ROFL! Email from Disney

[texaslover]

I have been the Disney numerous times including Xmas and 4th of July. For some reason I've always been able to call and get a reservation same day for most places (I know there are exceptions). Over the 4th we got into Liberty Tree with 1 hour notice and Marrekesh and Biergarten the same day. We also changed times same day on several occasions. We are going Dec 30 - Jan 5 this year and I got a Cindy's reservation (albeit an 8:50 time) when I called in November! I will be calling today or tomorrow for more reservations and am not concerned that I will have no where to eat. I do notice that you have to call Disney Dining rather than walk up even if you are looking for something fairly soon.

 

[DonnaL]

While I do agree during very busy times of year (Christmas week, Thanksgiving week, etc.) ADR's are totally necessary.....they are not a must all the time. We are DVC members and will be at VWL 1/4 thru 1/11.....this visit there are three of us and we have not used DDP before (always used DDE previously). That said, we just decided last week to use DDP this time and wanted to make sure we could get in at several Signature restaurants
.....specifically Artist Point (which we love), Narcoosee's, and Yachtsman before we actually committed to DDP. I called Disney Dining last week and had no trouble getting ADR's for times 6:00, 6:15 or 6:30 p.m. at all three restaurants any day from 1/5 thru 1/10........so, no you really don't HAVE to have ADR's for everywhere at the 180 mark........mine were made about 18 days before and at prime dining times.

 

[MermaidsMom]

I think the DDP is a good deal . Especially if you are staying on site with no transportation. However, we tend to stay for longer periods of time and therefore need to have a budget in order to afford to stay that long. We have AP's and use DDE. I consider myself a member of the peasant masses. Two yrs ago I loved just about every restaurant we dined at. Last year, the food was mediocre at best. ( Ohana, Kona, WWC, Contemporary Steakhouse,) Was this because of the popularity of DDP? I dont know---its not for me to place blame. I'd like to try the signature restaurants but they are not in my budget. For this year, I have not made a single ADR. When we want a good table service meal it will be offsite.

I don't understand those that say they need the DDP to pay for their meals ahead of time so they can "know the cost". It's very simple to estimate what an average meal will cost and plan it into a budget. Buying Disney Dollars like we did in the "old days" worked very well and the food was wonderful then. We also could go to almost any restaurant we felt like going to.

To give up the quality, variety and freedom of dining on a vacation seems like a steep price to pay for simply a different way to "budget" vacation dining. Especially when the menus and prices are posted in so many places. It's easy to figure out what a meal will cost in most places. Also, on the DDP it's a given that most people overeat anyway. When you pay as you go, it seems like you will only order what you really want rather than what they "owe" you.

 

[NMW]

Your correct...I do wish it would just go way!

I really don't think that is going to happen. Also, I think some people don't realize that Disney has had SOME type of meal plan for a very long time. Our family used the old gold and silver plans back in the early 2000's and we loved the food aspect of them. It was all the extras like tours we didn't have an interest in.

We didn't especialy like the DDP with the 1 TS, 1 CS, 1 snack because, we don't really care for CS and we do both TS breakfasts and dinners every day as well as some TS lunches. I emailed Disney and told them in surveys (for the last 2 years) that what our family really, really wanted was a platunum plan without all the extras like child care, boating, tours, etc. Basicly a plan without any CS credits that covers 3 meals a day. Well, low and behold Disney answered my wish with the Deluxe Dining Plan.

I for one hope the Deluxe plan stays around a long time. Just out of curiousity, why would it bother you that our family and others have the deluxe dining plan. I make ADR's 180 days ahead (with or without a dining plan) and I keep them. I'm not sure what you are upset about. Is it the plan iteslf you don't like? Or, is it how crowded the restaurants are? The later I can understand. Although, I always have been an uberplanner, so it doesn't really matter to us. I can see how non-planners or spur of the minute travelers might be affected though.

 

[disney fan 2013]

Basicly a plan without any CS credits that covers 3 meals a day. Well, low and behold Disney answered my wish with the Deluxe Dining Plan.

I for one hope the Deluxe plan stays around a long time.

I was also hoping for something like the Deluxe Dining Plan to come along! And I also hope it sticks around for awhile.. but I'm pretty sure it will!! Everybody who's excited about the changes to the DDP seems to ignore the fact that the Deluxe plan is all that the old plan was (besides minus tip...) plus so much more - therefore I don't think it's on its way out. Can't wait to be there in January and be using the Deluxe!

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I really don't think that is going to happen. Also, I think some people don't realize that Disney has had SOME type of meal plan for a very long time. Our family used the old gold and silver plans back in the early 2000's and we loved the food aspect of them. It was all the extras like tours we didn't have an interest in.

We didn't especialy like the DDP with the 1 TS, 1 CS, 1 snack because, we don't really care for CS and we do both TS breakfasts and dinners every day as well as some TS lunches. I emailed Disney and told them in surveys (for the last 2 years) that what our family really, really wanted was a platunum plan without all the extras like child care, boating, tours, etc. Basicly a plan without any CS credits that covers 3 meals a day. Well, low and behold Disney answered my wish with the Deluxe Dining Plan.

I for one hope the Deluxe plan stays around a long time. Just out of curiousity, why would it bother you that our family and others have the deluxe dining plan. I make ADR's 180 days ahead (with or without a dining plan) and I keep them. I'm not sure what you are upset about. Is it the plan iteslf you don't like? Or, is it how crowded the restaurants are? The later I can understand. Although, I always have been an uberplanner, so it doesn't really matter to us. I can see how non-planners or spur of the minute travelers might be affected though.

What truly bothers us is since (the inexpensive plan & lets not forget free dining) Disney has done a very savy business move and that is filled the TS restuarants with people that are often CS diners and with that drastically reduced food quality & food choices. It is about quantity in food & not quality.
Dining plans have been around forever in WDW but in the past they usually catered to people who choose to vacation differently.
Disney has forgotten the people that do go several times a year and will dine at signature restaurants regardless.
Smart business 100%, poor loyalty 100%.
Letter writing has helped, as I understand appetizers might be kicked to the curb & I see that as a step in the right direction.

 

[Colleen27]

I was also hoping for something like the Deluxe Dining Plan to come along! And I also hope it sticks around for awhile.. but I'm pretty sure it will!! Everybody who's excited about the changes to the DDP seems to ignore the fact that the Deluxe plan is all that the old plan was (besides minus tip...) plus so much more - therefore I don't think it's on its way out. Can't wait to be there in January and be using the Deluxe!

Me too, but that's part of the reason the e-mail from Disney shocked me in its lateness. We're on the deluxe plan for 11 nights. What would a less informed traveler be able to do with all those meal credits if they waited until 30 days out to make ADRs?!?

 

[ilovebassets]

Disliking the DDP doesn't necessarily have anything to do with not wanting the "masses" or "peasants" ruining our fancy meals. I don't like it because

1. It drives down food quality and choices.

2. Restaurants are ALWAYS crowded and it's ridiculous to have to make a reservation 6 mos. out. Many of us don't have any idea what our vacation time will even be six months out.

3. As a non-DDP person, you feel that you are subsidizing the DDP by paying relatively more for your food.

4. By making reservations essential, it becomes necessary to keep your day very structured in order to eat a TS meal which stinks for those of us who like to take our vacations a little less militantly.

5. It makes portion sizes smaller. At other restaurants in this country of similar caliber, appetizers and desserts are usually large enough to share. But because individuals on the DDP each get their own dessert and appetizer, they've shrunk in size.

I do understand why some people like the DDP but honestly, it too much food for us at each meal and while it's good value if you are going to each that much, I think people end up overeating with the DDP because you feel that you have to in order for it to actually be good value.

 

[Colleen27]

2. Restaurants are ALWAYS crowded and it's ridiculous to have to make a reservation 6 mos. out. Many of us don't have any idea what our vacation time will even be six months out.

I love the DDP, but I agree with this. Our first DDP trip was back when it was a 90 day reservation window, and I found that much more reasonable. I don't usually know my travel plans 180 out either. But it isn't the dining plan that has done it. It is Disney choosing to open reservations that far in advance.

I don't think the DDP bears the responsiblity for menu changes, personally. The bar menus are going through a similar standardization, and the DDP has nothing to do with alcohol. I think it is a simple matter of catering to American appetites - while you and I might appreciate more diversity and originality on a menu, *most* American families are pretty picky, unadventurous eaters, and Disney is catering to that demographic. They do a better job than most tourist destinations, IMO, of balancing "plain" food with more original offerings for those who are willing to try them.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Disliking the DDP doesn't necessarily have anything to do with not wanting the "masses" or "peasants" ruining our fancy meals. I don't like it because

1. It drives down food quality and choices.

2. Restaurants are ALWAYS crowded and it's ridiculous to have to make a reservation 6 mos. out. Many of us don't have any idea what our vacation time will even be six months out.

3. As a non-DDP person, you feel that you are subsidizing the DDP by paying relatively more for your food.

4. By making reservations essential, it becomes necessary to keep your day very structured in order to eat a TS meal which stinks for those of us who like to take our vacations a little less militantly.

5. It makes portion sizes smaller. At other restaurants in this country of similar caliber, appetizers and desserts are usually large enough to share. But because individuals on the DDP each get their own dessert and appetizer, they've shrunk in size.

I do understand why some people like the DDP but honestly, it too much food for us at each meal and while it's good value if you are going to each that much, I think people end up overeating with the DDP because you feel that you have to in order for it to actually be good value.

People now take their dessert "to go".

When someone in your family is ill you cannot take dinner out for them, you have to get CS or room service but now they pack desserts to go......Ridiculous.

 

[Noleball]

I have used the Dining Plan the last two years and have loved it. I make the ADRs well in advance, as do others, and actually enjoy the experience in doing it. The first year, I had to call in three times and rearrange twice to get what we wanted. Last year, I got everything the first time. It does not seem like a hassle to me but rather a game.

I consider myself as one of the "peasants" I guess although we do well financially and i do not have to have the DDP to eat. The biggest reason i use the DDP is because I pay for everything in October and I do not have to worry about it in February when we actually go to the parks.

As far as food quality, I think it is great. If you think the quality has suffered, maybe it has but I cannot attest to that. Go to Six Flags, Sea World, Busch Gardens, Cedar Point, World's of Fun, or any other "theme park" and try the food there. It is far and away the best at Disney with no exceptions.

When you go to Turner Field or any other sports stadium, you do not expect the best hotdog. You enjoy the hotdog because of the experience. In Disney's case, however, the "average" meals you complain of are better than most of us take the time to fix at home or better than we get at many of the local establishments. The atmosphere makes it better, and the fact that we are eating it in Disney puts it ove the top. Someone said that for the price, the food should bet better and I would contend that a hotdog should not cost $4 at a ballpark but i buy them and like them.

My Deluxe DDP is costing me upwards of $1,000 for the week I will be there. I have looked at every menu to every restaurant we will be eating at and I stand to save only about $200 or so for the week. The biggest reason for using the plan is to make our decision making process easier. How many times have you driven around asking the spouse what they want for dinner only to hear "I don't care" for 15 minutes? Then, when you decide and go there, there is a 45 minute wait. With the DDP, i do not have that to worry about. We have found it easy to plan our trips this way and I like it.

Further, I like the fact that I am now responsibly for the tips. Maybe, some of the waitstaff will do a little better job since they have no guarantee of 18% whether my glass is full or not.

Finally, another poster on this thread said that since the DDP went into effect, portions and appetizers have gotten smaller. They also said that we on the DDP tend to overeat and that is why the portions are smaller. If we overeat, and you are complaining about smaller portions, what were you doing? It looks like you were overeating as well.

Sorry about the length of the post but usually have plenty to say...

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I have used the Dining Plan the last two years and have loved it. I make the ADRs well in advance, as do others, and actually enjoy the experience in doing it. The first year, I had to call in three times and rearrange twice to get what we wanted. Last year, I got everything the first time. It does not seem like a hassle to me but rather a game.

I consider myself as one of the "peasants" I guess although we do well financially and i do not have to have the DDP to eat. The biggest reason i use the DDP is because I pay for everything in October and I do not have to worry about it in February when we actually go to the parks.

As far as food quality, I think it is great. If you think the quality has suffered, maybe it has but I cannot attest to that. Go to Six Flags, Sea World, Busch Gardens, Cedar Point, World's of Fun, or any other "theme park" and try the food there. It is far and away the best at Disney with no exceptions.

When you go to Turner Field or any other sports stadium, you do not expect the best hotdog. You enjoy the hotdog because of the experience. In Disney's case, however, the "average" meals you complain of are better than most of us take the time to fix at home or better than we get at many of the local establishments. The atmosphere makes it better, and the fact that we are eating it in Disney puts it ove the top. Someone said that for the price, the food should bet better and I would contend that a hotdog should not cost $4 at a ballpark but i buy them and like them.

My Deluxe DDP is costing me upwards of $1,000 for the week I will be there. I have looked at every menu to every restaurant we will be eating at and I stand to save only about $200 or so for the week. The biggest reason for using the plan is to make our decision making process easier. How many times have you driven around asking the spouse what they want for dinner only to hear "I don't care" for 15 minutes? Then, when you decide and go there, there is a 45 minute wait. With the DDP, i do not have that to worry about. We have found it easy to plan our trips this way and I like it.

Further, I like the fact that I am now responsibly for the tips. Maybe, some of the waitstaff will do a little better job since they have no guarantee of 18% whether my glass is full or not.

Finally, another poster on this thread said that since the DDP went into effect, portions and appetizers have gotten smaller. They also said that we on the DDP tend to overeat and that is why the portions are smaller. If we overeat, and you are complaining about smaller portions, what were you doing? It looks like you were overeating as well.

Sorry about the length of the post but usually have plenty to say...

The point is in a not so distant past the food wasn't like an amusement park........
I don't think sizes have become smaller just that the quality has greatly suffered.