Why I Hate the DDP

[DisneyBride'03]

I am not going to touch the dead meat thing....but agree with Marion. I think for every family on DDP that does it "right" (meaning they have Dis knowledge) there may be 3 families that go home with credits left.
F and B is one place where Disney doesnt lose money I am sure.

 

[Katiebell]

But by having two seperate menus, that's basically saying that if you're on DDP you're second class. Why shouldn't somebody who paid $39 or whatever it is on the DDP enjoy the same thing that somebody else is enjoying who paid OOP who decided not to do the DDP? Would the OOP people be able to chose from both menus then? I can understand both sides though.

I also understand both sides, but agree that two separate menus is not the answer.

Has anyone (on either side of this topic) thought that maybe Disney decide to decrease the portion size because of their healthy take on food? Instead of serving a 9 oz. steak, maybe they considered that a 7 oz. steak would be just as good. I just thought of that idea.

Not to mention that 3-4 oz is an actual serving of meat -- nobody wants a steak that small, especially in a restaurant, but a 1/4 lb burger is 4 oz before cooking. A 7 oz steak is a very reasonable portion. Disney may be playing to the current trend for healthier selections and portions, but I think it's more likely that shrinking portion sizes are just a lucrative marketing decision.

Despite the portion sizes we’ve come to expect at a wide variety of venues, and all over the country, the intent of any given menu item, unless otherwise indicated on the menu (e.g. “Chateaubriand for two”) is to feed the individual diner only. So, portions have been large enough in the past to share. Now they’re not. In the past, diners at Disney World (and other locations) have been able to save money by sharing courses. That the size of a particular dish has been reduced to feed an individual instead of a family with no corresponding drop in price is disappointing, sure – but that’s what the restaurant chooses to do. In the example quoted, and IMO only, that S’mores dessert was WAY too big.

I agree. My husband and I frequently will share restaurant meals if they are large (especially appetizers and desserts, but sometimes entrees, too), or will take half of our meals home for later. Many of our favorite restaurants are offering smaller portions as well -- like half-sized meal salads (even though they aren't half-priced, they are often a much more reasonable portion for one diner). Saving half of our meals for later isn't practical on vacation, obviously. While dining at Disney on our trip last week, we found most portion sizes to be appropriate for one person, with a few exceptions. And no servings were skimpy or left us hungry.

I do not think a separate menu would be the answer but if they had a few things on each menu that had to be paid for OOP or at additional cost for DDP, it would be a fair compromise without alienating any of their guests. Does anyone else think that sounds reasonable???

It's very reasonable, and Disney already does this to some degree. Several restaurants have one or two items that are not included on the plan -- the rotisserie chicken at Tangierine, or the sushi at Puck's is not considered an appetizer, but an entree, for example. It makes perfect sense that there would be only one menu with all items available to purchase OOP or with DDP credits, with just a couple of more expensive items that either are not available with the DDP, or would require a reasonable upcharge -- like the kids' steak at Le Cellier is $2 more than the other children's meals.

 

[marivaid]

Originally Posted by apostolic4life
I do not think a separate menu would be the answer but if they had a few things on each menu that had to be paid for OOP or at additional cost for DDP, it would be a fair compromise without alienating any of their guests. Does anyone else think that sounds reasonable???

It's very reasonable, and Disney already does this to some degree. Several restaurants have one or two items that are not included on the plan -- the rotisserie chicken at Tangierine, or the sushi at Puck's is not considered an appetizer, but an entree, for example. It makes perfect sense that there would be only one menu with all items available to purchase OOP or with DDP credits, with just a couple of more expensive items that either are not available with the DDP, or would require a reasonable upcharge -- like the kids' steak at Le Cellier is $2 more than the other children's meals.

Most of us agree that it would be a great compromise. Here's the thing though.. yes DISers are smart, but if we can think of that option, surely someone at Disney thought of it too, yet decided not to go for it.

To me it seems that Disney only wants to buy things in bulk, cheaper, things that they KNOW will sell. Adding fresh lobster etc.. at an extra cost is great but you also need to sell these products before they go bad, and the majority (DDP or not) will not buy them - hence they would have to either order small quantities at a higher price, or plan for it to go to waste.

I think for every family on DDP that does it "right" (meaning they have Dis knowledge) there may be 3 families that go home with credits left.

You also have the families that will not make ADRs at all and end up using their TS credits at the cheaper places, because that's all they could get, or even trading them for CS. Or families that will, like us, have a mix of expensive and cheap meals. Maybe we "cost" Disney a few bucks when we had lunch at Le Cellier or dinner at Kona (though I really doubt it), but they definitely got it back, several times over, when we used TS credits for lunch at CP or dinner at LTT.

 

[apostolic4life]

To me it seems that Disney only wants to buy things in bulk, cheaper, things that they KNOW will sell. Adding fresh lobster etc.. at an extra cost is great but you also need to sell these products before they go bad, and the majority (DDP or not) will not buy them - hence they would have to either order small quantities at a higher price, or plan for it to go to waste.

This is exactly the way I see it. The powers that be at WDW have decided on a course that does not allow any room for "extra" menu choices based on the business model they seem to be following. Ordering food that may or may not be selected is risky on this type of plan. Volume sales seem to be the driving force in their restaurant philosophy these days.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

What really baffles me about this thread is that many people feel that the decline of dining at WDW is to be blamed by a program that allows any guest (staying on property of course) the opportunity to dine at restaurants that they may not normally be able to because of money. Who are we to judge where people eat. This has nothing to do with the time that it takes, the confusion on some people's part regarding the plan, etc., but with the feeling that some people are better than other people. I promised myself I would keep my mouth shut about this whole debate, but it bothers me when other people judge other people. I've been judged before and it's horrible.

Everybody goes to WDW to have a good time regardless of their financial situation. Why can't we just be happy about going to WDW instead of feeling that some people on DDP are below us? I guess I'll never understand that.


OK, I'm stepping off my soap box.

Have a Disney Day!

I can't find a post in this thread that has anything to do with judging other people. Particularly their financial situation.

The discussion is about the influence the DDP has or has not had on Disney dining and everyone is entitled to their opinion.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

You also have the families that will not make ADRs at all and end up using their TS credits at the cheaper places, because that's all they could get, or even trading them for CS. Or families that will, like us, have a mix of expensive and cheap meals. Maybe we "cost" Disney a few bucks when we had lunch at Le Cellier or dinner at Kona (though I really doubt it), but they definitely got it back, several times over, when we used TS credits for lunch at CP or dinner at LTT.

If I were on the DDP and was unable to use the TS credits I'd ask for a refund.

 

[marivaid]

If I were on the DDP and was unable to use the TS credits I'd ask for a refund.

I doubt you'd get one. It's up to the guests to make ADRs, and you are told about that when you book your package.

I can't find a post in this thread that has anything to do with judging other people. Particularly their financial situation.

There were a few pejorative posts at one point. Something about staying at Deluxe instead of "DDP style of hotels" (therefore implying that guests on the DDP can only afford values), "CS people" who can't pay for TS, a few things like that. It stopped a while ago though.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

I doubt you'd get one. It's up to the guests to make ADRs, and you are told about that when you book your package.



There were a few pejorative posts at one point. Something about staying at Deluxe instead of "DDP style of hotels" (therefore implying that guests on the DDP can only afford values), "CS people" who can't pay for TS, a few things like that. It stopped a while ago though.

I was thinking along the lines should DDP get so popular and ADR's were unavailable for Dinner anywhere. There are many nights I've seen a sign and heard CM's tell people that there wasn't any seating in WS for dinner.

We all know to make ADR's far in advance but how far is far enough during the periods when DDP's are popular? I wonder what would happen if it were oversold?

I too, doubt that Disney would give a refund (OK, maybe during free dining ) but I would sure as heck be making phone and writing letters of complaint if I purchased meals I was unable to redeem.

I know we came home with unused snacks.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

There were a few pejorative posts at one point. Something about staying at Deluxe instead of "DDP style of hotels" (therefore implying that guests on the DDP can only afford values), "CS people" who can't pay for TS, a few things like that. It stopped a while ago though.

Well, if it makes people feel better we had the DDP during a split stay at the GF and BC which IMHO are the two best places on property.

 

[George69]

Thanks for the comments to get involved. I really like this site, but wow, you do get into it sometimes! I do feel welcomed, thank you.

 

[txmomto1]

There were a few pejorative posts at one point. Something about staying at Deluxe instead of "DDP style of hotels" (therefore implying that guests on the DDP can only afford values), "CS people" who can't pay for TS, a few things like that. It stopped a while ago though.

I would say that the people who purchase the DDP actually spend on average more money on food, then the average person who is attending the parks without. An average family of 4 is spending at least $100 a day on the DDP. I would say most people while at the parks spend their money at CS, and often times eat breakfast in the rooms, and split meals whenever possible. This board is for Disney fanatics, who want to experience everything, and to them dining is a big part of that. The average WDW guest is not like that.

I'd hardly classify a Disney vacation as cheap, value or deluxe. Just varying degrees of pricey. I could have easily gone to Europe with the amount I've spent on two WDW vacations this year, and I stay at values

I think changes in food also have a lot to do with the price of food going up. A friend owns a meal prep franchise, and because the cost of ethenol has gone up, anything that eats grain, i.e. most meat, has dramatically increased in cost. Since January, a case of chicken has gone from $19.99 to $27.00. He flank steak has increased $14 a case.

So maybe your smaller filet has less to do with the "value crowd" and more to do with the cost of food. JMO.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Thanks for the comments to get involved. I really like this site, but wow, you do get into it sometimes! I do feel welcomed, thank you.

Good! I really enjoy reading what other people write about WDW.

I would say that the people who purchase the DDP actually spend on average more money on food, then the average person who is attending the parks without. An average family of 4 is spending at least $100 a day on the DDP. I would say most people while at the parks spend their money at CS, and often times eat breakfast in the rooms, and split meals whenever possible. This board is for Disney fanatics, who want to experience everything, and to them dining is a big part of that. The average WDW guest is not like that.

I'd hardly classify a Disney vacation as cheap, value or deluxe. Just varying degrees of pricey. I could have easily gone to Europe with the amount I've spent on two WDW vacations this year, and I stay at values

I think changes in food also have a lot to do with the price of food going up. A friend owns a meal prep franchise, and because the cost of ethenol has gone up, anything that eats grain, i.e. most meat, has dramatically increased in cost. Since January, a case of chicken has gone from $19.99 to $27.00. He flank steak has increased $14 a case.

So maybe your smaller filet has less to do with the "value crowd" and more to do with the cost of food. JMO.

See. I learned something new. I wonder if the dollar menu will disappear from McDonalds.

 

[Tinkerbell24]

I can't find a post in this thread that has anything to do with judging other people. Particularly their financial situation.

The discussion is about the influence the DDP has or has not had on Disney dining and everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Look back a bit... there was something said, and there were a few people questioning it. There was some tension and things being said.

 

[5boyz]

Sorry did not read all the post so if I am saying something that has already been posted don't yell at me The thing I don't like about the DDP is the pricing range....how can you compare MOST 10 year olds to adults! There shud be a jr price for this plan. I also think that you shud be able to have it for as many nights as you want what is the difference????? I am going July 21-Aug 4th with my dh, ds 10(tiny) dd 7 I have split my reservation as I wanted to try the plan but was not about to spend almost $2000. for us to eat, we would not eat that much money worth of food with all 6 of my kids (not big eaters). But would still like the opportunity to at least try it.

 

[marivaid]

I also think that you shud be able to have it for as many nights as you want what is the difference?????

It's linked to your resort stay, I guess to avoid people booking 1 night at a value to get the DDP for a week and then stay offsite.
Also, Disney has to get their $$ in somehow. You save money with the plan, but have to pay resort rack rate in order to get it.

 

[Disney8704]

Wonder why you go into the grocery store and prices are jacked up? GAS PRICES! The price of gas goes up = Price of food goes up. Same thing for Disney. But all in all, I have to say that Disney should have left the menus alone. They could have just added the DDP logo next to each item people can get on the DDP. It wont go to waste because people that arent on the DDP could order what DDP people cant and people on the DDP could order it to, just pay OOP for it. If they want it bad enough, they will order it. People do it all the time for alcohol, so this isnt any different. And it wouldnt seem like 2nd class, cuz guess what. Like that one DISer said, they sorta already do that. Over on the food porn thread, someone mentioned they couldnt order a certain dish at WGP Exrpress cuz it wasnt allowed to be ordered on the DDP. Which is another reason why I think the DDP is a waste. If it was all inclusive like some of you think, its not. There certain things you can get and cant get. Same thing for snacks. You can only get something under $4. Although there might be TONS of items that you can get, there are also items that you cant get with a snack credit. If im going to be spending tons of money on my disney trip, I should be able to eat wherever and whatever and not be limited. And as for poritions being smaller, its already been said by Disney they are changing their menus for healther reasons. Which is the reason why they changed the kids menus. I know this is true, cuz it was on my news when the changes were made. They give you to much food, you will be tempted to eat it all, so therfor gain weight. I honestly cant believe that people say its to much food to be on the DDP. If it was so much food, then stop complaining about the food poritions. I dont get people who sit there and say its to much food and then complain about the poritions being to small. That doesnt make any sense at all. I remember last time me and DH went to Disney and we ate at GF Cafe every morning, ate a CS meal for lunch everday and a TS meal for dinner every night PLUS got a snack when we watched fantasmic (just 1 night), and that was after eating a big meal at SciFi and we didnt find it to be to much food. And this was back in 2003, before the poritions got smaller.

I would say that the people who purchase the DDP actually spend on average more money on food, then the average person who is attending the parks without. An average family of 4 is spending at least $100 a day on the DDP. I would say most people while at the parks spend their money at CS, and often times eat breakfast in the rooms, and split meals whenever possible. This board is for Disney fanatics, who want to experience everything, and to them dining is a big part of that. The average WDW guest is not like that.

I'd hardly classify a Disney vacation as cheap, value or deluxe. Just varying degrees of pricey. I could have easily gone to Europe with the amount I've spent on two WDW vacations this year, and I stay at values

I think changes in food also have a lot to do with the price of food going up. A friend owns a meal prep franchise, and because the cost of ethenol has gone up, anything that eats grain, i.e. most meat, has dramatically increased in cost. Since January, a case of chicken has gone from $19.99 to $27.00. He flank steak has increased $14 a case.

So maybe your smaller filet has less to do with the "value crowd" and more to do with the cost of food. JMO.

 

[Disney8704]

Not true, if you are a AAA member. If you are a AAA member, you can get the plan PLUS the room discount as long as its not during free dinning. Then its either the room discount or free dinning. If DH and I ever went during free dinning, we would go for the free dinning and not room discount cuz we save more money getting free dinning then the room discount. Like if we were to go next Aug, which we are, 10 nights, AKL, savannah view, (going by this years rates) we would save only $480.96. If we were on the free dinning, we would save (going by this years rates for dinning) $779.80

It's linked to your resort stay, I guess to avoid people booking 1 night at a value to get the DDP for a week and then stay offsite.
Also, Disney has to get their $$ in somehow. You save money with the plan, but have to pay resort rack rate in order to get it.

 

[marivaid]

Over on the food porn thread, someone mentioned they couldnt order a certain dish at WGP Exrpress cuz it wasnt allowed to be ordered on the DDP.

Yes but WGP is not a Disney-owned restaurant. In fact the only Disney restaurant that has restrictions (for adult meals) is Pepper Market, and it's only for desserts.

And as for poritions being smaller, its already been said by Disney they are changing their menus for healther reasons. Which is the reason why they changed the kids menus. I know this is true, cuz it was on my news when the changes were made.

I don't believe that for a second. If they are truly concerned about our health then why close down one of the very few CS that offers healthy food (I'm talking about Tusker House) and turn it into yet another buffet?

I dont get people who sit there and say its to much food and then complain about the poritions being to small.

Yeah those posts crack me up. "The food was gross and there wasn't enough of it!" is a good one too

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Wonder why you go into the grocery store and prices are jacked up? GAS PRICES! The price of gas goes up = Price of food goes up. Same thing for Disney. But all in all, I have to say that Disney should have left the menus alone. They could have just added the DDP logo next to each item people can get on the DDP. It wont go to waste because people that arent on the DDP could order what DDP people cant and people on the DDP could order it to, just pay OOP for it. If they want it bad enough, they will order it. People do it all the time for alcohol, so this isnt any different. And it wouldnt seem like 2nd class, cuz guess what. Like that one DISer said, they sorta already do that. Over on the food porn thread, someone mentioned they couldnt order a certain dish at WGP Exrpress cuz it wasnt allowed to be ordered on the DDP. Which is another reason why I think the DDP is a waste. If it was all inclusive like some of you think, its not. There certain things you can get and cant get. Same thing for snacks. You can only get something under $4. Although there might be TONS of items that you can get, there are also items that you cant get with a snack credit. If im going to be spending tons of money on my disney trip, I should be able to eat wherever and whatever and not be limited. And as for poritions being smaller, its already been said by Disney they are changing their menus for healther reasons. Which is the reason why they changed the kids menus. I know this is true, cuz it was on my news when the changes were made. They give you to much food, you will be tempted to eat it all, so therfor gain weight. I honestly cant believe that people say its to much food to be on the DDP. If it was so much food, then stop complaining about the food poritions. I dont get people who sit there and say its to much food and then complain about the poritions being to small. That doesnt make any sense at all. I remember last time me and DH went to Disney and we ate at GF Cafe every morning, ate a CS meal for lunch everday and a TS meal for dinner every night PLUS got a snack when we watched fantasmic (just 1 night), and that was after eating a big meal at SciFi and we didnt find it to be to much food. And this was back in 2003, before the poritions got smaller.

I did the DDP and it was too much food in one seating. We never order appetizer's entree's and desserts for everyone.

Plus we do TS twice a day and had to use our CS for breakfast which was very limited.

My DD's favorite snack is a soft pretzel which I know was not covered and I never get a snack so we came home with extra snack credits and having paid OOP for many TS meals. Hence, too much food (snacks) and not enough (TS's).

 

[5boyz]

Some might save money but I DEFINEATELY don't, but like I said I wanted to try it and someone suggested splitting my ressie so that is what I did!