Quick service DP

[jamstew]

Any guesses on when we'll know whether this is going to available for DVC members? Did it take a while to get the regular DDP authorized? Since I'm new, I have no idea about the history of the programs.

 

[Dean]

Any guesses on when we'll know whether this is going to available for DVC members? Did it take a while to get the regular DDP authorized? Since I'm new, I have no idea about the history of the programs.

The DDP was available for some time, I'm thinking over a year, prior to being offered to DVC members. Someone else will know for certain how long the delay was. I haven't heard anything on the new plan but haven't checked in to it either.

 

[hakepb]

They might as well include the QS DDP,
The pricing ($29/day) is not very attractive, except on short stays (where the cup cost is spread out less) or possibly with several children.
On the other hand, it would not be a big loss to us if they failed to include it. The QS package seems to be created for the purpose of including food in a somewhat affordable vacation package, then upselling a real DDP on top of that package.

 

[jamstew]

They might as well include the QS DDP,
The pricing ($29/day) is not very attractive, except on short stays (where the cup cost is spread out less) or possibly with several children.
On the other hand, it would not be a big loss to us if they failed to include it. The QS package seems to be created for the purpose of including food in a somewhat affordable vacation package, then upselling a real DDP on top of that package.

I've worked it out every which way from Sunday for my group (5 adults/3 children). The problem is that although I would prefer to have a TS meal every day, my kids and grandkids don't want to. I calculated the price of the QS plan with three character meals OOP (w/DDE discount) vs. the price of the regular DDP, and there's only about $10 difference for the entire week. Obviously, the DDP is the much better value, but only if you're going to use all of the TS meals. So the QS plan is the better choice for my group on this particular trip. For my solo trips, it's all OOP with the DDE.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Well a QS dining plan would NOT work for us at all, since we rarely if ever eat QS. The only two places I can think of that I would ever use it is Flame Tree BBQ and Starring Rolls.

 

[abk96]

Whoa!! I've been out of the loop too long. What QS meal plan? I'll have to go and read about it now on the restaurant board.

Thanks for the info.

 

[hakepb]

I've worked it out every which way from Sunday for my group (5 adults/3 children). The problem is that although I would prefer to have a TS meal every day, my kids and grandkids don't want to. I calculated the price of the QS plan with three character meals OOP (w/DDE discount) vs. the price of the regular DDP, and there's only about $10 difference for the entire week. Obviously, the DDP is the much better value, but only if you're going to use all of the TS meals. So the QS plan is the better choice for my group on this particular trip. For my solo trips, it's all OOP with the DDE.

I just wonder how the QS plan makes sense on anything other than a short stay.
On a 3 night stay:
$30 - adult QS plan
-$4 - ($12 refilliable cup/3)
-$3.5 Snack
= $22.5 for 2 QS meals, OK that is almost decent enough to think you save a dollar or 2/day.

On a 10 night stay
$30 - Adult QS plan
-$1.20 ($12 refilliable cup/10)
-$3.5 snack
= $25.30 for 2 QS meals, you could never use it on a breakfast, and have to seek out the "expensive" qs options.

 

[bellazachmom]

Doesn't the QS plan include 2 snacks per day?

 

[jamstew]

I just wonder how the QS plan makes sense on anything other than a short stay.
On a 3 night stay:
$30 - adult QS plan
-$4 - ($12 refilliable cup/3)
-$3.5 Snack
= $22.5 for 2 QS meals, OK that is almost decent enough to think you save a dollar or 2/day.

On a 10 night stay
$30 - Adult QS plan
-$1.20 ($12 refilliable cup/10)
-$3.5 snack
= $25.30 for 2 QS meals, you could never use it on a breakfast, and have to seek out the "expensive" qs options.

There are 2 snacks per day in the QS plan. I guess I must always use the "expensive" QS options (although I don't seek them out), because my QS meals, at Sunshine Seasons for example, run $10-$12. We'd buy the mugs anyway. I saved over $40 for the week last time. Obviously it isn't for everybody, and as I said, it wouldn't be my choice, but this trip isn't about me.

 

[keishashadow]

i can't see Disney turning down a chance to sell what has to be a profitable venture

 

[jamstew]

i can't see Disney turning down a chance to sell what has to be a profitable venture

I can't either It's just something I need to know relatively soon (end of November) to know which way to go on making ADRs. I suppose I could make them based on using the regular DDP and then cancel whatever I won't be using if I can switch to QS.

 

[hakepb]

Doesn't the QS plan include 2 snacks per day?

Oops, forgot that
That may barely move the QS plan into OK deal realm.
Still when you do a breakfast, you help Disney.

With desert, many QS's seem to be a better deal, but really, most of those prepackaged deserts are not worth paying extra for.

Ooh the old days of the DDP, where there were QS worth paying for!
Desert might be a fresh huge Nestle toll house cookie at Electric Umbrella (now a bag of little cookies made in Canada), or a Milkshake (now you're lucky to get a so-so prepackaged frozen lemonade) or a real apple pie slice in the America exibhit (now some prepackaged apple desert)

 

[jamstew]

Here's how it worked out for me:

DDP for 5 adults/3 children + estimated tips on TS meals = $1781.00

QSDP for 5 adults/3 children = $1,260.00 plus 3 character breakfasts with DDE discount & tips = $516.00. (Character breakfast costs include "high season" upcharge.) Total: $1776.00. The value of the refillable mug isn't included in this number. I know it saved me $40 on my last trip ($25 when you deduct the cost of the mug), so for 8 people this would save $200. It only takes six refills to pay for one. New total with mug savings = $1576.00

So, while the regular DDP is obviously well worth the slight difference, if we aren't going to use all of the TS credits, we'll be losing several meals that will still have to be paid for. Also, in paying OOP for the 3 buffets that the kids want to do, we'll have 3 extra CS credits.

Am I overlooking anything?

 

[hakepb]

While yes you save $ on QS vs DDP, you never included the all OOP comparison. I tend to think that you have to work the system (i.e use at least 75% of your credist for lunch and dinner)a bit to save on any DP vs OOP now, especially if you got DDE.
And (if applicable) are your children going to be satisfied only ordering from the kids menu?
At times, I also find a dining plan too limiting. For instance at BWV you can only use your credits at the bakery, even though there is good quick food available at the Spoodles window and food stands. I'd also be less likely to get more outside food, such as a Giordano's delivery.
In the end, it depends on how'd you eat with and without a plan.

 

[disney1474]

I don't see this QS plan being worth it for the price. If I get two QS meals at $10 each, two snacks and mug, it doesn't even cover the price of the plan!!
Am I missing something? I was excited about hearing of this new plan...until the price came out

 

[Chuck S]

Remember, within the travel industry, all-inclusive type plans are not, for the most part, designed to save the consumer $$. They are a "convenience package." They also count on you not eating everything you could get...skipping a meal, or snack here and there adds to their profit. If someone gets sick, or otherwise can't use the plan, again profit.

Truthfully, we like table service, but usually don't order dessert, and we usually just have iced water for our beverage (our preferance, we usually only drink water at home, coffee with breakfast). We would never spend enough on food, even eating TS meals, to justify the cost of the DDP. Even if it included tips.

 

[hakepb]

I don't see this QS plan being worth it for the price. If I get two QS meals at $10 each, two snacks and mug, it doesn't even cover the price of the plan!!
Am I missing something? I was excited about hearing of this new plan...until the price came out

I certainly agree with your point. Remember that the QS meal also includes a drink and a desert, so you you can save on most dinners ($8 entree, $2.5 drink and $3 desert) but I consider the pre-packaged deserts mostly worthless, but I guess Disney can show some "savings". Also there are some $10+ entres, + drink + desert, but you really have to seak those out.

 

[kristenrice]

I'm one of those that likes the dining plans for their pre-paid convenience. I make a very strict budget for our vacations and we don't schedule a vacation until every penny is saved in the bank. By pre-paying for our dining, we can avoid going over budget. We can eat whatever we want, so long as it is included with our plan. Now, this new QS dining plan is a toughie.... We certainly could get by with only the CS options. We normally eat breakfasts in our rooms so the CS credits would cover lunch and dinner. The snacks and mugs are a perfect add on. I like the idea of being able to eat when and where we want without having to worry about making an ADR. But...there are some really great TS meals that I would hate to have to pass on. We love breakfast at 1900 Park Fare and dinner at CRT. (I know, neither are a good value on the DDP, but we like them anyways!) We also save up MyPoints and cash in for RFC GC's that we use for at least one meal. Now that we finally joined DVC, these dining plan choices are going to get harder. Like I said, we don't really do the dining plans as a way to save money. I really enjoy knowing that I can order almost anything off the menu and do not have to look at the price because it is already paid for. It just makes for a more stress-free experience. The CS and Basic DDP are plenty of food, but definitely not excessive for our family. I just wonder if doing the CS DDP and eating 1-2 TS meals OOP would be too much food? I also don't think I could stomach paying the bill for dinner at CRT.That's another great thing about the DDP...you don't have to worry about the bill, well, except for your gratuities.

 

[BCV23]

The DDP was available for some time, I'm thinking over a year, prior to being offered to DVC members. Someone else will know for certain how long the delay was. I haven't heard anything on the new plan but haven't checked in to it either.

I think it was just over a year. The MYW plans including those with dining started in Jan. '05. In Jan. '06, members could add the DDP to reservations for April of that year if I recall correctly.

However, the deluxe plan started just this year and members have been eligible all year. I don't recall if there was a lag time between the time it was announced and when we could add it to our reservations.

It holds zero interest for our family. We enjoy table service meals other than an occasional QS for breakfast in the villa. But it is nice that there are different options.

 

[jamstew]

While yes you save $ on QS vs DDP, you never included the all OOP comparison. I tend to think that you have to work the system (i.e use at least 75% of your credist for lunch and dinner)a bit to save on any DP vs OOP now, especially if you got DDE.
And (if applicable) are your children going to be satisfied only ordering from the kids menu?
At times, I also find a dining plan too limiting. For instance at BWV you can only use your credits at the bakery, even though there is good quick food available at the Spoodles window and food stands. I'd also be less likely to get more outside food, such as a Giordano's delivery.
In the end, it depends on how'd you eat with and without a plan.

I haven't calculated doing it all OOP, but I plan to at some point before making a decision. The last time I took a group (in 2005), we had breakfast in the condo, and I gave everybody $25 a day for food/snacks beyond that. As best everyone recalls, it was just about right (and we had no TS meals at all.)

I hadn't really considered the children's menu question. As of now, they order chicken or peanut butter & jelly wherever we go anyway It's conceivable that next year, at 3, 4 and 5, they might share an adult meal.

On the DDP, we absolutely would not use more than four TS credits, three of which would be for breakfast, so the DDP is out. The remaining options are QSDP or OOP. I'll have to think about that some more.