Ideas for changes to the 2008 Dining Plan

[dtaylor98]

I don't mind that they took out the appetizer but I wish they had left the tip. That could make the OOP costs pretty high.

 

[septbaby]

I won't get to use the plan until the end of August so it's not fair for me to suggest improvements just yet.

However, I want to point out the a BENEFIT to all of us of having the appetizer removed from the plan is that most of us on the standard DP won't order one. That removes an entire course from the meal which means the meal can be FINISHED more QUICKLY. Turning that table means another ADR spot can be squeezed in so that maybe you can get in to that place you always wanted to try.

The glass really is half full at Disney.

 

[Minnie & Me]

If Disney wants to turnover tables quickly, I would eliminate both appy and dessert. This will lower the total bill and cost them less for tips to be included. Disney can then compensate by including 2 or 3 snacks daily and also include a refillable mug. Get rid of dessert counter service too!(ALL YUCKY) By including extra expanded snacks we can have our desert anytime we want. This will eliminate being stuffed feeling and sharing.

Disney can also limit the number of ADR's given to DDP bookings; forcing many to book the less crowded/popular restaurants. Therefore no loss opportunity/complaints for cash paying customers.

We have done ddp 3 times in the last 18 months but will pass this year due to the tips issue.

 

[disgrits]

Raise it back to what it was and include tips and give a choice of appetizer or dessert.

I'd just be happy if tip was included. I liked our last trip when we didn't have to really carry around cash at all. It was GREAT! We NEVER had poor service because we were on the plan, so I'm not concerned about that aspect.

I would have been willing to pay more if the plan had remained the same as before.

I would agree with either one of these plans.

 

[dcibrando]

Yes, this.

I think that they are trying to keep the plan to under $100 per day for a "typical family" of two adults and two children 3-9. Just from their commercials ("$1600 a week for a family of four"), I think that they are trying to appeal to families with younger children.

And that commercial is on as I type.

So, I don't think that they want to go over that $100 mark total for a family of four.

unfortunately...the $1600 they are advertising for a family of 4 to my knowledge does NOT have the dining plan

 

[kamgen]

If they removed dessert too, we would never get the DDP. We almost ALWAYS get dessert. I just wish they would raise it to what they needed to so everything could be included.

 

[minster22]

We have used the 2007 plan several times and loved it although I agree that maybe there is too much food...the convenience factor was fabulous! My suggestions....get rid of the dessert at lunch(CS), option of appetizer or dessert for dinner(TS), (does anyone eat dessert for lunch and dinner every day???!!!)and raise the price to a level where gratuity can be included. We are not doing the dining plan for our upcoming trip....the value is just not there for us and ties us to eating on property (we really want to go to either Il Mulino and/or Blue Zoo this time especially with the way the dining plan is set up).

 

[JenH1969]

and generally change works best if done in babysteps- I think Disney should have made one change this year and then re-evaluated- 2 big changes is just too much too swallow (or maybe not enough )-

I would like to see the price raised a little, choice between appetizer or dessert, and tip included-

I would think most servers have caught on to the fact that they often got even more tips than the included 18% on the old plan with people leaving extra at the table- IF they provided expemplary service- hopefully this would keep them motivated to provide the excellent service we so love

Just my two cents worth- Jen

 

[mickeysgirl17]

Just bring it back to the way it was and I'll be happy!

 

[kamgen]

Yeah, the way it was!!!! Again, we want dessert after all our meals, so we would hate it going away at all

 

[Amyg]

- allow option for appetizer or desert

I totally like this idea! Some people prefer to have an appy instead of dessert such as diabetics, people with allergies (my friend cannot eat desserts or diary) and those watching their weight who might want a salad instead.


Also, they should offer the DDP for those doing the land and sea cruise package! The only way to do this is the book separately which I don't want to do.

 

[apostolic4life]

However, I want to point out the a BENEFIT to all of us of having the appetizer removed from the plan is that most of us on the standard DP won't order one. That removes an entire course from the meal which means the meal can be FINISHED more QUICKLY. Turning that table means another ADR spot can be squeezed in so that maybe you can get in to that place you always wanted to try.

I think you have hit the nail on the head.......moving people through faster is something Disney had to address due to the popularity of the DDP. Eliminating an entire course helps to facilitate that goal.

The other reason the choice of dessert or appetizer will never happen is cost. Desserts are always one of the highest profit items on a restaurant menu. Appetizers tend to be less profitable because the ingredients often are proteins which cost more. Most people on the DDP try to "maximize" the value of the plan and tend to order more expensive items which is why Disney felt a need to alter the future of the DDP.

Almost everyone here says they would accept the plan if they raised the price and restored the removed items; they did that, it is called the deluxe option. Matter of fact, the deluxe option is only $18 more than the $50 someone earlier said would be fair to restore the old plan. For us, it makes sense to go up to the deluxe plan for $68 so we can dine at signature restaurants every night, have a sit down breakfast every morning, and use our snacks during the middle of the day if we get the munchies.

As for realistic changes, I bet the only one that would be realistic would be dropping the dessert and adding back the tip, but I would bet the price would not drop if that change was made. If the DDP continues past 2008 in any form look for the price to go up due to food cost going higher and higher. Now that a gallon of milk is costing $4 we will only see price increases on menus in the future.

 

[apostolic4life]

I totally like this idea! Some people prefer to have an appy instead of dessert such as diabetics, people with allergies (my friend cannot eat desserts or diary) and those watching their weight who might want a salad instead.

This is already covered. Disney chefs will come talk to guests with specific dietary concerns and then take the information back and make them something special. This is pretty standard for most nice establishments.

 

[libinatorsmom]

The only thing I wish the Tip was included.... we would like a more all-inclusive format - other thing it is going to cut into our spending at the park on the suviners as we will need to have the cash for tips... otherwise I think the plans are great.... WE choose the Dulx Plan as it works great for us....

 

[Tricia1972]

I like the idea from a PP who said keep the price where it's at, remove the desserts (from both CS and TS) and add back in the tip! That would almost make the DDP work for us.

 

[bubba]

We are not big dessert eaters, and tend to eat salad rather than a 'major' appetizer at a table service meal. What would work for us would definitely be the choice between dessert and appetizer, add the tip back in and pop up the cost $5 or $6. Even, as another poster said, removing the dessert all together and adding another snack would be great for us.

 

[alldiz]

Taking the tip out.....BIG MISTAKE

this just makes it take a LOT longer to pay the bill.

I can even live with no app....although if their was a choice of app
or dessert.....even better....

DISNEY....PLEASE RAISE THE PRICE TO INCLUDE TIP.....TO MUCH OF A
HEADACHE FOR GUESTS AND WORKERS.....PRETTY PLEASE
Kerri

 

[dis75ney]

I'm probably in the minority here, but I prefer leaving the tip off the plan.

*Putting on flame-retardent suit...OK*

Yes, it does "ruin" the all-inclusive aspect of the plan, but from the mindset of a former server, I want my server to work for their tip. I have never worked in a restaurant where tip was automatically added on, but one of my friends has and she saw a MASSIVE decline in service when the new policy was implemented (they have since went back to the original policy). I've read many posts here and on other sites stating that Disney service generally declined when tips were included. Leaving the tip off the plan forces the servers to earn their wages. However, I am ALL FOR including the tip on larger parties...a lot more work is involved when dealing with more than 6 people at a table.

That being said...

*Removes flame-retardent suit - that thing was getting itchy*

I love the idea of appetizer OR dessert. My hubby's diabetic and shouldn't have dessert (not that THAT stops him! ), plus he is allergic to aspartame (so most sugar free items are out for him), but with the basic plan, he doesn't have the option of switching to an appetizer, which he would rather have anyway. This was one of the main reasons we're using the Deluxe plan on our trip in May - it allows hubby to choose an appetizer, and if he wants, he can have a bite or two of my dessert...but ONLY a bite or two!!!

 

[angelmav]

I'm probably in the minority here, but I prefer leaving the tip off the plan.

*Putting on flame-retardent suit...OK*

Yes, it does "ruin" the all-inclusive aspect of the plan, but from the mindset of a former server, I want my server to work for their tip. I have never worked in a restaurant where tip was automatically added on, but one of my friends has and she saw a MASSIVE decline in service when the new policy was implemented (they have since went back to the original policy). I've read many posts here and on other sites stating that Disney service generally declined when tips were included. Leaving the tip off the plan forces the servers to earn their wages. However, I am ALL FOR including the tip on larger parties...a lot more work is involved when dealing with more than 6 people at a table.

That being said...

*Removes flame-retardent suit - that thing was getting itchy*

I love the idea of appetizer OR dessert. My hubby's diabetic and shouldn't have dessert (not that THAT stops him! ), plus he is allergic to aspartame (so most sugar free items are out for him), but with the basic plan, he doesn't have the option of switching to an appetizer, which he would rather have anyway. This was one of the main reasons we're using the Deluxe plan on our trip in May - it allows hubby to choose an appetizer, and if he wants, he can have a bite or two of my dessert...but ONLY a bite or two!!!

How much work are they having to do for that tip when they 1. Reduced the auto gratuity from partied of 8 to parties of 6, and 2. added anyone using the DDE to the Auto Gratuity list.
Add to that the fact they present your bill with the recommended options of either an 18% or 20% tip and you have a scenario with many safty nets for the server.
The above is not an indictment on the servers, just this whole 'now they will have to work for their tips' idea in my mind is completely mis-placed.

IF the Deluxe dining plan only included tips apostolic4life I would agree with you, but as it stands that plan will actually cost each adult roughly $100 a day which is just way too much IMO. Had they left in the tip it wouldnt bother me that much to use a credit at a buffet and eat light or same for a TS because it would have been more for the experience and less about the overall value.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I have been thinking a bit, and here are 2 ways that (while a departure from what is currently done) might appease a lot of people.

1) Since the pre-payment aspect seems to be the bigest benfit to a lot of people what if you were allowed to pre-pay for individual aspects of a meal. I.e., for you trip pre-pay for X # of appitisers, Y # of entres, Z number of desserts and Q # of snacks -> This way those who want everything can have it, but then people who just want some parts (or was 1/2 appetisers so they can share them) can do that. Also, adding on extra snacks I think is great especially when you can use them at food and wine booths

2) One concern I think Disney had was people picking the most expensive items just to feel like they were getting the best value. Well, what if the dining plan only covered certain items on each restaurants menu. I.e., you select from these 3 appetisers, these 4 entres and these 3 desserts (or whatever). This way Disney can keep the most expensive items not-eligible.

oh, and regarding tipping -> what if tipping was included but when you had to sign your name for using the dining plan you could rate your server, this way whatever was set aside from the dining plan dollars for gratuty for servers at each restaurant could be allocated based upon ratings.

Just some out there thoughts