now Disney got them to spend $80!

So Disney for an extra $20-30 from the guest. In return, Disney gave them a few more sodas, few desserts and snacks, maybe a glass of wine. The dessert might be priced $8 on the menu... but only costs Disney $1.

Basically.. no matter how much you “maximize” the dining plan, Disney wins. Without the dining plans, guests would mostly spend less on dining, not more. (Without a dining plan, how many people would get dessert and alcohol at every meal??). Without the dining plans, Disney would make less revenue and less profit.

If there is a problem with the dining plan from Disney’s perspective — more people have realized it’s a bad value, so fewer people are buying it.

Yeah, this. Dining plan was a huge moneymaker for Disney. It's coming back soon I'm sure.

 

[Leight19]

I’m in the camp that feels it’s
certainty dining plan comes back once restaurant capacity is back to normal. It’s a rare program where Disney gets value by increasing spending per guest and guests who buy it tend to really like it.

In terms of value I think a lot of factors play into whether it’s worth the cost. My family basically divides meals into good value on dining plan and good value cash. Our ideal trip would be a split stay with part of trip having dining plan where we hit the character buffets and another part without where we hit some of the excellent hotel restaurants that have good cash prices. It’s also enjoyable to hit the festivals for good value snacks or conversion of quick services.

Since we don’t drink the value is harder to get out of the dining plan but we tend to at least break even and get more enjoyment by getting the expensive items we normally wouldn’t splurge on. Yes we spend more this way and the math may not support it but it definitely increases my family’s enjoyment.

 

[Wakey]

Low numbers of DVC buy dining plan. I once did a survey on a Facebook site and it had from memory over 600 responses and about 25% only would consider it.
Disney should offer a DVC dining plan discount.

 

[preemiemama]

Low numbers of DVC buy dining plan. I once did a survey on a Facebook site and it had from memory over 600 responses and about 25% only would consider it.
Disney should offer a DVC dining plan discount.

They do have it priced for the year, typically. That means any seasonal pricing or price hikes people purchasing it with packages have to deal with, DVC does not for that year. Not exactly a discount, but it helps to know the price will be set for the year. Sometimes it does save a few bucks.

 

[Aprilshack]

Am I right in reading somewhere that you actually don't have to wear a mask in Florida (Disney choose enforce it) and capacity is entirely up to Disney? While I think if that is true, I think Disney will keep masks around for a while, but considering they are now putting up plexi on some other rides on every other row, I have a feeling they will be upping capacity in the near future.

They have started selling ap's to the UK so they are expecting foreign travel again this year.

 

[havoc315]

Low numbers of DVC buy dining plan. I once did a survey on a Facebook site and it had from memory over 600 responses and about 25% only would consider it.
Disney should offer a DVC dining plan discount.

I believe the dining plan used to be more popular, if you go back 10+ years. Back when it was under $40, There was a time it was under $40, included appetizers and included tips!
Here is a link to the 2006 faq:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/2006-disney-dining-plan-faq.1023429/
Now, while food prices have increased in the last 15 years, the pricing of the DDP has gone up even more. They have taken away the entitlements that costs them the most (appetizers, tips), while adding on some items that have illusory value (high markup, so the guest feels like they are getting a value but at minimal cost to Disney) -- alcohol, extra snack, refillable soda cup.

I agree with you about DVC-- when they re-introduce the dining plan, DVC should get a discount or an exclusive plan designed just for DVC members. It would benefit both Disney and DVC members, since DVC members have a kitchen and may tend to use Disney dining differently than an average guest. For example, a bare bones plan for DVC members of 1 TS + 1 snack per day.
DVC members used to get a dining plan "benefit" -- Easy for DVC members to split their reservation, and only book DDP for part of the trip. So it was pretty easy to book a dining plan for just 1-2 days, as opposed the entirety of the trip. My understanding is Disney cracked down on that practice.