There should be an option...

[Aimros]

To get either an appetizer OR a dessert with the RDP. I went back in 2008 for free dining when it was still app/meal/dessert/drink/gratuity. I am excited to be going again in 2011 and getting free dining, but am realizing that I won't be used to the changes, like paying for the gratuity OOP. But I do think there should be an option of appetizer or dessert, because DF and I don't both need our own dessert, and we would rather share an appetizer. What do you all think?

 

[bicker]

But I do think there should be an option of appetizer or dessert, because DF and I don't both need our own dessert, and we would rather share an appetizer. What do you all think?

Everyone would prefer having a choice to not having a choice. But the options are never so clear-cut. We really have to consider a same-to-same comparison. The two choices you outlined are not same-to-same, for various reasons (mostly that appetizers average higher in price, and that people are more likely to skip dessert after a big meal rather than skip an appetizer before their meal). So really we need to think of an alternative that reflects a difference to us, but no real difference to Disney. Free dining really complicates things, because it excludes the flexibility of just increasing the price to account for the difference. (By the same token, if we took free dining out of the picture, I suspect that more people would still prefer the lower price, as opposed to having the choice between appetizer and dessert instead of just dessert.) I suppose they could roll the impact of adding the choice into the rack rate for the hotel, but it really makes no sense to make people pay more year-'round just to account for the impact of free dining.

So really the only practical solution I see is a surcharge for selecting an appetizer instead of dessert; my guess they could charge $4 per diner choosing an appetizer instead of dessert and it'll even out. I know I'd pay $4 per meal so that my wife and I can share one appetizer and then share one dessert. I think, though, that Disney would be worried about the bad PR that curmudgeons would throw their way if they did that, so it is probably safer for them to just leave things as they are.

 

[TDC Nala]

No matter how much people want it you won't get that option. The reason it is the way it is now is so Disney can turn over tables faster on the most popular dining plan.

If they do it the way everyone wants it and allow a choice between appetizer/dessert, half the party will order appetizers, the other half dessert, and they'll share. That way they're taking up time at the table, and not paying any extra for it.

I've removed the dialogue about tipping from this thread and part of the OP's post that referred to tipping. Tipping discussion on the restaurant boards is limited to the Tipping Information sticky thread on the main restaurant board.

 

[Connears]

To get either an appetizer OR a dessert with the RDP. I went back in 2008 for free dining when it was still app/meal/dessert/drink/gratuity. I am excited to be going again in 2011 and getting free dining, but am realizing that I won't be used to the changes, like paying for the gratuity OOP. But I do think there should be an option of appetizer or dessert, because DF and I don't both need our own dessert, and we would rather share an appetizer. What do you all think?

This is very old and much discussed issue, if you look back at threads over the last 2 years. Having both the appetizer and gratuity was a major plus. Many of us remember the original DDP, but there is no going back, so you just have to deal with the changes or decide not to participate(although free dining is a mute point). DH and I have often shared an appetizer (OOP)and taken a dessert to go if we are returning to our dvc villa soon. Its a disney decision that those of us who go frequently have learned to accept, but not neccessarily condone or like.

Connears

 

[Aimros]

Eek sorry, didn't mean to start any heated arguments... I have read the threads over the past couple of years about people wanting to go back to the old DDP... I know that won't ever happen, I'm just saying, a lot of people would prefer an appetizer over a dessert. And I understand that then it takes longer, costs more, won't ever happen, etc., but they could make the appetizers smaller or something to make it more cost effective... it's easier to eat dinner with an appetizer and then go grab a mickey bar for dessert. Not complaining, I'm very happy I'm getting free dining next year, and almost happy that there aren't any apps because then I might actually be able to finish my dessert this time around

 

[cluvsdisney]

This is one of the reasons we don't get the dining plan anymore. It doesn't suit our dining preferences. We enjoy appetizers and we don't always want a dessert - certainly not every day for a week long vacation. We used the regular dining plan three times: twice for a long weekend so it wasn't a big deal but the other time was for a week long vacation. We spent a decent amount of money out of pocket for appetizers, drinks and tips so the convenience of prepaying did not apply and there was a lot of waste (food or money because we either didn't eat or didn't order everything included with the plan).

 

[bicker]

but they could make the appetizers smaller or something to make it more cost effective...

This is another idea that people have floated in the past - the idea that instead of allowing folks to choose between appetizers on the menu, each participating restaurant would put together an appetizer/sampler for Dining Plan participants. "Cost effective" would translate into some watered-down, pre-made platter, delivered to the table along with the water, and that's why a lot of people feel that that would end up being a worse option, in the end. Often, folks want the appetizers that are reflections of the restaurant's special nature, but an appetizer platter made "cost effective"-compatible for serving even single diners and couples would probably be a distinct disappointment to just too many people.

 

[squirrel]

To get either an appetizer OR a dessert with the RDP. I went back in 2008 for free dining when it was still app/meal/dessert/drink/gratuity. I am excited to be going again in 2011 and getting free dining, but am realizing that I won't be used to the changes, like paying for the gratuity OOP. But I do think there should be an option of appetizer or dessert, because DF and I don't both need our own dessert, and we would rather share an appetizer. What do you all think?

I think that must have been the 2007 trip where you got the appetizers with the meal.

I went for Free Dining (beginning of September 2008) and the appetizers were already off the DDP.

 

[Aimros]

you're right, it was 2007... scary how the time has flown on by...

 

[Sandisw]

Unfortunately, this is why many have found that the DDP doesn't necessarily work for them any longer.

We have used it for years and always felt it was a good value. However, this summer, we realized that it really is too much food for us and there are times when I would love to get an appetizer or two as my meal, instead of an entree.

As far as dessert, sometimes we want one to share and sometimes we dont.

Even if Disney gave you the option, the only way it might work (given the reason they may have taken it off) is if everyone in the party on the DDP had to choose the same option. For example, everyone either gets an appetizer OR everyonen gets a dessert. But, I really don't think this is feasible.

And, let's be honest, if guests are going to forgo something at a meal, it will be dessert, because they are already full, rather then an appetizer, when they are hungry.

Even this year, we ended up taking our dessert back to the room with us instead of eating it at the restaurant as we were just too full.

 

[Aimros]

Even this year, we ended up taking our dessert back to the room with us instead of eating it at the restaurant as we were just too full.

I just realized that this time around on the DDP I'm staying in a mod with a fridge... I can eat my dessert for breakfast now

 

[TDC Nala]

The thing about the DDP is, if it doesn't fit your eating style, you don't have to use it. If it doesn't fit your eating style, and you don't intend to change your style to fit the plan, it's less likely you'll save much money on it anyway. If the plan was free, then that may make it more affordable to buy an appetizer here and there if you want one, or perhaps upgrade to deluxe so you can get all three courses.

Making the appetizers smaller to accommodate the wishes of those on the dining plan wouldn't be all that good for those who don't use the dining plan - and one of the reasons I don't use it is that sometimes the appetizers are better than the entrees and I just order those.