Does anyone else dislike the Dining Plan?

[Delaware Mike]

In our humble opinion, we won't go to WDW without DDP ever again.

While others might not like having to pre-plan ADRs, we usually plan our trip in advance. There's simply too much money at stake not to pre-plan. Yes, a little flexibility is needed as weather or sickness might interfere with those plans. But planning our trip is half the fun too...

Pre-planning helps to negate the usual "whattayawannadotoday" conversations, first thing in the morning (typically before that REQUIRED first cup of coffee). Come on, you know what I'm talking about...:

"Whattayawanndotoday?"
"Idontknow...whattayawannadotoday?"
[dumb look] "Idontknow, whattayawannadotoday?"
"Look, don't talk to me before I have my coffee..."
..the conversation typically takes on a different tone from that point, sometimes sprinkled with a few choice expletives....


We pre-plan where we want to go, then map our dining against those plans. At 180+ days out, we're on the phone making ADRs, and having fun making them. We find talking with Dining CMs and making ADRs part of the fun.

The cost savings we realized in 2006 is another reason we opt for DDP. For two adults (no kids), staying 8 nights, ordering/eating no more than we normally eat, we saved around $300.00. We left deserts "behind", and since we were there for F&WF most of the Snack Credits were used at the booths. We didn't try to "maximize the plan", yet we saved money.

For us, another reason in favor of using the Plan and making ADRs are the number of adult "walk-ups" we witnessed being turned-away at restaurant podiums. There's nothing worse than seeing someone being tired, hungry, and cranky, and being informed of no available seating. (The adults were the worst....the kids were always so very well behaved...<grin>.)

Personally, if it were to make a difference in the quality of my hard-earned WDW vacation, I'd opt for DDP and ADRs.

 

[Starwater]

Thanks a lot guys, now I'm confused again!

Well, since I initially sold the friend who I'm going on the trip with on the DDP I think we'll ultimately go with it.

I agree with what you (most of you) say about it saving you a ton of money on food.

And I do like to eat out a lot...

 

[UConnJack]

In our humble opinion, we won't go to WDW without DDP ever again.

While others might not like having to pre-plan ADRs, we usually plan our trip in advance. There's simply too much money at stake not to pre-plan. Yes, a little flexibility is needed as weather or sickness might interfere with those plans. But planning our trip is half the fun too...

Pre-planning helps to negate the usual "whattayawannadotoday" conversations, first thing in the morning (typically before that REQUIRED first cup of coffee). Come on, you know what I'm talking about...:

"Whattayawanndotoday?"
"Idontknow...whattayawannadotoday?"
[dumb look] "Idontknow, whattayawannadotoday?"
"Look, don't talk to me before I have my coffee..."
..the conversation typically takes on a different tone from that point, sometimes sprinkled with a few choice expletives....


We pre-plan where we want to go, then map our dining against those plans. At 180+ days out, we're on the phone making ADRs, and having fun making them. We find talking with Dining CMs and making ADRs part of the fun.

The cost savings we realized in 2006 is another reason we opt for DDP. For two adults (no kids), staying 8 nights, ordering/eating no more than we normally eat, we saved around $300.00. We left deserts "behind", and since we were there for F&WF most of the Snack Credits were used at the booths. We didn't try to "maximize the plan", yet we saved money.

For us, another reason in favor of using the Plan and making ADRs are the number of adult "walk-ups" we witnessed being turned-away at restaurant podiums. There's nothing worse than seeing someone being tired, hungry, and cranky, and being informed of no available seating. (The adults were the worst....the kids were always so very well behaved...<grin>.)

Personally, if it were to make a difference in the quality of my hard-earned WDW vacation, I'd opt for DDP and ADRs.

Even if not on the DDP, ITA 100%

Also, planning ADRs, park visits, and other activities allows you to most efficiently spend your day. For example, after a long day at MK, who wants to trudge over to EPCOT or DTD for dinner? Plan your ADRs in the MK, at the MK resorts, or at your resort. Leave your EPCOT reservations for a day you go to that park.

 

[DebbieB]

Does anyone but me dislike the dining plan? It's not so much the plan itself (it's a great concept) but the fact that its not offered to all resort guests. I'm not sure of the reason why you can only purchase it in your package but I don't think its fair.

That's the secret of how Disney makes money on it. People brag about how much money they saved on the plan but don't take into account that they may have had a discounted room without the plan.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

That's the secret of how Disney makes money on it. People brag about how much money they saved on the plan but don't take into account that they may have had a discounted room without the plan.

Well, I'm not a Florida resident, nor an AP Holder, or a member of the US military, I'm not a CM and I don't have a family member who is a CM at Disney.

With the other discounts from disney (either AAA or disney package discounts which do come out - I got one in Oct 06 and Dec 05) you can add the DDP.

I don't buy the agruement that the DDP isn't good because it's not offered to all guests - hey, I can't get an AP discounted room or the DDE because I don't have an AP. I could buy one, you say? Yes I could, just as anyone can book a package.

 

[Nancy S]

It sounds like you get alot of food on the DDP. There will be 4 of us going, me, DH and DS's(ages 16 and 17). Should we or should we not get the DDP. Will be staying on site for 14 days. I know you can only get 10 days on DDP, other 4 days would have to be on a separate ressie along with 1 day ticket for all 4 of us. Kind of seem weirds when you can book for 14 days.

The best plan of attack on the ADR for us is checking the Magic Hours and where they will be, cause that's where we will be and that's where we will eat. This site has so much info for planning out your trip.

 

[Nancy S]

Interesting answers. Thanks, guys!

Well, I was leaning towards the Dining Plan initially but the more I think about it the more I dislike the idea of a fixed food parameters that I have to stay within - e.g. the 1 snack, 1 counter, and 1 table. From past experiences at Disney, I know that some days I know I could eat just light snacks and maybe one counter service; other days I might want just counter service to save time! In the long run, I'm not sure there are enough appealing table service restaurants to warrant the DDP plan - especially from what has been said about the menu scale-backs. I honestly think we'd probably save money staying off the DDP and just eating the way we normally do. Plus we'll have more flexibility - I'd rarely order an appetizer, entree, and dessert normally, but I *would* order an alcoholic drink instead. With the DDP that would be extra on top of the $40 I'd already be spending per day for food.

And really, for $40 a day you could (if you didn't need a dessert, appetizer, and beverage (non-bottled water is still free y'know!) with everything) eat at 2 counter service and 1 table service restaurants. You could even swing a dessert if you shared it between 2 people. And yeah, you might have to add on a tip, but in the long run you'd have more freedom and more choices for basically the same amount of money per day.

Hmm. I guess I'll just keep pondering the matter...

I too wonder if we could eat for less w/out DDP. We would never eat that much food for TS, although I know my 2 teenage sons would love it. But they're not paying the tab. We will be doing some ADR like HoopDeeDoo, Fantasmic w/dinner and a few others to add some variety. So with these added on I'm wondering, ok now should we do DDP? Oh the agony over this decision. Someone please help.

 

[1andrea]

We have disney vacation club and have booked the plan for 14days. Nobody said anything about 10 days bieng the max.

 

[jamounger]

I told my husband last night we needed to sit down and decide what our park plan would be because we had to pick our restaurants. He looked at me like I lost my mind and said we aren't going until fall. My answer was I know and time's a wasting! I love the planning. The downside is I won't have anything left to obsess over after the end of March because it will all be planned.

 

[UConnJack]

I told my husband last night we needed to sit down and decide what our park plan would be because we had to pick our restaurants. He looked at me like I lost my mind and said we aren't going until fall. My answer was I know and time's a wasting! I love the planning. The downside is I won't have anything left to obsess over after the end of March because it will all be planned.

That's okay, when your airline changes your flight times, or something else inevitably messes up your plans, you will get to obsess about it again while you are trying to fix it.

 

[TDC Nala]

It IS offered to all resort guests who purchase a package, and DVC members. If you don't want a full package, you can purchase a package with a one-day base ticket which never expires and make various uses of that ticket, but to purchase the package you would have to forgo any room-only discounts such as AP or Florida resident.

I guess now that as DIS board members we are aware of the effect on restaurant attendance, we have to take it upon ourselves to be vigilant about making reservations and realize we need a backup if we are thinking of just dropping into LeCellier same day for dinner, cause that's most likely not happening.

 

[TDC Nala]

My first trip to WDW was in 1984 and I've been back every year since... I've eaten at most of the TS and Buffets in WDW and even ones that don't exist anymore...

What I've seen since the DDP came into play is that menus are being scaled back... Seemingly to the point where the offereings are like a 'prix fixe' menu across the board... 4 options for appetizer, 4 entrees, 4 desserts, etc...

I enjoy going to WDW for the atmosphere and, some places, the food... It's important that TS restaurants maintain their atmosphere... Olivia's without Conch Fritters or Key Lime Pie is INEXCUSEABLE... the theme is Key West for God's sake...

As for my ADR preferences... When we go down, we want to try something new and have always tried to make ressies same day for where we want to go. What time we eat is not a factor... In fact, the later the better in our case... Last year I was even able to get California Grill reservations same day (much to my surprise!) In addition, I've spoken with members of the wait staff and they express their displeasure over the DDP. It makes them have to 'rush' people through meals, thus, more people to serve, but the problem is, folks on the DDP don't leave tips are large as cash diners... So for a WDW waiter or waitress who makes sub-minimum wage, it hurts their bottom line...

As for me, I go to WDW on DVC points and don't mind paying for my meals...

I have trouble believing that cash diners at WDW would always constantly leave gratuities higher than 18 percent. Might have to check into that one.

My belief is that the menu scalebacks had something to do with the dining plan, but it is not the only factor.

You are not required to eat one TS, one CS and one snack PER DAY. You are alloted that many credits for each night on your reservation. You can mix and match the credits. On your first day you can have one TS meal, on the second day a snack for breakfast, a CS lunch and a two credit TS dinner, on the third day a CS breakfast, snack and CS dinner, and so on until you've used all your credits.

 

[Nancy S]

We have disney vacation club and have booked the plan for 14days. Nobody said anything about 10 days bieng the max.

Hi 1andrea. I was told this from my travel agent at small world travel. You can get 14 days on DDP, you just have to check out/check back in after the 10th day. The only bad thing is it could mess with ticket purchase depending on how many you want. This is for a 14 day stay at WL, so I don't know if it is different for the DVC's.

Nancy S

 

[samgiasmom]

We had the DDP in '05. It was great because kids weren't really limited. I
only made 3 reservations, but was left w/ 1 ts per person because we could
not get in anywhere. Just got back last weekend and the kids choices are
very limited, except on buffets. My 9 yo DS and I switched meals a few times
so that he got some variety. I saved 2 TS until 1 wk before we left and then
got nervous. A friend suggested the Clam Bake @ the Cape May Cafe @ the
Beach Club Resort. I was able to book & their were people w/o res. when we
got there. My suggestion is to check out the menus of the restaurants on-line
I found better meals at some places you wouldn't think of right off. Instead
of going to Cinderella's Royal breakfast for 2 TS & a boring low-rated
character event, I saw the Supercalifragilistic Bkst @ the Grand Floridian for
1 TS. It was the best breakfast buffet i've ever been to and it's characters
aren't everywhere. You can see the princesses in various locations & shows.
Don't forget that the resorts offer some great options and don't book as fast
as the in-house table service. A brkt or dinner @ your own resort is also
convenient for the 1st or last nite. A loose itinerary is great to have, esp.
w/ young kids. You have to plan breaks & changes for them, so pick your
reserv. to go along w/ that.

 

[TDC Nala]

Hi 1andrea. I was told this from my travel agent at small world travel. You can get 14 days on DDP, you just have to check out/check back in after the 10th day. The only bad thing is it could mess with ticket purchase depending on how many you want. This is for a 14 day stay at WL, so I don't know if it is different for the DVC's.

Nancy S

DVC doesn't have a limit, and you don't need to purchase tickets.

 

[cottontail]

Hi: For the person doing the split stay and wanting the dining plan, why don't you do the plan the beginning of the trip and then room only for the second half. At least you can try it for part of your trip, and if there are any credits left when you transfer to the other resort you can use those til midnight the day you booked out of the first resort.

That is what we will be doing if we do a split stay this year. At the second resort we will eat counter service or order a pizza.

Deb.

 

[GusT]

I love it. I already have all of my plans in order for a 10 day trip, and I can't make reservations until May 19! It makes me feel better to prepay everything. Last July, I didn't spend $100 out of pocket for the 6 days I was in WDW. I love to plan, and no stress on the trip!

this is what we are hoping for on our disneymoon (May/June 07). I love having everything paid for!!

 

[kdkbrebel]

We will be using it for the first time this july. As I love planning and would make the ADR's anyway it seems like it will be a great deal for us.

 

[tigger536]

I love the idea of dining plans, but I don't particularly love THIS dining plan. Our family would be much happier with a plan that allowed us 2 TS meals a day (breakfast and dinner) and a CS lunch. I wish you could pick and choose the dining plan you want the way you can with park tickets. You know, pay for what you want.

Our family loved the old dining plans (Gold/Silver Dreammaker plans). They suited our way of dining at Disney much better.

I will say I have noticed portion sizes at TS plan getting smaller, particularly the appetizers. They are really sized for one person now. They used to be much bigger. Also, add-ons like lobster seem to have vanished.

You said it! This is my problem with DDP too. We are 2 TS, 1 CS people too. And I've noticed the portion change as well. Ditto the menu "dumbdown" that others have commented on. I'm not saying DDP is all bad, but there could be improvement. One, don't mess with our menus! Keep what was unique about dining at disney. Two, more flexibility - have the option of being able to purchase more TS/CS credits, maybe. Part of what makes me nervous about booking DDP is having to analyze which meals are better paid for OOP and which to use the plan for. And the decision of whether to go with DDE instead. I guess I just got lazy. I've been to disney so many times that I know where I want to eat, so I could make ADRs for a week long vacation in no time flat (yes, well in advance) and finish the spreadsheet to match. But now I have to analyze which go in DDP, which are OOP, etc. Too much work!

 

[njphmom]

Our family used the DDP at the end of January 2007. We used it for half of our stay as DVC members.

For 4 days, we had wonderful counter service meals and lots of great memories from 50s Prime Time, "Alfredos", Kona Cafe and Chrystal Palace. Our two children are teenagers, 15 and 17, and loved being able to choose anything they wanted off of the menus. Being a very frugal mom, they almost never have that kind of freedom.

I do have to say that we were very full and did not want many snacks for those 4 days. We used them up on our last day, as family members came to visit us and we treated them as we walked around the Boardwalk and DTD.

The second half of our stay, another 4 days, we did not have the DDP. We were staying at OKW and thought we would just wing it. Well, everyone knows how tired you are at the end of the day...One night, we had heat and eat pasta from the grocery store, (but I didn't plan ahead when we had the rental car, and did not plan any other meals other than that night, and the rental car was returned) Olivias is very expensive, so the next night, we ended up getting fast food at the take out place outside of the hospitality house at OKW. My husband had no interest in the hamburgers and fries etc, offered that he just did not eat at all. The next night, my husband and I ate at Epcot at Electic Umbrella(yuck), I know, I had read that it is not very good, my fault, and my kids ate back at the room, some frozen pot pies or something from the store at OKW. And then the next night, back at a takeout place at OKW. It's just where we were when it was time for dinner.

( I have another memory from 6 years ago, our family searching at MK for a place to eat , everyone starving and the only place being open and quick was Casey's-not the greatest for building memories, since my daughters don't enjoy meat.)

To sum it up. Yes, the second half of our trip was something like $250 compared to $660, BUT the food was so much healthier, the memories so much GREATER, the smiles so much bigger, and the experiences so fun, that the DDP will be the way we go in the future.

I'll use it for 4 days with my 21 y.o. daughter in May and then for 4 days with my husband in July for our 25th anniversary.

I went back and forth so much before we went on vacation. I have tried it both ways, and I LOVED the DDP.