Dining plan complaints

[919Florida]

I am a southern destination travel specialist. I book tons of Disney packages. I just wanted to put in a few words about the new standard dining package Disney is offering for 2006. I have seen some negative reports and it makes me angry. As with everything there is going to be problems at first. Keep in mind that this package is only a few weeks old and Disney is still in the process of negotiating with more restaurants and educating their cast member employees. There is always going to be someone that is not happy with things and that is everywhere you go.

Regarding all packages, I try to educate my clients of participating restaurants and how things work so they pick wisely and get their money's worth. If a client is not educated on how it works they will be in for surprises and will not enjoy everything that is coming to them. My clients come to me with all their questions and we get everything in order before they go so things go as expected. If you do not know what restaurants are participating it would be frustrating to go and find out they will not accept your plan.

I have a family member that works for Disney. He was told that guest services created this plan so to speak. They took everything guests complained about and tried to make a dining plan that was less expensive but would accommodate what the guests were asking for. I feel the guest should realize if it is affordable it means that high end restaurants and certain things are not included. They complained about the costs of dining on the Dream Maker now they have an affordable plan and think they still get the benefits of Silver & Gold. If you want an all inclusive plan do not do the Standard Dining you would need to get the Premium Package.

So basically the point I want to get out is educate yourself on what you purchase. If you want someone to handle it for you that works with these packages on a daily basis go to an agent that sells Disney.

 

[lewisc]

Sorry I don't agree. The list of participating restaurants isn't a secret. Some of the DTD and EPCOT countries don't partcipate but the list is very extensive. I've read very few complaints over the number of restaurants that aren't participating.

I think the biggest complaint is the fact that guests who aren't purchasing passes, either because they have AP or leftover days, aren't eligible to purchase the dining add on.

 

[919Florida]

I didn't post this to start an argument. I was just getting some info out for people. I know the list of dining locations are not a secret. It's right on the Disney website.

But on several message boards I have been reading complaints of guests who have no clue what they are entitled too, whatdining locations are included and even the actual cost of the package.

Sorry if you took me the wrong way.

 

[Lauriebar]

There is always going to be someone that is not happy with things and that is everywhere you go.



QUOTE]

That pretty much sums it up. With some people you can give them the world and they will say "Unfair, I want the stars too!!":lol:

Reasonable people know that the best way to get what you want is to educate themselves of the choices and make the wisest decision for them. I have found that there is always a way to get what you are wanting in a Disney World vacation whether it is within an offered package or not. Just do your research or talk to a travel professional.

 

[Computer Magic]

Here is some recent complaints I read yesterday from ALL EARS®.

[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]...from Kelly: The one BIG complaint we have is the new Magic Your Way Dining Plan that Disney is offering. We opted for it and think it was a mistake. Hardly anyone at the "snack" stands knew what we were talking about when we wanted to redeem a snack from our plan and had to go ask a manager. If they then figured it out, they wound up charging it to our room, which we had to have fixed later on. We quickly used up the "sit-down" meals but the counter service was not as easy to use, since there are only certain restaurants you can eat in and only certain foods you can order. We never used up all of our snacks. For snacks you can ONLY get popcorn, ice-cream frozen bars (NOT cones), water or soda. Snacks are not good for pretzels, chips, french fries, or anything else that is sold at a snack cart. We were much happier with the previous Disney Food and Fun plan. Overall we had a great trip but in the future an ix-nay on the dining plan until it changes again![/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]...and from D.L., who's currently visiting WDW: I was told [the Magic Your Way Dining Plan] was $45 a day for my family. When I was at Prime Time Cafe another guest said it was $35 per adult and $10 per kid, which means $90 for my family (two adults, two children ages 3-9). I checked this morning and he was right. It's way too much food (other guest said same thing) and at that price the choices are too limited (and not healthy for the kids) and hard to deal with. Too few choices, e.g., only Cap'n Jack's at Downtown Disney. Went to Guest Services and they agreed to refund the per-day plan cost for the remainder provided I do not charge any food to it -- fair enough. Today we spent $50 on food and ate healthier and more conveniently.[/font]

I have purchased the MWY dinning and have concerns. I don't want to go to Disney and find out restrictions and be disapointed in Disney. I agree to educate yourself as much as possible before venturing into something. However, sometimes you need to be a lawyer to understand the fine print.

I appreciate 919Florida information and didn't view it as anything other then informative​

 

[longfamily]

A little off topic but on topic too!...

I went to visit my travel agent last week to make a change in our reservation. She knew that I was unhappy about the changes to the packages and we were both curious if I was the only one so she called Disney. She asked the rep if there had been many complaints about the system and the rep said that there had been but would not elaborate further. If people continue to be upset by the new system, Disney will be pressured into changing the system all together.

While I agree that it will take time to train everyone on the new system, guests should not need to worry about something going wrong on their vacation. Unfortunately, not everyone will try to learn as much as they can about the plan before they go. Realistically, Disney markets this package as if it is all-inclusive. Only after reading the fine print do you realize that not all restuarants are included. What a bummer after reading that you can eat two meals a day and a snack for X amount of $$$ a day per person.

There are two solutions to the problem at hand. One is to offer multiple plans to give more choices for everyone with different budgets. Or two, go back to the old system. :slurp:

 

[Laura]

I just wanted to say I absolutely love the new packages and the dining options. I am someone who likes to eat a sit down meal for dinner every night and that alone for my family would normally cost $75 per night including tax and tip. Counter service meals for my family are normally about $25 just for the main entree and drink, where the dining plan includes dessert also. And then a snack stop for my family would normally be about $10.

I think after tax the total cost per day of the dining plan is $85 for us. And based on my figures above we'd normally be spending $110 per day on the same things. The dining plan saves us $25 per day, and for a 5 night stay we'll be saving $125! I'm using that $125 to pay for us to have nice filling breakfasts every morning. We're going to be well fed by the time we get home!

 

[bandman]

Maybe it is just me, and I don't want to get anyone angry, but I think part of the problem is that folks are assuming things about the plan rather than checking into the details.

I have booked the plan for this June. But first I made sure to do my research, ask questions , and download a brochure from the disney website where all is clearly explained.

For us it appears to work out. For others I am sure it will not , but as with anything you purchase you need to check the details first.


As for the problems at the snack carts, unfortunately Disney did not seem to do a good job of informing those cm's about the plan. I am sure this problem will soon be fixed. It was unfortunate that early users of the plan had to deal with these start-up problems.

 

[wannabeBelle]

Good discussion here!! Anyone else use the plan and found it either to their liking or not what they thought?? Belle

 

[ScrapIron]

As for the problems at the snack carts, unfortunately Disney did not seem to do a good job of informing those cm's about the plan. I am sure this problem will soon be fixed. It was unfortunate that early users of the plan had to deal with these start-up problems.

It was reported on another site that many snack locations are run by third parties and do not accept the snack coupons that come with the dining plan.

Cheers.

 

[Computer Magic]

I just wanted to say I absolutely love the new packages and the dining options. I am someone who likes to eat a sit down meal for dinner every night and that alone for my family would normally cost $75 per night including tax and tip. Counter service meals for my family are normally about $25 just for the main entree and drink, where the dining plan includes dessert also. And then a snack stop for my family would normally be about $10.

I think after tax the total cost per day of the dining plan is $85 for us. And based on my figures above we'd normally be spending $110 per day on the same things. The dining plan saves us $25 per day, and for a 5 night stay we'll be saving $125! I'm using that $125 to pay for us to have nice filling breakfasts every morning. We're going to be well fed by the time we get home!

I think the price is great and that is why we went with the plan. The drawback to price is Disney dictates how you use the plan. By this I mean, where you eat and what you can order is restricted. The old plan didn't have these restrictions. The price you pay for a reduce cost. Now if you can live with the restrictions, then it's a good deal.

Now I never read that food selection was limited on the plan, but according to my post there is. Does anyone know this as fact and where it is published. Again, I would like to know before I get there. I shouldn't have to go there and find out when trying to order. This will not make me happy in the happiest place on earth. I like to be happy when paying thousands of dollars on a trip


Longfamily and I have been trying to figure this out since November.

 

[bandman]

It was reported on another site that many snack locations are run by third parties and do not accept the snack coupons that come with the dining plan.

Cheers.

i wonder if this is why the plan states you can only get soda, popcorn , or ice cream for a snack?

 

[Moustronaut]

Now I never read that food selection was limited on the plan, but according to my post there is.

I believe the restriction that people are refering to is that you can only order an appetiser, entree, and dessert for sit down meals and not anything on the menu such as appetiser, salad, and entree or 3 appetisers and no entree for a meal.

The counter service includes entree and dessert.... what no fries with that???

I'm not sure how strict Disney is being about what qualifies as an entree and an appetiser and whatnot.

Also children must order off the children's menu when available.

 

[New2WDW]

Research!

I agree with the "Know ahead of time" mentallity! I have been looking into this since It came out and It sounds like a great deal for my family. These problems do seem to be due to lack of research! The brochure from the Website is very good and it does not talk about being restricted on what to order except for snacks. It does say...

"You can find Snack locations throughout the Theme Parks or at Counter Service locations in the Resorts. All cart locations selling frozen ice-cream novelties, popcorn or Coca-Cola products accept your​

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Disney Dining Plan."

...which makes you think that there are some locations that do not accept this package! The biggest thing is to check before you go or while you get priority seating.

I would like to hear more "I been there and used it and ....."
​

 

[Computer Magic]

i wonder if this is why the plan states you can only get soda, popcorn , or ice cream for a snack?

yes it does, but I don't recall it has always been there. Maybe I missed it, but it seems like many did.

<LI>Disney Dining Plan
Experience over 100 participating Walt Disney World® restaurants including our legendary Disney Character Dining. For each night on your package, you enjoy:

• 1 table-service meal including appetizer, entree, dessert, and nonalcoholic beverage and gratuity charge (children ages 3-9 are limited to the Chilrdren's Menu at table-service restaurants, if one is available)
• 1 counter-service meal including entree, dessert and nonalcoholic beverage
• 1 snack, such as a frozen ice cream bar, box of popcorn, 20 oz bottle of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dasani water or a medium fountain soft drink
• As an added benefit, you may exchange 2 table-service meals for either 1 Signature Dining Experience at one of our finest restaurants, such as the acclaimed California Grill or for 1 Disney Dinner Show, such as Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.
• Select Downtown Disney® restaurants may require a surcharge for certain entree items.

 

[Computer Magic]

I agree with the "Know ahead of time" mentallity! I have been looking into this since It came out and It sounds like a great deal for my family. These problems do seem to be due to lack of research! The brochure from the Website is very good and it does not talk about being restricted on what to order except for snacks. It does say...

"You can find Snack locations throughout the Theme Parks or at Counter Service locations in the Resorts. All cart locations selling frozen ice-cream novelties, popcorn or Coca-Cola products accept your​

​

Disney Dining Plan."



...which makes you think that there are some locations that do not accept this package! The biggest thing is to check before you go or while you get priority seating.

I would like to hear more "I been there and used it and ....."


​

It's funny, I don't consider drinks (water and Cola products) as snack.....but Disney does.

I was hoping for one cookie or one donut as a snack. Oh well.

 

[Computer Magic]

I just noticed the from my last post "Select Downtown Disney® restaurants may require a surcharge for certain entree items."
That interesting considering Cap'n Jack's Restaurant is the only DD restaurants. maybe they mean counter service as well as table service *shrugs*


Here is another fine print to watch out for: Disney Dining Plan locations are subject to change without notice.Operational hours may vary.



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[New2WDW]

Counter Service

This is what the brochure showon...

Your Counter Service Meal includes:
​

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-One (1) entrée
-One (1) dessert
-One (1) single serving
non-alcoholic beverage

OR

-One (1) complete combo meal with
dessert and one (1) single serving
non-alcoholic beverage

Children ages 3-9 must order from the
child’s menu where available.​

 

[BigAL]

Question

How does the new dining plan work for each person? In other words is the persons name on the voucher? Is it a voucher or on your hotel key?

For example, if my wife and I use the plan for a five night stay. Then my brother comes for one night not on the plan. Can I give him one of my vouchers. I know your are not suppose to but is your name tied to the voucher some way?

 

[New2WDW]

BigAl Does this help...​

Note: Upon check-in, all meals from the package are combined into one central account for maximum flexibility. Any Guest in the party may use the meals from this central account at any time during their package stay until all the meals are depleted.

From "The Brochure" that is becoming so popular. We should have this thing disected soon!

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I assume this goes on your room key!