I miss the old dining plan

[happytexasmom]

the first time we used the dining plan they gave you 1 snack, 1 QS meal and 1 TS meal that included an appetizer, entree, dessert, and tip........I miss that

 

[photobob]

I bet you do!

 

[TDC Nala]

All that...and when it started in 2005 it only cost $35 a night for age 10 and over.

 

[happytexasmom]

They knew we would purchase it anyway.....I can't imagine going w/out it....just the pure convenience of it

But I wish they could of at least left tip on there. I like not having to carry around cash

 

[TDC Nala]

Those days are over. You will probably never see the included tip returned to the dining plan.

I do not purchase it anymore (last time I did any dining plan was over 2 years ago, and that was a 1 night on QSDP because I wanted the mug) so they couldn't guarantee that EVERYONE would continue to purchase it. But enough do.

 

[happytexasmom]

Those days are over. You will probably never see the included tip returned to the dining plan.

I do not purchase it anymore (last time I did any dining plan was over 2 years ago, and that was a 1 night on QSDP because I wanted the mug) so they couldn't guarantee that EVERYONE would continue to purchase it. But enough do.

I agree, I doubt it will ever be back

and I do often feel that it is not as much of a $ saver as most think it is....but I do love to not have to think about menu prices when ordering

 

[Tricia1972]

You are 100% right. It's a huge convenience for many and a money saver for some as well. That's what makes it a catch 22. Most would like to see more included on the plan. However, so long as people continue to purchase it as it is, Disney has no motivation to add more to it.

So it will stay like it is and Disney will continue to tweak it so it's still a good value for a large number of people and they can make the most money on it. Which makes sense. After all, Disney is a business and it's their job to make the most profit that they can while giving the consumer what they want.

 

[Kae]

The only things I would like to see changed is being able to choose appetizer or dessert & appetizer & dessert for Signature dining on the regular dining plan.

Kae

 

[abminer]

Ah, the old DDP. I was spoiled because my first DDP experience was the original DDP for free during the first FD offer back in 2005. The tip included was the best part and truly made it convenient. I also liked the appetizers at breakfast!

Then I paid for it in 2007 and it was still a good deal, we got appetizers and multiple breakfast beverages, though we had to pay tip.

We did FD in 2009 and if it hadn't been free, we would not have paid. There's no complaining when it's free, but every year guests are expected to pay more but get less. I also agree it's too rigid. Why can't you have an appetizer instead of a dessert? Why can't you trade 2 CS for one TS? The only redeeming value now, IMHO, is the convenience of pre-paying.

 

[Havana]

Yes that sure was nice while it lasted. We still get the DP occassionally, but not on every trip like we used to. We have purchased to the TIW card to see how that works out for us this year.

 

[Maryland_Mommy]

I miss it too! Although it was not exactly bait and switch, I am the big trout at the end of Disney's dining fishing pole!

 

[happytexasmom]

I miss it too! Although it was not exactly bait and switch, I am the big trout at the end of Disney's dining fishing pole!

me too!!!!

 

[Reddy]

I'm really enjoying the quick service meals - I go more for the rides than the table service
hmmm but I guess with 2 austic sons - table service would be a turn off for us unlike most families -- we have a melt down if food isn't quick (15 year old meltdown isn't fun)

 

[LynneyPooh]

Me too!! My first experence w/ DDP was in 2007. Apps, dessert, entree, bev (non-alcholic) and tip. I ran the numbers when we got home, and the tip was what saved us money.
I think CM's griped because it was an automatic 15/18% (can't remember), and those who would normally tipped higher left it like it was.
I like DDP plan, mostly because of the convience- but I love sit -down meals and after using a spreedsheet found on the boards- I realize WE still save money.
My biggest complaint in Jan was the same as others: let us choose either a dessert or an app. Some resturants I want an app and others I want the dessert. After paying close attention to prices in jan (at 1 credit services), desserts and apps are often the same price range 4.99-8.99.
In June we're going Deluxe. The spreadsheet says I'm saving money, but I do have a couple of signature meals for the first time ever. We'll see

 

[Allison]

Of course-who wouldn't want more for less.

 

[dansyr2514]

I miss the really old plans. I know they are not technically dining plans but the silver, gold and platinum plans were great. We did the gold and it included every restaurant on disney property( exceptV&A), appetizer, entree, dessert and tip and all recreation. I think it was around $ 149 a day. I know that is alot, but tours, golfing etc. were included. The same type of plan now is alot more and doesn't include tips.

However the plan that included one counter service and a sitdown with appy and tip included would be awesome for us right now. Even if it didn't include tip I would get the plan.

 

[ToddyLu]

We loved that silver plan. If it were the same, we would still be doing it, too. The past trip we didn't do DDP and had TIW card. We still spent a lot of money on food, but we ate what we wanted too.

 

[Tigpooh]

We haven't been to Disney since 2007, right before they did away with the old DP. I had no idea when I went to book this year that it didn't include all that. Now that I do know, I agree with you. I guess it just seemed like such a great deal before when it included all of it. Now, if I wasn't getting it free this year, I am not sure I would pay for it. I think we could eat for less w/o it. I still think they should have kept the appetizer though, only made it 1 per table or per "room" instead of doing away with it all together for the basic plan. Ah well... *sigh*

 

[disneynan]

Our upcoming trip in August will be our 3rd time with the free dining plan and each time there has been a bit less given. I am not complaining as it is "free" - not really since we pay rack rate. But we would never pay for it......we can certainly eat for less on our own. But is is certainly a treat for us to eat TS daily and not have to watch the pricing.

 

[aubriee]

Our upcoming trip in August will be our 3rd time with the free dining plan and each time there has been a bit less given. I am not complaining as it is "free" - not really since we pay rack rate. But we would never pay for it......we can certainly eat for less on our own. But is is certainly a treat for us to eat TS daily and not have to watch the pricing.

I just wish they'd put the free dining back like it used to be. You've always had to pay rack rate for the room to get it, but now that you must also purchase two day park tickets for everyone in the room plus purchase that silly $90.90 Memory Book, free dining just doesn't work as well for AP holders (especially if they're solos or couples). Room discounts beat free dining for us and is also appears that even for a solo diner who prefers TS restaurants, that the TIW may beat the DDP.