If you could change one thing about....

[SA mom]

Get rid of the dining plan.

Before my kids turned 10, I liked the dining plan. It is no longer a value for us, but it was when the kids were little.

 

[SamSam]

THIS! In my opinion, pretty much everything about dining at WDW has declined thanks to the dining plan.

Sayhello

Totally agree with this. Menus have been dumbed down, servings aren't as large, quality isn't as good as before the dining plan and free dining.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

As for the tipping, I can see how it would be easier for a guest to manage but I would hate for the waitstaff to be shortchanged. If the tip were included, I would probably tip anyway to be sure that my waitperson is adequately compensated for good service. I always wonder if the waitperson truly gets the service charge when I see it on restaurant bills. I think we all need to make sure we take care of our waitpeople!

When the various dining plans were first created years ago (Gold, Silver, Platinum, etc.), the tip was included. If I am remembering correctly, it was a 20% tip so the waitstaff - good or bad - was not shortchanged.

 

[WorldWacky]

I would like a 2 CS and 1 TS with 2 snacks option (and forget the mug).

Include gratuity (again)

Option to choose appetizer or desert.

Also agree Pixar character meal would be great.

This is the plan I would like. Although, this will probably be our last year using the dining plan. DD is 11, so she's an "adult" this trip. With two other "children", it works for us this year. Once they're all adults, forget it. I'm not buying $30.00 chicken nuggets!

 

[thunderbird1]

I agree with a lot of things already suggested (add the gratuity back in, choice of appetizer or dessert at TS meals, etc) and have one more to add: get rid of the dessert with the CS meals and add an extra snack instead! I would much prefer to have a snack later than a dessert right after my meal. Especially when dining at most of the CS locations in the parks, where you only have a choice of one or two desserts.

 

[MrRomance]

...Disney dining, what would it be and why?

The key problem with Disney Dining (as I see it!) is that people find themselves "between" packages. For example, with us, we really don't care for the counter service meals but do not want 3 meals and 2 snacks a day, so we find ourselves with extra counter service and paying OOP for extra table service meals.

My change would be that people can choose what elements they want rather than it being a set plan, you get to choose exactly what you want from how many snacks you want, how many counter service meal, table service meal and signature meal you want.

I can see why Disney don't do it, because if they can "force" people into a highly plan than they actually intend to use, they'll essentially sell meals that they'll never have to provide. However, that said, most people like me, don't upgrade their plan, they simply give away their extra counter service meals and pay OOP for any meals above and beyond what is in there plan.

Choosing your number of snacks is definitely a big advantage for things like F & W when you tend to use a lot of snacks.