OK, it's time to start a thread for people who have used the new 2008 DDP!

[Pirate's Princess]

I did the basic dining plan jan 7-15. It worked fine. Of course I prefer the older plan but it was alright. Service was good to exceptional, with one exception of Yak and Yeti. Food was decent to delicious. Tipping was fine, I did cash the whole time. I did pay for some things OOP- character breakfast at CP and corn dog nuggets from Caseys.

There was a lot of food, but I think next time I'd indulge on the Deluxe plan. I'd pick signature dinners and do CS or TS lunches. I don't even need breakfast but if I did, I'd just use a snack. I think this is more for my urge to go to the signatures.

If I ever get an annual pass I'd get a DDE because I figure I'm saving about 20% anyway, and plus it works on alcohol. But not everyone can get an AP just get the DDE (plus it's $70 itself).

It's still convinient. But I'd rather get an extra snack and remove the dessert from CS. And get like a salad option for dinner.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

My parents just used it last month. They said it was confusing both resort guests and wait staff alike and this caused a lot of unnecessary tension for many people. We are hoping that it returns to normal in 2009.

 

[Telcogirl]

We just got back from the Beach Club and we used the DDP. We had used the DDP on our trip last year and I must say, that with the changes, it is no longer as good of a value as it once was.

What we found was that we tend to be happier with an appetizer and an entree. In fact, when we ate at Spoodles (which was EXCELLANT!!! ) we just ordered appetizers and payed out of pocket for those.

We did tend to order desserts because they are included. However, if we were paying out of pocket, we probably would not order a dessert for each of us, rather we may split one or two. Also, ordering the desserts actually ups the amount of gratuity you pay.

We also found the bills to be very confusing to read and there are alot of copies of them when you do recive your bill.

One of the biggest changes (that we do not like at all) has to do with the tip. Your server will see exactly how much you are leaving for a tip when they go to run your card and deduct your TS credits. Basically, they present you your bill as if you are paying cash for your meal. At the bottom of the bill prints out what an 18% tip would be and what a 20% tip would be based on the total bill. Of course, you can tip whatever you like, but Disney does the math for you for these two percentages. We did like that new feature of the bill.

If you are charging the tip to your card, you then enter in the amount of the gratuity and your server takes your card and the bill to deduct the TS credits.

We had two issues with this new method of tipping. We had TERRIBLE service at Whispering Canyon Cafe. (Our server really turned us off on any return trips to that restaurant.) As a result, we tipped her 10%. She saw that tip when took our card and she then proceeded to send another server out to return our receipts to us. We are not ashamed of what we left her for a gratuity, but she was obviously all set with us when she saw it.

Our second issue was at Jiko. We were a party of 7 and although the menu does state that the gratuity will be included for parties of 6 or more, your server will NOT remind you of that at the end of your meal. After a wonderful dinner and several bottles of fabulous wine, we happily paid AND tipped! The next day, we were reviewing our receipts asn we noticed what had happened. We thought it was in very poor taste that the waiter did not even say one word about the ENORMOUS tip he received.

We ended up stocking up on a lot of snacks the last day of our trip. We just didn;t seem to eat as much food this time as last time. Plus, with all of the changes, we paid alot more out of pocket at meals in addtion to the price of the plan.

We will not be doing DDP on our next trip.

 

[jaurban]

Can someone tell me what the tax rate is for Disney restaurants? I want to include that in my planning spreadsheet.

Thanks!

 

[Disneykidz]

I heard that if enough people complained (as they did when the extra magic hour was temporarily eliminated) that WDW might bring the tip benefit back. Are people still complaining LOUDLY???? Or did WDW win this one?

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I think any and all complaints should be filed. Let's start with emails, everyone!

 

[Telcogirl]

I heard that if enough people complained (as they did when the extra magic hour was temporarily eliminated) that WDW might bring the tip benefit back. Are people still complaining LOUDLY???? Or did WDW win this one?

Would you happen to know where we can send our comments (ahem, I mean complaints) to? Is there a website or an email address?

 

[Tricia1972]

Can someone tell me what the tax rate is for Disney restaurants? I want to include that in my planning spreadsheet.

Thanks!

Almost all of the places in WDW are 6.5%. There are a few restaurants (like at Pop(?)) that are 7.5%.

 

[Disneykidz]

Would you happen to know where we can send our comments (ahem, I mean complaints) to? Is there a website or an email address?

There has to be, but I don't know them. Let's hope someone will post them.

 

[bless7ings]

I heard that if enough people complained (as they did when the extra magic hour was temporarily eliminated) that WDW might bring the tip benefit back. Are people still complaining LOUDLY???? Or did WDW win this one?

I will complain!

We have not been this year, was planning too, but decided to wait till next year. It is obvious that it is more convenient with the tip added! After reading the last few posts I hope they change it for 2009! It sounds crazy for parties over 6, especially with others in your party!!!

 

[bless7ings]

HannaBelle,

I enjoyed your post! Thank you for writing it, I didn't think it was too long. It's only too long if your not interested in reading it.