is it me, or could the DDP be simplified...

[d1gitman]

with the DDP being revamped to not include gratuity or appetizers (although some places we ate at in Sept 08 did include appet and gratuity), it seems to me the DDP could be simplified.

since WDW advertises that the DDP can save, why not have Dining Gift cards that are cash value, only good for food, drinks & gratuity. Just sell them for 20% less (or more )than face value. this would then take the hassle of what is and isn't on the menu. whether a snack stand has DDP items, etc....it would give us, the customer, full control of how we use our DDP and better accomodate dietary requirements.

If they want to guarantee revenues, they could still require it for length of stay and for # of guests. It could expire on your last day, or they could offer a no expiration option for a fee.

It just seems to me that we all know and understand currency and all have differing food requirements/desires. this would keep it simple for all and offer a guaranteed savings. then again, Disney is clever with their marketing and probably have stats on DDP usage vs. cost and see that a large number of people end up checking out with unused points.

 

[dianemb]

Personally i don't see how your idea is easier. I pay for everything before I go and don't have to worry about that. The check has the tip figured out on it and I think it takes just a little planning to get all the credits used. I personally love the plan the way it is and hope it doesn't change too much in the future. The plan is optional and is for those who want to make the effort.

 

[d1gitman]

Personally i don't see how your idea is easier. I pay for everything before I go and don't have to worry about that. The check has the tip figured out on it and I think it takes just a little planning to get all the credits used. I personally love the plan the way it is and hope it doesn't change too much in the future. The plan is optional and is for those who want to make the effort.

don't get me wrong, we plan to the 'tee'. I just think that the plan would be more flexible to be able to choose from anything on the menu. it is frustrating at times to have to pay extra for certain items and that it is not consistent from restaurant to restaurant. Also, in the past,gratuity used to be included with the DDP, to me it is less of a value. No appetizers, for us, takes some more luster off the DDP.

If we were paying cash, we would be able to match the cost of the DDP as we normally wouldn't order everything on the DDP. However, with the DDP, especially when appetizers were included, it was a bonus to us because normally we wouldn't order appetizers or desserts.

I just think that offering a discounted meal card that is like cash in the restaurants. This would allow people to eat whatever they want, manage gratuity, alchohol costs, etc..., yet still receive a savings.

I would gladly buy a meal card for, say, $80 for $100 card or $90 for $100 card in order to save 10% or20%. This way I get to save on what I choose to eat and drink.

To have to budget gratuity and food not on the DDP on top of the cost of the DDP is annoying, and costly. Also, to go to snack stands or counter servicemealsand have be a little bit limitedon those menus is also annoying. Then there is the fun at the counter service cafeterias at the value resorts. picking drinks and snacks from there is tons of fun.

anyway, this is just my opinion.

 

[HGD24]

They used to have what they called the "food & fun" plan. Back then you paid $50/person per night of your stay upfront and Disney gave you another $5/person per night. The pre-paid amount was put on your room key and you could use it to buy food, drinks and for rentals of boats, bikes, etc at any park or resort through the end of the day you checked out.

It was soooooooo much better than the current dining plan, more expensive, but more convenient to use. They could most definitely go back to a plan like this and satisfy alot more people. Maybe they could offer tiers, say a $40 plan and a $60 plan. Depending on how much you spend per day, you could choose the plan that fits your budget.