Dining Plan Changes

NewDVCowner;2458982 wrote: Any idea how much more this is going to cost? I would imagine that there's going to be an increase - and with the option of kids being able to order off the adult menu it seems that the price could go up significantly - especially for the kids dining plan.

Agreed, I would think the price of the kids' plan will go up the most with increase in flexibility. More choices usually means higher costs at Disney (or anywhere for that matter).

I like that you will be able to substitute a side salad, soup, or fruit plate in lieu of a dessert. I'd be perfectly happy to have a soup or salad and just a "small" taste of a dessert someone in the party has ordered.

I also like that at Quick Service locations, you can use 1 Quick Service Meal for any 3 Disney Dining Plan Eligible Snack Items. Since on the last day we are scrambling to use up all our snack credits, we can use them for a quick meal before leaving for the airport.

I have to say that I think this is an improvement to the DDP and although it may be confusing a bit at first, it will work out and will be worth it.

Melanie;2458925 wrote: The dining plan didn't want to feel left out from all the other confusing aspects of planning a WDW vacation. ;)

Melanie....You are sooo funny!!!!!

I agree 100% though!!! :mickey::mickey::mickey::mickey:

mydisneygirls;2458992 wrote: I also like that at Quick Service locations, you can use 1 Quick Service Meal for any 3 Disney Dining Plan Eligible Snack Items. Since on the last day we are scrambling to use up all our snack credits, we can use them for a quick meal before leaving for the airport.

That's not what the plan updates that Jason posted says. You can use a Quick Service credit to get 3 snack items, NOT you can use 3 Snack Credits to get a Quick Service meal. The wording here indicates that this is a one-way transaction only. One way is in Disney's favor, the other is not.

My Spidey-sense says that all of this sounds good, but that a quick analysis will show that Disney is the party that will benefit most.

Steve

Fangorn;2459004 wrote:

My Spidey-sense says that all of this sounds good, but that a quick analysis will show that Disney is the party that will benefit most.

Steve

That almost goes without saying.

I can use a CS credit for a meal, drink, and desert. This is the most expensive option. According to the new allowances, if I'm not "that" hungry I can get a drink, side, and desert (using the 3 snack credits). The customer definitely comes out on the shorter end of that stick. I wonder if people will really fall for that? I mean, come on, now that we can share with others outside our plan, why wouldn't you simply share that full CS credit with a friend? (assuming the friend is with you...)

magicofdisney;2459005 wrote: That almost goes without saying.

I can use a CS credit for a meal, drink, and desert. This is the most expensive option. According to the new allowances, if I'm not "that" hungry I can get a drink, side, and desert (using the 3 snack credits). The customer definitely comes out on the shorter end of that stick. I wonder if people will really fall for that? I mean, come on, now that we can share with others outside our plan, why wouldn't you simply share that full CS credit with a friend? (assuming the friend is with you...)

Indeed.

I did a very quick analysis of the "breakfast snack" enhancement (and I use that word loosely). For my snack credit which has traditionally been usable for snack items up to $6 (average $4.50?) we can now use one for a side of bacon at breakfast. Sounds great, except that side of bacon at ASMovies is a whopping $2.49. Yes, it's great that I can get something besides a pastry with my snack credit, but on a purely monetary level, it's a poor value (well, it's a great value from Disney's perspective).

The Soup or salad instead of dessert option is similar - at a monetary level you're trading a $6-$8 dessert for a $2.19 side salad (if it's even available at your dining establishment - most only have a child's side salad available). Soup is the same. Don't expect to be getting the same soup or salad items that are on the Appetizer menu :secret:.

All this under the guise of giving you more flexibility.

Not buying it.

Steve

Fangorn;2459011 wrote: Indeed.

I did a very quick analysis of the "breakfast snack" enhancement (and I use that word loosely). For my snack credit which has traditionally been usable for snack items up to $6 (average $4.50?) we can now use one for a side of bacon at breakfast. Sounds great, except that side of bacon at ASMovies is a whopping $2.49. Yes, it's great that I can get something besides a pastry with my snack credit, but on a purely monetary level, it's a poor value (well, it's a great value from Disney's perspective).

The Soup or salad instead of dessert option is similar - at a monetary level you're trading a $6-$8 dessert for a $2.19 side salad (if it's even available at your dining establishment - most only have a child's side salad available). Soup is the same. Don't expect to be getting the same soup or salad items that are on the Appetizer menu :secret:.

All this under the guise of giving you more flexibility.

Not buying it.

Steve

Those values work for a counter service substitution, but it is a much more even swap for a table service meal and in some cases you will come out ahead. I looked at a menu for Grand Floridian Cafe and the soup of the day is $6,49. Other than the dessert sampler, all other desserts are $5 and under. The soup at Kona Cafe is 7.49. The most expensive dessert is $6.49 there.

The gap is wider if you look at some of the signature restaurants. The price for the soup or the cheese plate is $16 at Citricos. The most expensive dessert on the menu is $11. Of course, all the restaurants could all revamp their menus so the value isn't there, but there hasn't been a mention of a "special" menu you will have to use for the switch.

I agree that this isn't going to make us buy the Dining Plan either. We do much better with Tables in Wonderland as we get a discount on alcoholic beverages. I can see where it could work for others.