Live From the Wilderness Lodge... A DxDDP Review-in-progress

Colleen27

DIS Legend
Joined
Mar 31, 2007
Messages
24,190
We're at the WL now on day 6 of 12 on our first DxDDP trip. I'll be writing a full food report when we get home, but I thought I'd share my impressions so far to help the other January & February travelers who are anxious for info.

I have to say, our overall impression of the plan is GREAT. We're having such fun trying places we never would have tried OOP, and we've had some really great meals. The snack credit changes really haven't effected us so far, and I've only run into one place where I was told something I wanted for a snack wasn't eligible (blueberry muffin at Writers Stop).

The tipping thing isn't as bad as its been made out to be, though we did get to talking with one server who felt it was really awkward asking the guests to fill in a tip amount before he runs the card. He is a server at a buffet, and said he feels like he's demanding more than standard buffet tips (his words, so apparantly even some servers understand the custom of tipping at a different rate at buffets!) because the 18% and 20% guide prints out on the receipt. We've had mostly very good service, with the exception of two meals where our server disappeared around dessert time and kept us waiting longer than we'd have liked. At Tusker House and at Coral Reef especially we had great servers.

I have ZERO complaints about the food quality so far. We've eaten at The Plaza, Chef Mickey's, Sunshine Seasons, Coral Reef, Tusker House, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Planet Hollywood, Kona Cafe, Cinderella's Royal Table, California Grill (the highlight of the trip so far - window table, great food, and DD got picked to start the fireworks!), Sci-Fi Dine In, and WL in-room dining, plus a few quick snack-breakfasts from Roaring Forks to start our days.

I'm not running the numbers as we go, but I am saving receipts so when I do my full reviews I'll have a financial evaluation of the plan as well as food photos (when I remembered to take them - I blame preggo brain and the fact that I got over the morning sickness stage just in time to enjoy this trip!). We really love the plan, because we're spending very little on anything. The kids are just about over souveniers after so many trips, and with all our food pre-paid, tips and alcohol (for DH, obviously!) are our only real expense. And we're not finding it to be too much food. We haven't had a hard time changing ADRs when we've wanted to, but usually by the time our ADR times roll around my son is asking when we're going to eat anyway.
 
Thank you for the mini-report. I'm booked for August with free-dining and DxDDP so I was happy to hear that you are liking the plan. Give us more info when you can. enjoy your trip.:thumbsup2
 
We too have booked the Deluxe dining plan during free dining this year. I would love to know more about the plan and the finances when you have the chance. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
 
Thanks for the review. I can't wait for your report once you get home. Have fun!
 

How do you that they are offering the free dining this year? We're booked 09/06/08 - 09/13/08 at the Wilderness Lodge and our TA has not heard about the free dining yet. She anticipates it will be offered but has not heard definitly. I've read other posts about being booked this year for the free dining. Hoe does that work with the deluxe dining plan? Is that free or do pay an up charge? I'm very curious to find out.

Pam
 
We are really interested in the Deluxe Plan if they have it in 2009. Is it too much food? That is my only concern is if we will be hungry enough to eat all of those meals. We will be eating 3 meals a day anyways though, but not all TS meals like we would do on the plan. Thanks for reporting back to us. I hope you guys continue to have a great trip!
 
How do you that they are offering the free dining this year? We're booked 09/06/08 - 09/13/08 at the Wilderness Lodge and our TA has not heard about the free dining yet. She anticipates it will be offered but has not heard definitly. I've read other posts about being booked this year for the free dining. Hoe does that work with the deluxe dining plan? Is that free or do pay an up charge? I'm very curious to find out.

Pam

free dining has already been offered to select groups of people... international travelers (england i believe) and those that were there for free dining in '07 received "bounceback" offers to enjoy free dining again in '08... it has not been offered to disney visa card holders nor the general public yet... but hopefully it will!

re: free dining to deluxe... yes you pay an upcharge of about $30/night/adult and less per child...
 
We rebooked while on property in Sept. 2007 for our next trip in Sept 2008 and were offered free dining. We had heard about the changes to the DDP for 2008 so we decided to upgrade to the DxDDP.

I am not "in the know" but I imagine they will offer the free DDP this fall.....it seems to really get folks in the parks.

Start calling around April to find out about free DDP for the fall. And keep your eyes on the boards someone is bound to find out ans post it.
Good Luck!
 
Hi Colleen, I have almost missed your reviews. Can't wait to read about your trip. I have just got off the phone with Disney Dining and got all my ADR's in, but was surprised to know that some time-slots(between 6 - 7pm) were booked. Especially for California Grill, Le Cellier, and Coral Reef! yes, Coral Reef was fully booked on 7/20 until 8pm.
 
Hi Colleen -

Just wanted to tell you thanks for taking the time to post and to look for melomouse on a scooter with two kids checking into WL tomorrow afternoon til 2/3!!!
 
Thanks for posting, we're doing the deluxe for our 10 day WL trip in June so reading your review was awesome. Have a great rest of your trip, can't wait to hear all about it when you return.
Lesley
 












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