The More I think about DDP Deluxe, The more I Like!

[Cindy's Mom]

We just returned from eating at several TS's and each one took AT LEAST 2 hours (and sometimes longer). We did 2 TS's on several days and were so full that we were uncomfortable....and spent a lot of our vacation time dedicated to dining. I'm not sure I could do this everyday!!! Give me the regular DDP....I was full enough with this one!

Where are you eating that it is taking 2 hours? Are you counting travel times too?

 

[mickey2000]

Last year with 5 of us most of our meals TS were also very close to 2 hours which was very relaxing and great! I don't like being pushed out quickly for table turn over ! If there is a shortage of reservations maybe Disney should build more places to eat and .
A return to FINE DINING would be welcome. On another board I read where A food manager said that the menus will be streamlined in 2008 with most offering the same deserts ???? Time will only tell. I like the new plans however now I'm on hold.............

 

[patsal]

In July all of our TS with the excetion of Mama Melrose's were about an hour and 45 minutes each from check in to walking out the door. Signature dining was more like 2.5 hours. We did no buffets. Most CS was about an hour from line to clean up. With that we felt full, were insanely trying to use up credits at the end, and while not "blow up" full we were satisfied.
With three dining credits, 2 snack credits and a useless for us (DVC) refillable mug there would most definately be a bigger crunch for our time and way too much food. Seriously since the kids are "adults" no way to justify nearly $400 per day on food and tips. $400x12 days=ouch, no way!
For those that it will work for I am glad that you have found a plan that works for you and I hope you enjoy all the new things you will get to try.

 

[I Run Long]

I have to admit that I kind of like the new Deluxe Plan as well. Admittedly we are going down for the first time ever and we luckily got the DDP for free. I'll see how we do with it and how full we become. I'm not a big eater nor is my DD, now my DH and DS can eat enough to feed a small country.

Anyway, the thing I would like about the new Deluxe DDP is being able to use the 2 TS credits and go to some Signature Restaurants - we're not doing that at all for this trip. I didn't like the idea of using 2 credits and then going without the next day. With this it would be no worry.

 

[tiki23]

Seriously since the kids are "adults" no way to justify nearly $400 per day on food and tips. $400x12 days=ouch, no way!
For those that it will work for I am glad that you have found a plan that works for you and I hope you enjoy all the new things you will get to try.

Agreed! I just couldn't see spending $350 a day on food for the 5 of us - and we had all we could do to eat the food on the DDP in 2006!

 

[ms_mckenna]

We like the new Deluxe DDP I wish they had left the tip on because that was one less thing to worry about, but we will be fine without it. We ran the numbers and I actually think it would work out better with the Deluxe DDP. We get our refillable mugs one for each of us. The kids usually keep their snack credits for Goofys and as long as they still can do that they will have more to spend there because of 2 credits a day. We did the regular DDP this time and ended up paying OOP for several meals. That would be completely eliminated with the Deluxe plan. We enjoy long meals at Disney it gives us a chance to take a break from the craziness and connect ... something we rarely get to do at home.

 

[Colleen27]

We just returned from eating at several TS's and each one took AT LEAST 2 hours (and sometimes longer). We did 2 TS's on several days and were so full that we were uncomfortable....and spent a lot of our vacation time dedicated to dining. I'm not sure I could do this everyday!!! Give me the regular DDP....I was full enough with this one!

Obviously 'full enough' is going to be subjective, but as far as the time goes... We didn't have a single 2 hour TS meal on our last trip to the World, except one that took almost that long because we wanted the break (Boma, DD then 4 dozed off in the booth so we took our time and tried a few wines before waking her up to head off to MNSSHP - we could have been out of there is half the time if we had wanted to). Most of our TS meals - at San Angel, Boatwrights, Sci-Fi, 1900 Park Fare, and Capt Jacks - took an hour or less. On a longer trip (we're planning 11 nights), 2 or 3 hours out of the day for dining, with dinner coming after park closing most nights, doesn't feel like too much of our vacation time spent trying new restaurants.

 

[ms_mckenna]

Wow I did not realize how many 2 TS's we would be interested in when given the option! This new DDP really opens up a lot doesn't it? I got to looking and found 4 of the 2 TS dinners we might want to do. Plus the GG experiences which if all goes well we will be a family of 8 the next time we go to WDW so we would be automatic for all the GG's.

 

[itchin2go]

What we did earlier this year would fit the deluxe plan perfectly. Since it wasn't around then, we ended up paying lots of $$$ out of pocket. I had even thought about going premium. This new plan is fantastic. We weren't overly full, and we only had one lengthy dinner (California Grill). What we did was LOTS of signature dining and character meals (Cali Grill, Jiko, Artist's Point, Cindy's Table).

Some people go to the parks with the goal of spending as little time away from the parks as possible. On the other hand, some people consider dining to be a big part of their experience and worth the time away from the parks. To each his own. Disney is smart enough to offer both experiences (and then some).

We're definitely doing the deluxe plan next year. Can't wait!

 

[mickeysgirl17]

I think the Deluxe plan is a great deal. Yes, it will cost a bit more, but if you plan it right, you can get your money's worth.

I plan on going for 7 nights, 8 days which would give us 21 meals each to use over 8 days! Since I know we can't eat 3 TS meals a day, I will trade 2 most nights for 1 signature meal. Plus there are 2 snacks which I will use for breakfast in the mornings.

My only concern is that it will take up a little more time than your regular dining plan since there are more sit down meals to use but at the same time you can eat at so many more upscale places now and try different cuisines.
Also, I think it would have been a better deal if gratituity was included.

For those who say that its a waste of money because they don't get appetizers or eat at TS meals regularly, I disagree.
The way I look at it is that when your on vacation, you should eat like Kings and splurge. Afterall, it is a vacation that for some, is only once in a lifetime.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Don't forget though that if you want any alcohol (with dinner anyway) or an appetizer (both of which we always have, especially at a 2 TS signature restaurant)-- it's MORE $$$$. And of course the tip---.
Eating on the new plan could easily wind up costing more than just the $68.99---

 

[itchin2go]

Don't forget though that if you want any alcohol (with dinner anyway) or an appetizer (both of which we always have, especially at a 2 TS signature restaurant)-- it's MORE $$$$. And of course the tip---.
Eating on the new plan could easily wind up costing more than just the $68.99---

Point taken regarding alcohol -- although it's always been that way, so I don't think any old DDP folks are expecting the alcohol to be included. However, appetizers ARE included on the Deluxe Dining Plan. Or did I read that wrong? I know gratuities are NOT included, but I did read that appetizers are included...

 

[Uncleromulus]

I believe you are right.
I was just thinking ahead and figuring that the deluxe plan will tend to add a few more diners to the Signature 2 TS restaurants. Where a drink or two might be more "in order".

 

[ms_mckenna]

Appetizers are included on the Deluxe ( have looked several places to make sure ) which makes all the difference in my book. We paid OOP each dinner for drinks the only option there is for that is the wine and dine one and that does not help us as we are not big wine drinkers.

 

[2manypets]

I'll definitely be using the deluxe plan. It's still a very good deal for the way we eat.
1TS for breakfast
2 snacks for lunch
2TS for signature dinner.

As it is this year, we'll be paying OOP for at least 2 TS, just because I like sit downs so much. (bad back, I love the avg. 2 hour breaks in A/C!!)

 

[lynninpa]

The DP as it is now, and was in the past, is based on the number of nights you stayed. Will the 2008 DELUXE plan be "3 meals per day" or will it still be based on the number of nights you stay? For example, for a 7 day/6 night stay, will it be 18 or 21 meal credits per person?

 

[TDC Nala]

3 TS plus 2 snack credits per person per night and the mug

You get 3 meal credits per night. You can use them for EITHER TS or CS. Signature restaurants, CRT and dinner shows still cost 2 credits. Appetizers included with TS on the deluxe plan, but not the basic. Gratuitues not included on either plan.

Wonder if DVC can add the deluxe plan? And I think I would refuse the refillable mug. And I think I'd be using credits for CS and signature dinners. Two TS in one day is too many.

I'd probably be better off using DDE anyway.

 

[lemondog]

The DP as it is now, and was in the past, is based on the number of nights you stayed. Will the 2008 DELUXE plan be "3 meals per day" or will it still be based on the number of nights you stay? For example, for a 7 day/6 night stay, will it be 18 or 21 meal credits per person?

It is per night. So with the scenario above, it would be 18 meal credits pp + 12 snack credits + free mug.

 

[BCV23]

Wonder if DVC can add the deluxe plan?

Yes, DVC can add the Deluxe DDP. You can also use DDE for alcohol while using the DDP for the meal.

I'm sure we'll give the new plan a try. We don't enjoy counter service meals so this plan will work better for us.

 

[TDC Nala]

Yes, DVC can add the Deluxe DDP. You can also use DDE for alcohol while using the DDP for the meal.

I'm sure we'll give the new plan a try. We don't enjoy counter service meals so this plan will work better for us.

Cool! But I don't think I'll use it. I have a 2 night trip at AKV in February, the refillable mug is no use for that short a trip. It's just the thought of using the plan for 2 signature meals, although I think it's really only worthwhile if you use the other credits for TS and not CS but I am sure I can't eat that much TS... I'd be better off paying for the sig meals with DDE and just ordering what I can eat.