Disney Dining Plan Price Increase for 2013

[alissafalco]

The regular dining plan says 2 DDP for 2012 but then for 2013 you can't use the DDP. It shows you can only use 2 DDP for the Deluxe plan in 2013. I'm sure this is no mistake! What a cheap corner to cut!!

 

[GoofGoof]

The regular dining plan says 2 DDP for 2012 but then for 2013 you can't use the DDP. It shows you can only use 2 DDP for the Deluxe plan in 2013. I'm sure this is no mistake! What a cheap corner to cut!!

I think what this poster was saying is the screenshot was an error.

The OP of the screenshot reached out to (I believe) CRO who confirmed that the normal dining plan should still be accepted, indicated a typo/miscommunication on the web site side.

If you go to the page today it doesn't have 2013 info at all.

 

[alissafalco]

I think what this poster was saying is the screenshot was an error.



If you go to the page today it doesn't have 2013 info at all.

Ok, I'll check it out. Yes, they did take that chart for 2013 down. I hope it was a mistake because I was really getting upset at how chintzy they are getting with the DDP.

 

[John]

I made ressies for CRT last month for January, I was asked if I was going to use the DDP......yes I replied. No problems....as usaual gave me CC to hold ressie. I have the reg DDP. CM never mentioned anything about needing to have Deluxe DDP.

 

[sgtmgd]

DDP cheapens the dining experience for everyone, not just those who participate in the DDP.

Before the wide spread advent of DDP, many dining locations served unique items. It was possible to find a $6 and $12 item on a QS menu. Each item could stand on its own merits. If it was popular, the restaurant kept it. If not, the restaurant would try something else original.

With the DDP, items on the menu are no longer allowed to stand on their own merit. They have to fit in the price point of DDP. Some of my DW's favorite dishes have disappeared; not because they didn't sell but because they didn't fit in the DDP price structure.

This has resulted in the "McDonalding" of WDW's menus: more burgers, chicken, fries, and pizza. Less variety. (At least McDonald's is constantly trying new items on its menu so comparing WDW to McDonald's is, in some sense, insulting to McDonald's.)

Meanwhile WDW has artificially raised food prices in order to justify DDP so that people think they are getting a bargain with DDP. This affects people not on DDP.

Some also feel food quality has declined because of DDP. Burgers might now use lower grades of meat so they can be more cost effective within DDP. (With all the cuts in the last several years, I think this would have happened even if DDP didn't exist, part of the continued Kmarting of WDW.)

With the most recent DDP price increase of 12.5% (how many people receive a 12.5% raise?), DDP is no longer cost effective. Everyone is now suffering the consequences of DDP so a few people can feel good about having their meals prepaid.

I completely disagree

People talk about declining quality…..compared to what...I’ve been going to Disney regularly since 1975...what quality did they have in 1975, 1985, 1995, or 2005 that they don’t have today? Folks complain that the Dining plan prevents them from walking into TS places to eat. Folks seem to forget that trying to walk into any TS at Disney was always risky as pre-ADR days all the TS service took reservations at the door, so places like the Diamond Horseshoe Revue, Tony's, or any of the TS places to eat were 1st come 1st serve at the parks...you had better make a bee-line after rope drop and head to the place you wanted to eat and hope to get a reservation..I remember waiting and hour plus for the Diamond Horseshoe several times..And yes they all generally sold out before noon..aside from the odd table or two, or very early or very late reservations, or a no show...how are ADRs any different today except..Now you aren’t in the park wasting time in line at a TS restaurant trying to get a reservation...

People criticize the menus for CS orTS...There isn’t enough variety...or you only have 4 choices. Or you could find a $6 or $12 dollar item on a CS menu..I don’t see that either...what exactly are you looking for in fast food...McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell KFC..the menus there are not exactly chalk full of variety...nor are they gourmet. Im sure that most have visited places like Universal, Sea World, or Bush Gardens are you telling me the CS there is serving a higher quality food or more varied menu than the Disney parks…doubtful…my 2 meals at Universal in January weren’t exactly fine dining.


Cost analysis:

The standard 1 Table Service 1 Quick service 1 Snack plan will run a family of 4 $1344.00 for a 6 day trip (3 adults 1 child) for this scenario as any child over 10 is considered an adult.


Using the Magic Kingdom restaurants as an example: there at rope drop staying till 11pm

BREAKFAST: Main Street Bakery Sample Menu taken from the Disney Site

Cinnamon Roll 3.95
Ham and Cheese Croissant 6.69
Cappuccino 3.39
Coke 2.49


Let’s pay this out of pocket as it’s the cheapest meal of the day

Our fictional family of 4 order the following:

1 Croissant (rounding up) $7
2 Cinnamon Rolls $8
2 Cappuccinos/Coffees $6
1 Coke $2.50
1 Juice $2.00

Total: $25.50 (I’m being conservative as 1 person didn’t eat anything)

LUNCH: I’ll use 2 CS examples

Example 1 Pecos Bill Menu


Soups/Salads
Corn Chowder - . - $2.99
Entree/Main Course
#1 BBQ Pork Sandwich - Smoked pulled pork served with your choice of French fries or Apple Slices - $9.39
#2 1/3 lb. Angus Cheeseburger - Served with your choice of French fries or Apple Slices - $8.69
#3 Deluxe 1/3 lb. Angus Cheeseburger - Topped with Bacon, onion rings and BBQ sauce. Served with apple slices or french fries - $9.69
#4 Vegetable Burger - Served with apple slices or french fries - $7.59
#5 Caesar Salad with Chicken - Romaine lettuce, chicken and parmesan - $7.79
#6 Taco Salad - Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese, and Chili - $8.19
#7 Chicken Wrap - Served with French fries or Apple Slices. - $9.39
Side Dish
Chili - Hot chili with ground beef and beans. - $3.49
Chili Cheese Fries - French fries served with melted cheese and chili. - $4.49
French Fries - A side of French fries. - $2.49
Onion Ring Basket - . - $3.79
Dessert
Carrot Cake - Carrot Cake - $3.59
Chocolate Cake - . - $3.59
Strawberry Yogurt - Strawberry Yogurt. - $1.99
Drinks
Coffee - Coffee - $2.09
Dasani Bottled Water - Dasani bottled water - $2.50
Milk - Whole or Low Fat Milk and Nesquik Chocolate milk 2.19 - $1.49
Minute Maid Orange Juice - Minute Maid orange juice. - $2.59
Nestle Hot Cocoa or Hot Tea - Nestle hot cocoa or hot tea. - $2.19
Selection of Soft Drinks - Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Minute Maid apple juice, Nestea and Minute Maid Lemonade 2.59/2.89

Entree/Main Course
Kids' Picks: Hamburger, Turkey Sandwich or PB&J - All meals include choice of two side items: grapes, carrot sticks, or applesauce and choice of beverage: 1% milk, small bottled water, or apple juice. Chocolate Chip Cookie, French fries and soda available upon request. - $5.49

Our family orders: Using the Dining plan

2 #3 ‘s for $20.00 (rounding up)
1 # 7 for $9.50
1 Kids meal for $5.50
1 desert for $3.50
3 drinks for $7.50

Total $46.00

Example 2 Columbia House Menu


Soups/Salads
New England Clam Chowder - Or Vegetarian Chili Served in a bowl. - $4.69
Entree/Main Course
Anchors Aweigh Sandwich - White tuna with lettuce and tomato served on a toasted multi-grain bread. Served with chips. - $8.99
Fried Fish Basket - Served with choice of French fries or apple slices. - $7.49
Garden Harvest Salad - Mixed greens with chicken, garden veggies, cheese and sunflower seeds. - $8.19
Lighthouse Sandwich - Hummus with tomato-broccoli slaw. Served with chips - $8.99
Broccoli pepper corn salad - broccoli, corn, peas, mixed green salad, red onion,fresh baked chicken breast, and parmesan cheese with a peppercorn ranch dressing - $8.19
Chicken Breast Nuggets - Served with choice of French fries or apple slices. - $8.19
Fish and Shrimp Combo - Served with choice of French fries or apple slices or steamed Broccoli - $8.99
Fried Shrimp Basket - Served with coleslaw and French fries - $9.99
Grilled Salmon - With Couscous and steamed Broccoli marinated in a white balsamic vinegar - $10.19
Lobster Roll - With chips, broccoli marinated in a white balsamic vinegar - $9.99
Side Dish
French Fries - French Fries - $2.49
Fresh Coleslaw - Side of fresh coleslaw. - $2.39
Dessert
Apple Crisp - Apple Crisp - $3.59
Chocolate Cake - Chocolate cake - $3.59
Strawberry Yogurt - Strawberry yogurt. - $1.99
Drinks
Dasani Bottled Water - . - $2.50
Minute Maid Juices - Orange juice - $2.39
Nescafe Coffee - . - $2.09
Selection of Milk - Whole or Low fat milk $1.49 or Nesquik Chocolate Milk $2.19
Selection of Soft Drinks - Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta Orange, Nestea, and Minute Maid Lemonade, $2.19 & $2.49

Kids' Picks: Mixed Garden Salad with Chicken or Macaroni & Cheese - All meals include choice of two side items: grapes, carrot sticks, or applesauce and choice of beverage: 1% milk, small bottled water, or apple juice. - $4.99


Our Family orders using the Dining plan

2 Anchors Aweigh Sammies for $18.00
1 Fish and Shrimp Combo for $9.00
2 Cole Slaws for $5.00
1 Kids Meal for $5.00
3 Drinks for $7.50
1 Desert for $3.50

Total $47.00



DINNER Tonys


Appetizers/Starter
Calamari - Tossed with olive relish and served with marinara sauce.. - $9.99
Flavors of Italy Antipasto - A selection of Italian Favorites featuring Olives, Sliced Deli Meats, Roasted Garlic, and Artichokes - $13.99
Toasted Cheese and garlic Bread - Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil - $6.99
Zucchini Fries - Breaded ,seasoned with a creamy sun dried tomato dressing for dipping - $7.99
Soups/Salads
Caesar Salad - Romaine Lettuce tossed in Caesar Dressing topped with Romano Cheese and Croutons - $5.99
Minestrone - Made with orzo pasta. - $5.49
Mixed Greens - Tossed in our House dressing, topped with Feta cheese and croutons. - $5.49
Seasonal Soup - Soup of the Day - $5.49
Tomato and Mozzarella Salad - Tomatoes, fresh Mozzarella, and Red Onions tossed with Roasted Garlic, Shallots, and Balsamic Dressing - $7.49
Entree/Main Course
Braised Lamb Shank - With Creamy parmesan polenta, chianti demi-glace and seasonal vegetables - $23.99
Chicken Parmigiana - Lightly breaded chicken breast with marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella over spaghetti. - $17.99
Grilled Pork Tenderloin - With Marsala Wine and mushroom sauce and angel hair pasta - $18.99
Mushroom Tortelloni - Made in house daily with Brodo Di Verdura - $17.99
New York Strip Steak - With a Red wine butter, roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables - $28.99
Seafood Diavolo - Linguini Pasta with clams,mussels,calamari,shrimp and salmon served in a spicy tomato sauce - $22.99
Shrimp Scampi - Linguini with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Asparagus tossed in a Garlic Sauce - $19.99
Spaghetti - Spaghetti with choice of meatballs or sweet Italian sausage in Tony's own tomato sauce. - $16.99
Tony's fish of the day - .
Tony's Lasagna - Layered with ground beef,sausage,mozzarella and ricotta - $17.99
Dessert
Assorted Gelato - Italian style ice cream. Choice of vanilla or chocolate. - $4.49
Chef's Signature Cheesecake - Chef's Signature Cheesecake - $5.49
Ice Cream Bomb - Chocolate and vanilla ice cream covered in a rich chocolate sauce. - $5.99
Lemon Walnut Layer Cake - Layered vanilla cake filled with lemon curd. - $5.49
Pistachio Creme Brulee - Pistachio Creme Brulee - $5.99
Seasonal No-Sugar Added Sorbet - Served with fruit. - $4.99
Spumoni - Layers of ice cream with pistachio nuts and cherries. - $4.99
Tiramisu - Espresso soaked Lady Fingers, whipped mascarpone and dark chocolate shavings. - $6.49
Drinks
Bottled Water - Evian (1 liter) or Perrier (750 ml). - $4.50
Glowing Character Punch - Minute Maid Light Raspberry lemonade served in a souvenir cup with glowing clip on Disney character light - $6.49
Selection of Hot & Cold Beverages - Soda or Iced Tea $2.69, Milk, Hot Tea, or Coffee $2.39. - $2.39
Specialty Coffee - Espresso $3.39 and Cappuccino $3.89

Entree/Main Course
Kids' Picks: Mixed Garden Salad with Chicken or Macaroni & Cheese - All meals include choice of two side items: grapes, carrot sticks, or applesauce and choice of beverage: 1% milk, small bottled water, or apple juice. - $4.99

Our Family orders:

1 Zucchini Fries $8.00
2 Caesar Salads $12.00
1 Chicken Parm $17.00
1 Spaghetti $17.00
1 Lasagna $18.00
1 Desert $6.00
3 Drinks for 7.50
1 Kids meal for $5.00

Total $90.50

Snacks 4 snacks to use daily $20.00


Total for the day using dining plan: $158.00
Total out of pocket $26.00
Estimated cost using the dining plan for 6 days $948.00
Out of pocket for 6 days $156.00.
That’s a profit of $396.00 dollars to Disney Using this conservative model,
With an additional $156.00 out of pocket Breakfast expense

That’s as bare bones as it comes..no character dining, light breakfasts’ no signature meals.

If the family paid for this trip over 12 months they are losing $33.00 per month, if they paid for it in 6 months that’s $66.00 they lost a month purchasing the plan…that’s probably easier for that family to swallow vs setting aside an additional $1200.00 they won’t tap into before the trip

Most people today live paycheck to paycheck, it’s the society we live in..the notion that low or middle class Americans will set aside money for a trip and not spend it is probably a little naïve..and that’s the bulk of Disney guests…it’s not the upper class. The dining plan gives people the ability to attend the parks knowing that the only thing they need to purchase are souvenirs or additional snacks..people and kids have to eat..and food costs are not cheap in any Theme park..the model I used was Spartan..and it still is almost $200.00 a day. I happen to be fortunate that I can afford to pay out of pocket without worrying who orders what off a menu and I still use the Deluxe Dinning plan..it’s convenient for me and I feel it’s a good value for our eating habits , we do multiple Signatures, character dining’s and the like..

The menus above aren’t limited in any way I can see..There are a plethora of other CS and TS options available to find the type of food you want..and the quality is what you should expect from a fast food joint or going to Carrabas..they differ in price and taste.

So how this equates to “Everyone is now suffering the consequences of DDP so a few people can feel good about having their meals prepaid” is lost on me…

 

[flynnibus]

@sgtmgd - by using the fluffed prices to justify the price... you basically are playing right into their marketing. 'Sure its a value, look at what it would cost you otherwise!' - when the prices have been jacked to make that very analysis work.

As for reservations in the pre-ADR case.. how is it different? Simple.. before you were only competing with the people willing and able to get up and try to get reservations that day and place. Now, you are having that same competition, but with 180 days worth of people from anywhere in the world. Your 'competition' for a spot has grown orders of magnitude. By making it so 'easy' and adding so many opportunities to make the reservation.. there is no comparison between that and the days of same day reservations.

And your comparison to fast food is kind of funny. Isn't it sad that a McDonalds DOLLAR menu has pretty much the same # of choices as a Disney Counter service does? Ponder that one.. or how something like Cosmic Rays.. a prime, high capacity location in the middle of the most popular theme park in the world, can't offer the range that a little fast food joint in nebraska offers.. at half the cost.

 

[sgtmgd]

@sgtmgd - by using the fluffed prices to justify the price... you basically are playing right into their marketing. 'Sure its a value, look at what it would cost you otherwise!' - when the prices have been jacked to make that very analysis work.

As for reservations in the pre-ADR case.. how is it different? Simple.. before you were only competing with the people willing and able to get up and try to get reservations that day and place. Now, you are having that same competition, but with 180 days worth of people from anywhere in the world. Your 'competition' for a spot has grown orders of magnitude. By making it so 'easy' and adding so many opportunities to make the reservation.. there is no comparison between that and the days of same day reservations.

And your comparison to fast food is kind of funny. Isn't it sad that a McDonalds DOLLAR menu has pretty much the same # of choices as a Disney Counter service does? Ponder that one.. or how something like Cosmic Rays.. a prime, high capacity location in the middle of the most popular theme park in the world, can't offer the range that a little fast food joint in nebraska offers.. at half the cost.

Dissagree Flynn

My example was on the low side and Disney made money off of it..but the big picture would show that Disney would lose money on some Visitors that maxed out the plan...but the majority will break close to even. This also only applies to resort guests..not the general population of the parks...not sure what prices are jacked up...its a theme park..its going to be expensive regardless if you eat CS or TS 3x a day..or buy snacks and waters...wouldnt matter if you went to Sea world or any other park..

My comparison to fast food is what it was...fast food.. thats what CS is at Disney...unless there is some new fast food thats been developed Im not aware of..Burgers, Chicken, Tacos, Hot Dogs, Sandwiches..are standard fast food across the U.S..Imagineers are good but I dont think evenWalt could conjour up "new fast food"

Reservations..I have yet to have an issue calling ahead to make a reservation..I certainly would rather do that..then spend 60-90 minutes or more in line at Disney to make a reservation that could be spent standing in another line for an attraction...

you can never make everyone happy and you I dissagree alot it seams..but Disney is affording people ways to spend a week and make it less financialy stressful..and I certainly dont see a quality or variety problem..what fast food restaurant are people visiting that they consider amazing food?

 

[flynnibus]

'its a theme park' defense ignores the slow and steady changes in the menus and the plates themselves. No one expects Disney to be the cheapest guy in town, but even Disney compared to itself, has been out of control.

They've just made the changes slow enough that you haven't hit that point of friction to say 'wait a minute...'.

And you've never have had an issue in trying to get a reservation? Wow.. the luckiest man alive I guess.

 

[sgtmgd]

'its a theme park' defense ignores the slow and steady changes in the menus and the plates themselves. No one expects Disney to be the cheapest guy in town, but even Disney compared to itself, has been out of control.

They've just made the changes slow enough that you haven't hit that point of friction to say 'wait a minute...'.

And you've never have had an issue in trying to get a reservation? Wow.. the luckiest man alive I guess.

Again I ask..what slow and steady changes in menus and plates themselves..Ive been going 4 different decades and Im not seeing this overall erosion you are alluding to or how Disney is out of control..these are genralized statements but where is the supporting documentation..fast food is what it is, Table service is more expensive than CS, Signature more than TS, Hakuna Matata....I dont see food quality or variety as an issue..there are far more options in Disney theme parks than other theme parks like Universal or Bush Gardens..yes its expensive.

I have not had problems getting reservations..provided I call in a reasonable time...the Yachtsman is my favorite place to eat..in the window Im going to Disney Ive yet to not get a table..that goes for any other TS...they may not have the time I prefer but them again I remember NOT getting reservations at the Diamond Horseshoe after killing 90 minutes in line..then running over to Tonys..which had only very late reservations...so yes..Ill take the ability to call ahead

 

[sgtmgd]

Ill aslo caveat this with not all meals at Disney are good...I wont ever eat at Hollywood and Vine again...and generally will not do lunch dinner buffets as they arent to my taste..but then again the options are there for me to eat elsewhere..as I generally wont eat Mcdonalds unless its a last resort...Id rather eat 5 guys burgers..which are more expensive

 

[flynnibus]

Again I ask..what slow and steady changes in menus and plates themselves..Ive been going 4 different decades and Im not seeing this overall erosion you are alluding to or how Disney is out of control..these are genralized statements but where is the supporting documentation.

Frankly - it would be a good exercise for someone to pull all this together to make this visual for people.. but that's not going to be me. I don't invest that type of time in my Disney habits The changes are slow and usually minor, but as you roll them together you see the larger picture.

I have not had problems getting reservations..provided I call in a reasonable time...the Yachtsman is my favorite place to eat..in the window Im going to Disney Ive yet to not get a table..that goes for any other TS...they may not have the time I prefer but them again I remember NOT getting reservations at the Diamond Horseshoe after killing 90 minutes in line..then running over to Tonys..which had only very late reservations...so yes..Ill take the ability to call ahead

An interesting aside.. how many are in your party when you are making reservations?

I can tell you from personal experience, there are times when I'm calling months out.. there are no reservations during prime dining hours for the place you want. I would have to pick the hardest ones to get first.. and then shape my other dining options around them.

 

[sgtmgd]

Frankly - it would be a good exercise for someone to pull all this together to make this visual for people.. but that's not going to be me. I don't invest that type of time in my Disney habits The changes are slow and usually minor, but as you roll them together you see the larger picture.



An interesting aside.. how many are in your party when you are making reservations?

I can tell you from personal experience, there are times when I'm calling months out.. there are no reservations during prime dining hours for the place you want. I would have to pick the hardest ones to get first.. and then shape my other dining options around them.

4 sometimes 6 in our party..although over Labor day it will only be the two of us. I can only attest to where I make reservations..and while I may not get 5pm I can get something I can work with that fits my schedule..we are easy going and generally arent hung up on a specific time..if Im eating at the Yachtsman late I adjust when I eat CS for lunch or what I eat for breakfast if any that day

 

[sgtmgd]

As a long-time WDW visitor you probably remember the days in the 1970s and 1980s when WDW was infamous for having really bad food. Things improved in the 1990s and early 2000s when guests started demanding better food selections and WDW management realized they could make a lot of money providing it. However, in the last decade, most food changes have been in the wrong direction in terms of reduced selections, poorer quality, and increased prices. (This thread originated with DDP price increases. These increased by 12.5% in just one year. Rhetorically, when is the last time you received a 12.5% raise?) WDW management's business plan in the last decade has focused on making incremental quality cuts (maintenance, food, entertainment) while constantly increasing prices. For reference, even after adjustments for inflation, a per-day trip to WDW is now double the price it was in the 1970s to mid 1980s, when Eisner took charge and started this price trend. I wish all of us could go back in time about 15 years and compare the food quality, quantity, and price to what is is today. I think the changes would really hit home.

Im not sure where the disney food was horrible in the 70's and 80's...most that eat CS understand its not Gourmet food.but Im not complaining about any more than my trips to a Taco Bell or Wendys..and I cant tell you the difference in a Pecos Bill Hambuger now vs 20 years ago was so fantastic a difference compared to what Ill eat in 3 weeks there. I cant tell you a Turkey Sandwich at Disney in 1975 is any better today..it is expensive..its going to get more expensive..not just food...tickets, rooms, travel..again..its Disney and going to cost you to go...the DDP along with resort packages allow families to book a trip 499 days in advance with a 200.00 deposit..this "madness" allows (and Im guessing at the figure) Tens of thousands of families the oppertunity to plan vactions at Disney and pay monthly into something that they would never be able to afford otherwise. I certainly dont see the reduced selections either..what more do you want Disney to provide meal wise..they have every standard fare available for CS at the parks..just my opinion

 

[flynnibus]

@sgtmgd - when you talk about variety, I see you talk about all the locations together. A lot of the variety comments are about what the location offers itself. Like, why is it.. if they offer pizza.. they only offer 2 or 3 types? Or if you look at prime CS locations.. take Backlot Express for instance. Their main menu.. 6 choices (of which 2 are hot dog and nuggets).

Or how does anyone justify $3.50 PER TOPPING at Via Napoli? Don't say 'its a theme park'.. $3.50 per topping. That's absurd. And $16 for an individual sized pizza? I can eat in NYC or SF for far less.

It's pretty sad when most Disney Counter Service isn't much more diverse then my local baseball concession stand.

 

[sgtmgd]

@sgtmgd - when you talk about variety, I see you talk about all the locations together. A lot of the variety comments are about what the location offers itself. Like, why is it.. if they offer pizza.. they only offer 2 or 3 types? Or if you look at prime CS locations.. take Backlot Express for instance. Their main menu.. 6 choices (of which 2 are hot dog and nuggets).

Or how does anyone justify $3.50 PER TOPPING at Via Napoli? Don't say 'its a theme park'.. $3.50 per topping. That's absurd. And $16 for an individual sized pizza? I can eat in NYC or SF for far less.

It's pretty sad when most Disney Counter Service isn't much more diverse then my local baseball concession stand.

Again I ask ..when you go to Taco Bell are you expecting a Cheeseburger, when you step into Subway do you expect to see Tacos on the menu? Its fast food...I get youre point..but each park has many different food options..will you get a Taco salad and a Cheeseburger in the same place..probably not..but you can get them.

Ive already stated prices are expensive..$3.50 for an extra topping..yes its high..am I surprised..not a bit.$16.00 for an individual pizza...sure its high...its Disney World..not Papa Johns..I cant defend the prices they are high..thats part and parcel of going..

 

[flynnibus]

Again I ask ..when you go to Taco Bell are you expecting a Cheeseburger, when you step into Subway do you expect to see Tacos on the menu? Its fast food...I get youre point..but each park has many different food options..will you get a Taco salad and a Cheeseburger in the same place..probably not..but you can get them.

Yes, but Taco Bell has more than 3 types of Tacos.. and Subway has more than 3 types of subs.. and also has other alternatives as well. And normally when you have a narrow menu, its because you have a 'specialization' in something (Tacos, Burgers, etc) because they offer something SPECIAL in that area so they focus on that. Cosmic Rays, Backlot, etc don't really have any specialities, they are just limited menus with ~5 choices.

The world doesn't HAVE to be this way...

I'm starting to think food revenue must be the backbone of the park's revenue streams to power the entire property....

 

[sgtmgd]

Yes, but Taco Bell has more than 3 types of Tacos.. and Subway has more than 3 types of subs.. and also has other alternatives as well. And normally when you have a narrow menu, its because you have a 'specialization' in something (Tacos, Burgers, etc) because they offer something SPECIAL in that area so they focus on that. Cosmic Rays, Backlot, etc don't really have any specialities, they are just limited menus with ~5 choices.

The world doesn't HAVE to be this way...

I'm starting to think food revenue must be the backbone of the park's revenue streams to power the entire property....

we're splitting hairs

Sure..Food cost does make big money for Disney...think about the fact that only resort guest are using the Dining Plan..so those guests staying off site or locals are paying out of pocket.

I understand you dont think there are enough "choices"...or they are not centrally located enough for you..BUT Disney moves many times the numbers of visitors through those CS than your local Taco Bell or Micky D's on a daily basis. They have to be able to move large quantities of food quickly and that explains why each CS has 6-9 items(Thats a guess on my part).

The bottom line for me was that the Dining plan hasnt caused wholesale food denegration and 3rd world food quality, if I want a burger, burrito, chicken, or hotdog..I can get it..and it be no worse than those fast food chains, nor do I see it as a benefit to a "few people to make themselves feel better about pre-paying" to me thats insulting to alot of folks that couldnt afford a trip without being able to pay it off over time. The standard disclaimer of "people should put the money aside...just doesnt work for 75% of american familys living pay check to pay check...I know...Ive been there..serving in the military for 23 years didnt make me wealthy...I make extreamly good money now...my retirement from the military is my slush fund..so I can pay these trips off as I go...but I remeber the time when I wouldnt have been able to afford a week long trip without the ability to pay for it in 499 days..and any type of room or meal discount was appreciated.