News Round Up 2017

[Roxyfire]

We have 3, and DS is 17. We usually break even or do a little better. For us, the value (assuming we continue to do that) is the prepay and not really worrying about what we order. We eat the way they dictate, and use snacks as we go. If we have some (not baskets full) left, we bring home some treats for another day. There's a long debate on it on another thread- I posted there about how a friend and her family did save quite a bit with the deluxe plan and a CRT reservation. Many deem it a bad deal, others claim it's the best thing since sliced bread. I say do the research and see. Probably not any better than TIW or other discounts, but definitely worth the lack of hassle for us.

That said, I do see the prices going up and the value going down. That is happening with food in general on property (ex: there is also a thread on changes at 'Ohana breakfast...). They need to do better.

Right yeah, again I can see it. I don't really hold myself back when ordering, so that helps. We usually do one breakfast buffet and one 'Ohana dinner. The rest are cheaper places, not a "good" value or we share an entree, like at 50s Prime Time. I generally go for comfort food and those tend to be on the cheaper side and huge portions. Between the refillable popcorn bucket and random snacks I don't think I could ever reach the amount the dining plan costs. If I were going with my friends, I would be open to adding it if they wanted it.

Edit: With the Mama Melrose package basically removing the appetizer, I think that equalizes it across the board with the other dining packages. Too bad though, it's always nice to get more for your dollar.

 

[Harry Wallace]

I'm destined to visit the GF with construction only...

Does anyone know if GF Cafe has reopened yet?!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

At least you still get access to the reserved viewing area ... still think it is a lot to pay for basically thinks you can do on your own. I would just do the dessert party myself but guess this works for some people

We basically do the dessert parties primarily for reserved viewing -- I think that matters for the SW stuff at DHS now. And we have ZERO interest in staking out a spot ages beforehand -- that's worth paying for, for us.

We're not in the market for that tour having done everything SW many times, but I can definitely see it being worth it for some.

 

[preemiemama]

Not sure if anyone has reported it here, but the Star Wars thread is reporting that the dessert party has added time to watch the Movie Magic show in the reserved area and $10 to the price starting 10/1. Also, the tour has decreased $30 in price, will begin in the morning (8 am?), and now includes space in the viewing area outside but not the dessert party.

 

[rteetz]

Not sure if anyone has reported it here, but the Star Wars thread is reporting that the dessert party has added time to watch the Movie Magic show in the reserved area and $10 to the price starting 10/1. Also, the tour has decreased $30 in price, will begin in the morning (8 am?), and now includes space in the viewing area outside but not the dessert party.

I posted an article about it. Always good to repeat in case someone missed it tho.

 

[rteetz]

News

Changes being made to DHS projection towers

http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions...ction-towers-at-disneys-hollywood-studios.htm

 

[Delano Fiedler]

News

Changes being made to DHS projection towers

http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions...ction-towers-at-disneys-hollywood-studios.htm

I think I like the purple tower more

 

[skier_pete]

If there isn't a price decrease for this, then I don't think the package would be worth it. I have done this package way to many times to count.

I've never done a single dining package/dessert package/set myself on fire package. Never been keen on "pay extra to see something that's already included". Maybe it's because we go at slower times of year. At peak times and a must see show I might consider it. (I have paid for two Illuminations cruises, but I consider that a unique experience, not the same experience plus a cupcake.)

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

I've never done a single dining package/dessert package/set myself on fire package. Never been keen on "pay extra to see something that's already included". Maybe it's because we go at slower times of year. At peak times and a must see show I might consider it. (I have paid for two Illuminations cruises, but I consider that a unique experience, not the same experience plus a cupcake.)

I have only done the Star Wars Dessert Party once. Other than that, dining packages aren't just cupcakes. For us, whenever we have had a dining package, we have either come out ahead or close to even when having dinner at the restaurant. At most, I think we have paid about $5-$10 more to have the best seats at the show. We find it worth it for the signature restaurants, but we enjoy the "3" course meal aspect to it. Now that it looks like the Fantasmic package is going to "2" course meal for the same price, it definitely won't be worth it for us. However, Tiffins is definitely worth it at AK, and we also like Rivers of Light a lot. We never book the dessert packages for EPCOT or the Magic Kingdom since we are very tall and can normally walk up to a great spot for the fireworks or Illuminations.

 

[rteetz]

I've never done a single dining package/dessert package/set myself on fire package. Never been keen on "pay extra to see something that's already included". Maybe it's because we go at slower times of year. At peak times and a must see show I might consider it. (I have paid for two Illuminations cruises, but I consider that a unique experience, not the same experience plus a cupcake.)

Only dining package I've done is RoL at Tiffins. Depending on what you order it's actually a good deal for a signature. Appetizer, main course, and dessert included. You also get a little surprise with it (popcorn bucket, Joe Rohde print, etc).

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I'm not disputing your approach...but the bolded part is what I see a lot and technically...that doesn't fit the definition of "value".

Paying is paying no matter when you do it.

That also...knowing how the fox operates...is the fundamental psychology of the dining plan. They want you to show up with money for stuff in July after paying for your food in January and they know that softens the defenses. It's why upsells are done on cruise ships as well. You feel double the pain in the pants...but you get time to heal in between the blows.

Basic consumer habits.

I see that absolutely being part of the definition/calculation of "value". If you like not having to keep track of money during your vacation, or if your kids enjoyment increases because you can tell them "go ahead, order whatever you want", or you personally feel free to order what you want and not worry about the $ next to the item

Basically if by do the dining plan leads to a better experience for you then you are getting more for you money and thus increased value

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

Only dining package I've done is RoL at Tiffins. Depending on what you order it's actually a good deal for a signature. Appetizer, main course, and dessert included. You also get a little surprise with it (popcorn bucket, Joe Rohde print, etc).

I love the animal prints that we have received for dining there!

 

[jlundeen]

I see that absolutely being part of the definition/calculation of "value". If you like not having to keep track of money during your vacation, or if your kids enjoyment increases because you can tell them "go ahead, order whatever you want", or you personally feel free to order what you want and not worry about the $ next to the item

Basically if by do the dining plan leads to a better experience for you then you are getting more for you money and thus increased value

totally agree...we don't always do the dining plan...each trip is different. "Value" isn't always ONLY defined by $$.

 

[Redcon1]

Does anyone know if GF Cafe has reopened yet?!

Yes, we ate there this past Monday (7/31).

 

[Tigger's ally]

I'm a long proponent of the DDC/TIW...


...I'll have to call beer dave over to nomad one day and we can "show em who's boss"

Good thing you won't call me. Nomad doesn't have enough beer.

 

[bbmassey]

Post #4 has the pricing history, seems pretty detailed.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/so-youve-decided-to-buy-dvc.3567366/#post-56896790

For giggles I took this information and went to the BLS.org inflation calculator to see how prices had increased after removing the effects of inflation. In September of 1991, pre-sale points were $48.00. The buying power is equal to $85.70 today. With points currently selling for $176.00 at Copper Creek, Disney has managed to increase the adjusted price $90.30. The price has literally doubled as it is up 105%. I'm not mad at Disney because supply and demand allowed them to do it. That said, I really wish I had gotten in MUCH sooner for a better investment for myself.

 

[amalone1013]

I noticed on the Fantastmic dining package page, it has a note under the current prices about the change and new pricing: Mama Melrose and Brown Derby go down $3, Hollywood and Vine goes up $2 for breakfast, $2 for dinner, and $7 for lunch

 

[Moliphino]

Only dining package I've done is RoL at Tiffins. Depending on what you order it's actually a good deal for a signature. Appetizer, main course, and dessert included. You also get a little surprise with it (popcorn bucket, Joe Rohde print, etc).

That's the only one I'm interested in doing, if they'll ever release December dates. We want to eat at Tiffins anyway and on the regular dining plan (free dining, not something I'd ever pay for) you're getting a bonus appetizer plus reserved seating.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Good thing you won't call me. Nomad doesn't have enough beer.

Location is negotiable...and those neon blue people weird me out anyway

The more the harrier

 

[Roxyfire]

For giggles I took this information and went to the BLS.org inflation calculator to see how prices had increased after removing the effects of inflation. In September of 1991, pre-sale points were $48.00. The buying power is equal to $85.70 today. With points currently selling for $176.00 at Copper Creek, Disney has managed to increase the adjusted price $90.30. The price has literally doubled as it is up 105%. I'm not mad at Disney because supply and demand allowed them to do it. That said, I really wish I had gotten in MUCH sooner for a better investment for myself.

That's why resale purchased with cash is still a good option. But there's a lot of looking for the right one then waiting for it all to go through. With no guarantee you'll end up with the contract, since Disney gets the right of first refusal on the sale. It's definitely worth the savings if it all works out. I'm curious on the amount of people who come in based on curiosity and buy without a ton of research.