I'm really disappointed with 1 less snack from QSDP!

[ellie&mattys mom]

I agree my husband too likes to have it all paid for before we go!!

We stayed offsite for our Universal Vacation last year and just didn't like having to worry about meals all the time!! brought $$ but just not enough for food and even bought groceries!!

We are looking forward to our Table service meals maybe because our kids are older too!!
so convenient not to have to pay for a rental car too!

 

[Mom of 2 Wife of 1]

That's what was listed the last time I checked Disney's booking website, when adding the plan.

Disney's website never stated that.

Havoc315 is notorious for bashing the DDP in every way, shape and form. They don't know how to use it properly and have proven this in dozens of previous threads. They now feel it their duty to persuade others from using a very time and cost-saving Disney program. Please make your own intelligent decisions. Thank you.

 

[sharonabe]

Disney's website never stated that.

Havoc315 is notorious for bashing the DDP in every way, shape and form. They don't know how to use it properly and have proven this in dozens of previous threads. They now feel it their duty to persuade others from using a very time and cost-saving Disney program. Please make your own intelligent decisions. Thank you.

No, Disney's website didn't say 5%, IT SAYS 10%:

2012 Magic Your Way Package Plus Quick-Service Dining

This vacation package includes accommodations at a Disney Resort hotel and a Magic Your Way Base Ticket, as well as the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan that can save you up to 10% per adult on dining. Eat at select quick-service restaurants and receive 2 quick-service meals and one snack per person per night of your package stay. You'll also receive a mug you can refill as often as you like at any quick-service restaurant at your Disney Resort hotel.


So, Havoc was actually being generous in just trying to see a 5% savings.

 

[EPCOTatNight]

No, Disney's website didn't say 5%, IT SAYS 10%:

2012 Magic Your Way Package Plus Quick-Service Dining

This vacation package includes accommodations at a Disney Resort hotel and a Magic Your Way Base Ticket, as well as the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan that can save you up to 10% per adult on dining. Eat at select quick-service restaurants and receive 2 quick-service meals and one snack per person per night of your package stay. You'll also receive a mug you can refill as often as you like at any quick-service restaurant at your Disney Resort hotel.


So, Havoc was actually being generous in just trying to see a 5% savings.

Generous? How is that generous? He downplayed the potential discount to make his point.
Here's an example, and it's NOT WPE.
Let's say you spent the day in MK. This could be your meals on the QSDP.
Breakfast
Warm Cinammon Roll $3.49

Lunch: Cosmic Ray's
1/2 Chicken and BBQ Rib Combination - served with Mashed Potatoes and a seasonal vegetable $14.19
Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Orange, Light Lemonade, Apple Juice, Gold Peak Iced Tea (sweetened or unsweetened) $2.19 & $2.49
Triple Chocolate Cake $3.59

Dinner: Columbia Harbour House
Grilled Salmon - served with couscous and steamed fresh broccoli $10.19
Bottled Water $2.50
Apple Crisp $3.50

Now, let's add it up.
QSDP is $34.99
Cost of meals this day are
$39.65 without tax. Disney claims 10%, which in this case would be $3.49. True savings are $4.66.
It should also be noted that these are 2011 prices. There is a good chance that prices go up in 2012.

 

[havoc315]

Generous? How is that generous? He downplayed the potential discount to make his point.
Here's an example, and it's NOT WPE.
Let's say you spent the day in MK. This could be your meals on the QSDP.
Breakfast
Warm Cinammon Roll $3.49

Lunch: Cosmic Ray's
1/2 Chicken and BBQ Rib Combination - served with Mashed Potatoes and a seasonal vegetable $14.19
Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Orange, Light Lemonade, Apple Juice, Gold Peak Iced Tea (sweetened or unsweetened) $2.19 & $2.49
Triple Chocolate Cake $3.59

Dinner: Columbia Harbour House
Grilled Salmon - served with couscous and steamed fresh broccoli $10.19
Bottled Water $2.50
Apple Crisp $3.50

Now, let's add it up.
QSDP is $34.99
Cost of meals this day are
$39.65 without tax. Disney claims 10%, which in this case would be $3.49. True savings are $4.66.
It should also be noted that these are 2011 prices. There is a good chance that prices go up in 2012.

The price increases for the next year have already been put into effect. Soda has gone up, the other prices are the same for at least the first half of 2012.

Whenever anybody wants to demonstrate value on the qsdp, they always use WPE or the combo plate from Cosmic Rays, as these 2 examples are significantly more expensive than the other 99% of available Qs meals. 99% of Qs entrees are under $11, almost all are under $10.
So you calculated $4.66 in savings.... Including an entree that is $4 more than any other Qs entree anywhere in the magic kingdom. So had you picked any other entree anywhere in the Magic Kingdom, savings would have been under $1.

Under the vast majority of lunch/dinner meals, savings amounts to the mug and a discount on a snack.
If you use credits for breakfast, you are almost guaranteed to lose money.

 

[nkereina]

Didn't read the whole thread, but Disney's reasoning is basic economics. Bad economy + inflation + food costs (disney's cost, not ours). Its just like at my job - profit is lower this year, so they opted not to give us raises this year rather than lay people off. We can be mad that we're not getting raises, or we can be glad we all still have jobs. Similarly, we can be mad Disney took away one snack or be glad they didn't raise the price. They have to do something to compensate for their profit margin, and I'd bet that a lot of people would rather have one snack gone than a higher price. Something like this will happen every year - whether it be to dining plans, tickets, room rates, etc. - unless and until there is a year there is no fluctuation in the economy, which we will probably never see in our day.

 

[havoc315]

No, Disney's website didn't say 5%, IT SAYS 10%:

2012 Magic Your Way Package Plus Quick-Service Dining

This vacation package includes accommodations at a Disney Resort hotel and a Magic Your Way Base Ticket, as well as the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan that can save you up to 10% per adult on dining. Eat at select quick-service restaurants and receive 2 quick-service meals and one snack per person per night of your package stay. You'll also receive a mug you can refill as often as you like at any quick-service restaurant at your Disney Resort hotel.


So, Havoc was actually being generous in just trying to see a 5% savings.

My apologies, I thought Cafeen said the literature had been changed from 10% to 5%.
If you place value in the mug, it can be certainly considered 10%. But for people who don't need multiple soda refills per day, and who dint constantly or WPE or the combo platter, it is pretty hard to get much in savings.

 

[EPCOTatNight]

The price increases for the next year have already been put into effect. Soda has gone up, the other prices are the same for at least the first half of 2012.

Whenever anybody wants to demonstrate value on the qsdp, they always use WPE or the combo plate from Cosmic Rays, as these 2 examples are significantly more expensive than the other 99% of available Qs meals. 99% of Qs entrees are under $11, almost all are under $10.
So you calculated $4.66 in savings.... Including an entree that is $4 more than any other Qs entree anywhere in the magic kingdom. So had you picked any other entree anywhere in the Magic Kingdom, savings would have been under $1.

Under the vast majority of lunch/dinner meals, savings amounts to the mug and a discount on a snack.
If you use credits for breakfast, you are almost guaranteed to lose money.

I am NOT an advocate of paying for the QS or DDP. I never have and probably never will. I gave that example to show that WPE is NOT the only place that you can get a savings. It can be done in every park, especially Epcot. Let's say a family of 4 averaged just $2 per day per person for 6 days. That's $48. When you add the price of the mug, That's another $59.$107 for the week. $2 is not a big savings, but when you add it up with the other members of your party and do that for a week, it can be a significant amount.

 

[sharonabe]

Can you see the 10% savings?? Of course you can, BUT you have to be very consisitent and very proactive to do so.

Your drink and dessert are $6 before tax. You have to get one at EVERY meal.
Your entree will have to be $10 or above at EVERY meal.
That puts you at $32 for your two meals.
Your snack will have to be at least $3 EVERY time.
You've now broken even and your mug is free.

As Havoc says, most entrees (even with the latest price increases) are UNDER $10. So you have to search out those that aren't. AND those that are over $10 (except WPE) are pretty much the same meal, so there goes your variety.

Leave off a dessert even one or two times, and you've lost money. Use a snack credit to get bottled water or fruit or even a pastry for breakfast, and you've lost money.

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

Disney has a habit of taking a decent to good program and seeing how far they can push people to get the most money out of them. I'll reference the Food n Fun card of the 90's. We get it when it fits our needs and don't when it doesn't. Depending on our resort, we get good value from the mugs and I'm pretty good and judging whether we'll get value from the credits or not. We also often have multiple rooms so we may get if for the heavier eaters and not for the others. I'd say I average break even from what we would have paid when we've gotten it and had an added value of around 50-100% depending on the specifics of the trip. OTOH, Kim and I can eat two sit down meals a day OOP for the price of the basic DDP, just not with the same choices.

"I'll reference the Food n Fun card of the 90's"
Please tell us about this. (The Food & Fun Card)
Only vaguely remember its existence.
We didn't start going until 1995. But I do remember Food & Fun advertising.
But just that is was an available option, no details.

 

[JLS]

I very much agree with the sentiments in this post. Its impossible for me to see how the QSDP is a good deal if you have to buy it. As pointed out, the only way to see any savings at all is to order specifically to maximize the value. What if you just want a hot dog or a veggie sandwich? or you don't want your third dessert item of the day? Obviously that's fine, but you are then paying for food you are not eating. I don't see the point in having to worry about that. Many of those combo meals are big enough to share, and it is very unlikely that paying OOP we would order the pre-packaged deserts at most CS places, nor would I typically drink anything other than water (which we store in our room and bring with) at most meals.

I still get the DDP, despite the declining value, because we are a family that loves the buffets, particularly the expensive dinner ones (Boma, Ohana) and the character meals. Given the extreme price hikes at those places in recent years, the DDP is still a "value" (in relationship to what we would have to pay to eat there) if you eat most of your TS credits at those types of places. And DVC members don't have to pay the increased holiday price, so that is more savings.

 

[Dean]

"I'll reference the Food n Fun card of the 90's"
Please tell us about this. (The Food & Fun Card)
Only vaguely remember its existence.
We didn't start going until 1995. But I do remember Food & Fun advertising.
But just that is was an available option, no details.

The FnF card included 2 meals per day per person from a list of options. No signatures and some of the higher end single credit options weren't available but most were. You could also do activities like parasailing, fishing, boat rentals and trail rides. Initially the kids weren't even restricted to kids menu but you can see how that'd change pretty quick. Then it started changing and options being removed. Eventually they changed the name and made it a prepaid card where you paid $50 and got a credit of $55 and totally removed the activities.

 

[Dean]

I very much agree with the sentiments in this post. Its impossible for me to see how the QSDP is a good deal if you have to buy it. As pointed out, the only way to see any savings at all is to order specifically to maximize the value. What if you just want a hot dog or a veggie sandwich? or you don't want your third dessert item of the day? Obviously that's fine, but you are then paying for food you are not eating. I don't see the point in having to worry about that. Many of those combo meals are big enough to share, and it is very unlikely that paying OOP we would order the pre-packaged deserts at most CS places, nor would I typically drink anything other than water (which we store in our room and bring with) at most meals.

I still get the DDP, despite the declining value, because we are a family that loves the buffets, particularly the expensive dinner ones (Boma, Ohana) and the character meals. Given the extreme price hikes at those places in recent years, the DDP is still a "value" (in relationship to what we would have to pay to eat there) if you eat most of your TS credits at those types of places. And DVC members don't have to pay the increased holiday price, so that is more savings.

I don't see it quite that gloomy. certainly they are specialty options and not for everyone but if one manages the plan, it is possible for many to see a significant savings, the rest should not get it for most situations. Ultimately you have the choice and can get the plan if it works for you and avoid it if it doesn't.

 

[Mom of 2 Wife of 1]

My apologies, I thought Cafeen said the literature had been changed from 10% to 5%.

Thank you for admitting you were wrong and that the Dining Plan is indeed a good deal for those who know how to use it. Speaking of which...

Can you see the 10% savings?? Of course you can, BUT you have to be very consisitent and very proactive to do so.

And if you choose not to be consistent and proactive, and refuse to get the most value out of the Dining Plan, that's fine. I'm sure you have your reasons for buying into something and subsequently ruining it for yourself. A majority of consumers are on top of their spending habits and are able to make sound decisions on the Dining Plan. Therefore, the Dining Plan is a good deal for them.

Once again, folks, if you don't know how to use something properly, don't use it at all. But please do not go around telling others it's a bad deal just because you had a bad experience with it due to your inability to comprehend how it works.

 

[Portugal1000]

Not sure if already posted but Disney UK still saying 2 snacks for any 2012 bookings, and free dining June to NOvember.

http://disneypackages.co.uk/

 

[Princesca]

I'm doing the planning for my group of five adults and one preschooler for next year. My reasoning has pretty much come down to this:

If Disney offers free QSDP, we'll be staying at POP and just paying OOP for one character meal at Akershuh's. I am usually incredibly frugal, and I know that I will be having mild spasms every time we get the bill for a meal, so free dining has a lot of appeal for me in that regard. Plus I won't have to constantly hear my DH whine about Disney food prices.

If Disney doesn't offer free QSDP, we'll be staying off site at Bonnet Creek and canceling our room-only rezzies. There's no financial incentive for us to stay on-site without that bonus. Even with a room discount on a Value, BC is still MUCH cheaper, and would give us three times as much space with much larger beds, more pools, and a full kitchen, to boot.

 

[sharonabe]

Thank you for admitting you were wrong and that the Dining Plan is indeed a good deal for those who know how to use it. Speaking of which...



And if you choose not to be consistent and proactive, and refuse to get the most value out of the Dining Plan, that's fine. I'm sure you have your reasons for buying into something and subsequently ruining it for yourself. A majority of consumers are on top of their spending habits and are able to make sound decisions on the Dining Plan. Therefore, the Dining Plan is a good deal for them.

Once again, folks, if you don't know how to use something properly, don't use it at all. But please do not go around telling others it's a bad deal just because you had a bad experience with it due to your inability to comprehend how it works.

EXCUSE ME!!! Did I say that I don't know how to use the plan?? No, I did not. I do know how to use the plan, and I also know how to use the same amount of money you pay for the plan and eat THREE meals and a snack EVERY day. You can't do that with the QSDP.

AND 90% of people who get the plan don't even know what they pay for it since Disney DOES NOT tell you how much it costs. So how do they know they have to order the most expensive entree at each QS meal?

 

[havoc315]

Thank you for admitting you were wrong and that the Dining Plan is indeed a good deal for those who know how to use it. Speaking of which...

That is not at all what I said. It's actually the opposite-- for an educated consumer who understands pricing and alternatives, the educated consumer can get a much better value by skipping the qsdp.

The qsdp can provide fairly significant savings for people who have very very specific eating habits--
- the most expensive entrees
- never using Qs credits for breakfast
- pay beverages at every meal
- desserts at every meal
- lots of soda refills at the hotel.
- plus an above average costing snack every day.

For someone who actually *likes* eating in this way, there can indeed be savings of a few dollars per day.
For someone who prefers to eat breakfast, or who doesn't want 3 desserts per day, or who doesn't want gallons of artificial beverages per day, or who doesn't always want the most expensive entrees, the savings will be minuscule or even non-existent.

The plan does indeed work for some, and is a total waste for many many others. But being knowledgabe isn't what makes the plan into a value. In fact, a knowledgable and responsible eater, would most likely not see value in the plan.

 

[Mom of 2 Wife of 1]

For someone who prefers to eat breakfast, or who doesn't want 3 desserts per day, or who doesn't want gallons of artificial beverages per day, or who doesn't always want the most expensive entrees, the savings will be minuscule or even non-existent.

Once again you have proved my point. You keep imposing YOUR individual dining habits onto every potental DP consumer (be it with the QSDP or the DxDP) as though the way you eat is how everyone else does. In doing so, you attempt to devalue the DDP as though it is a faulted system unworthy of anyone's business just because you and Sharonabe don't know how to use it properly and/or/as a result didn't get the full value out of it.

Stop trying to dissuade people just because you had a bad experience. Let them decide for themselves. Just because you wasted your money on the plan doesn't mean others have or will, and many, many others know how to use it properly and will continue to enjoy it for years to come.

 

[havoc315]

Once again you have proved my point. You keep imposing YOUR individual dining habits onto every potental DP consumer (be it with the QSDP or the DxDP) as though the way you eat is how everyone else does. In doing so, you attempt to devalue the DDP as though it is a faulted system unworthy of anyone's business just because you and Sharonabe don't know how to use it properly and/or/as a result didn't get the full value out of it.

Stop trying to dissuade people just because you had a bad experience. Let them decide for themselves. Just because you wasted your money on the plan doesn't mean others have or will, and many, many others know how to use it properly and will continue to enjoy it for years to come.

Stop lying and misrepresenting my statements please.

I never had a bad experience with the qsdp, because I know paying for it would be foolish for me. And I know it would be foolish because I DO know how it works.
I have acknowledged there are indeed some peoole who would get financial benefit-- and I spelled out those conditions. Other people may like the pre-paid aspects of the plan even if it costs more than oop.

Care for a little challenge? Let's see who can create better value in 1 day at the Magic Kingdom. Breakfast, lunch and dinner for 2 adults. Breakfast at the resort or park. Lunch and dinner at Magic Kingdom.
Obviously, you can supplement the qsdp with oop if necessary.
So let's see who can create a most realistically balanced meal plan for 2 moderate eating adults. For the sake of argument assume moderate eaters -- not people who never ever eat dessert, but also not obese eaters who can down a Cosmic Ray combo plus dessert by themselves and still be hungry for more. And our readers can decide who produced the better value day.