Guessing game: How accurate are the rumors?

[JimMIA]

Jim--I don't think Disney will be billing guests sales tax based on the food ordered, rather they might charge tax on the purchase price of the dining plan.

Right, I think that must be the way it is now. Disney is effectively selling DDP for $36.50 + 6.5% tax on $36.50, not on some guesstimated value of the food that might or might not be consumed (I didn't do the math, but it's in that range.).

 

[JimMIA]

The "right to a cheap Disney Vacation" was not included in the Bill of Rights)

That was an oversight -- it's in the Declaration of Independence! It's that part about "...Certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."

 

[salmoneous]

The thing I am amazed about is the OUTCRY of horror. It's like Disney OWES everyone FREE food??? (Once again we are faced with the cold hard truth... Disney is not a charity. The "right to a cheap Disney Vacation" was not included in the Bill of Rights)

Got some specific posts in mind? Personally, I don't see that attitude at all. I see people who think the price has gone way up and are disappointed about it.

 

[CarolA]

That was an oversight -- it's in the Declaration of Independence! It's that part about "...Certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."

 

[KelsiesMommy]

Don't care too much about appy being excluded, but I sure would like to have the choice of soup or salad instead... a decent compromise, since you can't really make soup or salad stretch one meal to share. It isn't like a small starter soup or salad will take much more table time, either.

 

[Lewisc]

When the current dining plan was introduced Mary (mousesavers) thought tax was being added to the DDP rate. It turned out tax wasn't being added. Isn't the room rate subject to some kind of hotel tax as well as normal sales tax? Is it possible the computer system couldn't track two different tax rates? We know Disney has updated their hotel software.

I don't think Disney would have to make an advance announcement if they were going to start collecting sales tax on the cost of the DDP plan. Likewise I don't think Disney would have to make an advance announcment if they were going to reduce the number of extra snacks they currently include.

We may not know the whole picture until guests book, and use, 2008 packages.

Right, I think that must be the way it is now. Disney is effectively selling DDP for $36.50 + 6.5% tax on $36.50, not on some guesstimated value of the food that might or might not be consumed (I didn't do the math, but it's in that range.).

 

[JimMIA]

Isn't the room rate subject to some kind of hotel tax as well as normal sales tax? Is it possible the computer system couldn't track two different tax rates?

Companies track all sorts of taxes constantly. It's no big deal with computers.

For example, in Florida there is no sales tax on groceries, prescription medicines, most services, etc. But if you go into a Publix and buy food (no tax), beer (tax), and a mixture of other things, you get a bunch of items which are taxed and a bunch which are not.

At Disney, the three main taxes they deal with are the normal sales tax (I think 6.5% in Orange County), the resort tax on rooms (11.5% I think), and there is also an extra tax on alcohol served in bars and restaurants. I'm not sure what the percentage is on that tax, but you'll see it on your check as a separate item in a restaurant.

 

[CarolA]

Companies track all sorts of taxes constantly. It's no big deal with computers.

For example, in Florida there is no sales tax on groceries, prescription medicines, most services, etc. But if you go into a Publix and buy food (no tax), beer (tax), and a mixture of other things, you get a bunch of items which are taxed and a bunch which are not.

At Disney, the three main taxes they deal with are the normal sales tax (I think 6.5% in Orange County), the resort tax on rooms (11.5% I think), and there is also an extra tax on alcohol served in bars and restaurants. I'm not sure what the percentage is on that tax, but you'll see it on your check as a separate item in a restaurant.

So you would think..

As a former Sales Tax Auditor, all I can say is ALWAYS check your grocery bill. You would be amazed how often compaines screw up!

 

[bicker]

Got some specific posts in mind? Personally, I don't see that attitude at all. I see people who think the price has gone way up and are disappointed about it.

I think Carol's point is more generic than that. I have to agree that it seems that every other day, someone finds some context to launch another "the sky is falling" thread about the same thing.

 

[Becky2005]

According to Deb the deluxe plan will include appetizers but the basic plan won't.

I wonder how easy it will be for the servers/computer system to keep track of who gets a free appetizer and who doesn't.

Not any harder than knowing who is on the Premium plan & who is on the dining plan.

I really don't see that being an issue at all -- other than them maybe wanting to look at your card to make *sure* you know what you are talking about. That was based on my experience when I went in 2005 -- the MYW had just come out, kids prices had just changed and we went on the Premium plan that not everyone was even aware it existed. We went to the Rainforest Cafe which was on the Premium plan but not the dining plan. They asked to see our card when I told them we were on the Premium plan (said it right on the card) but as soon as she saw the card -- we were good to go.

 

[CarolA]

Got some specific posts in mind? Personally, I don't see that attitude at all. I see people who think the price has gone way up and are disappointed about it.

Yes, but I am not naming names.....

 

[PaulaSB12]

But will you be able to get the delux at a value hotel? I am taking three teenagers (fit and not overweight) who could eat a horse most of the time so it would be worth it for us.

 

[bicker]

My guess is that Disney probably won't restrict the deluxe Dining Plan to just deluxe hotels.

 

[Becky2005]

But will you be able to get the delux at a value hotel? I am taking three teenagers (fit and not overweight) who could eat a horse most of the time so it would be worth it for us.

I'm going to guess you will be able to get it no matter which hotel you are staying at. I know we could have gotten the Premium even if we were staying at the Values & that included 3 meals/day; unlimited recreation; tours; La Nouba tickets, etc...

I can't imagine if you are able to get the Premium at the Values why you couldn't get the Deluxe dining plan there too.

Now I know the Platinum is only at the deluxes but that's because you basically are using the Concierge services (pre-planning, etc...).

 

[salmoneous]

Now I know the Platinum is only at the deluxes but that's because you basically are using the Concierge services (pre-planning, etc...).

The Platinum package also included a Spa treatment, which is only available at the Deluxes (and CRS).

 

[Disneyof3]

I think it will be what Deb has written with some slight changes. What changes I don't know? I have a feeling that they will try one way and then see how it works for a couple of months. If profits or DDP's have dropped they'll change it to make it more appealing. Last year they changed the food on the kids menu and excluded fries and soft drinks. People starting cheating and staying away from the restaurants that had kids menu's and customers started fighting with CM about the kids menus. People e-mailed Disney like crazy and I'm sure Disney read these boards and other ones and realized people were very unhappy and changed it close to December. So I'll wait and see what happens after a month or two of the new plan(what ever it is) before I get all worked up on weither I will do the DDP or not.

 

[pepperw23]

I just read the link. I love the idea of the deluxe plan!!! If you do the math and you eat enough, it is a pretty good deal

 

[pepperw23]

Don't care too much about appy being excluded, but I sure would like to have the choice of soup or salad instead... a decent compromise, since you can't really make soup or salad stretch one meal to share. It isn't like a small starter soup or salad will take much more table time, either.

Soup and salad is a good idea.

 

[Sammie]

I feel sure Deb's web blog is accurate for the time it was shared with her but with Disney things can change over night, so until the plan is officially released, I would say changes are possible.

I do feel sure everyone can agree the tip is gone.

We have used the DDP the last couple of trips and enjoyed it. However after this last trip using it, I can say I am ok with the changes and ok with the fact we will not purchase it again.

 

[CarolA]

I feel sure Deb's web blog is accurate for the time it was shared with her but with Disney things can change over night, so until the plan is officially released, I would say changes are possible.

I do feel sure everyone can agree the tip is gone.

We have used the DDP the last couple of trips and enjoyed it. However after this last trip using it, I can say I am ok with the changes and ok with the fact we will not purchase it again.

Based on the "offical" brochures we now have Deb appears right. So the only "unknown" is pricing. Considerig the 100% accuracy so far I am betting with Deb LOL!