Ideas for changes to the 2008 Dining Plan

[TDC Nala]

Most likely the best solution for Disney, if they were looking to put the tip back in (the included tip seems to be what most want) would be to have the counter and table options for the basic plan apply only to an entree (or full buffet) and a non-alcoholic beverage, and include the tip and another snack. Anything extra would have to be paid for OOP.

I would add having the deluxe plan include the tip, and offer a choice of appetizer or dessert.

 

[Bride In The Attic]

Add me to the list of those willing to pay more to get the tip put back in. And, I'd be willing to pay more for the appetizer vs dessert option. And, if it helps Disney justify the whole thing, I'm also on board with losing the desert at the counter service restaurants.

I just sent an email to Disney letting them know my thoughts (WDW.Guest.Communications@disneyworld.com) - hopefully they will look at the feedback they get this year and make some adjustments to the plan in 2009.

I figure, based on where we eat, we'll be paying at least $200 oop in tips...so, even thought they did reduce the price of the plan by $1 overall my cost has gone up $200 and I've lost the appetizer. That's a pretty dramatic price increase.

 

[solferino]

I'd like to see the counter service dessert go away; add the appetizer in for the table service (or give a choice of appy or dessert); bring the tip back and also have a "junior" plan for older kids and teens with more choices. Kind of like the kids meals at the Friendly's restaurant chain. DD, 9 was so bored with the choices on the kids plan and is excited that the next time we go she'll be under the adult umbrella for food choices. I don't know as if she'd eat all of the food available for the adults, but a better variety would have really made her happy.

 

[apostolic4life]

and also have a "junior" plan for older kids and teens with more choices.

This will never happen because of the age requirements for admission prices to the parks. Can you imagine the number of people arguing with Disney over admission prices if their child is getting "junior" rates for food, but "adult" rates for admission........it would be a huge nightmare for guest services.

 

[solferino]

This will never happen because of the age requirements for admission prices to the parks. Can you imagine the number of people arguing with Disney over admission prices if their child is getting "junior" rates for food, but "adult" rates for admission........it would be a huge nightmare for guest services.

I hear ya and get it, I just find the kids menu too limiting for the kids at the older end of being under the kids umbrella. I'm just dreaming

 

[TDC Nala]

We're all dreaming if we're thinking Disney would consider swapping the CS dessert for the TS appetizer. Not gonna happen.

On the basic plan I think they could logically offer either appetizer OR dessert with the tip put back in. Not both, and not a choice of one or the other.

If you want those appetizers, you can still get the deluxe plan. But that doesn't include the tip either.

 

[dcibrando]

I want to see this:

$45-$50 per day
1 snack
1 counter service (no desert)
1 table service (appetizer, entree, desert, gratuity)
1 refillable mug

 

[TDC Nala]

I want to see this:

$45-$50 per day
1 snack
1 counter service (no desert)
1 table service (appetizer, entree, desert, gratuity)
1 refillable mug

I doubt you will ever see this.

That sounds like last year's basic plan, except for the CS dessert, plus the mug, for 5-10 bucks more. If they could afford to offer the same basic plan as last year, I think they would have. Look at the difference in price between the basic and deluxe plans.

 

[bicker]

Indeed. It is important to remember that the OP had asked folks make realistic suggestions.

 

[apostolic4life]

Indeed. It is important to remember that the OP had asked folks make realistic suggestions.

Exactly!!

 

[kamgen]

I think they should have kept last years plan and just raised the price. That to me is realistic. I do like the deluxe plan, but with that I would have included tip and priced it higher. When we used the plan last year, we usually saved at least $200. As posted previously, we love the all inclusive feeling and will pay for it.

And if you are reading this Disney, please DO NOT get rid of dessert!

 

[Lewisc]

I'd like them to add some type of appetizer. I'd be happy with a choice of soup/salad or a house specialty (sampler). Virtually any price fixed menu includes that. Exclude the appetizers that include expensive ingredients and/or take a lot of preparation time.

Disney is looking to make/keep the plan profitable. Consider getting rid of the CS dessert, let a guest use a snack credit if they're looking for a CS dessert. Consider limiting the drink to fountain drinks, of course that's assuming there is a significant difference in cost to Disney.

 

[kamgen]

Again, we would HATE the plan if they eliminated a CS dessert and we had to use our snack credit
I just dont see why they couldnt have left it alone and just raised the price.....that is what happens with pretty much everything else from resort rooms to ticket prices each year......inflation. They should have kept it the same but raised the price and introduced the deluxe plan. That would have been enough changes for one year.

 

[lilstint]

I'd like them to add some type of appetizer. I'd be happy with a choice of soup/salad or a house specialty (sampler). Virtually any price fixed menu includes that. Exclude the appetizers that include expensive ingredients and/or take a lot of preparation time.

Disney is looking to make/keep the plan profitable. Consider getting rid of the CS dessert, let a guest use a snack credit if they're looking for a CS dessert. Consider limiting the drink to fountain drinks, of course that's assuming there is a significant difference in cost to Disney.

This is exactly right. I really cannot believe that most people would want a CS dessert, a snack, which let's face it, is usually a dessert, a sweet slushie type fruit drink before dinner (IMO a dessert) and THEN a DESSERT! I mean seriously, if you want this for yourself what about your kids? That is 4 huge portions a day of sugar and fats!

With the elimination of the appetizers just about anything GREEN will cost extra. Like someone else said, you can't even get a salad with your steak! It's just wrong IMO.

 

[apostolic4life]

This is exactly right. I really cannot believe that most people would want a CS dessert, a snack, which let's face it, is usually a dessert, a sweet slushie type fruit drink before dinner (IMO a dessert) and THEN a DESSERT! I mean seriously, if you want this for yourself what about your kids? That is 4 huge portions a day of sugar and fats!

With the elimination of the appetizers just about anything GREEN will cost extra. Like someone else said, you can't even get a salad with your steak! It's just wrong IMO.

Just a wee bit judgmental......so what if people go on vacation and enjoy some sweets and fats they normally do not eat at home. If this is not what you want to do that is fine, just as the latter is also fine. To each their own. This discussion is about ideas for future implementation of the DDP, not a place to cast dispersions about a person's lifestyle or eating habits. Let Them Eat Cake (or whatever they wish)!!!!

As for the "green" being removed from the DDP, I would agree. The facts of food cost are what push the options in this direction. It will always be cheaper to offer things made with flour, sugar, and dairy vs. fresh vegetables, meat, and seafood.

 

[kamgen]

This is exactly right. I really cannot believe that most people would want a CS dessert, a snack, which let's face it, is usually a dessert, a sweet slushie type fruit drink before dinner (IMO a dessert) and THEN a DESSERT! I mean seriously, if you want this for yourself what about your kids? That is 4 huge portions a day of sugar and fats!

With the elimination of the appetizers just about anything GREEN will cost extra. Like someone else said, you can't even get a salad with your steak! It's just wrong IMO.

Since I am one of the posters here who is dead set on keeping dessert, I thought that was a bit harsh. I am not going to get into defending why we want to keep dessert....but I will say that I completely disagree with the statement that "usually" it is a dessert that people use their snack credit for. We have used ours for popcorn (not a dessert), hot pretzels (not a dessert), fresh fruit, bottled water, and even carrot sticks! So quite honestly, we enjoy dessert AFTER meals and use our snack credits for whatever we are in the mood for as a snack. And the last few times we had DDP in 2007, we used our snack credits to get a loaf of bread and a package of bagels for in the room and the rest of our credits we used to get snacks to take home.
I just think that Disney should offer it all and then individual people can choose what they want....if you dont want dessert, you dont have to get it. JMHO.

 

[bicker]

With the elimination of the appetizers just about anything GREEN will cost extra.

To be fair, you CAN; you just have to pay for it. I think that's really the aim here: To get folks to pay for things that more people are likely to be willing to pay extra for.

 

[LisaBi]

I love the appy OR desert idea - we prefer appy's and rarely got desserts on the old plan. Someone suggested that if they did that, people would split their orders - half the party order appys and other half deserts, which would negate the goal of more table turn. I'd be OK if the rule was "entire party must make same choice" because I'd rather have all appy's than all deserts. (But I would love to go half & half!)

What I'd really like to see is something as an option, for less $, that has more CS and less TS - like 70% CS credits and 30% TS credits - I know - too complicated. We end up leaving TS meals go unused and paying OOP for more CS. Just the unpredictability traveling with DS makes it hard to hit that many TS. I love being able to eat at TS places I'd otherwise be unwilling to pay for, but.... Just hoping they offer the TS/CS trade this year during free dining.

 

[kamgen]

Personally, I am all for the app/dessert option. And I dont see the problem with splitting. Yes, I know most apps cost more than most desserts, but that little price difference shouldnt matter. I still am against getting rid of desserts.
As for the idea of more CS and less TS, I am sure we could find a lot of people to argue for and against that. It is up to each family to decide what fits them. Maybe Disney needs to come up with a "build a package" dining plan.......

 

[WishesQueen]

I think they just should have raised the price and left the plan!!!

They also could have had this new plan as choice to see if it was popular and give customers more of a choice in meal plans. That could have been a stepping stone to getting rid of the old DDP. Which we loved, I have to agree we didn't always get dessert, but the kids did and they loved it. Being able to order an appetizer and dessert is a great part of being on vacation. We have seriously check out the DDDP but its way to much food for my family. Sometimes the old DDP was too much food, but like I said then we had the option of no app. or no dessert. CHOICES!!!!

The least they could have done is price it up and give us a choice. Then offer the new DDP for $1 less. I would have felt more in control and would have nobody to blame but myself.

Honestly, since hoping they change things!!! Hoping the phone rings with a new choice!!!