Why the Change

[TisBit]

I do find it interesting that even six months ago these boards were filled with posts about how service was horrible with the DDP, as soon as the Waiter heard that it was DDP they didn't bring drinks or explain anything and ignored the table altogether. Now that the tip is not included....everyone is saying how great it was and that "the whiners" ruined it all.

I also am not foolish enough to see that this is also a way to profit for Disney.....and the removal of the appetizer helps turn over tables faster, but more importantly encourages people to buy the deluxe plan which includes it. Now the Deluxe plan actually looks like a better deal for people that want both apps and desserts.

 

[eliza61]

When I called the CM explained it to me. When I asked why did they drop the tip he said it was because so many people complained about the tip being in that Disney removed it to make the customers happy. I told him that it did not make me happy and I wish that it was still included.

I plead guilty to this one. I was one of those customers who complained about the tip being automatically included. I hated the fact that when my server was lousy I really had to complain to have the tip removed. I was not giving them 18% for lousy service. I hate automatic gratuities wherever I go.

 

[LSchrow]

I have often thought that was the reason the gratuity was removed. People complain and then everyone suffers. I wish the whiners and complainers ("too much food" is the biggest one I hear now) would just keep quiet - they make us all vulnerable to the powers that be to make unwanted changes to our beloved Dining Plan!!

all one has to do is go back to posts from last year, & there are soooo many "it's way too much food", "my child/wife/SO/MIL eats like a bird" and "they shouldn't include the tip" threads. add that to the "how to use children's credits for adult meals", "sharing", "kindness is giving strangers your extra credits", "how will they know if my 12yo child isn't 9", "how to maximize & get $150 worth of food for $40", threads & it made sense to change it ~ it appeared no one was happy.
IMHO, the old DDP was rediculously underpriced (and we did not try to "maximize" it), and the plan "rolled out" before it was ready. hopefully, each year will involve more refinements & improvements for those that use it for what it was intended ~ a great convenience while saving a bit of money.
one can only dream

 

[Luv2Roam]

Or the numerous threads all wanting $90 lobster dinners and being upset when they don't get them.
It does not take much to figure out people ordering lobster dinners and paying a third of the price is not going to keep up for too long.
I think it is a combination of situations that killed the previous DDP. And not surprised it happened.

 

[tom401]

I was told about no Aps - I am okay with that one (turns the tables over). I was not told about no Gratuity - I am not okay with that one - One thing I like abou the DDP is it fixes/prepays my food costs. We've doen annually for years, and always thought the service was okay.

 

[TDC Nala]

I was told about no Aps - I am okay with that one (turns the tables over). I was not told about no Gratuity - I am not okay with that one - One thing I like abou the DDP is it fixes/prepays my food costs. We've doen annually for years, and always thought the service was okay.

Which is apparently the model WDW is moving toward - using DDP for convenience as a prepayment program, rather than a savings program. There's still a certain amount of savings for certain families or groups in the basic dining plan - depends on the composition of your group, where you stay, how long you stay, what and where you plan to eat and how much you'd generally order, etc. But it's no longer the runaway bargain it was last year. And WDW can still use it for promotional gain if needed (i.e. free dining).

Disneyland has a "dining plan" but it's a voucher based plan that's strictly a prepaid meal program. No real "savings" associated with it at all.

 

[auntie]

The conveniece factor was a huge part of our enjoyment of the dining plan last year(which was the first time we've ever used a dining plan). It was prepaid..and you didn't have to open your wallet every other minute. While the price was great too, I would have preferred (and gladly paid) a price increase keeping the gratuity included. Having to add it..while not brain surgery, it does chip away at that convenience factor. I makes me think, if I'm going to be opening the wallet, I may as well eat what I want(if that includes an appetizer) and leave a gratuity..same as I would any where else we ate.
It may just pay for us to look into the Dining Experience card instead. Simply 20% off..and be done with it. Sounds easier all around. Why a good many people here(like me! ) research this stuff to DEATH...most folks going on vacation just want to do what's least complicated. I don't think the plan as it is offered currently is meeting that need. While it may still be a decent value..the convenience factor isn't really there any longer.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I makes me think, if I'm going to be opening the wallet, I may as well eat what I want(if that includes an appetizer) and leave a gratuity..

Aha! Disney's ultimate goal works!!!

 

[mickey2000]

Or the numerous threads all wanting $90 lobster dinners and being upset when they don't get them.
It does not take much to figure out people ordering lobster dinners and paying a third of the price is not going to keep up for too long.
I think it is a combination of situations that killed the previous DDP. And not surprised it happened.

And where did this take place ???

 

[bluslag]

I was going to use the DDE this year but after much thought we decided to go with the DDP. Since we usually round off our tip to 20% we would just be getting our tip free. I think it is fun for our family to order whatever they want on vacation and not be looking at the prices. I also think that you don't have to pay for tax makes it even more attractive.