Dining Plan - What's the big deal??

[JMLBrats]

ITA! The DDP is RUINING Disney Dining, and those who participate are speeding along its decline.




Even if that's true, people aren't going to stop doing the DDP as long as it's being offered-so really there's nothing you can do about it.

 

[jodifla]

ITA! The DDP is RUINING Disney Dining, and those who participate are speeding along its decline.




Even if that's true, people aren't going to stop doing the DDP as long as it's being offered-so really there's nothing you can do about it.

I can try to open a few eyes.

Actually, the success of DDP will be the death of it. It's having so many bad side effects, people will eventually stop wanting to get it.

It will take time, but the death spiral has already started. Packed restaurants, poorer services, minimal menus (Good luck eating there for more than a few days...it's the same menu at every TS these days!)

 

[TinkTresa]

We are set on going to Disney this year but really would like to go when they offer free dining. We went in September last year and do not want to repeat the heat. We were looking at October/November/December this year. Have they ever offered free dining for these months?

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

The DDP is not for our family. We don't always eat at WDW restaurants or ones that participate in DDP and it is too much food for us. I am sure that it works for some but I think some people get carried away by the marketing and the idea that your meals are paid for in advance. I think many people who purchase the DDP aren't using it to its full potential and paying a lot for a plan that is a convenience.

My first problem with DDP is that you have to purchase a WDW Travel Co. package. We usually (12 out of 14 trips) book room only and purchase tix separately. APs for tix and room discounts and DDE work for us.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

We are set on going to Disney this year but really would like to go when they offer free dining. We went in September last year and do not want to repeat the heat. We were looking at October/November/December this year. Have they ever offered free dining for these months?

I guess you never know, but I would tend to think that they don't need to give away the dining plan to entice people there Oct-Dec, but that's just my personal opinion. The F&W festival, MNSSHP and MVMCP entices everyone there during that time period. That would be great if they do decide to extend the offer...we will be there in the Fall.

 

[freckles and boo]

We are set on going to Disney this year but really would like to go when they offer free dining. We went in September last year and do not want to repeat the heat. We were looking at October/November/December this year. Have they ever offered free dining for these months?

I suspect it is to get folks in the parks during those few weeks that are still hurricane season but after the kids go back to school. There is probably just a lull in attendance and the free dining is an enticement.

 

[Juliet25]

I love the DDP. DH and I hardly ever go out to eat to a "real" restaurant. For us, it's all about the vacation experience to order whatever we want on the menu, particularly for me as I've been doing Weight Watchers for the past 6 months. I'm looking forward to eating good and be totally relaxed. For my family of 3, it comes to about $550 for six nights. I'm sure we could eat cheaper, but we love the idea of not having to worry about staying within budget. For us, that's the "big deal." For others, it's a foolish waste of money.

I crunched the numbers a few days ago when I considered the DDE, and the DDP came out ahead. For us, it just works.