Why I Hate the DDP

[DiszyDean]

Well put! I don't know what a "DDP style of hotel is" but oh well. The DDP gives people the chance to get that dining plan and save lots of money. And if DDP hotels are being refered to as values (because this other person would rather stay at a deluxe) than thats wrong. Some people stay at a value because it is the most affordable way to go on vacation. I just finished my first year of college and my DBF just finished his second. Being a college student takes up a lot of time so we don't work full time making as much money a year as others. We can still go on vacation and afford it, and we enjoy our time. Besides, why pay all of that extra money when you are out at the parks the entire day? For us that would be a waste of money. I think some people need to realize that not everyone is wealthy and they do what they have to to go on vacation, even if that means staying at a value.

And I think your views represent the great majority.

As far as I am concerned, the "elite" who tend to look down upon people staying at value resorts or those who sign up for the DDP, should take their vacation dollars elsewhere. Go elsewhere and spend your money at some exclusive resort in the Caribbean where you can be with people of your perceived wealth and stature and leave WDW to the regular folks.

 

[DiszyDean]

3. The fact that ordinary people are able to afford to eat at sit down establishments within WDW really seems to bother you.

I guess in a way it does.....the huge impact DDP has made on Disney restaurants IMO is terrible in all the ways I have already mentioned.

From reading other posts I see I'm not the only one and I believe Disney will one day take this into consideration and make some changes that caters to all.

Well, you may not be the only one...but you are in the vast minority, I would be willing to bet.

And Disney will always cater to the wants and needs of the majority.

 

[TMB1203]

From reading other posts I see I'm not the only one and I believe Disney will one day take this into consideration and make some changes that caters to all.

Highly doubtful. They are filling their restaurants and making lots of money, I don't think they are going to change this anytime soon.

 

[Cass]

I actually felt the selection, quality and service was better this past December then years ago before the dining plan.

 

[eemmie1]

If everyone was upset that they had to make ADR's 180 days out the restaurants would be empty. I do allot of things on vacation that I would not normally do and eating at more expensive restaurants is one of them. Such a shame that people are judged on their social class by what resort they stay at.

 

[marivaid]

Such a shame that people are judged on their social class by what resort they stay at.

I actually found that part of his rant hilarious. "DDP style of hotel" LMAO. Somebody should check the Trip Report forum and get a clue... there are quite a few families who stay weeks at Deluxe hotels with the DDP.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

And I think your views represent the great majority.

As far as I am concerned, the "elite" who tend to look down upon people staying at value resorts or those who sign up for the DDP, should take their vacation dollars elsewhere. Go elsewhere and spend your money at some exclusive resort in the Caribbean where you can be with people of your perceived wealth and stature and leave WDW to the regular folks.

That is never going to happen.....we will continue to be there 3-4 times a year.

 

[apostolic4life]

I actually found that part of his rant hilarious. "DDP style of hotel" LMAO. Somebody should check the Trip Report forum and get a clue... there are quite a few families who stay weeks at Deluxe hotels with the DDP.

You are correct, many people stay in Deluxe and use the DDP.
We have stayed at every catagory of WDW Resort and we always use the DDP..... so, does that mean we are rich snobs slumming at value resorts or are we hillbillies from WV trying to live above our means when we stay at a deluxe resort???? Wow, I am having a real identity crisis now!!!
I am a man who works hard to allow my family to vacation at one of the happiest places on Earth; why should anyone care what kind of resort we stay in?? Yes, we could stay at Deluxe every visit if we wanted, but why limit myself to a single type of WDW experience when there are so many ways to enjoy the magic!

 

[apostolic4life]

That is never going to happen.....we will continue to be there 3-4 times a year.

I am curious, do you reside in close proximity to WDW?? Many folks who live within an hour or two of WDW seem to have this overwhelming sense of disgust focused towards the DDP. Just curious.

By the way, I think it is awesome you can go to WDW 3-4 times a year ( I wish I could get away from work that often), but does that make those who can't any less worthy of enjoying the magic???

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I am curious, do you reside in close proximity to WDW?? Many folks who live within an hour or two of WDW seem to have this overwhelming sense of disgust focused towards the DDP. Just curious.

By the way, I think it is awesome you can go to WDW 3-4 times a year, but does than make those who can't any less worthy of enjoting the magic???

We live hours away by plane.
This has nothing to do with worthy....it started with a conversation about the DDP. Once again people take small sections out of posts and everything goes down hill from there
But you are right many people that live very close are more disgusted then we are.

 

[Tinkerbell24]

What is it that you consider a "DDP style of hotel"

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

What is it that you consider a "DDP style of hotel"

If you read all the posts perhaps you will notice that isn't what was said

 

[Laren]

What shocks me is the overwhelming sense of entitlement that is going around. I'm not pointing at anyone in particular just noticing a trend- and not just in WDW it's everywhere! It's the people at Target who are so sure that their time is more important than mine that they try to mow me over with their cart to get the disabled woman (me) out of the way of their Very Important Day.

It's the people who. . .oh nevermind. The point is made.

Everyone has an equal right to reservations at a Disney restaurant. Just like people have a right to tickets to a big game, broadway show, or anything else. Thing is if you want them you have to play by the rules.

So the rules Disney dictates say that you have to book ADRs in advance and then you get to eat where you want. You need to plan. They can not run their business on the flighty whims of people who may or may not show up. They plan staff levels for their restaurants, everything, based on crowds. Every business is that way!

Bottom line: Either go with the changes (we decided to 'join em' and booked ressies even though we'd have rather have 'winged it' on this trip, oh well) or you can eat counter service.

No one is making anyone eat anywhere.

What bothers me is the idea of people booking multiple ressies for the same day- that is what is not cool because it messes up the system for everyone else. But again, entitlement is the issue there.

Can't people just learn to share???! There are only so many tables in WDW to go around. Don't be a ressie hog LOL. But don't expect to just sweep in and get a table the same day anymore. It just doesn't happen. This is the most popular resort on the planet. Unless you're really famous and they cater to you special, you're gonna have to share TS with the peasants, like me *lol*

 

[marivaid]

Once again people take small sections out of posts and everything goes down hill from there

Well you gave us quite a bit of ammo. You're the only one on this thread who constantly uses pejorative phrases to describe others. "those people", "DDP style of hotels" , "CS people". What do you expect, a group hug ???

 

[Tinkerbell24]

If you read all the posts perhaps you will notice that isn't what was said

I have read all of the posts and I understand that you were not saying anyone was less worthy, so no need for With a post where there is an ongoing conversation, I will read the entire thing so I know what is going on just curious as to what you actually meant.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Well you gave us quite a bit of ammo. You're the only one on this thread who constantly uses pejorative phrases to describe others. "those people", "DDP style of hotels" , "CS people". What do you expect, a group hug ???

Not in the least...but it's best if one reads the entire post before jumping on the train.
Not sure what you call people that eat at CS, if you have a suggestion please pass it on.

 

[marivaid]

Not in the least...but it's best if one reads the entire post before jumping on the train.

Oh I've read your posts, although I wish I hadn't. Frankly, they make me sick.

Not sure what you call people that eat at CS, if you have a suggestion please pass it on.

I'd call them Walt Disney World guests.
But then again I don't judge people based on where they decide to spend their money. Crazy, I know!!!

 

[Laren]

Well, I personally call them the same thing I call people who eat table service every meal. . .Guests at Walt Disney World. Of which I am happy to be one whether I am eating fries at Cosmic Rays or Surf and Turf at Narcoossee's. Both of which I have done- in fact on the same day- in the past LOL

What, though, in all seriousness, is 'wrong' about the idea of a family who perhaps couldn't afford a fine restaurant like Cali Grill or Narcoossees if not for the DDP dining there? What if it's a once in a lifetime experience for them- what if it is something that they treasure as a memory for years- what if they're say, a make-a-wish family or something else?

What is so wrong with that??? That's what I don't get. I have stayed GF Concierge and I have stayed at the All Stars. I got married in Kissimmee but my wedding guests dined at the GF and at the Castle in the same day. Were my guests less worthy of the table at those places because I didn't get married in the wedding pavillion? See what I mean? What is 'good enough' to deserve a table??? I don't get it.

I have now gone four years (a record!) without a trip to WDW. So if my ADR takes up a dinner slot from somebody who might get to go 4 times a year, as I have done in the past, I hope that they won't feel too badly about it. They have three other opportunities to eat at that restaurant this year, and I won't. If I were going 3 times this year and couldn't get a last minute ressie, I wouldn't be surprised if I was trying to book last minute.

But I won't book double ressies, either! I believe in karma and I wouldn't want that one to bite me later LOL.

 

[Sammie]

We like the DDP and we stay deluxe or even heaven forbid, at our DVC with a full kitchen we never use. If that makes us lesser in some eyes, I figure that is their problem certainly not mine.

Laren stated it very well, right now DDP is not going anywhere. Deal with it or move on.

As to whether the restaurants are fuller due to DDP or more crowds in general, no one in this discussion knows for sure.

As to double booking, if you don't like that practice, jump in anytime when it is being discussed here and give heck to those that deserve it.

Next trip to WDW, I am getting a T-shirt that says, DDP and Proud of It!

 

[Laren]

I'd call them Walt Disney World guests.
But then again I don't judge people based on where they decide to spend their money. Crazy, I know!!!

I was typing while you were posting! LOL I am glad to see that I'm not the only one who calls them that