DVC price for the DDP's in 2011?

[Sandisw]

It seems as though the new rates for the DDP's have been determined. Has anyone found out about this for DVC?

In 2010, we didn't pay the peak season rate and just wondering about it for 2011?

We probably are going to opt out of them anyway, but just wondering if anyone has called and added it yet to a 2011 trip and found out the price?

Thanks!

 

[JWG]

As a surprise to many, Walt Disney World 2011 Package Pricing was released today. Guests may now book entire vacations for all of 2011.

As was reported in another thread, there were only MINOR changes to the Dining Plans themselves. In fact, the only actual change was that you no longer ALSO get a juice with breakfast - just one drink.

The only other change related to the DDP is that on March 1, 2011, Le Cellier will officially be a "Signature Dining Experience" and will thus cost 2 Table Service Credits (for dinner only - lunch will remain 1 credit).

Here are the new DDP prices, and their 2010 rates in () for comparison:

Quick-Service Plan
Adults 10+: $34.99/night ($31.99)
Child 3-9: $11.99/night ($9.99)

Basic Plan*
Adults 10+: $45.99/night ($41.99)
Child 3-9: $11.99/night ($11.99)

Deluxe Plan
Adults 10+: $78.99/night ($71.99)
Child 3-9: $21.99/night ($20.99)

Wine & Dine Add-On
$39.99/night ($39.99)

* Note that during Peak Season, the Basic Plan increases to $47.99 for adults and $12.99 for children (3-9). Peak Seasons include 2/17-2/26, 3/11-4/30, 6/3-8/13, 12/23-12/31

This is taken form another site, so credit to edwardtc at that site who posted the details. Also, traditionally we've not paid the premium prices at peak time. Don't know if that deal has been continued.

 

[Chuck S]

Remember that the Premium and Platinum plans are not avaiable to DVCers, and that we do not yet know if we have to pay the seasonal increase for the basic plan.

 

[Sandisw]

This is taken form another site, so credit to edwardtc at that site who posted the details.

Yes, thank you. What I am trying to find out is if anyone has called MS yet to get the price for DVC.

Last year, we didn't have to pay the peak season rate and paid the regular rate for the entire year.

So, will we pay $45.99 only or will we be required to pay $47.99 during peak times like cash guests?

 

[JWG]

Remember that the Premium and Platinum plans are not avaiable to DVCers, and that we do not yet know if we have to pay the seasonal increase for the basic plan.

Yes, my apologies - I just quoted everything over and should have deleted, I'll edit for that purpose.

Yes, thank you. What I am trying to find out is if anyone has called MS yet to get the price for DVC.

Last year, we didn't have to pay the peak season rate and paid the regular rate for the entire year.

So, will we pay $45.99 only or will we be required to pay $47.99 during peak times like cash guests?

That I don't know - But, we know for sure we'll pay $45.99 instead of $41.99. At a minimum the cost went up $4/day for adults. TIW continues to be more appealing if you can justify the AP.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Dh and I haven't been able to justify TIW because we generally don't drink.

 

[Disneypubgal]

Dh and I haven't been able to justify TIW because we generally don't drink.

We don't drink much either and we purchased the TIW card... for us it was a HUGE savings...

 

[Chuck S]

Dh and I haven't been able to justify TIW because we generally don't drink.

We rarely drink, too. The TiW works out well for us. But, as with the DDP, it depends upon how many days per year you vacation, and your normal dining habits. For some people it is better to just pay out of pocket and not use the DDP or the TiW.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Thanks. We may need to re-evaluate.

 

[JWG]

Thanks. We may need to re-evaluate.

It comes down to how often do you eat a sitdown meal (TS) on property in a year (and do you own an AP).

You have to spend $375.01 in TS dining at a qualified restaurant for the TiW card to make sense. If you're a CS person - this likely won't happen.

If you hit Yachtsman Steakhouse every trip without fail as well as a few other places, it very well may.

We do several character buffets. It's about the worst way to drop over $30/person on a meal given the quality of the food. It's not bad, just not THAT good. Anyway, we believe TiW will pay for itself because of those alone. We'll see.

 

[Tara]

Dh and I haven't been able to justify TIW because we generally don't drink.

We rarely drink either - and we never have any trouble spending enough to make TIW well worth it. When it was just $60, we paid for it in a meal at Jiko and one at CA Grill.

 

[Tiger926]

We have TIW and do not drink alcohol at all. It is worth it for us as we do character meals as well, as we have small kids who love them, plus we need the break in the stifling Orlando heat.

TIW is also available at a few CS places too, so it's great. We will re-evaluate for next year about whether we are getting TIW or using AP/DVC discounts and cooking in our villa. We will not be buying the DP at all - haven't purchased it since last year, and haven't looked back!

The new prices for 2011 are just plain silly, IMHO. I guess I would be wondering if DVC will be allowed to purchase the DP as per usual? It's not a given, from what I can remember. If it were, don't you think they would announce the info in August, just like Disney does?

I would assume they would make DPs available to DVC, but I wouldn't take it as a 100% given, as it just a perk, and as we know, perks come and go...

Tiger

 

[lilpooh108]

This is a little OT, but with the price increase on DDP (which makes you wonder if its worth it at all), the price premium on a savannah view, and the possibility of charging for parking (see thread on $15/day to park at GCV)...what is Disney thinking?

I go there accepting that their prices are generally higher than other theme parks, experiences, etc. (but expecting the "Disney" experience), but it seems so un-disney to nickel and dime. What a bummer.

 

[Tiger926]

This is a little OT, but with the price increase on DDP (which makes you wonder if its worth it at all), the price premium on a savannah view, and the possibility of charging for parking (see thread on $15/day to park at GCV)...what is Disney thinking?

I go there accepting that their prices are generally higher than other theme parks, experiences, etc. (but expecting the "Disney" experience), but it seems so un-disney to nickel and dime. What a bummer.

Yes, but this is why to me, DVC increased in value today! With the tentative DP rates for 2011 just hitting the boards, I see our villas as having even more value, as we can cook full meals, prepare light meals, keep beverags warm to bring to parks, and keep snacks to bring to parks. All of these save money! DP isn't necessary with a DVC villa - even if you don't want to cook full meals, you could do lighter meals, or, use DVC discounts, or AP (many of us have APs) discounts or purchase TIW.

Tiger

 

[JWG]

I would assume they would make DPs available to DVC, but I wouldn't take it as a 100% given, as it just a perk, and as we know, perks come and go...

Tiger

I think it will remain an option. Perks to DVC members have to be looked at as a benefit to Disney. If DVC can't get the DDP then they incent us to do a few other things:
1) go off property (not tied to Disney restaurants)
2) eat cheaper at disney (CS for all meals)
3) eat in the villa
4) get TiW

#4, while a paid card isn't a win for Disney vs. DDP. It means you've calculated that an AP is worth it to you, meaning your cost per day at Disney is now less than that of a MYW ticket (likely). It also means your discount will be more than DDP is worth. Disney itself advertises the DDP as savings "up to 20%". TiW IS 20%, and 20% on what you actually eat. We never get desserts, so "free dessert" isn't a value to us. Curiously, DDP is going up nearly 10% in 2011 - will menu prices go up 10% as well?

#1 and #3 certainly aren't favorable to Di$ney. $45.99 per person is also likely more than Disney will get out of #2.

Given the "win" for Disney - people eat all meals on property (and probably add non-covered drinks) - taking DDP from DVC makes little sense.

Same reason the AP discount is a win for Disney. Lots of DVC'ers are happy to avoid the parks. But, if I can get an AP for less than the cost of two 5 day passes and use it for two trips, hell, I'll go into the parks just for dinner instead of going to Chili's. Oh, and sense we're just eathing, we'll stop into the gift shop for 15 minutes and look around. Oh, and look at this new shirt! I'll buy that.

 

[mybabesuz]

Last time I spoke with MS they said the dining plan would have to be paid in full
45 days before check-in like reg. guest starting in Jan 2011.
They said we can still add it at anytime but would have to pay in full if it was after the 45 day mark.

Ouch! That is quite an increase...
We will definitely be rethinking the DDP.
We just about broke even this year, came out slightly ahead,
but that was with 3 kids.

We like not thinking about what we are spending on food while on vacation.
And I, personally, would rather not have to worry about cooking on vacation.

 

[Tiger926]

I think it will remain an option. Perks to DVC members have to be looked at as a benefit to Disney. If DVC can't get the DDP then they incent us to do a few other things:
1) go off property (not tied to Disney restaurants)
2) eat cheaper at disney (CS for all meals)
3) eat in the villa
4) get TiW

#4, while a paid card isn't a win for Disney vs. DDP. It means you've calculated that an AP is worth it to you, meaning your cost per day at Disney is now less than that of a MYW ticket (likely). It also means your discount will be more than DDP is worth. Disney itself advertises the DDP as savings "up to 20%". TiW IS 20%, and 20% on what you actually eat. We never get desserts, so "free dessert" isn't a value to us. Curiously, DDP is going up nearly 10% in 2011 - will menu prices go up 10% as well?

#1 and #3 certainly aren't favorable to Di$ney. $45.99 per person is also likely more than Disney will get out of #2.

Given the "win" for Disney - people eat all meals on property (and probably add non-covered drinks) - taking DDP from DVC makes little sense.

Same reason the AP discount is a win for Disney. Lots of DVC'ers are happy to avoid the parks. But, if I can get an AP for less than the cost of two 5 day passes and use it for two trips, hell, I'll go into the parks just for dinner instead of going to Chili's. Oh, and sense we're just eathing, we'll stop into the gift shop for 15 minutes and look around. Oh, and look at this new shirt! I'll buy that.

I don't think it's a given at all. It took a few years for Disney to offer DVC members the DP in the first place. And, I bet a good amount of DVC members eat in villas, or, go off-site anyway.

I think offering it is good for Disney, as I'm sure some DVC members will just add it for convenience sake, just like with MYW package guests, but in my opinion, I really don't think it's a given. I don't think we as DVC members are a huge concern for Disney in terms of eating. We don't fall for buying extra stuff, just because we are on property, many DVC members eat off-site already (if they really wanted to keep us on, they would discount the DP), and many of us have TIW or use AP/DVC discounts too. My point, is that DVC members are a bit smarter and savvier because we have several options available to us for meals, whereas cash MYW guests really do not. For us, we cooked in our villa more last month, than ever before, and next year, we will cook even more! Now, I do realize there are many members who do not cook, and love purchasing the DP, but I would bet there are staggering amounts of members who do so. I think they offer it as another choice, and to make a few bucks. If they really wanted to keep DVC members from going off-site or not cooking in villas, they would offer more dining discounts and even discount the DP, IMHO.

It will be interesting to see if there is a peak price for DVC members, and just what exactly the price will be?

Tiger

 

[wish*i*was*in*the*vi]

Does anyone know Disney's reasoning for not offering the Premium and Platinum dining plans to DVC members??

 

[Chuck S]

Last time I spoke with MS they said the dining plan would have to be paid in full
45 days before check-in like reg. guest starting in Jan 2011.
They said we can still add it at anytime but would have to pay in full if it was after the 45 day mark.

Given that they are trying to make the DVC reservation system more compatible with the cash system, that makes sense. The DVC DDP will follow the same payment rules as a cash package.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

OUCH! Good thing we have already determined we don't do well with DDP.

This year we were at WDW for 15 nights in June. (OK, so we went to Universal for one night. We won't count that.) To buy the CS dining plan for me, DH, and DS14 it would have cost $1250. As an experiment we loaded a gift card with $1250 and used that to pay for all of our CS meals and snacks. By the end of the trip we had over $600 left on the gift card. The plan would have cost DOUBLE what we actually spent. This way we were able to apply the money from the gift card towards the TS meals we charged to the room.

We had the DxDDP for part of our '08 trip so we already knew that was a waste of money for us. And we do too many signature dinners for the basic plan to do any good.

We saved several hundred dollars with our TiW card, on top of the $600 we saved by NOT buying the CS plan. If other people manage to save money with the plans then that's awesome, but we come out much better with the TiW card. I speculate we would come out ahead paying cash WITHOUT the TiW card vs. having a dining plan, but I don't know that for sure.