NO MORE Dining Plan for us..my reasons

[crisi]

We ate a Jiko a number of years ago (three?), on cash. We ordered alcohol, and we ordered three courses for four people. And we had lousy service. Wrong food brought out TWICE, missing waiter, no water refilled. Keep in mind this is Jiko, one of the best respected restaurants in Disney - and we easily had a $300 bill.

I think you need a lot more evidence for automatic tips creating bad service.

 

[DisneyOrBust2006]

Point taken (re bad service outside DDP as well). ... not sure that encourages me, but taken nonetheless.

 

[Lexxiefern]

I didn't read all the replies, but I totally agree with the OP. I just got back from a week at BWV and was so disappointed with the DP. That was our last time.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

I didn't read all the replies, but I totally agree with the OP. I just got back from a week at BWV and was so disappointed with the DP. That was our last time.

We've been hearing a lot of this lately. I wonder at what point it will be a noticeable difference to Disney that not as many people are using the DDP. And when that happens, what do you think the results will be? I'm thinking they will probably discontinue the plan completely or just recycle it with a new name and some different variations.

 

[crisi]

We've been hearing a lot of this lately. I wonder at what point it will be a noticeable difference to Disney that not as many people are using the DDP. And when that happens, what do you think the results will be? I'm thinking they will probably discontinue the plan completely or just recycle it with a new name and some different variations.

They won't discontinue it - Disney has always had some sort of dining plan - this one was just such a better value than any previous plan.

If I'm laying bets.

Keep the name - because this one has a great reputation as a good value. People who went to Disney in 2006-2007 will tell their friends in 2012 "you have to get the Disney Dining Plan, it was so great. I can't remember how much it cost and don't know what it costs now, but it was so fantastic."

Bring it back with tips and appetizers, so it is the same plan it was last year. The tip issue is going to haunt waitstaff. I can't blame them for being aggressive on it - how many guests do you think really read their literature and know tips aren't included? Waitstaff has got to be getting stiffed left and right by well intentioned, but misinformed, guests.

Hike the price - probably quite a bit - to make it profitable.

They'll sell fewer dining plans, but make a profit on each one they sell - possibly even over cash guests (the old fashioned Disney technique of selling a package for MORE than the sum of its parts - for "convenience.") That isn't bad, and Disney knows it - people are complaining about not being able to get a table now, and having a small number of UNUSED tables, but the ones that are being used are all turning significant margin is better than having every table used, but most of them operating at a small margin or even a loss.

I admit, I never "got" the dining plan from a business standpoint. They didn't need to increase utilization of their restaurants (many were fully booked pre-Dining plan for much of the year) and the only analysis I've seen that made sense to me was it was another way to drive an increase of the utilization of onsite hotels. They've been successful doing that with the Dining Plan and ME, time to backoff on the Dining Plan and see if the utilization sticks.

Of course, we seem to be heading towards recession - so all bets are off - since if the economy suffers, Disney may do insane things to keep people coming to the parks.

 

[Chuck S]

They'll sell fewer dining plans, but make a profit on each one they sell - possibly even over cash guests (the old fashioned Disney technique of selling a package for MORE than the sum of its parts - for "convenience.") That isn't bad, and Disney knows it -

My only comment is that this isn't exclusively a Disney technique, but is actually standard in the travel industry for "all inclusive" type packages. "All inclusives" usually are equal to, or more than, the sum of their individual parts. They are selling pre-paid convenience, not cost savings, and few people take the time to add things up, like the "super saver size" packages at grocery stores are often more expensive than the smaller packages.

 

[sajetto]

I haven't read all the replies either, but I'd just like to add the my husband and I booked the dining plan in 2005, 2006, and 2007. We really enjoyed it and our favorite part of the meal was usually the appetizer. With the exclusion of that plus the additional tip it is no longer worth it to us.

For our upcoming trip we will be taking 2 teenage girls who are picky eaters and wouldn't want to eat any of the "fancier" foods at the resturants. So, we have simply decided to eat counter service meals for the entire trip. After doing the math, we realized that this strategy is a significant savings and we will do it again whether we are traveling with the girls or not. Hey, will all those savings on food over time we can apply the left over money to another DVC add on

 

[sanbornangel]

When they began talk of the changes I had heard that they may offer EITHER dessert or appetizer. Has anyone tried this????

 

[sanbornangel]

my ticker is not showing?????

 

[merryweather20]

My only comment is that this isn't exclusively a Disney technique, but is actually standard in the travel industry for "all inclusive" type packages. "All inclusives" usually are equal to, or more than, the sum of their individual parts. They are selling pre-paid convenience, not cost savings, and few people take the time to add things up, like the "super saver size" packages at grocery stores are often more expensive than the smaller packages.

What grocery store do you shop at? Eggs, yogurt, cereal, toilette paper all cheaper per unit to buy in the larger size . I've had the odd time that there was a few cents difference on a smaller size but always due to a sale.

As for other non-Disney vacations where is it that you can piece together "all inclusive vacations". My cruise, Cuba, Mexico, Barbados, there was no chance of saying no thanks I'll find my own meals. Everyone at the whole ship/resort, had the same deal... all or nothing.

I'm probably in the same boat as most people I could eat cheaper each day, but its fun eating at more table service reataurants. Package deals are generally cheaper than the separate parts, because they include a bunch of stuff you don't want. I'd rather not have to have two bowls of stale cereal, but its the price I pay for the discounted larger box. Its the same with the DDP you have to live by their rules and plan ahead, and it doesn't necessarily fit exactly what/when/where you'd like to eat, but its worth it for the price.

When they took out the appetizer and tip and kept the price essentially the same they took out some of what "fit" for their guests.

 

[Chuck S]

What grocery store do you shop at?

At our grocery stores, Wal-Mart and HEB, it is often less expensive per ounce or unit to buy the smaller packages of the same product. It is also not uncommon for the national brand to be cheaper than the store brand.

For instance, paper plates, Dixie, 6¢ each, HEB brand 7¢ each. Poineer baking mix is always cheaper per ounce locally for the smaller box, etc. The 3 pack of kleenex is the same price as buying 3 individual boxes, and occasionally, the individual boxes are cheaper.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

I've already posted, but we've paid OOP before and used the new DDP for our most recent trip. We had less trouble with the ressies, and the food quality seemed better. App & Dessert is too much food for us. Yes, I would have liked the choice, but was very satisfied.

After touring with newbies, I would recommend the DDP to any 1st time visitors because I think many 1st timers get so wigged out about the high prices that they forget to have a good time.

Of course I wish the prices were lower, but attendance is through the roof with the current prices. Maybe if the dollar would gain in value, the parks would be less crowded and Mickey wouldn't feel like he could raise prices all the time.

 

[dsquarednz]

I didn't have a chance to read all of the responses above, but wanted to add in our two cents.

We used the DDP on our last trip (honeymoon in Sept 2006), and we definitely saved money. Of course, that was with an appetizer and tips included! We liked the plan, and loved having most of our food paid up-front. We also ate WAY too much, as we felt a need to eat all the food included to 'get our money's worth'. For some reason, the heat makes me lose my appetite, so it was a bit of a struggle to use up all of our credits.

I *just* did the math last night for the 2008 plan, and I listed out everything we are likely to eat on our next trip. The cost is actually LESS than what we would pay for the DDP (I only listed out snacks, lunches, and entree/desserts for dinner). Nevermind we would feel obligated to get a dessert with every meal, which we certainly don't need (nor want). I'd also like a choice of getting an appetizer instead of a dessert.

Adding in one signature restaurant (Artist Point) brought the value of the DDP down, as did eating at buffets. We are hoping to have a Grand Gathering in September, and believe it will be easier for everyone to eat at buffets.

Finally, we are going to be there for 13 days this time, and would like the option of eating at restaurants not on the DDP (murder mystery dinner, Bistro de Paris).

So, we have decided not to buy the DDP this time around, and just stick to a budget instead.

 

[jim and meesie]

My husband and I used the Dining Plan in November and found it to be a fantastic deal and we had more food than we could possibly eat. My daughter and I are going back to the BWV next week for just 3 nights. Unfortunately we will have to switch rooms each day since there weren't consecutive room nights available in the same room categories, thus we have 3 separate reservations. Despite the annoyance the positive side is that we are getting the dining plan different on each night. The first night we will have no dining plan since we don't get in early. The next morning I will go to the front desk early to check in for that night and thus have access to the Deluxe dining plan for all that day and the next day (until midnite) also. For the third day we aren't sure if we need the dining plan, if we do it will only be the standard dining plan, we will have to make that decision this week before we leave.

Our plan is to go to Yachtsman's Steakhouse on our second night, potentially we could use our remaining 2 table service credits for dinner the following night and use our snack credits for breakfast (muffins or bagels at the bakery)and pay for our lunches out of pocket. If that's the case the Deluxe plan would be a pretty big bargain for us.

What do you think? Does anyone have a list of snacks available on the plan this year? I hate having to plan so closely but with a little advance planning and reservations it seems to still be a good deal.

 

[WolfpackFan]

We have never been interested in the Dining Plans (nor really understood them for that matter). We don't eat full-service meals everyday when we're at WDW. Maybe one every 2-3 days. For breakfast we usually just eat breakfast bars in the room and then perhaps 1-2 CS meals depending upon what parks we are in. For dinner, we like going to DTD and eating at Earl of Sandwich or somewhere like that and when we go to a full-service restaurant we're big on sharing. So we never have been able to justify spending the money on a dining plan.

 

[TenThousandVolts]

...Does anyone have a list of snacks available on the plan this year? I hate having to plan so closely but with a little advance planning and reservations it seems to still be a good deal.

I don't have a list of snacks but it is basically anything that is under $4 and is a single serving. So a brownie, an ice cream, a pretzel, a coke, a regular sized popcorn... My favorite snack was a big ice cream cone from the ice cream shop on main street usa. My son and neice enjoyed doing the 'make your own pretzels' at Goofy's Candy at dtd. That was a snack credit.

 

[WalterYensid]

There was a "plan" call food 'n' fun, but it really wasn't a pre-paid type thing like the plans today. You pre-paid $50 and got $55 worth of food.

You also received free recreation in the Food & Fun coupon booklet. I've still got one somewheres. I wonder if I could still use that unused last meal and recreation???
____________________
The servers were a lot of the reason also that people would max out their food purchases under the old plan. Evidently, the more that they could rack the check up to the more their tip would be. We were told this many times, especially at Alfredos. "Don't worry about it, even if you don't want the dessert now, we'll wrap it up for you, maybe you'll eat it later. It's not costing you anything."
So... now we get the new plan which if your REALLY lucky you'll break even on, never mind save a little. I figure a lot of people who are not familiar with WDW and all the websites will still purchase 'cause they think they're getting a deal. The rest of us...Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.
Next trip I think we'll be buying the new Deluxe Dining Plan. We'll have a nice TS breakfast, snack or TS for lunch, and then enjoy Signature meals for dinner. We'll come out ahead and have a nice time.
Hopefully with the tip no longer included the service will come back up to Disney standards. Unlike some posters, if necessary I'll leave an upside down penny if the service is really bad. (I've also left 30% for VERY exceptional service) I can sympathize with people having a bad day and being out of sorts, but when I'm paying $30-$60 pp for a meal then I expect decent service.

This new change will hopefully take a little strain off of ADRs and allow more walkups. We have never in over 36 trips used ADRs except for the dinner shows of course. We like the freedom to park hop and make up our minds at the last minute. Except for Thanksgiving Day in '98 we've not had a big problem with last minute ressies. (We are very flexible with eating times tho)
Wishing all a Disney day!

 

[TLSnell1981]

You also received free recreation in the Food & Fun coupon booklet. I've still got one somewheres. I wonder if I could still use that unused last meal and recreation???
____________________
The servers were a lot of the reason also that people would max out their food purchases under the old plan. Evidently, the more that they could rack the check up to the more their tip would be. We were told this many times, especially at Alfredos. "Don't worry about it, even if you don't want the dessert now, we'll wrap it up for you, maybe you'll eat it later. It's not costing you anything."

I wholeheartedly agree! I had CMs tutor me in how to maximize the DDP. I believe their enthusiasm is partly to blame for the reductions in the plan.

 

[bluenosemickey]

We've use the DDP a couple of times in the past and found it to be a pretty good option for price and convenience. But now that my oldest is over 10, still eats like a bird, along with my other 2, I'm wondering if it will be a bargain.

We don't eat at the higher priced places right now, kids are too hard to please. I know the sizes of the CS portions, we could easily share many meals b/w 2 of the kids and one for me and my youngest. DH needs a full meal or he'll get cranky!

Did anyone leave tips on the old DDP? If you did, then the new plan should be ok. But I never did Was that wrong?

So if we get the plan it will be $134 per day, plus 18% tip for the one TS, this could easily be $45 for what our typical bills were last time, for a total of $179 per day.
I think that with the kitchen in the 1Bdr, the sharing of some meals (not a hardship really), and the pressure off for the ADR. I don't know if the DDP is really worth it for us now??

Not to mention the savings on the Jenny Craig or Gym memberships required when you get home after DDP! I ate like a pig! Didn't need all that food, not by a long shot.

 

[BigMama]

We've use the DDP a couple of times in the past and found it to be a pretty good option for price and convenience. But now that my oldest is over 10, still eats like a bird, along with my other 2, I'm wondering if it will be a bargain.

IT'S NOT WORTH IT FOR A 10 YEAR OLD IF SHE IS NOT AN EATER.


We don't eat at the higher priced places right now, kids are too hard to please. I know the sizes of the CS portions, we could easily share many meals b/w 2 of the kids and one for me and my youngest. DH needs a full meal or he'll get cranky!

TRY THE BUFFET. THEY SEEM TO HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AND THEY ARE LESS EXSPENSIVE.

Did anyone leave tips on the old DDP? If you did, then the new plan should be ok. But I never did Was that wrong?

SOMETIMES WE DID IF THE SERVICE WAS WORTH IT.

So if we get the plan it will be $134 per day, plus 18% tip for the one TS, this could easily be $45 for what our typical bills were last time, for a total of $179 per day.
I think that with the kitchen in the 1Bdr, the sharing of some meals (not a hardship really), and the pressure off for the ADR. I don't know if the DDP is really worth it for us now??


ABSOLUTELY WE ALWAYS HAVE A RELAXING BREAKFAST IN THE ROOM BEFORE HEADING OUT,LESS STRESSFUL AND MUCH CHEAPER.


Not to mention the savings on the Jenny Craig or Gym memberships required when you get home after DDP! I ate like a pig! Didn't need all that food, not by a long shot.

THAT IS THE REASON FOR ME NOT TO DO IT AGAIN, WE USED IT IN NOV. AND I GAINED 3 POUND, AND I WAS TRYING TO WATCH WHAT I ATE!SO NO MORE DDP FOR US.