http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/debwills/2007/07/2008_dining_plan_changes_1.html

I just wonder how many servers are going to be stiffed on the tip... I think the deluxe plan is probably an OK deal, but I also know that I would want to maximize the value, which would mean more table service meals and that would mean less park time, KWIM?

I'm not cool with that. I think diners should have a choice between dessert and appetizer, and if they are going to take away the appetizer then the price should decrease more than a $1.

I don't get how the Deluxe is that much more money. You are adding on another counter service, a refillable mug, and an extra snack a day. That doesn't work out. Another $32, but it's not like you are getting a new mug everyday so it works out that the counter service + the extra snack is at most another $15.

I also liked that tip was included. Now that tip isn't included I have to bring money with me and it's going to be a lot of money. It also doesn't work out that they are taking out the tip and the appetizer and the price is only decreasing 1 dollar.

Eh, bummed about the changes to the regular dining plan, but intrigued by the introduction of the Deluxe dining plan! As of now we're not planning a trip for '08, but if that changes, I think we'll have to at least try it. With 3 credits per day I could see doing a regular TS place for lunch (Kona Cafe or something) and a signature for dinner (CA Grill). It's a lot of food and yeah some extra time away from the parks, but it's worth trying out, IMO.

I'm not cool with that. I think diners should have a choice between dessert and appetizer, and if they are going to take away the appetizer then the price should decrease more than a $1.

The choice thing is a good idea! And I agree that 1 dollar isn't enough.

I don't get how the Deluxe is that much more money. You are adding on another counter service, a refillable mug, and an extra snack a day. That doesn't work out. Another $32, but it's not like you are getting a new mug everyday so it works out that the counter service + the extra snack is at most another $15.

I read it as you get 3 points per day, so you could conceivably do the plan I mentioned in my first post. WDYT?

I also liked that tip was included. Now that tip isn't included I have to bring money with me and it's going to be a lot of money. It also doesn't work out that they are taking out the tip and the appetizer and the price is only decreasing 1 dollar.

Again I am in complete agreement! It will suck having to carry around extra cash for tips.

There was an update to the article stating that an appetizer was now included for TS's. However, removing the tip from the package reduces its value.

The way that we saw it was that for the price of a nice dinner at at TS place, you almost get a CS and a snack for free. That was a pretty good value. Just using rough calculations, if I had to tip 18% on the true value of the TS meal, that would almost make it a wash.

Once they release the real package details, I would have to do some more detailed calculations to see what kind of value remains.

I think it means that we'll never buy the regular dining plan again. When my DH and I dine out, we occasionally split an appetizer, each get an entree, and sometimes split a dessert. When we use the dining plan (which we love), we each get all three, and share apps and desserts so we can try more things on the menu. For that reason, and for the reason that we don't have to calculate a tip (bad at math), we loved the dining plan. Without the apps and the tips, we'd do better at $38/day/person to pay out of pocket.

The Deluxe is intriguing, but looks like after 2008 we'll be travelling with a small person who won't appreciate that many table service meals!

There was an update to the article stating that an appetizer was now included for TS's. However, removing the tip from the package reduces its value.

The update said that the appetizer was included for the Deluxe Plan, but it didn't say anything about the regular plan.

I read it as you get 3 points per day, so you could conceivably do the plan I mentioned in my first post. WDYT?

Oh sorry that was a doofus move on my part. I read it as 2 CS credits and then 1 TS credit. So you can use all 3 credits as TS credits? Right? Then it's not so bad. But how much can a person eat in one day? Imagine in August in the heat eating all of that food! Ahh!

Oh sorry that was a doofus move on my part. I read it as 2 CS credits and then 1 TS credit. So you can use all 3 credits as TS credits? Right? Then it's not so bad. But how much can a person eat in one day? Imagine in August in the heat eating all of that food! Ahh!

Well eating 3 big meals a day in WDW wouldn't work for me. The heat, the walking and time away from the parks would be too much. However...

If you can use the 3 points per day in any way you choose, you could pay a few bucks OOP for breakfast (something small like oatmeal or cereal) use 1 point for a TS at lunch (Noonish), snack during the day, and at 6 or 7 use the other 2 points eating at a Signature. With that plan you could eat at a different sig each day of your trip. How cool would that be? One day you're doing Cinderella's Castle for breakfast and the Coral Reef for Dinner, the next day Kona for lunch and the CA Grill for dinner!

The update said that the appetizer was included for the Deluxe Plan, but it didn't say anything about the regular plan.
My bad, you are correct. (Gotta find my glasses.)
With that... then I would say that the regular plan's value is surely in question.

Keith- That would be awesome, but when you travel with someone like my sister who's menu consists of buffalo wings, plain steak, and pizza signature dining is totally out of the question. If I were to travel without her it would be probably be worth it.

Keith- That would be awesome, but when you travel with someone like my sister who's menu consists of buffalo wings, plain steak, and pizza signature dining is totally out of the question. If I were to travel without her it would be probably be worth it.

You're absolutely right. It totally depends on the company. If Tracy and I and the kids went, we wouldn't do it. If it were just Tracy and I, we would so do it! :)

I think the gratuity not being included is a bummer. I hate having to have cash with me all the time. I am not sure we would do a plan next time if those are the only two to choose from. How much food do they think we could eat in a day!

I'm disappointed in the changes. I agree with most of the above. Taking the app. away and the tip and only reducing the cost by a buck = bad deal. Getting the appetizer and not having to worry about cash at all are very important components to experiencing the vacation-y feel. If we go again after my upcoming trip, (which will probably be several years away) I would seriously consider just paying OOP for everything.

I think the deluxe plan is just too expensive to be paying per night. Unless I was going as a couple with DH and celebrating something very special, I would not even consider it because of the steep price.

You don't have to carry cash on you, you COULD charge it on your Key to the World card and pay for it when you check out.

It's not like the plan was super easy to explain before, this is going to make it TONS of fun!

True Drince, you can charge it.

But, whether you take cash or charge the tip, having the tip excluded still takes away from the ease of having it all in one flat fee, pre-budgeted and taken care of. It is so nice to be able to walk into a restaurant and not have to think about money. That will be no longer.

I wonder which plan, if either, they will offer free next year? Boy, I am glad we got in on the free dining this year!:D

Well eating 3 big meals a day in WDW wouldn't work for me. The heat, the walking and time away from the parks would be too much. However...

If you can use the 3 points per day in any way you choose, you could pay a few bucks OOP for breakfast (something small like oatmeal or cereal) use 1 point for a TS at lunch (Noonish), snack during the day, and at 6 or 7 use the other 2 points eating at a Signature. With that plan you could eat at a different sig each day of your trip. How cool would that be? One day you're doing Cinderella's Castle for breakfast and the Coral Reef for Dinner, the next day Kona for lunch and the CA Grill for dinner!

Wow, DisneylandForever, you certainly took time to analyze this. You are making me think this is so worthwhile!

BTW, hope you have a good time on your upcoming trip to WDW. I know you are going with rentayenta, and she seems like such a lovely person. I know you will all enjoy your trip.

IMO it makes the concierge options look even better. I just don't know if it's really worth it unless you are a really big eater. I always have loved the idea of having pretty much everything paid in advance and only having to spend what I want. Now with tips and the cost I don't know. Will be interesting to see what is all "set in stone" on the web site. I just honestly think a whole lot of people won't use it any longer....especially if they have picky eaters or small kids.

It would make me consider doing a split stay, book a few days on the deluxe plan - stockpile snacks, go to all signature restaurants or dinner shows, then switch to a room only for the rest of the trip. Could be worth it that way. I hate that they would remove the tip, and I also don't think it's worth a dollar decrease to take out the appetizer and the tip, but it is possible that it would still be a good deal at that price... I'd have to make a stupid little spreadsheet and see if it would be worth it to me though. I guess I'll cross that bridge if I ever get to it.

I was also wondering if there would be a different promotional offer next year instead of free dining - maybe they'll still do free dining, maybe they'll offer the deluxe at a discount??? Who knows... maybe they'll do an entirely different promo anyway.

id rather the deluxe at the discount!!

BTW, hope you have a good time on your upcoming trip to WDW. I know you are going with rentayenta, and she seems like such a lovely person. I know you will all enjoy your trip.

Thank you so much! Yep she is an awesome person. :)


I was also wondering if there would be a different promotional offer next year instead of free dining - maybe they'll still do free dining, maybe they'll offer the deluxe at a discount??? Who knows... maybe they'll do an entirely different promo anyway.

I agree Wendi. I can't imagine them ever giving the deluxe plan for the free dining promo. A discounted deluxe would be nice (during the free "basic" dining promo), but I'm not holdin' my breath!

Odds are some form of free dining will return, as it's wildy popular. You and I are prime examples, Wendi! I wasn't supposed to go till February. :p

id rather the deluxe at the discount!!

We are in agreement yet again! It's like we're the same person. Do you watch Nip/Tuck, too?

We are in agreement yet again! It's like we're the same person. Do you watch Nip/Tuck, too?

I don't know how excited I am for this season of Nip/Tuck. I feel like there will be too many changes. :eek: Shocking I know.

I'm not holding my breath either about getting a discount on the deluxe resorts. Although a friend of ours got a great discount at AKL and WL with her AP heavy discounts 2 years ago. I think it was for something like $125 a night. I want that!

Eh, bummed about the changes to the regular dining plan, but intrigued by the introduction of the Deluxe dining plan! As of now we're not planning a trip for '08, but if that changes, I think we'll have to at least try it. With 3 credits per day I could see doing a regular TS place for lunch (Kona Cafe or something) and a signature for dinner (CA Grill). It's a lot of food and yeah some extra time away from the parks, but it's worth trying out, IMO.

I'm sure a lot of people will try to use their credits for signature dining spots. I wonder if more restaurants will be "upgraded" to signature dining status, with, perhaps, an increase in menu prices, for cash-paying customers.

I'm sure a lot of people will try to use their credits for signature dining spots. I wonder if more restaurants will be "upgraded" to signature dining status, with, perhaps, an increase in menu prices, for cash-paying customers.
If this happens, they might as well get rid of the dining plan outright. I mean, the dining plan as it is at least allows for some flexibility. The deluxe plan would give you a lot of dining time, and to some that is great. But I dont think many 10,11,12 year old "adults" can eat $60+ dollars worth of food.