Rumored DDP Changes - Would they impact your use?

[starbox]

Thanks got it now. May have to get this if they change the dining plan.........

The DDE rocks. With the 20% off - you can easily do dinner at a signature restaurant with one shared appetizer, one shared dessert, and an adult drink instead of soda for less money than even the old plan.

 

[JimMIA]

I've run the numbers for our family and we will do neither DDP nor DDE. We've used both and like both, but neither will be of any benefit to us now.

As Florida residents, we would have to spend $425 in Disney restaurants if we only bought one DDE card just to break even. (The Florida Seasonal Pass is $100 less than the DVC AP, so we aren't getting APs. Therefore, we pay $85 for DDE.) And truthfully, the DDE is not doing anything more than offsetting the overpriced food anyway.

We'll still do one character meal per trip, but we'll just pay OOP for those. It would take quite a few character meals to add up to $425 -- certainly more than we'll do in two visits a year.

I think we will eat just as well (better, in many cases) offsite...and less expensively. We always have a car, and usually find ourselves going offsite daily for some errand, so that's no biggie to us. If we didn't have a car, I would research cabs to offsite restaurants vs. getting the DDE, but that is not our situation.

We will also use our new "freedom" to visit Sea World, Universal, etc., and I can see us only doing a couple of Disney park days on our next five-day trip.

In a way, I am a little disappointed to lose DDP, but in other ways the "loss" is probably better for our family.

 

[n2mm]

The ddp would no longer be a good fit for us. We will stick with the DDE card. We allow $100 per day for the 2 of us for meals. Some days higher which are offsetted with lower days. This works for us for all 3 meals. The DDP is $78 a day for us, but if we have to start paying tips too, then we would be close to our $100 guideline and that's not counting breakfast. I don't care that the appetizer went away, if would've been better to let us choose appetizer or desert, but they didn't ask me first. However, taking the tip away really loses it's value for us. Since we can barely get through the regular DDP, no way are we ready for the delux DDP at $69 a person, plus adding tips to that which could be another $30 or more a day. I can't justify paying $200 a day for the two of us to eat. We would rather use that money and have a FEW great meals, then all of those meals each day, especially during one of our 2 weeks trip.

 

[WITiggerFan]

I'm curious how that works out for you, from a cost perspective.

My wife and I worked the numbers and just couldn't make it "work" to be better than DDP.

You have to buy the DDE card for at least $65 (if you're an AP holder). That means, to "break even" and even START saving money, we would have had to spend $325 in TS food/drinks/alcohol. Now, we'd do that over the 6 night trip, but not enough OVER that to make it a better deal than the DDP ends up being. Our projected total was around 700 (and that was on the high side), which would mean a net savings (140 - 65) of $75 or about 10%. With the rumored DDP we're saving about 15% to 18%.

Maybe you go more than once per 1 year "term" on the card? Or go for MUCH longer trips? That would be the only thing that might make it "work" for us over the DDP.

I agree with this post. I ran numbers for our trip and DDP vs DDE come out almost exactly the same, but I included no snacks or dessert in my DDE calculations. We will likely continue to use the DDP, even with the changes. DDP allows you to pick from the menu without worrying about prices, which I would do if paying out of pocket, plus based on my calculations of our typical dining I will be getting dessert and snack for free. I think for those who eat all meals on site, DDP is still a good value, especially if you do not qualify for DDE.

 

[DBorges]

Well, it appears that Deb Wills is jumping on the rumor bandwagon.

According to her latest blog entry, her inside sources report that the plan we all know and love will have the following changes for '08:

1. No tip included in table service meal
2. No appetizer for table service meal
3. Price goes down $1 to $37.99 / $9.99

The other rumored change is that there will be a Deluxe plan which includes 3 meals per day at TS or CS restaurant ("Signature" restaurants still cost 2 credits) plus 2 snacks per day and a refillable mug. Cost is $69.99 and $19.99. Still doesn't include TS tips, of course.

Any interest in either of those plans?

Yes I used use it>>>(since it is not changing and this is rumor)

As for Debs post the open lines State It is rumopr and she says it is not verified anywhere by any disney personal..

I am a dvc member I have spoken with my guide and Don at AKV<<(everyone knows he know the scoop) They both have not heard anything and said it would not be worth while too change it ..

Disney dining said there is I repete no info About this

Now lets look at it this way Why would they change this??

Look at histroy it has not changed for 2 years except in price ..

If it is not broken why fix it..

As far as Deb blog I could see adding more diffrent options but not reducing the curret plan ..

 

[WITiggerFan]

Yes I used use it>>>(since it is nit changing and this is rumor)

As for Debs post the open lines State It is rumopr and she says it is not verified anywhere by any disney personal..

I am a dvc member I have spoken with my guide and Don at AKV<<(everyone knows he know the scoop) They both have not heard anything and said it would not be worth while too change it ..

Disney dining said there is I repete no info About this

Now lets look at it this way Why would they change this??

Look at histroy it has no changed fro 2 years except in price ..

If it is not broken why fix it..

Why do you insist on continuing to point out that it is a rumor, blah, blah, blah? As this post and the other post that you managed to get closed with your ramblings clearly stated, it is a rumor, but if it is so, then would you use the plan. That is the only point of the post, not a debate of whether the rumor is true or not.

And to comment on all of your investigation, how can you possibly think anyone at Disney will give you any information on the changes before it is officially announced? Of course they will tell you they know nothing of the changes because they cannot say anything until it is officially announced.

 

[kimkarli]

When would this alleged change take place? 2008?

 

[WITiggerFan]

Yes, it would take effect for all reservations in 2008.

 

[tjkraz]

I'm curious how that works out for you, from a cost perspective.

My wife and I worked the numbers and just couldn't make it "work" to be better than DDP.

You have to buy the DDE card for at least $65 (if you're an AP holder). That means, to "break even" and even START saving money, we would have had to spend $325 in TS food/drinks/alcohol. Now, we'd do that over the 6 night trip, but not enough OVER that to make it a better deal than the DDP ends up being. Our projected total was around 700 (and that was on the high side), which would mean a net savings (140 - 65) of $75 or about 10%. With the rumored DDP we're saving about 15% to 18%.

I don't know how they stack-up side-by-side, but that's irrelevant to many. We typically eat one meal per day in Disney restaurants, most at TS places but some CS. For the other meals we'll eat in our room or off-site.

The DDP isn't even a factor because I don't want to be committed to 2 Disney meals per day. I also don't want to get into the habit of structuring meals to maximize my DDP "savings." Breakfast and lunch TS meals defeat the purpose of the DDP in many cases, as do meals at low-end restaurants like the Plaza, ESPN Club or Beaches & Cream.

We will have gotten 3 trips out of our most recent DDE card--one of them included a group of 8 and we received the discount on all diners for each meal (Le Cellier, Ohana, etc.) We can eat a sit-down meal in a place like the Plaza Restaurant with the DDE for about the same price as a CS meal elsewhere.

Whether the DDE or DDP works better for people is as unique a decision as which park ticket to buy.

 

[pilferk]

I don't know how they stack-up side-by-side, but that's irrelevant to many. We typically eat one meal per day in Disney restaurants, most at TS places but some CS. For the other meals we'll eat in our room or off-site.

The DDP isn't even a factor because I don't want to be committed to 2 Disney meals per day. I also don't want to get into the habit of structuring meals to maximize my DDP "savings." Breakfast and lunch TS meals defeat the purpose of the DDP in many cases, as do meals at low-end restaurants like the Plaza, ESPN Club or Beaches & Cream.

We will have gotten 3 trips out of our most recent DDE card--one of them included a group of 8 and we received the discount on all diners for each meal (Le Cellier, Ohana, etc.) We can eat a sit-down meal in a place like the Plaza Restaurant with the DDE for about the same price as a CS meal elsewhere.

Whether the DDE or DDP works better for people is as unique a decision as which park ticket to buy.

Yeah, that's what I suspected. It "works" best for those going for either long stretches, frequently, or with large parties. That's why I asked the question I did.....to see if I was missing anything.

FYI, we don't do the whole "maximizing" thing either. We look at our plans, figure out where we want to eat (irrespective of ANY discount), and then run numbers to see which (if any) of the discount plans "fit".

It so happens, this time, DDP works best. Next time, I think DX DDP (for a "slower paced" xmas trip with lots of resort touring). The time after that (which will be an extended family trip, possibly, in Sept of '09, for our 10th wedding anniversary), DDE will likely work out to be the better deal.

 

[JodyTG]

I wonder if families that still get the DDP will just stiff the waiter/waitresses.

Yes, I see this happening. It could be cheapskates that still waitstaff everywhere, but it could also be from people that weren't aware of the tips not being included.

I think this is a bad move on Disney's part. What they SHOULD do, if they want to change this much, is take away the DDP for a year or two and then bring it back they they want it.

 

[deerh]

I for one will not use it. We have teenagers/older kids, and I can't get them up in the mornings for anything!! Besides, we have DVC with a kitchen, and cook up b'fast, coffee, etc. We just eat in the villa what we can, and eat 1/2 meals per day out..

DDE/DDP not worth it to us, but I can see a large group with lots of people really using it...

As for the tip being dropped (rumor) for 08, I can see a LOT OF PEOPLE stiffing the waiters/waitreesss.. For instance- I get a$45 steak, and do I tip with the $45 or do I tip with the $37.99 DDP cost?? LOT"s of confusion for SOME people.....

JMHO....

P.S. There has got to be some MAD waiters at WDW IF this is true for next yr!!!

deerh

 

[DBorges]

Yes that had me wondering too. I am one of those guys who tip on top of the dining plan anyways depending on my service.

This is going to cause such a major problem. That one of two thing will happen if they actually do the rumor. They will revert it back to the way it was or stop it all together for a year too sort it out.

Even though I use the DDp all the time I go I still tip I feel is I get mixed drinks (adult drinks) or wine I still owe the tip for serives renderd.

The wait staff lives off the tips and it would be very unfair to them to change this( i think they all have unions at WDW for food services ) I think it would also go toward cointractual changes that have to worked out with the unions first>

 

[pilferk]

The wait staff lives off the tips and it would be very unfair to them to change this( i think they all have unions at WDW for food services ) I think it would also go toward cointractual changes that have to worked out with the unions first>

Reportedly (from the DDP forum, here on the DIS) the new union contract already provides for the removal of the tip from DDP, lowers the "auto tip" group size from 8 to 6, and provides for an automatic tip for DDE users.

Of course, to that end, no one has actually POSTED the language from the contract, yet. But if it's true, I think the contract is of significant duration that the union can't change it for at least a few years.

 

[pilferk]

I for one will not use it. We have teenagers/older kids, and I can't get them up in the mornings for anything!! Besides, we have DVC with a kitchen, and cook up b'fast, coffee, etc. We just eat in the villa what we can, and eat 1/2 meals per day out..

DDE/DDP not worth it to us, but I can see a large group with lots of people really using it...

As for the tip being dropped (rumor) for 08, I can see a LOT OF PEOPLE stiffing the waiters/waitreesss.. For instance- I get a$45 steak, and do I tip with the $45 or do I tip with the $37.99 DDP cost?? LOT"s of confusion for SOME people.....

JMHO....

P.S. There has got to be some MAD waiters at WDW IF this is true for next yr!!!

deerh

The rumor is that there will be some sort of "demarkation" of what the proper tip is. A card coming with the check or something like that, reminding you that tip isn't included, and listing suggested tip amounts (for example 15% = $3, 18% = $4, 20% = $5...that sort of thing).

We'll see if that turns out to be true or not. I'd suspsect IF they institute all this, they'll have to do something, or see precisely the kind of thing you're suggesting.

 

[flechette]

Hmm have to say IGNORE feature is a great option....

okay sorry....back on topic:


I'm not sure anymore - I have to admit the 3 credits a day could open up to more shows and two credit dinners but $70 a day seems a bit much (tho I like the mug inclusion)

I hope people who say they're are re-crunching # post the results so we can compare different thoughts

 

[JustSayin]

The DDP was a marginal value to begin with for the way out family eats. Removing the appetizer is not that big of a deal for us, although we would strongly prefer that it be a choice of either an appetizer or a dessert. It is very common for us to split 1 appetizer and 1 dessert.

The removal of the tip is another story. I really can’t see any way that you could make the DDP cost effective. Given the extensive number crunching I did on the DDP for our next trip, I am pretty sure that you will definitely come out behind on the rumored new DDP if you eat at any buffet , character meals, or 2 credit restaurants . It may just be flat out impossible to make it cost effective, but I would have to put a little more effort into figuring it out.

I really think that the deluxe plan is more about convenience than value. Perhaps I am naïve, but I just can’t see there being very many people that could eat that much food every day of a vacation. I think that this plan is much more about never having to worry about whether or not you have enough credits to do whatever you want.

 

[Chuck S]

A Reminder..

1) Personal attacks are not allowed on the DVC boards. Points are being issued.

2) There is NO REASON to try to debate whether or not these changes are "rumor", that has been established in the title of this thread, and not one single poster has claimed anything to the contrary. The topic of this thread is IF IT IS TRUE, WILL IT AFFECT YOUR USE OF THE DDP? Further off-topic posts will get points for argumentative/sarcastic.

If you have questions, refer to the Site Posting Guideline

Also, if your post disappeared and you did not receive a PM about that individual post...then the post was removed because it quoted a deleted post, as is board policy.

 

[pilferk]

I'm not sure anymore - I have to admit the 3 credits a day could open up to more shows and two credit dinners but $70 a day seems a bit much (tho I like the mug inclusion)

I hope people who say they're are re-crunching # post the results so we can compare different thoughts

We crunched our numbers (my wife and I) last night, but I didn't post the EXACT figures because they were so specific to our particular trip...they'd not likely be of much use to everyone else.

The DXDDP cost was about 30 dollars less than OOP cost BEFORE adding snacks and the costs of the mugs to OOP.

With the snacks and mugs, the savings was about 15% (same as what we're getting from the regular DDP), but it was almost entirely in the snacks and mugs. As DVC members, the mugs aren't a great use to us (we have a full sized fridge I can stock, and don't have to walk to Mara to fill up). ONE snack a day is useful (while in the park) but the other one just doesn't provide much value as we have a kitchen (microwave popcorn...YUM), etc, to do the "night time" snack out of..and again don't have to leave our room to get it.

Ultimately, it didn't save us "enough" to make it counterbalance our planned vacation "style".

 

[Anthony1971]

I would not use it now or later unless I stayed for a short time or with a group.
The good part is you know what you are paying for food --for the most part-- I can see this plan even with Min. savings still doing well with CRO as you are prepaying and not worrying... As for DVC it will still works with large groups as you need not fight over the check.... which in general is paid for by the DVC owner who also treated the room