How long before they stop letting people share?

[disneymom2one]

Exactly. People are being cheap and trying to cheat the system. The DDP is already a terrific deal, but people STILL aren't happy, and try to get more out of it then is intended.

It's odd...normally Disney is SO expensive. This is the one area where they offer a deal, and everybody ruins it by constantly trying to game the system.

There's another depressing thread where someone admits to being obsessed with getting the most out of the dining plan that they feel compelled to order the most expensive items at the most expensive places, instead of what they might actually like to eat!

Once and for all, not everyone is being cheap who shares. We share because we have an eleven year old priced as an adult and she doesn't need or want her own appetizer, entree, and dessert. Nor do my husband and I need or want that much food. Sure we could leave it on the table but at that point the DDP would be having us order more food than we would if we paid OOP and that means the DDP no longer works for us.

Furthermore, WE WOULD SHARE (AND DO SHARE) EVEN IF WE ARE NOT ON THE PLAN. It just makes sense. It allows us to limit portions, save some money, and still really enjoy dining out. We do it at home too.

If sharing is limited it will greatly limit our dining choices at WDW, whether on the plan or not. I'm okay with a plate charge but I'm not okay with being forced at every TS to "have to" order an extreme amount of food for my eleven year old who just doesn't eat a whole lot - like most eleven year old kids I know. I understand that some places are already preplated. I understand that some other restaurants may require everyone at the table to order something. I just think this isn't just a DDP issue. It's an issue for everyone who occasionally goes to a restaurant and doesn't order a complete meal.

 

[bicker]

We share because we have an eleven year old priced as an adult and she doesn't need or want her own appetizer, entree, and dessert. Nor do my husband and I need or want that much food. Sure we could leave it on the table but at that point the DDP would be having us order more food than we would if we paid OOP and that means the DDP no longer works for us.

We thought the same thing, but actually even without ordering the extra food, we're saving money on the Dining Plan. The Dining Plan is designed that even those of us who don't eat so much food get a good deal, even with each of us having our own entree.

I just think this isn't just a DDP issue. It's an issue for everyone who occasionally goes to a restaurant and doesn't order a complete meal.

Absolutely, but again, the appetizers and desserts are just (optional) bonuses. They aren't necessary to make the Dining Plan worth it for us.

 

[Pedler]

We thought the same thing, but actually even without ordering the extra food, we're saving money on the Dining Plan. The Dining Plan is designed that even those of us who don't eat so much food get a good deal, even with each of us having our own entree.

Absolutely, but again, the appetizers and desserts are just (optional) bonuses. They aren't necessary to make the Dining Plan worth it for us.

I have to admit this is the one thing I don't understand with the knocks on DDP. Even without the appetizers and deserts its a good deal. So if you don't want those don't order them. That way you are not wasting food. For the life of me I don't understand why people let the DDP control what they eat. It is in essence a pre paid meal plan with few limits. Order what you want, don't order what you don't want... its pretty simple.

 

[The Sweetness]

Exactly. People are being cheap and trying to cheat the system. The DDP is already a terrific deal, but people STILL aren't happy, and try to get more out of it then is intended.

I dont think that sharing a meal is cheating. I do not normally order my own ap and dessert at restaurants. Me dd15 and DH usually order 1 ap 1 dessert and 3 seperate entrees and soft drinks (milk for the baby, she's a non-eater) I dont feel like I am cheating if I order a seperate entree (oop) and share the 2 aps and desserts that DH/ DD order. I tip 20% for my entree/ drink and DDs milk, and we all get full. How's that cheating?

 

[Lewisc]

Your email is nothing more than a "Disney private letter ruling". Unlike a government PLR your email isn't officially published so it can't apply to others. Emails are mildly interesting if they clarify an otherwise ambiguous rule but are meaningless to others if they contradict a clearly posted rule.

I gave you links to at different locations in the Disney website as well as a quote from the brochure that's given out at check in.

There isn't any inconsistency. Drinks and snacks are allowed in the theme parks and picnic lunches are allowed in the water parks. The only question would be if a sandwich qualifies as a snack? How about half a sandwich? I don't plan to bring either so the answer doesn't interest me.

Instead of quoting an old, private, email why don't you just quote the applicable section from Disney's brochure?

I told you the "no outside food" rule was myth. I provided the information. Sorry you can accept the printed word.

I think you're playing on Disney's inconsistency, but that's okay. I hope you're right, actually, which is why I asked Disney the question in the first place back in 2001. Since you won't email them, I have, asking whether their earlier email is no longer valid. I'll be sure to let you know their answer.
..........Again, I'm hoping that the policy is as you suggest. If so, be sure that I'll be posting that reply as frequently as I have been posting the 2001 reply.

 

[bicker]

Please provide documentary evidence of this PLR policy.




As it is, within weeks we'll have a brand-spankin'-new official policy statement, applicable to all, regardless of what you say!

 

[Lewisc]

I already posted "official" policy as per the brochure that is being given when guests checkin.

Do you think I'm making the quote up? I'll scan and email you a copy if that's what you're accusing me of.

Do you really think a private email serves to change the rules that are given to guests when they check in? Sorry but official policy is what Disney publishes and posts.

It also isn't ethical for posters to quote, either on DIS or on their personal websites, Disney's rules and brochures after that individual knows that brochure is no longer current.

As it is, within weeks we'll have a brand-spankin'-new official policy statement, applicable to all, regardless of what you say!

 

[bicker]

I think you're just being silly, now Lewis, not to mention insulting. You don't get to talk to me about ethics, when I know that what I'm doing is perfectly ethical. It's a cheap attempt to distract attention away (but from what I don't know). You and I disagree; let's not make it into something nasty.

Let's agree to disagree, and move on. You go on believing that Disney always prints all its policies in the available brochures, and I'll go on believing that Disney often is inconsistent about doing so.

 

[diznyfanatic]

We've never "gamed" the system, shared meals, or taken food into the parks so I really don't have a dog in this fight at all other than a simple observation on an interesting topic.

Whether you believe Disney publishes each of their policies or they don't, isn't the issue ultimately what can actually be enforced if legally challenged?

I would think one of the criteria for enforcement would be the liklihood that the guest had a reasonable expection of being informed about the policy or had some reasonable ability to know of the policy's existence.

You'd then also have to throw into the mix the various, legally arguable interpretations of each policy.

A complex issue for sure.

 

[bicker]

We've never "gamed" the system, shared meals, or taken food into the parks so I really don't have a dog in this fight at all

That's really the problem that Jodi is raising though: The way other people "game" the system does affect the rest of us. Disney changes things in reaction to use contrary to their intent.

Whether you believe Disney publishes each of their policies or they don't, isn't the issue ultimately what can actually be enforced if legally challenged?

That cuts both ways: When a Disney CM enforces a rule, are you going to legally challenge it if you disagree that it is a rule? So legal challenge isn't the threshold we should be looking at. Rather, we should be looking at what could a guest possibly encounter, in terms of rule enforcement.

Don't you think it would be better for guests to be pleasantly suprised by what they're allowed to do when they get to WDW, than for them to be horribly surprised by what they're not allowed to do?

 

[diznyfanatic]

That's really the problem that Jodi is raising though: The way other people "game" the system does affect the rest of us. Disney changes things in reaction to use contrary to their intent.

That cuts both ways: When a Disney CM enforces a rule, are you going to legally challenge it if you disagree that it is a rule? So legal challenge isn't the threshold we should be looking at. Rather, we should be looking at what could a guest possibly encounter, in terms of rule enforcement.

Don't you think it would be better for guests to be pleasantly suprised by what they're allowed to do when they get to WDW, than for them to be horribly surprised by what they're not allowed to do?

Yes, of course you are correct in that changes made at Disney as a result of abuse ultimately affect all of us. I should have been more accurate in my choice of words. I simply meant that I hadn't debated the issue one way or the other.

I don't believe most reasonable people would legally challenge a policy that they disagree with. For one thing, it is cost prohibitive for most people (particularly to take on corporate giants such as Disney, Walmart or others with extremely deep pockets)

Most people who vehemently disagree with a corporate policy of any kind simply do not return again to patronize that establishment.

My point simply was that in the end, the true effectiveness of a law, or in this case corporate policy, can usually be measured in terms of how it is able to withstand legal challenges. It is very often how these things are drafted in the first place.

 

[bicker]

Most people who vehemently disagree with a corporate policy of any kind simply do not return again to patronize that establishment.

Precisely, and the reality is that there would only be a small number of guests who would "vehemently" disagree. Most would simply grin and bear it, and it would just have a minimal impact on their purchasing decisions... I'm sure that Disney have worked all the numbers in that regard.

 

[Sammie]

but I have to ask. Has anyone heard FIRST HAND of any intent by Disney to reduce the ammount of sharing or is this another Internet rumor run amok? Please, no responses from people that heard it from thier friends cousins son in law, just first hand accounts.

I have heard nothing. What I was told was they wanted to stop adults from using child credits, especially at TS. They did this. They want to stop people on the plan feeding guests not on the plan. They don't want it shared with non-participants.

As far as sharing among family members on the same plan, I have not heard of any concerns.

As to a plate fee, I can see them doing this at Signature restaurants more than other locations. As someone else stated, if truly sharing is costing them money, or space in the restaurant, which is money, then yes they will stop it, if the abuse is such to warrant the change. As with anything at Disney, they will accept limited abuse, it is when it gets out of control, they step in.

I really don't have an opinion on whether sharing within the family group is good or bad, but I find the comments about wasting food and over eating really interesting.

If we are on the DDP we don't over eat. Just because it is paid for we don't have to make ourselves eat every bite. My gosh, how do these people ever go to a buffet and not stuff themselves.

Whether I eat at a buffet or a plated meal, I eat what I want and leave what I don't want. Lots of buffet food is thrown away and that does not seem to bother some as much as having food on their plate thrown out.

If you don't even order all the desserts or appetizers the DDP can still save you money. If truly you do not want to waste the food, then don't order it.

 

[PinkTink63]

I have heard nothing. What I was told was they wanted to stop adults from using child credits, especially at TS. They did this. They want to stop people on the plan feeding guests not on the plan. They don't want it shared with non-participants.

As far as sharing among family members on the same plan, I have not heard of any concerns.

As to a plate fee, I can see them doing this at Signature restaurants more than other locations. As someone else stated, if truly sharing is costing them money, or space in the restaurant, which is money, then yes they will stop it, if the abuse is such to warrant the change. As with anything at Disney, they will accept limited abuse, it is when it gets out of control, they step in.

I really don't have an opinion on whether sharing within the family group is good or bad, but I find the comments about wasting food and over eating really interesting.

If we are on the DDP we don't over eat. Just because it is paid for we don't have to make ourselves eat every bite. My gosh, how do these people ever go to a buffet and not stuff themselves.

Whether I eat at a buffet or a plated meal, I eat what I want and leave what I don't want. Lots of buffet food is thrown away and that does not seem to bother some as much as having food on their plate thrown out.

If you don't even order all the desserts or appetizers the DDP can still save you money. If truly you do not want to waste the food, then don't order it.

The DDP is not a deal for us! For one thing, I would have to pay for an adult for my 12 yr. old, who doesn't eat that much. We never order appetizers before dinner and we are not big soda drinkers. I usually order water to drink, mostly because I need to drink more water and I get too full before my food comes. The same goes for my son. I don't want him filling up on soda or whatever, because he is not a big eater. If he orders water or milk, I let him order dessert and many times he is too full.

We don't do buffets too often, because I'm guilty, I'll admit it! I can't help myself and I end up eating too much!

I just don't understand why people get so upset over sharing a meal that is paid for! We buy what we want to eat and eat it! For instance, My son and I love pasta at the RFC. We'll split that and maybe get a side of bread and it is just enough for us both. Now why would I want to buy two orders of it and then us both leave half of it to be thrown out?

Even if someone has the DDP, why would people care if they are sharing meals among their family members? You pay per person per day for X number of meals, so how you use those meals is up to you?! I can understand people getting upset over paying for a child and then ordering off the adult menu.

Steph

 

[bicker]

I just don't understand why people get so upset over sharing a meal that is paid for! ... Even if someone has the DDP, why would people care if they are sharing meals among their family members? You pay per person per day for X number of meals, so how you use those meals is up to you?!

Well, as many of us have said already, sharing food off your plate with others at your table is absolutely okay. However, that's as far as allowed "sharing" goes. With a meal plan, you're not paying for a certain amount of food: You're paying for the right for a person (you actually have to give them that person's name) to order a certain number of meals. Even though "bites of the food on the plate" (for lack of a better term ) are "transferable", the person for whom you can order meals is not. Why? Because meal plans generally are priced based on an assumption of a certain amount of non-use, and rules, such as the non-transferability rule ensure the integrity of the pricing they offer. I hope that makes it a bit clearer what the issue is.

 

[Pedler]

...Why? Because meal plans generally are priced based on an assumption of a certain amount of non-use, and rules, such as the non-transferability rule ensure the integrity of the pricing they offer. I hope that makes it a bit clearer what the issue is.

I would also add that it appears part of the goal of the meal plan as well is to keep people spending all of their money on site. Generally speaking there is enough food on the meal plan that you don't need to purchase any major meals. (1TS a day and all that.) Sharing meals with non plan participants may mean you would need to pay for some TS meals OOP and, gasp, could go off site to spend money. Keep in mind the DDP is more than just a meal plan. Combined with the MYW ticket pricing and the Magical Express it is a well designed marketing plan to grab as high a percentage of the money spent in Florida as possible. To gauge the success of the plan you only need to look at Disney and Universals financial reports.

Getting back to the sharing topic I don't think you would see Disney do anything drastic that would effect the popularity of the plan at least anything that impacts just DDP patrons. They could go to more fixed price menus but that would be for everyone. I don't see DDP only type menus on any large scale at the Disney owned places. They need the DDP, Magical Express and MYW Ticket pricing at a group to continue to pack the people into their hotels and theme parks.

 

[The Sweetness]

I think having a list of *specialties* on menus (things that wouldnt be covered by the DDP as an entree, ap, or dessert) is a fine idea. Isnt it already being done in some places with items such as lobster and sushi?

 

[saffy]

I don't see why. WIth all the food that is given in a single meal (app, entree and dessert) that is a lot of food for one person to eat. By sharing a meal, less food is wasted and everyone is happy.

I don't see anything wrong with it at all. Just MHO

I agree completly!

Especially since the signature dining places require 2 TS credits, you need to be able to save those up somewhere, which is a large reason why I don't think they will be putting a limit on shared meals.


I am going with my family this fall - just me (30 yo) and my parents (in their 50's). We will be on the DDP and looking at the menus, know we plan on sharing a lot of meals. 2 meals for the 3 of us will be plenty of food, and that way we won't be waddling around uncomfortably stuffed for our vacation! It also will leave us with some extra TS credits to be able to enjoy both breakfast and dinner at some places.

My mom and I ALWAYS share food - we both do best with small meals throughout the day. It would be very disappointing if they changed things to force us to eat more food than we would be comfortable with.

But, back to the point, I see nothing wrong with asking if that would be allowed here ot be better able to plan our trip and our ADR's.

 

[saffy]

Exactly. People are being cheap and trying to cheat the system. The DDP is already a terrific deal, but people STILL aren't happy, and try to get more out of it then is intended.

Except, if that's enough food for 2 people to eat, then why in this day and age of obesity and health problems, should people be forced (or encouraged) to consume more than needed?

And called cheap for doing so?

We share for health reasons more than anything else! If 1 meal is enough for 2 of us to get the food we need for the day, then why should we have to eat more? And, yeah, we could order it and not eat it all, but then there's that waste that was discussed.

Or, yeah, we could forego the aps and desserts, but we are in effect paying for that. IF 1 TS credit gets us 1 ap and 1 entree and 1 dessert, and that is enough food for 2 of us, then why shouldn't we be able to use it for 2 of us?

Again, that's assuming that everyone eating is on the DDP - I can see why it's not right to share with non-DDP visitors, or save to take Aunt whoever out on the day she meets up with you, but that's again cheating the system. I don't see how otherwise sharing is.

I'm curious for those of you who DO feel that sharing food is cheating - do you share when you go out to eat other times?

We almost always share. Or, take home leftovers. I cna't remembr the last time I ate an entire meal at a restaurant on my own. THey just give you too much food.

Food that I'm paying for. So, if I take home unwanted portions to have for another meal, is that cheating the restaurant?

 

[NMW]

Except, if that's enough food for 2 people to eat, then why in this day and age of obesity and health problems, should people be forced (or encouraged) to consume more than needed?

And called cheap for doing so?

We share for health reasons more than anything else! If 1 meal is enough for 2 of us to get the food we need for the day, then why should we have to eat more? And, yeah, we could order it and not eat it all, but then there's that waste that was discussed.

Or, yeah, we could forego the aps and desserts, but we are in effect paying for that. IF 1 TS credit gets us 1 ap and 1 entree and 1 dessert, and that is enough food for 2 of us, then why shouldn't we be able to use it for 2 of us?

Again, that's assuming that everyone eating is on the DDP - I can see why it's not right to share with non-DDP visitors, or save to take Aunt whoever out on the day she meets up with you, but that's again cheating the system. I don't see how otherwise sharing is.

I'm curious for those of you who DO feel that sharing food is cheating - do you share when you go out to eat other times?

We almost always share. Or, take home leftovers. I cna't remembr the last time I ate an entire meal at a restaurant on my own. THey just give you too much food.

Food that I'm paying for. So, if I take home unwanted portions to have for another meal, is that cheating the restaurant?

I can only speak for our family, but we never share anywhere. I especially wouldn't want to share on my vacation! DH and I never want to order the same things and I would hate to have to order something I might not really want, just so we can share it. I'd rather not even go out to eat. To me, that seems cheap. We usually don't take home leftovers, it doesn't kill me to leave food on a plate. To answer your question, No, I don't think it's "cheating" the restaurant to bring home leftovers. Two adults eating one entree...it's just something I wouldn't want to do. I can understand restaurants having plate sharing fees and it wouldn't bother me if Disney did it. The restaurant and the server are losing money, and valuable table space for people who DID want to order an entree is being taken up. You can't really blame restaurants that have sharing fees. At Disney, I can mostly see this at signature restaurants.