Stigma on Dining Plan has Truth

[Evil Genius]

Add me to the list of folks that have used the DDP multiple times and never experienced a lapse in service.

We love the DDP as it does add another level of convience to our vacation and it's one less issue we have to deal with. In fact, we often don't even make ADR while using the DDP and STILL have never had any issues! We've always been treated with the same service, kindness and respect as any other WDW guest.

 

[tizzo]

I had a change in my dining plans one night, and had to wing it and be an infamous "walk-up" to a restaurant that particular night. We first tried Bistro de Paris, and the manager initially gave the typical response that they are booked solid, etc etc., and my wife asked if there was anything he could do for us to squeeze us in, make an exception etc, and he said "well, let me ask you this...are you on the dining plan?", to which my wife replied happily NO. He then said "good, ok then, come by at 5:00 and I'll put you on the list."

I think you may be reading too much into this. Consider that in making an adjustment and squeezing you in, the restaurant manager is keeping dollars on Disney property that might otherwise be spent out on I-Drive, or at the Crossroads. If on the other hand you're on the dining plan, those dollars are already in Disney's hands.

Put another way, by making the accommodation you requested, the restaurant manager was earning your money for Disney. Whereas for dining plan participants, Disney earns their money up front, by offering discounts (I understand that even at full price the dining plan represents a substantial discount) or otherwise enticing you to purchase the plan.

I can understand how it might be frustrating. But I think the motivation is pretty clear, and completely legitimate provided they're not reneging on anything they offered to dining plan patrons - which, based on your explanation, they are not.

 

[Lucky]

I've never noticed a difference in quality of service on or off DDP.

On this issue of walkups getting seated, it could be the rationale is that they have your money anyway if you're on the DDP, but otherwise they may not get it unless they seat you. Or, they may think if you're on the DDP, you've had time to plan ahead and they're less sympathetic than they are to others if you failed to make ADRs.

 

[Master Yoda]

The reason you are asked if you are on the DDP is very simple and not some nefarious way to slip you some top secret limited menu, lower your level of service or sneeze on your steak. It is simply to make sure that the server informs the guest of what is and is not included. Most people on the DDP have no clue how it works or what it includes. Many people are under the impression that the DDP is like cruise ship dining where they can order what ever they want and it is taken care of. Asking if they are on the DDP and explaining what it includes avoids the sticker shock if someone orders the left side of the menu thinking that it is taken care of because they are on the DDP.

 

[Master Yoda]

How does one person's anecdotal evidence "prove" anything?

It doesn't. I don't doubt that this sort of thing does indeed happen but I seriously doubt that there is any sort of official policy allowing the restaurants to turn away a DDP walk up and seat a cash paying guest. I do however think that if and when the mouse reads this thread a memo will be going out to all of the TS restaurants on property about this very situation. Guest services hears an earful on a daily basis from DDP guests that can not find TS availability and I can not imagine that hearing the OP's story makes them very happy.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

I always try to stop them burbling on by informing them I am aware of the dining plans limitations and that I have to and will pay for add ons and service.

 

[UberMouse]

I tallied up what my wife and I spent on food and snacks (easy to do with the key to the kingdom card) I actually came out ahead by not using the DDP by about $120.00 total between the two of us once everything that is covered is figured in, and then all of the things that would be extra or not covered were taken out. Mainly because we did not snack in the parks as much as usual over the 8 days we were there probably.

-Jeff

 

[Mouse Man]

I've used the dining plan twice now and have enjoyed both wonderful service and great food. Now, I will admit that as others have already indicated, knowing the plan and how it works is a huge plus in my opinion. I am sure it is extremely frustrating for the servers to have to repeat the dining rules over and over each and every day for folks who sign up but don't really understand how it works.

There will always be lovers of the plan and an equal number of haters of the plan. That's just how life works.

I couldn't agree with you more on this statement. I use the DDP all the time and like you never had an issue, great service, good food. Already know the rules of the DDP so it's easy for the waiter or waitress when they are waiting on us.

 

[Missymoe4]

This year will be my first time on the dining plan.

Previously, as a non-dining plan guest, I felt like the "odd man out." I have no facts to prove my situation; however, I was made to feel by cm's as though I would have been better off if I were on the dining plan.

So, this time I'm going to Disney on the dining plan and am quite excited to do so. Not only have I been able to book more reservations that I would previously have booked paying cash, but the main advantage of doing going with the DDP is not having to budget during my trip--instead using my remaining budget for souvenirs and drinks.

Also, some people that complain about poor service need to realize that we are all human. Everyone has good days and bad days. The servers are catering to a large crowd--some may have been working far too long, and far more than the average shift we work. I think a mutual respect needs to be instated. I know that when I sit down for a meal, after walking for 6 hours in the blistering heat, I may not be in the best mood myself. Therefore, instead of expecting grand service, I think it's best to sit back and enjoy what you have. If things are really poor, sure, go ahead and complain. But by-and-far I have never received poor service from a server. In fact, may times when you talk with them a bit, perhaps say hello and ask them how they're doing--it may help to your advantage. After all, we're all humans and no matter what, we all deserve the same amount of respect. My advice: sit back, relax and enjoy your meal--after all, you are on vacation and vacations are meant to be fun.

 

[DisneyDadof5]

I've said similar upfront and never had an issue with service. Our family always orders appetizers, adult beverages, etc, that are not on the plan.

Plus with a minimum party size of 6, the server knows about the automatic 18% gratuity, and when they mention that, I state I normally tip more than that for good service. I've never had a problem after stating that.

I always try to stop them burbling on by informing them I am aware of the dining plans limitations and that I have to and will pay for add ons and service.

 

[diddy_mouse]

Our first experience with the DDP was back in '07 and it worked out very well for my husband and I. We did just a little bit of homework on the DDP, so we wouldn't be in the dark when the menu came, and it was worthwhile. We also ordered our food just like we do at any other restaurant we go to at home. The CMs were very attentive to us and would explain certain menu items if we had questions or offer suggestions.

I think with the DDP it's the "few bad apples spoil the bunch" reasoning. It's not a complicated process but it has become that way.

 

[Evil Genius]

Our first experience with the DDP was back in '07 and it worked out very well for my husband and I. We did just a little bit of homework on the DDP, so we wouldn't be in the dark when the menu came, and it was worthwhile. We also ordered our food just like we do at any other restaurant we go to at home. The CMs were very attentive to us and would explain certain menu items if we had questions or offer suggestions.

I think with the DDP it's the "few bad apples spoil the bunch" reasoning. It's not a complicated process but it has become that way.

I think you've hit on a very good thought. I think there have been those that have abused the DDP in the past and it's really effected some CMs in terms of how they deal with DDP guests. However I think the majority of people would state that their experience has been positive. Granted the DDP isn't as great as it used to be, I still think it's a great value.

 

[Conrad3000]

I realize that. We were trying for either Chefs de France or Bistro de Paris......

So which place was asking if you were on the Dining Plan?

 

[worldfanatic]

This topic has been debated 1000 times over.
Either you love the dining plan or you don't.

I fall into the category of:

THE DINING PLAN BLOWS!
IT'S BEEN A MAJOR FACTOR IN THE DECLINE OF SIT DOWN DINING AT DISNEY WORLD!!!

Anybody who says the quality of table service meals and service is better now than before the Dining plan is full of crap........... or an idiot!
And trust me, the cast members WOULD LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT TO GO AWAY!!!!

Just my humble opinion, have a Magical Day!

 

[m&mmom]

Has something changed with the dining plan? We used it in 06, 07, and 08 and went to many different resturants. I've never limitations on what we could order. Sure if we wanted an appetizer or an alcoholic beverage it was extra, but we always seemed to be given the same menu as everyone else and no one ever said what we could or couldn't have. Is this new?

 

[Master Yoda]

Has something changed with the dining plan? We used it in 06, 07, and 08 and went to many different resturants. I've never limitations on what we could order. Sure if we wanted an appetizer or an alcoholic beverage it was extra, but we always seemed to be given the same menu as everyone else and no one ever said what we could or couldn't have. Is this new?

There is no separate menu for the DDP. You get the same menu everyone else gets.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

There is no separate menu for the DDP. You get the same menu everyone else gets.

Just not everything on it is covered by the DP. Like hello cheekies and starters which you mentioned, but some folk are unaware either from changes since previous use, being obtuse or just thick.

And Im sure Im correct in saying that certain dishes at particular restaurants are not featured.

 

[fredtom]

I have to say that I don't think you've proven anything... And your information isn't even correct since Bistro de Paris is not on the Dining Plan anyway. My wife and I always use the DDP and have never experienced any negative stigma associated with it. We've only had top notch service and some wonderful meals.

Of course, it is not for everyone and the value of the plan depends on how you use it.


"An Adventurer's life is best!" :lol:

 

[Dwarful]

We've used the DDP several times...esp. when going with large groups. However, we don't enjoy the DDP anymore. We have also quit having so many sit down meals on our trips. On our spring trip we opted for two sit downs over a week's time. This summer trip we have 4 sit downs - but this trip we are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary, my birthday and our daughter's birthday. Meals have become cumbersome...long waits due to over booking (noticed this esp. during the summer months), decline in food quality, and quantity of choices. I do miss not having everything paid upfront.

 

[slacker]

I used to be a Disney server and I can honestly say I never cared who was or wasn't on the dining plan. If I ever asked (it was usually already written on the ticket) about dining plan, it would only be to lay out what was covered by the plan. It was also something asked when there were large parties, because they would usually have 2+ plans.

I think that if a server said "Great! You can order anything!", it's them just speaking out loud. They won't have to outline the menu as much, which saves a bit of time.

During the actual meal, the service I gave was the same because I didn't label my tables by how they were paying. It's all the same to the server.