Shocked & Appalled Dream Maker Fan

[DeterminedOne]

Using words like SHOCKED and APPALLED is most definitely DRAMA. It's one thing to be unhappy about something but give me a break. Disney hasn't even OFFICIALLY released it yet. You haven't even spoken to a REAL Disney representative to see what they have to offer or even how the new plan will work; yet, you are already passing judgement. When you make strong opinions on this board be prepared to receive strong opinions in return. JMHO.

Well Rescue Ranger, just to clarify ... I WAS shocked to see the new plan. It doesn't appear to be comparable to the Silver. And I WAS appalled to see what Disney is offering in its place. Sorry if that's too much drama for ya.

And I appreciate the thoughts from those who say the economy may be a factor. That may very well be the case. But it's not like they were giving away the Dream Maker Plans for free. We paid $35 for every single wish!
WDW has offered some form of the Dream Maker plan for the last four or five years. It must have been popular for them to keep it going that long. Seems like they would offer something comparable in its place. Skip the counter service and snack option ... boring! Sorry if I'm being too dramatic. I'll miss the Silver!

 

[RescueRanger]

Well Rescue Ranger, just to clarify ... I WAS shocked to see the new plan. It doesn't appear to be comparable to the Silver. And I WAS appalled to see what Disney is offering in its place. Sorry if that's too much drama for ya.

And I appreciate the thoughts from those who say the economy may be a factor. That may very well be the case. But it's not like they were giving away the Dream Maker Plans for free. We paid $35 for every single wish!
WDW has offered some form of the Dream Maker plan for the last four or five years. It must have been popular for them to keep it going that long. Seems like they would offer something comparable in its place. Skip the counter service and snack option ... boring! Sorry if I'm being too dramatic. I'll miss the Silver!

I wish I could remember which thread it was in (maybe someone else remembers), but there is a premium package which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also covers recreation, tickets to Cirque, Disney childcare centers, all tours, and more. I will try to find it for you and post if I do. My suggestion is to wait and see what the new plans offer before passing judgement. Who knows? The new plan may make you forget all about the Silver.

 

[RescueRanger]

Here is the info. The premium package is at the bottom of the page.

http://www.yourmagicaljourneys.com/MagicYourWayDining.htm

I hope this helps you a little. It looks like this package covers the entire spectrum of activities.

 

[DeterminedOne]

I wish I could remember which thread it was in (maybe someone else remembers), but there is a premium package which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also covers recreation, tickets to Cirque, Disney childcare centers, all tours, and more. I will try to find it for you and post if I do. My suggestion is to wait and see what the new plans offer before passing judgement. Who knows? The new plan may make you forget all about the Silver.

But that's just it. We've never been interested in the premium packages (gold and platinum) because of the 3 meals a day. That's just way too much food for us. Which is why we loved the Silver Plan. We ate one main meal per day and saved the other wishes for recreation. We want to stay Concierge next trip, further eliminating the need for 3 meals a day as the premium packages offer. So as I've said, hope they come up with something comparable to the Silver.

 

[Hippychickali]

DeterminedOne, in my opinion, you are being a tad bit dramatic. I mean, you miss the silver plan? It's not even gone yet. Not only that but there are comparable packages being offered. As far as the Premium having too much food for you, why don't you consider The Disney's Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining. Here's some info from the Your Magical Journeys website:

The Disney’s Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining must be purchased for all clients in the party ages three and up. A client with a length of stay of 3-nights/4-days who elects to book Disney’s Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining would receive three table service meals, three counter service meals, and three snacks per person, for their stay. Children must order from the kids menu, when available.

Meal options are flexible and can be used in a variety of combinations, including

using multiple meal options in any one day
exchanging one table-service meal for one character dining experience
exchanging two table-service meals for one meal at a dinner show or at a signature restaurant like the California Grill.

I hope this helps to make you less "shocked and appalled".

Ali

 

[Tabetha]

I think the point is that the "middle ground" is being lost.

Silver - $68/night. get 2 wishes. Can use for food or Recreation
Gold - $140+/- per night. All meals, unlimited recreation
Platinum $199/night All meals + snack + unlimited recreation and other perks.

Now we're just looking at either Meals only (although admittedly the $35/night is a bargain for meals) which does not compare to the silver plan because it does not give any activity options.
OR the premium - all meals plus unlimited selected recreation and tickets to La Nouba. No price on this yet, but I would be surprised if it were less than $150 per night.

Ultimately, it was really fun to be able to pick and choose how to use your wishes, but we tend to use the bulk of them for food, anyway.

If you look at it from a cost perspective, you're going from spending $35/day and having your meals covered, would you likely spend more or less than $35/day for the length of your stay on the recreational activities? If you're only talking about a round of golf (or one other recreational activity), and you're staying for a week - then really paying cash for the golf, and taking the Meal Plan will save you money.

I'm a fan of the Dream Maker packages, and hey, who isn't a little bit resistant to change? But nothing's ever perfect.

 

[RescueRanger]

If the silver plan cost's $68 per day, that is almost twice as much as the new dining plan. For the $33 a day someone would save, they could by their own recreation and still save lots of money. Why is Disney doing this you ask? Because eventhough they may not be making as much money on the individual meals, more people will be participating in the new plan instead of going offsite to eat or making sandwiches in their rooms. Simple economics...when you sell more of something, you can sell it for less and actually make better overall profit. I just hope I will be able to take advantage of the dining plan eventhough I have a room only ressie.

 

[DeterminedOne]

DeterminedOne, in my opinion, you are being a tad bit dramatic. I mean, you miss the silver plan? It's not even gone yet. Not only that but there are comparable packages being offered. As far as the Premium having too much food for you, why don't you consider The Disney's Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining. Here's some info from the Your Magical Journeys website:



I hope this helps to make you less "shocked and appalled".

Ali

Nope didn't help ...

 

[Hippychickali]

Well, sorry, but you can't please all people all of the time.

Ali

 

[Tron72]

My heart does go out to those who are worried and who traveled to the Disney World Resort and Parks. I think once all the worrying settles down, and people read what everything is all about they will calm down. I mean for some who purchase upgraded packages and did not use all their opitions in the pass this new concept will save them money as you only purchase what you want. I will admit though it does look like they are gearing the heart of the discounts for those who stay longer.

As for me, I am a Florida Resident and I never purchase a package, as I find that it is better for me to purchase a Seasonal Annual Pass at a Florida Discount and take advantage of the discount rates on the hotel. Which I found out for any who out there do purchase Annual Passes, that starting Jan. 2 2005, when you renew your Annual Pass it will not start up again until you use it next time. In the pass as soon you renewed it the yearly timer began. So this is a better option for those who have an Annual Pass and want to renew it for a discounted price but are not planning to go back for say 6 months. You will not loose those 6 months.

Well enough said.

Tron72

 

[sbelyo]

I don't really see what all the fuss is about!!! The DMP's haven't been worth it for a long time. I used to do them all the time until I saved my receipts from the last DMP and I saw that they made an extra $400.00 and that's including the HDDR and a fishing excursion for 5 people.

So to test my theory the next time I didn't choose gold or silver just regular and I shaved more than $800.00 off our total expenses after food.

This time I didn't choose a DMP at all. I bought one annual pass and will buy two park hoppers for $793.00. Because of the AP I got 5 nights at the AKL for $550.00 instead of $1000.00 I also expect to spend around $600.00 for food over 5 nights so that comes in around $1943.00

Last time I checked the DMP Gold for the AKL over 5 nights for 2 adults one child 5yrs. and one infant was well over $3000.00

 

[RescueRanger]

I don't really see what all the fuss is about!!! The DMP's haven't been worth it for a long time. I used to do them all the time until I saved my receipts from the last DMP and I saw that they made an extra $400.00 and that's including the HDDR and a fishing excursion for 5 people.

So to test my theory the next time I didn't choose gold or silver just regular and I shaved more than $800.00 off our total expenses after food.

This time I didn't choose a DMP at all. I bought one annual pass and will buy two park hoppers for $793.00. Because of the AP I got 5 nights at the AKL for $550.00 instead of $1000.00 I also expect to spend around $600.00 for food over 5 nights so that comes in around $1943.00

Last time I checked the DMP Gold for the AKL over 5 nights for 2 adults one child 5yrs. and one infant was well over $3000.00

I am glad you posted. I have never used Disney's meal plans because when I would start adding everthing up, it was always ALOT less than what the plan actually cost. However, the new $35 per adult dining plan does add up. I have done some figuring and we could actually eat on our own for what the package would cost, but we could eat nicer meals for the same money with the dining options. But back to the original topic, the Silver Gold and Platinum plans never made any monetary sense and I think that the people who used them did so because of convenience not because it was saving them money. They weren't for me. I work to hard for my money just to give it away.

 

[Tabetha]

Hey, I work hard for my money too... I just liked the package.

You could spend hours and hours trying to figure out the "best way" to work your vacation. To me, those hours could be better spent.

 

[Hippychickali]

Tabetha, some of us have no choice but to work hours and hours to find the cheapest way to do Disney. If I didn't search for an affordable way, I wouldn't be going at all. Quite frankly, I enjoy the time I spend planning. I think that's why most people come here. If they didn't enjoy it or could afford it, they'd just get a travel agent.

Ali

 

[sbelyo]

Hey, I work hard for my money too... I just liked the package.

You could spend hours and hours trying to figure out the "best way" to work your vacation. To me, those hours could be better spent.

I really didn't spend any more time planning (definitely not hours)

I just added it all up after one of our trips and double checked it online. I would say it took me 30 min. to do that. And when I purchased all the above mentioned thing seperately I did them over the phone with disney CM's just like I would buy the package in years past so maybe and extra 5 min. or so.

So in short it took me 35 min. to save $1200.00 + and with the extra cash I booked a Disney cruise for after the Magic Kingdom.

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

I'm glad you posted too, sbelyo. I agree 100%! The DMPackages were the easiest way for WDW to make mucho bucks.

The number one problem with the packages is that it is based on a RACK rate room. No savings there. On the other hand using a code or AP can get a 45% discount.

The 2nd problem is it came with a UPH, not a good deal for the consumer. You are paying for entrance to every single attraction at WDW, every day you are there. If you are going to parks, water parks, DQ, Pleasure Island then when are you going to have time to use the "recreation". Also you are paying for that extra check out day or check in day. I imagine most package buyers do not think to ask about taking that extra day off their bill, and most folks won't go into a park on one of those days.

*Personal note* - I can't imagine spending much time on the "recreation" options at WDW. If I wanted to do those things I would vacation elsewhere.

I have read a lot of posts where folks tally up their restaurant bills and show how much they "save" on the plans. They fail to mention that they are paying rack rate for a room that could have been considerably cheaper and for tickets that some components won't get taken advantage of, even though they were paid for.

 

[Hippychickali]

Hi Mom,

I agree with you. I almost got caught in the trap of length of stay UHPs when we booked our room. I stopped myself and said, "Wait a minute! All I want is a place to stay and to be able to visit the 4 theme parks." After another minute or two I thought, "Hey! They'll be charging us for passes on the last day of our stay that we won't be able to use because we'll be at the airport in the morning." So I decided to see how much it would cost to buy the tickets separately and I saved a bunch. Even now, though I have 7-day PHPs and we don't need the pluses. That's why I'm hoping I'll be able to cash in on this new deal that Disney has going on starting January 2nd. It seems like they are finally giving people the choice to purchase exactly what they want. I can't believe people are complaining about this.

Ali

 

[Tabetha]

Hey, I'm not complaining, and I'm not attacking anyone or how they choose to spend their time or plan their vacations.

I'm just saying I dug the package, maybe that makes me a "sucker" to Disney's money making agenda. But that was the option we had available to us last year as part of the Canadian Dollar at Par deal, and we enjoyed ourselves. We stayed at POP went to DisneyQuest, we went to PI, we used the recreation (golf and spa) played mini-golf, and we were only there for 4 days.
We're doing the same thing this year - staying for 5 days. Golf, spa, 2 dinner shows, horseback riding, and the parks. It works for us. And we're staying at a deluxe this year for a longer period of time, at a higher package than last year, and we're spending LESS than last year.
We made sure to end the package the day before our flight out, and book a hotel only reservation for our final night.

Could I have saved even more by booking seperately? Maybe. But I'm happy with what I purchased, and you can't really tell me that I shouldn't be, or that I'm making an unwise choice. Its our vacation. It works for us. To us, the package is fun, and magical, and most importantly, it was AT PAR.

Obviously what works for us won't work for everyone. Naturally there are personality types that get a kick out of all the planning - heck, I do too, to an extent - and that's why I'm here too. I love learning about all the neat little things you can do at Disney that I didn't even know about. Every time I leave the boards, I come away a little smarter about Disney, and the vacation planning process. But for ME (results not typical) I'm happy with what we're getting for what we're paying, this time.

Next trip, we'll probably do another package - whatever those packages turn out to be.

If you think I'm a doofus, well, bully for you. But, I think we can all agree that we're all going to have the best vacation ever, our own way.

 

[BCV23]

I think the new dining plan sounds like a great deal for lots of folks. We have APs and spend part of our vacations at BCV so it looks like it won't work for us.

But I'm jumping in to this thread to say that the old plans could be a savings for some. We did the gold plan for a number of years. We planned everything in detail (planning help only comes with the platinum or Grand plan which wasn't even an option when we first started using the plan). We did parks in the am, recreation in the afternoons and 3 sitdown meals/day which afforded some great family time. It was a wonderful way to experience all that WDW has to offer. To this day, we still vacation pretty much the same way at WDW. But since we go more than once per year APs make more sense.

My husband always tallied our receipts at the end of our stay. We always were ahead of the game. Sometimes by over a thousand but my DH and sons would play golf which adds up quickly. But to the OP, give the new choices a try and do some pricing. It sounds to me like you'll do fine.

 

[Hippychickali]

But I'm happy with what I purchased, and you can't really tell me that I shouldn't be, or that I'm making an unwise choice. Its our vacation. It works for us.

I certainly don't think anyone would tell you that you should be unhappy with what you purchased. I think the discussion was more about why these new packages may be better than the old not who is a doofus and who isn't.

Ali