Disney Dining Plan in '08 - Why I'll still get it

[Now Is The Time]

Why will I still get it despite all the changes? Because we love to eat a deluxe table service meal every night of our stay. If that wasn't a priority, I could see why there would be some debate. If you book places like O'Hana, Le Cellier, etc you will save money.

The whole gratuity thing makes a difference but it's not a deal breaker. People say "I'm not getting the dining plan because gratuity is not included." Hello.... if you don't get the dining plan and pay for meals on your own - you pay gratuity. Don't understand the logic there.

 

[brisem]

I agree with you. If you go out to dinner your paying a gratuity, so it's no difference.

 

[KippWade]

I get a package deal, so I just love knowing that meals are taken care of.

Having to tip is still a lot less money to worry about than full meals!

I do agree with others though, that I wish they gave you a choice on whether you want an appetizer or dessert...

 

[ConstanceIrene]

People say "I'm not getting the dining plan because gratuity is not included." Hello.... if you don't get the dining plan and pay for meals on your own - you pay gratuity. Don't understand the logic there.

I'm not happy with the fact that the value is greatly reduced by the elimination of an appetizer and the addition of gratuity. The average appetizer was about $8 and gratuity on a dinner is usually about $7, so you're adding app. $15 to the price of your daily food allowance and I don't really think we'd spend $53 per day on food.

Without the plan, I don't think we'll book as many TS meals. We'll try some of the counter service restaurants that we've skipped for the past two years.

 

[Now Is The Time]

I'm not happy with the fact that the value is greatly reduced by the elimination of an appetizer and the addition of gratuity. The average appetizer was about $8 and gratuity on a dinner is usually about $7, so you're adding app. $15 to the price of your daily food allowance and I don't really think we'd spend $53 per day on food.

I can see how you add the extra $7 but not the extra $8. Though appetizers are no longer included, why would you add what an appetizer costs? The only actual extra money you're spending is on the gratuity.

 

[ConstanceIrene]

I can see how you add the extra $7 but not the extra $8. Though appetizers are no longer included, why would you add what an appetizer costs? The only actual extra money you're spending is on the gratuity.

You're reducing the amount of product that is included in the price. I understand that not everyone might order an appetizer now that is it extra, but in 2007 there was app. $8 more value to the daily price because of that appetizer.

 

[Now Is The Time]

You're reducing the amount of product that is included in the price. I understand that not everyone might order an appetizer now that is it extra, but in 2007 there was app. $8 more value to the daily price because of that appetizer.

I hear you but you're not actually being charged the extra $8. You have to understand too that the $38 or whatever it is now is a broad charge that covers a vast array of dishes. With both my wife and I eating on the dining plan, we've had table service meals that came to a total of $75 and others that were well over $100. Yes it would have been nice to keep the appetizer included, or at least make it an option instead of dessert, but like I said originally, the value you get from the meal plan is relative to how wisely you use it. If you're on a five day trip and only have 1 or 2 table meals, then yes the meal plan may not be of value to you. My overall point is - yes it stinks that gratuity and appetizers are no longer included - but if your main focus is still table service meals you will come out on top by using the dining plan, even with the new changes, period.

 

[ConstanceIrene]

I hear you but you're not actually being charged the extra $8. You have to understand too that the $38 or whatever it is now is a broad charge that covers a vast array of dishes. With both my wife and I eating on the dining plan, we've had table service meals that came to a total of $75 and others that were well over $100. Yes it would have been nice to keep the appetizer included, or at least make it an option instead of dessert, but like I said originally, the value you get from the meal plan is relative to how wisely you use it. If you're on a five day trip and only have 1 or 2 table meals, then yes the meal plan may not be of value to you. My overall point is - yes it stinks that gratuity and appetizers are no longer included - but if your main focus is still table service meals you will come out on top by using the dining plan, even with the new changes, period.

I think you can say that YOU will come out on top by using the dining plan, period.

It's not cut and dry for many people and the changes will cause several of us to give it serious consideration before using it next year.

Regarding those $75 and $100 meals; did that include the gratuity and an appetizer for each of you? Were any of those meals at signature restaurants? This makes a difference.

 

[Now Is The Time]

I think you can say that YOU will come out on top by using the dining plan, period.

It's not cut and dry for many people and the changes will cause several of us to give it serious consideration before using it next year.

::sigh:: Ok here's an example then. You go to Chef Mickeys - an average priced table service meal which by the way, since it is a buffet, has all the appetizers you could want. :lol: It's 27.99 for adults. I'll be generous and put in 6 bucks for the tip which is over 20%. Add tax and you're at about $36 - almost the price of the meal plan yet you've already had your counter service lunch. Go somewhere like Le Cellier and your value goes up even more from there. You just saved money, period. Like I said it is cut and dry if you use the meal plan WISELY.

Regarding those $75 and $100 meals; did that include the gratuity and an appetizer for each of you? Were any of those meals at signature restaurants? This makes a difference.

It makes a difference but not a huge one. If the price of 2 dining plans costs a little under $80 and we get a meal that's over $100 - having already had our counter service meals and snacks, it's still a good value.. regardless of appetizer (you just can't let that go can you?) :wave: or gratuity.

 

[Abbyjoe]

I think one of the important things many people are missing about the dining plan is that it if people are happy with it, It keeps them ON PROPERTY for their entire stay.

If we weren't using the dining plan, we would not eat at Disney every night. We would go into Orlando for some if not all dinners.

At this point, we would get the plan in 2008, but the between the appetizer and the tip that was a big blow, to lower the price $1. If the plan lost anything else in 2009, or there was a big price increase, we would go into Orlando.

 

[DisneyChik17]

It works for some, and not for others.

I mean, Disney had me at hello. Once we are on property, we don't leave until we really leave. We're not big eaters, so CS is great for us, though, we do like the occasional nice meal, it's no where near enough to constitute us getting the dining plan.

Again, it works for some.

 

[ConstanceIrene]

::sigh:: Ok here's an example then. You go to Chef Mickeys - an average priced table service meal which by the way, since it is a buffet, has all the appetizers you could want. :lol: It's 27.99 for adults. I'll be generous and put in 6 bucks for the tip which is over 20%. Add tax and you're at about $36 - almost the price of the meal plan yet you've already had your counter service lunch. Go somewhere like Le Cellier and your value goes up even more from there. You just saved money, period. Like I said it is cut and dry if you use the meal plan WISELY.



It makes a difference but not a huge one. If the price of 2 dining plans costs a little under $80 and we get a meal that's over $100 - having already had our counter service meals and snacks, it's still a good value.. regardless of appetizer (you just can't let that go can you?) :wave: or gratuity.

::sigh:: was that necessary?

Chef Mickey: $27.99 plus 6% tax and $6 tip = $35.67. Cost of daily meal plan = $38 + $6 for the "generous" tip you've left = $44. It's just about break even with your counter service meal and a snack.

Regarding the signature meals: Price of daily dining plan x 2 = $76. There are two of you dining so that's $152. Price of meal at signature restaurant without tip: somewhere over $100.

It's not cut and dry.

 

[Now Is The Time]

::sigh:: was that necessary?

Chef Mickey: $27.99 plus 6% tax and $6 tip = $35.67. Cost of daily meal plan = $38 + $6 for the "generous" tip you've left = $44. It's just about break even with your counter service meal and a snack.

Regarding the signature meals: Price of daily dining plan x 2 = $76. There are two of you dining so that's $152. Price of meal at signature restaurant without tip: somewhere over $100.

It's not cut and dry.

Average lunch at a counter service in the parks is gonna cost you 10-12 bucks. Add a 4 dollar snack that's included and you're saving money. Even with your math, you say you've spent $44 just for Chef Mickey's, yet you've already had lunch and a snack - which is gonna be more than $6. Ok so in this instance (I used Chef Mickey's as one of the cheaper examples) you only save 10 bucks or so. Still.. it's 10 bucks. Cut and dry. :lol:

 

[Computer Magic]

::sigh:: Ok here's an example then. You go to Chef Mickeys - an average priced table service meal which by the way, since it is a buffet, has all the appetizers you could want. :lol: It's 27.99 for adults. I'll be generous and put in 6 bucks for the tip which is over 20%. Add tax and you're at about $36 - almost the price of the meal plan yet you've already had your counter service lunch. Go somewhere like Le Cellier and your value goes up even more from there. You just saved money, period. Like I said it is cut and dry if you use the meal plan WISELY.



It makes a difference but not a huge one. If the price of 2 dining plans costs a little under $80 and we get a meal that's over $100 - having already had our counter service meals and snacks, it's still a good value.. regardless of appetizer (you just can't let that go can you?) :wave: or gratuity.

at what point to you say enough is enough to Disney. If people don't take a stand, Disney will keep watering down the Dinning Plan.

Consumers got the plan improved in May 05 because that plan really sent people over the edge.

Disney trys to play us for being dumb by reducing the price by one doller
and then hits us with the hidden cost.

I say stand up and let it be known that the Plan does cost more. It is still a good value, but not as good as before.

 

[Now Is The Time]

I say stand up and let it be known that the Plan does cost more. It is still a good value, but not as good as before.

Agreed.

 

[ConstanceIrene]

Average lunch at a counter service in the parks is gonna cost you 10-12 bucks. Add a 4 dollar snack that's included and you're saving money. Even with your math, you say you've spent $44 just for Chef Mickey's, yet you've already had lunch and a snack - which is gonna be more than $6. Ok so in this instance (I used Chef Mickey's as one of the cheaper examples) you only save 10 bucks or so. Still.. it's 10 bucks. Cut and dry. :lol:

Try to keep up. I said that you've spent $44 at Chef Mickeys WITH the dining plan. You'd spend $35.67 on your own.

You think the plan is still a good idea and that's great. You go ahead and use it. Some of us don't think it's a great deal anymore and we will not use it. I don't think you can be swayed anymore than I can on this point.

 

[WDWlvr25kids]

Why you don't get it?

To ContstanceIrene,

Just do the math, It's simple! Sound's like everyone get's it but you. Maybe some like to go to WDW and pinch pennies and eat snacks and counter service everyday, but as for those of us that like to actually sit down and be served at a nice Table service rest. it's a good value. After all, we are on VACATION! Hope you enjoy your counter service and snacks at every meal!! :hammer:

 

[ConstanceIrene]

To ContstanceIrene,

Just do the math, It's simple! Sound's like everyone get's it but you. Maybe some like to go to WDW and pinch pennies and eat snacks and counter service everyday, but as for those of us that like to actually sit down and be served at a nice Table service rest. it's a good value. After all, we are on VACATION! Hope you enjoy your counter service and snacks at every meal!! :hammer:

I don't think your little hammer on the head smilie was very nice. Your last comment was sarcastic. Why?

It's not as good a value as it used to be and, depending on what and where you eat, it might just be a break-even situation. I'm not the only one who feels this way. You want to use it? Go ahead and enjoy.

 

[lilclerk]

To ContstanceIrene,

Just do the math, It's simple! Sound's like everyone get's it but you. Maybe some like to go to WDW and pinch pennies and eat snacks and counter service everyday, but as for those of us that like to actually sit down and be served at a nice Table service rest. it's a good value. After all, we are on VACATION! Hope you enjoy your counter service and snacks at every meal!! :hammer:

I think the point she's making is that, while you CAN still save, it's not as easy to do so, and the savings aren't as great. Yes, it can still be a value, it's just not nearly as good a value as it was up til this year.

 

[Now Is The Time]

Try to keep up. I said that you've spent $44 at Chef Mickeys WITH the dining plan. You'd spend $35.67 on your own.

You think the plan is still a good idea and that's great. You go ahead and use it. Some of us don't think it's a great deal anymore and we will not use it. I don't think you can be swayed anymore than I can on this point.

I'll try this one last time, if that's possible. How much do you think per person a counter service meal is? For me, it's going to be at least $10. To be fair, it's probably in the $10-$12 range. Add a snack to that and totaled with your $35.67 figure, the actual costs of a day's food is $50 - and that's on the low end (because I mentioned I used Chef Mickey's as an example.) The meal plan in the example posed was $44 for the day. Ok so that's a savings of 6 bucks. STILL, it's 6 bucks. Multiply that times 5 days for example and that's 30 dollars per person!

Look I'm not trying to be obstinate here, all I was trying to point out is that if you like to eat at deluxe table service places, then the meal plan is still a good value. No - not as good as it was but it's still a good deal. You want to know another good thing about it? It keeps you regulated and budgeted automatically. You know what you are allotted each day so there are no surprise bills.. like when you get back home and you see a credit card receipt for Le Cellier and you scream out "We spent HOW MUCH at Canada??!"

Yes you have to choose wisely and you have to figure out how you and your family eats before you decide if the meal plan is for you. Obviously, it's not for you, which you've made very clear but from on objective point of view, you can still get good value out of it.