Disney Dining Plan Diary???

[KC82271]

We just returned from 6 days in WDW. 5 of those were part of the free dining offer. First time in over 25 visits that I have used the DDP. As soon as we checked in, we were greeted by a CM who asked us a few questions and asked if we would participate in a program they were doing. They provided us with a "diary" in which we had to log all of our non-covered dining expenses, including merchandise, taxes, tips, alcoholic beverages, etc. on a daily basis. We had to list the expenses broken down by main meal, appetizers, desserts, tax, tips, etc. So meals we didn't use the plan, we had to list each line item. It was time consuming, but I am curious as to why they were doing this.

Has anyone ever been asked to do this? There is a supposedly a gift that we will receive in 6-8 weeks of them receiving our completed diary back.

 

[Crush Dude!]

We just returned from 6 days in WDW. 5 of those were part of the free dining offer. First time in over 25 visits that I have used the DDP. As soon as we checked in, we were greeted by a CM who asked us a few questions and asked if we would participate in a program they were doing. They provided us with a "diary" in which we had to log all of our non-covered dining expenses, including merchandise, taxes, tips, alcoholic beverages, etc. on a daily basis. We had to list the expenses broken down by main meal, appetizers, desserts, tax, tips, etc. So meals we didn't use the plan, we had to list each line item. It was time consuming, but I am curious as to why they were doing this.
Never heard of it!
Has anyone ever been asked to do this? There is a supposedly a gift that we will receive in 6-8 weeks of them receiving our completed diary back.

 

[wiigirl]

Never heard of that before...maybe for marketing/research?

Was is mandatory?

 

[KC82271]

No, not mandatory.

 

[ddbowdoin]

We just returned from 6 days in WDW. 5 of those were part of the free dining offer. First time in over 25 visits that I have used the DDP. As soon as we checked in, we were greeted by a CM who asked us a few questions and asked if we would participate in a program they were doing. They provided us with a "diary" in which we had to log all of our non-covered dining expenses, including merchandise, taxes, tips, alcoholic beverages, etc. on a daily basis. We had to list the expenses broken down by main meal, appetizers, desserts, tax, tips, etc. So meals we didn't use the plan, we had to list each line item. It was time consuming, but I am curious as to why they were doing this.

Has anyone ever been asked to do this? There is a supposedly a gift that we will receive in 6-8 weeks of them receiving our completed diary back.

gift = good

consider yourself lucky

 

[ExtinctJenn]

Just my gut talking here but I have a feeling this points to a new package idea they are considering. My instinct says they are having folks do this to create some sort of "shopping plan" like the Dining Plans. A while back I sent an e-mail to Disney saying it'd be great if when I booked my trip I could also put down an 'extra' amount of money to be held as a sort of spending account for the trip. I wonder if they are considering doing something where you can purchase an optional "shopping plan" to be used for purchases like merchandise, tips, non-covered dining, etc. Just a thought... I don't claim to have any insider knowledge or anything.

 

[stevehousse]

I kind of like that option! I wouldn't have to hide all my money I save for vacation in my sock drawer!

 

[real mad hatter]

Yes happened to us in July and we've just received our gift.A years supply of Magic cookie bars and a Tinkerbell outfit. Iam sending the outfit back.No way am I wearing that at Halloween

 

[Crush Dude!]

Yes happened to us in July and we've just received our gift.A years supply of Magic cookie bars and a Tinkerbell outfit. Iam sending the outfit back.No way am I wearing that at Halloween

That is a disturbing thought....

 

[plaz10]

Yeah maybe a miscellaneous category of dining credits to be used on bigger snacks, alcoholic beverages, appetizers, etc...

I really would love if the table service credits came with an appetizer OR dessert, entree and drink. Sometimes I'd rather have a bowl of cheddar cheese soup than a chocolate moose, ya know?

I also think the breakfast QS gets the shaft. You don't get a dessert or juice anymore. It should be entree, drink and "snack." It's only fair...in my opinion.

 

[Crush Dude!]

Yeah maybe a miscellaneous category of dining credits to be used on bigger snacks, alcoholic beverages, appetizers, etc...

I really would love if the table service credits came with an appetizer OR dessert, entree and drink. Sometimes I'd rather have a bowl of cheddar cheese soup than a chocolate moose, ya know?

I also think the breakfast QS gets the shaft. You don't get a dessert or juice anymore. It should be entree, drink and "snack." It's only fair...in my opinion.

You still get juice just no dessert, but i would def prefer to get an appetiser than a dessert at times

 

[disney magic 06]

Yes happened to us in July and we've just received our gift.A years supply of Magic cookie bars and a Tinkerbell outfit. Iam sending the outfit back.No way am I wearing that at Halloween

Oooeerr! Scarier than any monster outfit I would think

 

[rufio]

You still get juice just no dessert, but i would def prefer to get an appetiser than a dessert at times

No

 

[Lucky]

There are all sorts of ways they can use this information. They use free DDP to get more people in the parks and resorts with the idea they'll make up part of it on merchandise etc. I'm sure they'd like to know whether people on free DDP spend the same amount (or more) on merchanidse, alcohol etc. as other guests.

 

[KC82271]

I'm sure they'd like to know whether people on free DDP spend the same amount (or more) on merchanidse, alcohol etc. as other guests.

I can tell you, I spent less this time on the extras. Being my "dining" was covered, I just didn't feel the need to spend money. With a 7 year old daughter, I have typically spent close to $200 in merchandise each trip. My total for this trip on merchandise was only $80.

 

[disney magic 06]

I don't seem to spend aything like as much as I used to on merchandise. I'm not sure whether this is because I already have the things I really like or because there's less 'must have' stuff around. I do get a t shirt each trip, a couple of gifts and not much more. I think Disney misses a lot of marketing opportunities, and many of the goods are poor quality. DLP is much better for many souvenirs.

 

[swissamy]

I don't seem to spend aything like as much as I used to on merchandise. I'm not sure whether this is because I already have the things I really like or because there's less 'must have' stuff around. I do get a t shirt each trip, a couple of gifts and not much more. I think Disney misses a lot of marketing opportunities, and many of the goods are poor quality. DLP is much better for many souvenirs.

I think I spend less because the merchandise is less resort specific, much less is really related to a specific hotel and even the park merch. is more "Disney Parks" universal themed...Also, so much is the same as what you can get at a local disney store for less (though it will say "Disney Store"on the label of a stuffed animal, instead of Disney Parks)...