Reviews of 2008 DDP?

[Iggipolka]

I was just wondering if anyone is back from WDW having used the new DDP. How did it go in reality? Did you miss not having the appetizer? How was it having to pay for the tip OOP? Was there a wide variety of snack options?

 

[angelmav]

Theres a handful on allears and a couple of them here. It doesnt look like its getting a very warm reception but it will still work for some and they will report back differently.

 

[kristenhh]

We used the DDP from Jan 4-13, 2008 and we didn't have any problems. If we wanted an appetizer, we ordered one. It cost more OOP, but we still felt like we were getting a good deal, and were never hungry.

The snack options were great --- the only thing that I found that they had changed from 2007 (I didn't go then, but read about it) was that you couldn't get things that weren't considered a single serving. So, you couldn't get the box of donuts from the resort food court anymore. Besides that, we pretty much got whatever snack we wanted -- at least things under $4.00.

 

[Calliaz]

I'll get around to posting a full review, but I was happy with the DDP for 2008. Things were much smoother than the last time we went when the new version of the DP was just in effect and we spent hours fixing our credits every day because they kept deducting for our under 2 child even when we paid oop.

1. The desserts were too much towards the end and we stopped getting them. I didn't miss the appetizers, per se; however, I wish there were a choice of appy or dessert.

2. Tipping was fine as long as you follow the advice posted here. Always tell your server you are on the DP before they go to get your check. Fill in the amount of the tip and tell them how you want the tip and any extra charges to be handled. You have to communicate a bit more, but the servers were all super helpful and knew what they were doing.

3. I do think the overall food quality has gone down. Some resturants are relying on gimmicky ingredients to make their assembly-line food more interesting. I was not impressed by freshness or quality much on this trip. Of course, we did not eat at any Signature restaurants, either. This may or may not have anything to do with the DP.

4. I think server morale is an issue. Some were visibly disappointed when they found out we were on the DP, but tried hard to maintain a good level of service. Many seemed surprised when we tipped well at the end of the meal (I tipped more than I normally would sometimes just to show that not all DP guests are drains to the pocketbook). They are tired of explaining the plan, being the plan enforcement, and getting bad tips. I don't really blame them--the system does need some fixing.

 

[angelmav]

3. I do think the overall food quality has gone down. Some resturants are relying on gimmicky ingredients to make their assembly-line food more interesting. I was not impressed by freshness or quality much on this trip. Of course, we did not eat at any Signature restaurants, either. This may or may not have anything to do with the DP.

4. I think server morale is an issue. Some were visibly disappointed when they found out we were on the DP, but tried hard to maintain a good level of service. Many seemed surprised when we tipped well at the end of the meal (I tipped more than I normally would sometimes just to show that not all DP guests are drains to the pocketbook). They are tired of explaining the plan, being the plan enforcement, and getting bad tips. I don't really blame them--the system does need some fixing.

These are the two areas of my concern as well and I expect we will be hearing alot more about both issues as the year goes on.