Who would rather have appetizers than dessert?

[twinmum]

Hello! I know the DDP now includes main course and dessert, no more appetizers...boo hoo!!! I'm just curious - is there anyone else out there who just doesn't eat much dessert and wishes you could choose your 2 courses? It doesn't help that I am lactose intolerant, so I can usually only have fresh fruit for dessert anyway, but I can usually find a appie I'll enjoy!

We are going back to WDW this fall (adding 3 days to our son's Wish trip!) and I don't think we'll do the DDP because of this change.

Any thoughts?

 

[asmit4]

As it stands, we won't buy the DDP unless it's for free during September. Our reasoning is that we like appetizers, since we buy sugary snacks throughout the day as it is (as snacks). The DDP is not workable for our family $$$ wise or convenience wise without an appetizer as an option.

If the DDP changes in 2009 to offer an either/or option, we will purchase the DDP. Until then, we hope for sept. free DDP to continue

 

[rentayenta]

I'd rather have an appetizer than dessert. My family could easily share one dessert but having to order the salad/app now stinks.

 

[tmanaster]

I'd rather have an appetizer as well. I love having a salad or soup to start my meal and simply don't want all the sweets! My family of 6 usually shares 1 dessert if we go out. We just want a bite or two each. Combined with the fact that tips are no longer included, I don't think I'll pay for the dining plan on future trips.

 

[pigletto]

I would rather an appetizer. I was pretty disappointed with the change at first.
But then I realized when I go out for dinner at home I only get an appetizer once in awhile anyway...so if I am dying for soup or a salad I will just pay OOP.
I am usually stuffed after an entree at most places anyway.

 

[all4disney98]

We prefer appetizers over dessert as well!! Here's to hoping they enhance the plan with a choice for 2009.

 

[TDC Nala]

Absolutely, which is one reason why I no longer use the dining plan, so I can order what I want.

This does not mean I am advocating for a change to the dining plan, as I really don't care whether I use it or not. At this point I prefer not to. I like some restaurants that don't take the plan.

 

[HM]

Yes, I would prefer appetizers.

 

[*Emily*]

I think it would be great to give the option of app or dessert. Depending on the restaurant or my mood, I could definitely go either way in my choice.

 

[BelleLovesTheBeast]

I would rather have an app than a dessert. I really think Disney should make it an option.

 

[petunia]

I would like to have the option, maybe half of us would get appys and half dessert, so we could share. We generally feel too full after bread, entree and drink for a huge slice of cheesecake or whatever it may be. But, if we could all pick a little it would be better.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I would like to have the option, maybe half of us would get appys and half dessert, so we could share. We generally feel too full after bread, entree and drink for a huge slice of cheesecake or whatever it may be. But, if we could all pick a little it would be better.

And this would be part of the reason not offering a choice...it will increase table use times...

 

[J&K'sPrincessMommy]

ITA, DH could order dessert (his preference) and I would rather have an Appetizer- then we'd nibble from each other's plate :lol

I was just coming over to ask this question too- we'll be in MK one day in December after our cruise and I was hoping they would giuve you the choice, (we might try for an ADR at Tony's) guess not

 

[beroh2253]

Option

 

[planitdad]

I agree with asmit4 about with all the snacks in the park available, it may mean telling the kids no at some point. I feel that appetizers go better w/ mealtime and dessert type snacks are best between meals or after a little time for digesting a meal .

 

[JoePa4Ever]

I think it would be great to give the option of app or dessert. Depending on the restaurant or my mood, I could definitely go either way in my choice.

Totally agree - I feel the exact same way

 

[CJ]

Yep, same here..... we won't get the dining plan the way it is now.

 

[JimMIA]

I think you have to look at a little DDP history to understand why they made this change, and why they won't give you an option.

There were basically two reasons for the change. One was that eliminating the appetizer helped combat the issue of sharing meals extensively, which was either considered "abuse" or "not what our revenue models anticipated," depending on who you talk to. I know the rules never prohibited sharing between plan participants, but it's obviously not what they had in mind. Whatever anyone's opinion, there is no question that the appys greatly enhanced participants to stretch DDP and get "maximum value." Like any promotional plan, some degree of under-utilization was factored into the revenue models, and the appy was affecting that.

The other reason is less obvious. By eliminating the appy, Disney Dining didn't just eliminate a small food cost -- they eliminated an entire course of the meal for most diners. They cut a three-course meal to two. That means shorter dining times...that means higher restaurant turnover...that means greater capacity...and that means higher profit. All for absolutely no cost! It's brilliant!

If they reinstituted the appetizer, families would split. I'd get an appy, my wife would get a dessert, we'd share both and tie up the table for two hours! Suddenly, you've got over-utilization and a three-course meal all over again.

Ain't happening.

 

[jennwndrlnd]

I agree with what JimMIA said, bottom line is what it comes down to and there were several big bonuses for Disney to not offer appys with the DDP any longer. Most of us will just pay oop for appys because we know what we want before we even set foot in the restaurant. In my case I will be taking most desserts back to our room for a snack later. My MIL is a vegetarian so in her case she would love to have a salad instead of dessert, even though they will make special things for her it is just her preference to have a starter instead of something sweet.

 

[crystalcml]

Me, me, me.

I am just not a dessert eater so I would much rather have an appy.

I think the least they could do is give their guests a choice between an appy or dessert. I think that would bennefit everyone. Besides, for the most part they are around the same price.