Things not going well with the DDP changes

[TLSnell1981]

Have fun, and it is 13 degress in Buffalo now, so Florida, here we come....
gail789

It's a balmy 22 degrees where I am...and a sweltering 45 in Orlando. Brrrrrrrr!

 

[Nancyg56]

Hipchickie:

Of course.. all that planning goes out the window if they have to once again - begin using the food angle as a 'loss leader / less profitable leader' of sorts to get bodies into the resorts and parks again..

Let's say.. in the case of a real recession.. when luxuries like travel and vacations start being lower priority.



Knox

As I was catching up on this thread I was thinking the same thing. For many years a trip to Disney was a luxury for my family, I could not pay for plane fare as well as a vacation so we stayed closer to home. We were able to take my family on one family vacation to Disney, saved forever to do this, and then the commercials just made me reminisce. I would never have jeopardized the family finances for a trip.

In our area cost for basic living expenses have skyrocketed. Foreclosures are taking several pages in the weekend paper and unemployment is rising. For many, a Disney vacation without a very good incentive is not going to be part of the family plan this year. The DDP as it stands now would not generate enough of a savings for me to plan a trip if my funds were limited, and it is not enough of a savings to serve as an incentive for me to plan an additional trip just because I cannot pass up a good sale. I believe that people have a finite amount of money that they will budget for a family vacation. If the economy gets worse and that amount is reduced people will still plan vacations and they will still take their families to Disney. They will just choose to allocate their funds in less expensive housing, share their vacation dollars with less expensive area attractions and eat in less expensive restaurants. From a captive market, trapped on Disney property because of ME and DDP, spending all of their budget on food lodging, beverages and souvenirs, they are now dispersed throughout Orlando.

I'm not suggesting that this will happen and goodness knows that I have lived through a recession, so I pray that it does not, but if expenses get much higher, my purse is going to get tighter. I imagine there are plenty of others who will do the same. For me if there is no "sale" I will think twice.

 

[Nancyg56]

I think Disney would notice if their turn around rate of servers raised drastically. If the server was receiving 18-20% continuasly for several years and now this is changing because thier gratuity is based on the customer, not the company. If servers start looking for employment elsewhere because of this, it does get noticed, and servers have a voice.

gail789

If the servers see a trend that DDP people are stiffing them, the more likely scenario is that they may allocate their energy to those who are no on the plan. And then Disney may simply change the plan to mandate an automatic gratuity for those who choose to purchase the plan, much like those who choose to use the Entertainment card in that discount book. A mandatory gratuity is generally added to discount plans to encourage servers to take those parties and to ensure that experiences servers are not bombarded with customers who leave nothing at eh end of a discount meal. If you are truly annoyed by the change it makes more sense to take a stand elsewhere. Stay offsite or choose not to purchase the plan or eat meals offsite.

 

[Luv2Roam]

WDmommy -- I would just call and tell them you want to cancel the dining portion of the package. Make sure to explain you just found out about the DDP changes informally. I don't see why it would be an issue to remove the DDP but keep the package. And also considering the changes are in the early stage.
Techinically you are downgrading. But esp if you speak with Guest Services prior to arrival I would think they can fix that.
I would NOT wait until check in. DDP is part of a WDTC package, and the DDP is paid before your arrival. I think you would have to retain it at check in, as it is paid for and the front desk has nothing to do with DDP. Guests cannot add on DDP at check in either.
But I would call ASAP to see about having DDP removed.
Good luck, and I am sorry for your disappointment.
However either way you will see it will cost $ to eat on site. You may want to do some calculations prior to cancelling DDP to see what really works best for you. Either way you will be paying a tip. But maybe you rather eat more CS too.

 

[LSchrow]

...... If you are truly annoyed by the change it makes more sense to take a stand elsewhere. Stay offsite or choose not to purchase the plan or eat meals offsite.

 

[sandym718]

I suspect this is coming anyway....at the latest, it will be in the next union contract....and it will be non-negotible.

I wouldn't be surprised at this. Anyone know when the next contract would come up?

 

[GreatLakes5]

I wouldn't be surprised at this. Anyone know when the next contract would come up?

I would assume that as with all unions this is a yearly occurence. I believe that means late spring although it seemed things were extended this last time around.

I think it's important to note, for the servers that end up upset, they had a chance to vote NO. I am not a union member, my family historically have been members of various unions in Chicago. I realize they would always vote as they were told BUT they do have free will & simply choose to vote as they are told. Hopefully the servers who have a hard time, if this is truly what will happen overwhelmingly, can find a louder voice next time.

As a consumer - Disney needed to communicate these changes better - thanks to the Disboard for doing that. I LIKE controlling my tip, but I don't like paying more for anything - who does.

We're heading that way soon from our single digit Michigan temps - and from our own personal state recession - I am going to be very interested in being part of the 2008 DDP great experiment.

 

[TDC Nala]

I don't think they would get rid of the dining plan, they still make a lot of money. And I know nobody would agree with boycotting gratuity, but like I said, if we don't boycott somehow, nothing will change. I don't think they can demand a 18% gratuity on all bills. Maybe I am wrong, but I still think as Disney patrons, there has to be something we can do. Something that doesn't hurt the employee.

gail789

Well, refusing to leave a gratuity at all to protest the dining plan changes would definitely hurt the servers. There's staying offsite and eating offsite, or removing DDP from your reservation.

If you remove DDP from the reservations for this reason, it's better for Disney. You'll still be eating, and they'd prefer to have you paying out of pocket for everything. Even if somewhat diminished in 2008, the dining plan can still equal savings for the guests if used properly.

If enough stay and eat offsite, WDW may conclude that it has no need for a dining plan at all, rather than deciding that it needs to put that appetizer and gratuity back in posthaste.

WDmommy -- I would just call and tell them you want to cancel the dining portion of the package.

I agree, in your case where you prefer not to pay for the plan for budget reasons, you should be able to remove dining from the package if you don't wait too long. I don't know if you'd be able to remove the tickets, but those can be used for an upgrade or AP renewal.

 

[canwegosoon]

Okay, let me tell you I am sooooo pissed right now. I am not the worlds most observant person, so I did not even know there had been a change to the dining plan until tonight. I booked a last minute trip last week, and will be heading to WDW from Jan. 27th - Feb. 1st. I purchased the dining plan because I loved the ease last time we were there, and it would be a good value for us. I even purchased one day tickets that I don't need because I have seasonal passes, all so I could get the dining plan. Well, thank the Lord while reading a thread tonight I saw that gratuity was no longer included, and then I saw that the appetizer was no longer included. Now I just want to cancel the dang plan!!!! So, since I already paid with a credit card for the package, can I now cancel it, and just book a room? If so, how will the money be refunded to me, and how long will it take to get it back? It is definitely not a value for me any longer since the appetizer and gratuity is no longer included. Disney will be getting far less of my money this trip due to their dining plan changes.

Also let me add, that not once while booking my package was I told of any changes whatsoever to the dining plan.

I thought you did have a window of 24hrs-3 days to make changes, then the plan was put throught...so I would call today. The kicker is that you are in your 45 day window-I wish you the best I hope you get a R/O code or an AP rate, or what ever is available now...check the home page. Good Luck.

 

[wide awake]

I think the poster that bought today needs to call and get her money back, if that would make her vacation more enjoyable/affordable. 45 day window or not, she wasn't told the plan details. Understand, I always book during free dining, I'm not paying anyway...and even if I paid I'd still be getting a deal...but my family maximizes the plan ! No, we don't look for the most expensive items to order, but our natural tastes, the ADRs I pick...we get the max. If I were going to pay for it...I would want app or dessert, plus tip included...Disney needs to crunch their numbers and sell it that way...the snacks were ridiculous, so the changes aren't a problem...who eats 12 donuts for a snack ?
I always ordered the dessert, took one or two bites, then gave to my DS or DH to finish...I won't be ordering it now, because I don't want to pay the 15% tip on it...I'll be making smarter snack choices to use for desserts. And my tip will be 15% for good service...I actually tipped 25% last week at a local restaurant...great service, and the waitress went way above and beyond.

 

[creativeamanda]

To be honest, I don't see the big deal. Last year, when we went, we did not buy the DDP. We ate dinner the first night at CP and paid about $96 for that meal alone w/o tip. Figure in a meal at a counter service restaraunt, and (about $26 for the five of us) and a snack (probably about $10) and we save about $20 per day--$100 for the week, which more than covers the tip. So, for five of us, the DDP is a little more than $100 for two meals and a small snack. We still come out better with the DDP. Two meals a day are already included, we can grab an extra bottle of water each in the park to keep hydrated at no additional charge, and since we are making monthly payments to WDW, we have more budget for souveniers and gas.

Also, if you call a WDW vacation specialist or do some investigation on the internet, you can find the information right there on the PDF file and the cast member will tell you. When I called and got a price quote, I was told. When I called back and made my deposit, I was told. And when I made my 2nd payment, I was told.

 

[rogerram]

If you remove DDP from the reservations for this reason, it's better for Disney. You'll still be eating, and they'd prefer to have you paying out of pocket for everything. Even if somewhat diminished in 2008, the dining plan can still equal savings for the guests if used properly.

If enough stay and eat offsite, WDW may conclude that it has no need for a dining plan at all, rather than deciding that it needs to put that appetizer and gratuity back in posthaste.

The problem is Disney wants you on the dining plan. It will make money for them, even more so if you don't use all your credits. It is guaranteed money that you pay up front. If you don't use the plan you pay out of pocket, but can go elsewhere and they don't want you to spend money at a chain restaurant off property. It is the same reasoning behind the magical express. Get them here without a car and they will spend their vacation dollars here on site by not leaving the property. That free ride from mco makes them many more dollars in the end. The dining plan does the same. If there are enough problems and people don't use it and there is a drop in adr's then next year they will need a change as they will lose money. I also feel that if my server is good they will get a good tip, but if not then they will get what I feel is right. They gave away their security blanket with automatic gratuities out of the new contract. The 18% gratuity is for good service, not any service. If Disney tries to add an automatic 18% gratuity, good luck to them. I will argue that my tip is going to be based on how good they were as a server and restaurant. If they stink ,then I will not give them the 18%. They better be good servers for this. They voted for it in their contract. I am a union member and if we don't like our contract proposals, we don't take the offer. I think it was a huge mistake. They left out automatic money on each ddp.

 

[Uncleromulus]

But don't forget the servers made up only a small portion of the union members who voted on the contract. And it wasn't just servers getting to vote just on the DDP (gratuity) portion of the contract. It was all union members voting on the entire contract package--transportation, housekeeping, etc etc.

 

[kaytieeldr]

The 18% gratuity is for good service, not any service. If Disney tries to add an automatic 18% gratuity, good luck to them. I will argue that my tip is going to be based on how good they were as a server and restaurant. If they stink ,then I will not give them the 18%. They better be good servers for this

The automatic 18% service charge comes into play only when using the DDE card or when dining with parties of six or more. In all reasonableness, you* know before purchasing the DDP that you will be responsible for the tip, that Disney no longer is. If you're a party of five or fewer, any tipping percentages shown on your original check are recommendations, for [the] convenience [of diners who feel it's too complicated to calculate on their own].

*Yes, I realize not everyone knows in advance, as evidenced by a poster earlier on this page, or DDE holders caught by surprise by the change - but for the most part, we all DO know, and by purchasing whatever component, we agree to abide by its requirements.

 

[WDmommyof4]

Thank-you everyone who offered me help and advice. I ended up keeping the DDP, because the penalties involved with canceling it could not be justified. Anyways, I am the type of person who gets mad and then lets it go, so I am fine now, and will make the most of trip. As for future trips, I will not be purchasing the DDP again, until some changes are made. As it is, I am losing out on about $200 this trip. It could still be a great deal and not a problem for those who would buy a package with tickets anyways, and for those who don't qualify for passholder or resident discounts. to everyone!

 

[Tricia1972]

Also, if you call a WDW vacation specialist or do some investigation on the internet, you can find the information right there on the PDF file and the cast member will tell you. When I called and got a price quote, I was told. When I called back and made my deposit, I was told. And when I made my 2nd payment, I was told.

This is very true, sometimes. Sometimes CM's are either misinformed or don't give you this information.

In my case I had a problem recently with a CM telling me that gratuities are included in the dinner price at Crystal Palace. I know better and tried to correct her. She insisted that some locations include gratuity and Crystal Palace is one of them. I again explained to her about our party size (more than 6) and the DDE card we'd use. She again told me gratuities are included here.

Why should the average customer, who is told this just once or twice, go and research on the internet to find out the real truth? To the average customer the CM is Disney.

 

[creativeamanda]

This is very true, sometimes. Sometimes CM's are either misinformed or don't give you this information.

In my case I had a problem recently with a CM telling me that gratuities are included in the dinner price at Crystal Palace. I know better and tried to correct her. She insisted that some locations include gratuity and Crystal Palace is one of them. I again explained to her about our party size (more than 6) and the DDE card we'd use. She again told me gratuities are included here.

Why should the average customer, who is told this just once or twice, go and research on the internet to find out the real truth? To the average customer the CM is Disney.

Well, I guess in the case of a party of 6, the grat is calculated onto your bill, which means the CM was ill-informed. I think the best thing for Disney to do is make a list of all changes. DDP still saves me $. AND, a tip of 18% is totally ridiculous, IMO. If a server has three tables to turn over, and each table has 2 adults, 2 children, that is $14.50 per table and $43.50 per hour! (approx) I dont make that much per hour and I have a graduate degree.

I still stick with 15% tip unless the rare occassion when a server is AWESOME and I'll give 20%. But no one should tell me how much to tip. Which is why I hate going anywhere with a party of more than 5.

I research the internet everytime I make a purchase of more than $100.00. That's just me. But, I agree that the CM should be more knowledgeable.

 

[drag n' fly]

Well, I guess in the case of a party of 6, the grat is calculated onto your bill, which means the CM was ill-informed. I think the best thing for Disney to do is make a list of all changes. DDP still saves me $. AND, a tip of 18% is totally ridiculous, IMO. If a server has three tables to turn over, and each table has 2 adults, 2 children, that is $14.50 per table and $43.50 per hour! (approx) I dont make that much per hour and I have a graduate degree.

I still stick with 15% tip unless the rare occassion when a server is AWESOME and I'll give 20%. But no one should tell me how much to tip. Which is why I hate going anywhere with a party of more than 5.

I research the internet everytime I make a purchase of more than $100.00. That's just me. But, I agree that the CM should be more knowledgeable.

There seems to be a lot of inconsistencies with what cm's know. If it wasn't for the DIS sometimes it would be like the blind leading the blind at WDW

 

[GPA1015]

We leave in four days and I can not wait to see what happens. We have 6 in our party- 9 month, 2, 4, 5, and 2 adults but only four on the dining plan. So we will see about this gratuity thing. We are doing all buffets. There are so many conflicting stories.

 

[winterman]

I've only read a few of these posts but I want to add my two cents. DH and I twice enjoyed trips with free dining. So much that we were willing to pay for the DDP. We waited eagerly last summer for the 2008 DDP details to be announced. We were very disappointed when it was announced that the tip and an appetizer had both been eliminated. Especially since the cost only dropped 1 or 2 dollars/day. We are taking another trip this April-May but we will not be staying on site. We could not justify paying the high Disney room rates if we were not going to buy the DDP. So DH and I are staying offsite in a very nice hotel that includes a great beakfast buffet. We still plan to eat several meals at Disney restaurants but I suspect that Disney would have made much more money off us if we had stayed with our original plans.