Is the dining plan going to change in 2011

[Linda67]

Hi everyone
The 2011 Virgin Holiday Florida Brochure has been revealed in the UK today and the Dining Plan looks different
Desserts are not included anymore
For example on the DDP a TS meal includes one entree and one non alcoholic beverage only
Also there are two snacks per day on the DDP but there is a very specific and very small list of snacks in the small print
Anyone else heard of changes?

 

[2Tiggies]

Someone posted something about this a few weeks ago and quite frankly I would disregard that completely and put it down to a mis-print. The small list of snacks is probably the standard examples given on the DDP brochure (official one). I haven't looked but I am guessing it was: a single serving of popcorn, frozen icecream treat, small bottled water/soda and maybe one or two othr things. The official brochure says that they are some of the things you can get ....

Virgin Holidays sells packages of all kinds. They are not Disney specialists so I wouldn't go by what they say. The DDP is very popular and there would be no reason to offer an additional snack IMO. It would only compel them to up the price and that would decrease the number of takers. In the current economic climate, I don't see Disney wanting to do this.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Well I don't know anything about that but I would be happy if they took dessert away and gave an extra snack. I'm not hungry for dessert after my entree but would like something a couple hours later so another snack would give me some flexibility.

 

[sandym718]

Hmmmm... interesting! IF this comes to pass (big IF), I think it could be a very good thing. I am a HUGE dessert lover, major sweet tooth, especially chocolate. But sometimes I'm just so full - I don't want dessert right then. Getting it later could be a very good thing. I do hope that IF this were to occur, there would be no increase in the DDP price - because this IS a decrease in value. Snacks priced up to $4, generally, most TS desserts in the $6-8 range.

Looking at our list of possible restaurants, it would only affect us for a few nights. We're planning: CM (breakfast or dinner, not sure), CP and Ohana - no effect at any of those. Also, LeCellier (this is probably they ONLY place I'd possibly care, love that Chocolate Whiskey cake, could always pay OOP for it), Wolfgang Puck Cafe (great desserts, but would be plenty happy to get a Doh bar instead after some shopping!). Other 2 nights are still undecided. Possibly WCC - definitely wouldn't care here. I'd feel like I could indulge in the milkshake more, plus I'd get plenty stuffed on the Skillet. Other possibilities:Biergarten (wouldn't apply), Mama Melrose (probably wouldn't care here; wonder what the effect would be on the F! package??)

 

[Linda67]

Someone posted something about this a few weeks ago and quite frankly I would disregard that completely and put it down to a mis-print. The small list of snacks is probably the standard examples given on the DDP brochure (official one). I haven't looked but I am guessing it was: a single serving of popcorn, frozen icecream treat, small bottled water/soda and maybe one or two othr things. The official brochure says that they are some of the things you can get ....

Virgin Holidays sells packages of all kinds. They are not Disney specialists so I wouldn't go by what they say. The DDP is very popular and there would be no reason to offer an additional snack IMO. It would only compel them to up the price and that would decrease the number of takers. In the current economic climate, I don't see Disney wanting to do this.

Yep the list of snacks is just as you say so it probably is just to give you an idea of what you get. Does seem strange that they don't mention dessert in the new edition though

Well I don't know anything about that but I would be happy if they took dessert away and gave an extra snack. I'm not hungry for dessert after my entree but would like something a couple hours later so another snack would give me some flexibility.

I agree with you actually, I often would rather grab something later but the DDP is more expensive in 2011 than 2010 so scrapping the dessert but giving you an extra snack is more cost effective for Disney

Hmmmm... interesting! IF this comes to pass (big IF), I think it could be a very good thing. I am a HUGE dessert lover, major sweet tooth, especially chocolate. But sometimes I'm just so full - I don't want dessert right then. Getting it later could be a very good thing. I do hope that IF this were to occur, there would be no increase in the DDP price - because this IS a decrease in value. Snacks priced up to $4, generally, most TS desserts in the $6-8 range.

Looking at our list of possible restaurants, it would only affect us for a few nights. We're planning: CM (breakfast or dinner, not sure), CP and Ohana - no effect at any of those. Also, LeCellier (this is probably they ONLY place I'd possibly care, love that Chocolate Whiskey cake, could always pay OOP for it), Wolfgang Puck Cafe (great desserts, but would be plenty happy to get a Doh bar instead after some shopping!). Other 2 nights are still undecided. Possibly WCC - definitely wouldn't care here. I'd feel like I could indulge in the milkshake more, plus I'd get plenty stuffed on the Skillet. Other possibilities:Biergarten (wouldn't apply), Mama Melrose (probably wouldn't care here; wonder what the effect would be on the F! package??)

If you can still get the type of snacks that you can this year it would actually work out better for us

 

[2Tiggies]

The Dining Plans are Disney products and therefore can only be sold in the form that Disney offers them. According to the official Disney (UK website, which is now allowing bookings for 2011) there has been no change to the components of the dining plans. I don't see then offering a different type of Dining Plan for international guests - I shudder at the thought of the chaos and confusion that would cause - not to mention the frustration of the guests and CMs alike. There is plenty confusion surrounding the plans as it is.

 

[tzolkin]

I agree with you actually, I often would rather grab something later but the DDP is more expensive in 2011 than 2010 so scrapping the dessert but giving you an extra snack is more cost effective for Disney

Where have you seen the price for the 2011 dining plans?

We've decided not to go this year and are planning a trip for 2011. I had assumed there may be a very slight price increase, but I'm just curious if it's significant.

 

[darthtatty]

the quick service plan is also different in the new Virgin uk brochure, no refillable cup

 

[darthtatty]

i got a few other brochures today and they list the 'new' plan. some only have 1 snack though. be interesting to see what my Virgin rep says.

 

[sandym718]

It is interesting to note that back in 2007 (not sure if it was as early as April, but it was DEFINITELY before August before the 2008 packages were released), there were many posts on these boards about changes to the plan (ie. dropping the appetizer and the gratutities, is this when the QS and Deluxe plans were added also? Not sure, but I know the appy and tips thing for sure) for 2008. Many of these posts used the source of the Virgin UK site and their package descriptions for 2008. This turned out to be accurate - those changes did occur.

I have found on the Virgin site where it states for 2011 that the QSDP will have no mug (rather, it's just not listed as included) and where the regular DDP will have 2 snacks. The changes are quite obvious because the description for 2010 is just above - with the plan descriptions as they exist now. However, I cannot find where they say WHAT a Table Service meal includes, ie. the dropped dessert. Anyone have a link to that info?

The site also lists prices (I'm guessing that's pounds???), which of course would be different than the U.S. But it's interesting to note - 1 pound (have no idea if I'm saying that right) increase for QSDP adult plan, no change to child. 4 pound increase for DDP adult plan, no increase for child. And no change to DxDP. Again, interesting. IF dessert is no longer included and a snack added - that seems like a large increase for the DDP. Less value (approx. 2-5 DOLLARS per day, no idea how that converts) and a fairly large increase. QSDP is a small increase, also with a decrease in value (about $13.50 I think) - but the value per depends on length of trip. Assuming a trip of 1 week, value decrease of less than $2/day. Again, with just a small increase in plan price.

Seems odd that the ONE plan would increase in cost so much AND decrease in value "so much" at the same time, with neither of the other plans doing that, at least to that extent.

just some rambling thoughts, LOL.....

 

[2cats1kid]

Trying to relieve some of the pressure on the restaurants? Either by decreasing the number of people taking the DDP or by reducing the time each party takes in the restaurant by not including the dessert? Some people would pay OOP, but a lot would just have their entree and leave.

So glad we'd already decided not to do the DDP for our 2011 trip as this would have sent me off to do some more obsessing!

 

[JCTurner]

Hi All

Ive just checked the UK WDW travel site and these are the prices and details for 2011 dining (Nov/Dec 2011)

Disney Quick (Counter) Service Dining Plan: £22.99 per adult, £7.99 per child, per day
2 Quick (Counter) Service meals and 2 Snacks per guest, per day and 1 Refillable Resort Mug.

Disney Dining Plan: £26.99 per adult, £9.99 per child, per day
1 Table Service meal, 1 Quick (Counter) Service meal and 1 Snack per guest, per day.

Disney Deluxe Dining Plan: £46.99 per adult, £14.99 per child, per day
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and 2 Snacks per guest, per day.

Cheers

J

 

[chocolateMinnie]

I agree that i'm sure Virgin have made a mistake in their brochures again. When we booked our Oct 2010 trip in April 2009 they were giving DXDP as no appetizer and also that you could upgrade from free QSDP to DXDP - which was incorrect.

 

[2Tiggies]

Hi All

Ive just checked the UK WDW travel site and these are the prices and details for 2011 dining (Nov/Dec 2011)

Disney Quick (Counter) Service Dining Plan: £22.99 per adult, £7.99 per child, per day
2 Quick (Counter) Service meals and 2 Snacks per guest, per day and 1 Refillable Resort Mug.

Disney Dining Plan: £26.99 per adult, £9.99 per child, per day
1 Table Service meal, 1 Quick (Counter) Service meal and 1 Snack per guest, per day.

Disney Deluxe Dining Plan: £46.99 per adult, £14.99 per child, per day
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and 2 Snacks per guest, per day.

Cheers

J

That was what I checked against and I am inclined to go with Disney.
The prices on the UK sites always increase anyhow - Disney itself is usually slightly cheaper than Virgin, not always though. It doesn't bother me as I will assess the value of the plans for me prior to booking for next year, which I won't do until much later (after the official US 2011 bookings open). If it looks good to me, I take it, if not, I leave it. However I do accept that for those booking now, it is good to know WHAT you are paying for.

 

[USAswimmer626]

At the rate Disney's going, Table Service meals in 2012 will only include the non-alcoholic beverage.

I wouldn't believe the announcement that has been released by Virgin. The company often puts out their own special packages for Disney that have nothing to do with promotions put out by Disney itself.

 

[ShellyLynn3630]

Ya, it looks as if buffets will be the only way to go if you want a dessert. I just can't imagine though how people will break even, little less save money with the dining plan if the dessert is removed.

 

[2Tiggies]

At the rate Disney's going, Table Service meals in 2012 will only include the non-alcoholic beverage.

I wouldn't believe the announcement that has been released by Virgin. The company often puts out their own special packages for Disney that have nothing to do with promotions put out by Disney itself.

I agree.

The confusion from this one has arisen though (I think) partly because a change to the components of the plans would have to be consistent across the board. You get dining credits on your KTTW card. The cashier rings up the meal credit and they allow you to pick the compenents thereof from the menu. There would be no way to enforce differently structured plans when redeeming the credits without an overhaul of the system.

However, before I completely dismiss the whole thing, we have grumbled loudly about the 2 desserts a day ..... Maybe this will teach us all not to complain.

 

[Linda67]

Where have you seen the price for the 2011 dining plans?

We've decided not to go this year and are planning a trip for 2011. I had assumed there may be a very slight price increase, but I'm just curious if it's significant.

I noticed it in the 2011 Virgin UK brochure. I have the 2010 brochure and there is an increase in price but a decrease in value

It is interesting to note that back in 2007 (not sure if it was as early as April, but it was DEFINITELY before August before the 2008 packages were released), there were many posts on these boards about changes to the plan (ie. dropping the appetizer and the gratutities, is this when the QS and Deluxe plans were added also? Not sure, but I know the appy and tips thing for sure) for 2008. Many of these posts used the source of the Virgin UK site and their package descriptions for 2008. This turned out to be accurate - those changes did occur.

I have found on the Virgin site where it states for 2011 that the QSDP will have no mug (rather, it's just not listed as included) and where the regular DDP will have 2 snacks. The changes are quite obvious because the description for 2010 is just above - with the plan descriptions as they exist now. However, I cannot find where they say WHAT a Table Service meal includes, ie. the dropped dessert. Anyone have a link to that info?

The site also lists prices (I'm guessing that's pounds???), which of course would be different than the U.S. But it's interesting to note - 1 pound (have no idea if I'm saying that right) increase for QSDP adult plan, no change to child. 4 pound increase for DDP adult plan, no increase for child. And no change to DxDP. Again, interesting. IF dessert is no longer included and a snack added - that seems like a large increase for the DDP. Less value (approx. 2-5 DOLLARS per day, no idea how that converts) and a fairly large increase. QSDP is a small increase, also with a decrease in value (about $13.50 I think) - but the value per depends on length of trip. Assuming a trip of 1 week, value decrease of less than $2/day. Again, with just a small increase in plan price.

Seems odd that the ONE plan would increase in cost so much AND decrease in value "so much" at the same time, with neither of the other plans doing that, at least to that extent.

just some rambling thoughts, LOL.....

It may well be a typo by Virgin

Trying to relieve some of the pressure on the restaurants? Either by decreasing the number of people taking the DDP or by reducing the time each party takes in the restaurant by not including the dessert? Some people would pay OOP, but a lot would just have their entree and leave.

So glad we'd already decided not to do the DDP for our 2011 trip as this would have sent me off to do some more obsessing!

We have free DDP for our trip but I was curious to understand if these changes may effect others

Hi All

Ive just checked the UK WDW travel site and these are the prices and details for 2011 dining (Nov/Dec 2011)

Disney Quick (Counter) Service Dining Plan: £22.99 per adult, £7.99 per child, per day
2 Quick (Counter) Service meals and 2 Snacks per guest, per day and 1 Refillable Resort Mug.

Disney Dining Plan: £26.99 per adult, £9.99 per child, per day
1 Table Service meal, 1 Quick (Counter) Service meal and 1 Snack per guest, per day.

Disney Deluxe Dining Plan: £46.99 per adult, £14.99 per child, per day
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and 2 Snacks per guest, per day.

Cheers

J

Sounds like a mistake in the Virgn Brochure then

I agree that i'm sure Virgin have made a mistake in their brochures again. When we booked our Oct 2010 trip in April 2009 they were giving DXDP as no appetizer and also that you could upgrade from free QSDP to DXDP - which was incorrect.

That was what I checked against and I am inclined to go with Disney.
The prices on the UK sites always increase anyhow - Disney itself is usually slightly cheaper than Virgin, not always though. It doesn't bother me as I will assess the value of the plans for me prior to booking for next year, which I won't do until much later (after the official US 2011 bookings open). If it looks good to me, I take it, if not, I leave it. However I do accept that for those booking now, it is good to know WHAT you are paying for.

I hope I havent caused a fuss if it is just a mistake

At the rate Disney's going, Table Service meals in 2012 will only include the non-alcoholic beverage.

I wouldn't believe the announcement that has been released by Virgin. The company often puts out their own special packages for Disney that have nothing to do with promotions put out by Disney itself.

I guess that Vigin in the UK look to confirm much earlier than Disney in the US and may not have the latest info

 

[2Tiggies]

I hope I havent caused a fuss if it is just a mistake

Don't worry hun. Someone else posted this a few weeks ago (I don't remember what board) and of course we all wonder what is going on. I honestly do suspect it is a typo, but there is no way of telling until around August when Disney officially releases details on next year's plans. For now, all we can do is speculate. At least it makes for an intersting discussion. If you are thinking of booking now for next year, then you are right to query it. Components of the credits are the basis of a person's assessment as to whether or not the DDP is right for the trip. I certainly would want to know what I was paying for beforehand.

 

[miss_bell]

I've just been lookign on Complete Orlando's website at the 2011 dining plan and they are the same as virgin no more desserts: -

2011 Disney’s Quick Service Dining Plan
The Quick Service Dining Plan includes the following, per person per day at participating locations:
•2 Quick Service meals per person per day which includes a choice of one entrée and one non-alcoholic beverage or one combo meal and one non-alcoholic beverage (dessert no longer available).
•2 Snacks per person per day includes a choice of one medium fountain soft drink, one 20-ounce bottle of soft drink or water, one popcorn scoop (single serving box), one frozen ice cream novelty , single piece of whole fruit, single-serving bag of snacks, 12oz coffee, hot chocolate of hot tea or single serving prepackaged milk or juice.

2011 Disney Dining Plan
The Disney Dining Plan includes the following, per person per day at participating locations:
•1 Table Service Meal per person per day includes one entrée or one full buffet (if available) and one non-alcoholic beverage.
•1 Quick Service Meal per person per day includes a choice of one entrée and one non-alcoholic beverage or one combo meal and one non-alcoholic beverage (dessert no longer available).
•1 Snack per person per day includes a choice of one medium fountain soft drink, one 20-ounce bottle of soft drink or water, one popcorn scoop (single serving box), one frozen ice cream novelty , single piece of whole fruit, single-serving bag of snacks, 12oz coffee, hot chocolate of hot tea or single serving prepackaged milk or juice.