Has the disney dining plan ruined disney dining?

[AKLnut]

friends just back are saying they felt more rushed than ever, service was worse, food was worse

Is this all the disney dining plan? Is it particularly bad during free dining?

How about the question of whether you get better or worse service if you're on the dining plan?

[Tink]

In my opinion? Yes to all the above.

It's no secret that I have nothing good to say about the DDP. :sorry:

It's ruined spontaneous dining. There is no more walking up to any full service restuarant. During free dining it's particularly bad. We were there staying on property and had ADRs during the stay at several places.

Each place was mobbed (and we had later ADRs trying to avoid too much chaos) with screaming kids who really needed to be in bed instead of waiting for their dinners. :sigh;

The service is markedly different from my unscientific point of view. You are asked if you are on the DDP of course, and when you say no, you are greeted with a beaming smile and a great service.

The quality of the food is hit or miss. At the YSH and Bistro de Paris we had no loss of quality. Kona Cafe was so poor (service and quality) that we won't be returning anytime soon.

So, for me? I'm not happy with the affects of the DDP on Disney dining at all!

[Slowhand]

So, for me? I'm not happy with the affects of the DDP on Disney dining at all!
Totally agree with those comments Tink.
Many of the CM`s I`ve spoken to have also the same opinion. :mad:

Bring back the good old days of relaxed dining, albeit using PS`s [or ADR`s as they are now called] is my view on the subject.

[uscwest]

I also totally agree with Tink and Slowhand. While we eat at a lot of the signature places we also eat at the non signature and have indeed notice a downfall in the service.

[Tink]

Yes. I have no real problem with making ADRs, although I really did like the days that saw us strolling the WS of a Friday evening and then deciding where we wanted to eat and GETTING IN! *gasp*

I'll happily make an ADR if I know I'm going to have a relaxed dinner, good service and food commesurate with the cost.

This last time was a real eye opener. Using YSH as an example, the place was heaving with people waiting outside the actual restaurant for their seating. Kids were running up and down the hallway shrieking, crying, asking to go for ice cream, not understanding that they couldn't swim in the pool. :sigh; Some of the adults weren't much better. Shouting at the podium staff that they had a RESERVATION and didn't see WHY THEY HAD TO WAIT... :sigh;

We took refuge (as we always do) at the Crew's Cup lounge which was surprisingly empty and quite peaceful, and had a nice pre-dinner drink and chance to visit. Once we crossed into the YSH and were placed in Ricardo's very capable and impeccable service hands, all really was well, however the noise level of the restaurant was markedly higher than at any other time we had been.

Again, people not familiar with the menu talking loudly about "what the hell is that do you suppose" and kids saying "YUCK THIS IS GROSS!"

If families are going to dine in a nicer restaurant with an atmosphere that is conducive to low voices and pardon me, manners then they need to educate themselves and their offspring before hand. I know that sounds dreadfully harsh, but I promise you if I had behaved the way the majority of the children I saw that night (and no, I'm not talking exclusively about two year olds, there were children well into their teens behaving like hooligans) my parents would have removed me from the restaurant and there would have a very unpleasant "discussion" ensuing. When we were taken to a proper restaurant we were taught and expected to behave with proper manners.

There. I sound like a hateful old woman now don't I? :sorry:

[Keith]

Agree with everyone here, it's taken an awful turn for the worse! I guess Disney's view is that they've managed to pack every restaurant so more money for them, but long term it has an effect on level of enjoyment and return business (in my opinion)

The crews cup now does a limited YSH menu and no booking needed. I did this last time and it was brilliant!

[Tink]

:yes: It was clear that the DDP hadn't yet invaded that sanctuary. :lol:

DDP is going to end up being a mistake in the long run. Many, many people who go to Disney as adults for adult dining experiences (that doesn't mean no children present, it means excellent service and gourmet/high quality food) have already started to head elsewhere with their dollars.

We used to spend nearly every "dining out" dollar with WDW. Now? Only if we are staying there. We've taken to exploring our locale and have found some wonderful places that give us what Disney no longer can't seem to do.

CMs in the nicer restaurants have noticed the difference, and have tried to reason with "management" but to no avail.

I guess we will have to adjust our thinking back to the days when Disney was a great theme park but a lousy place to eat. (Not ALL that long ago).

[Slowhand]

Yes. I have no real problem with making ADRs, although I really did like the days that saw us strolling the WS of a Friday evening and then deciding where we wanted to eat and GETTING IN! *gasp*

Those were the days eh?
It would be nice once in a while to be able to decide where and when to dine without having to make that decision months in advance! :mad: This is one of the reasons why we are using more and more off site places whenever we visit, much as we love dining on site.

[Keith]

Agree completely!

We were fortunate to dine offsite with Slowhand and his charming wife. The difference in service, quality and heck value for money too was extremely noticeable.

We would normally only dine offsite once a visit perhaps but in December we've already booked several offsite, upscale places.

[Keith]

Those were the days eh?
It would be nice once in a while to be able to decide where and when to dine without having to make that decision months in advance! :mad: This is one of the reasons why we are using more and more off site places whenever we visit, much as we love dining on site.

I remember walking up to Le Cellier, being seated immediately at a great table. Excellent service, not so packed that it was unpleasent, server took time to explain the offerings etc. Perfect.

[Slowhand]

I remember walking up to Le Cellier, being seated immediately at a great table. Excellent service, not so packed that it was unpleasent, server took time to explain the offerings etc. Perfect.
You are getting me all nostalgic for the good old days now Keith. :cry2:

[Tink]

Yes! Yes! Those are the days I'm talking about.

Walking up to the French cafe (downstairs) and being seated. Ordering "pour le table" and having a wonderful meal with a server who was truly interested in our enjoyment of the food and the time!

Auld lang syne. :sigh;

I will say, the service at the Bistro de Paris is quite nice still. :yes: They are not safe from the DDP though. There was a large party there when we were (maybe 8 adults) and they were carrying on terribly. :sigh;

[MystikPiglit]

When we were taken to a proper restaurant we were taught and expected to behave with proper manners.

There. I sound like a hateful old woman now don't I? :sorry:

No, you don't. :hug2:

That's how I was brought up and how I brought my children up. I am a strong believer in good manners and correct behaviour. Sadly, we seem to be a dying breed....

So, would you agree that it's better not to be on the DDP? DH has never thought of it as a good idea but I assumed as it was so popular that it was worth doing?

[Figment]

We must have just been very lucky with our servers. With only one exception, we had absolutely lovely servers who spent lots of time with us...making suggestions, checking back often, offering extra little touches with no demands. Even the one exception was certainly not a terrible server, he simply paled in comparison to the really wonderful ones.

I cannot comment on quality remaining the same, because before the DDP, we were never able to afford to eat at very many of the table service restaurants. I'm sorry so many of you have such bad experiences, but we really enjoy having the opportunity. My son, however, is an angel (:D) and has never been the cause of any bad behavior in a restaurant situation.

We did see one example of uncontrollable kids when we were at Liberty Tree Tavern...a couple of children waiting in the foyer ran up to Goofy asking for an autograph...the *handler* wasn't paying any attention (was chatting up a server) and poor Goofy had no real choice other than to sign their books. Oh, and there was another family sitting on a bench near the steps that was letting their toddler play on the steps nearly causing a huge wipeout with our server.:slap: Parents should have never let that happen.

[Beccaberry]

So if I'm being honest I have to say when I first started reading these threads (and there are LOADS of them because it is a HOT BUTTON issue at the moment) I always felt a bit "embarrassed". I worried that because people disliked the DDP and what it had done to dining in general at WDW, they would look down on my family and I for taking advantage of it when it was offered for free.

Since *really* reading the threads for their worth and not just reading them "on the defensive" I have learned that most people who are frustrated aren't frustrated with those using the DDP, they are frustrated with Disney for OFFERING it without being able to MANAGE it properly.

Personally, I feel fortunate that we're able to take advantage of the DDP...would I *purchase* it? No, not a chance. But when we have the opportunity to eat in places we normally would not, I feel quite fortunate. I also have manners, and my children have manners (at least in public, where it matters :wink: ) That being said, I think ANYTIME you encounter unruly or uncouth people disturbing the enjoyment of someone's meal, it is just plain rude. I don't care if your at Bistro De Paris or Pizza Hut, it's uncalled for. And if I had to choose between having the dining plan for free w/ bad service/bad food/bad experiences or eating counter service every meal every trip for the rest of my life in contentment....I'd pick the counter service EVERY time. I saw a sign today that read, "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten." This has never been more true then when applied to this situation.

[MystikPiglit]

So, summing up -

For free = good idea
Paying for it = not so good?

[Beccaberry]

So, summing up -

For free = good idea
Paying for it = not so good?

I would agree with that MP...though others might not...*AND* some might even throw in a third option altogether...

GET RID OF IT AND BRING BACK THE GOOD OLE DAYS :D

[Tink]

DIIIIING!!! WE HAVE A GRAND PRIZE WINNER!!!! :yes:

Under no circumstances is my dislike (and disparaging) of the DDP aimed at anyone who uses it at all. We used it once too.

It's totally directed at the managment of the program by WDW.

I know that some folks would never be able to try some of the restaurants at WDW without DDP, and in particular free DDP. If I were offered a free dining plan, I'd take it and I'd be choosing restaurants that I couldn't otherwise afford, and I'd choose those items on the menu that I couldn't otherwise afford. That's just clear as day for me. Why wouldn't you?

I am really pleased that Figment had an excellent experience! :yes: I really hope you do to, Becca. :yes:

Remember, I've been around a long while (careful there, not quite so much sniggering at the back) and remember when you could walk up to nearly any restaurant and be seated, fed quite well, and not feel as though your pockets had been vacuumed. I remember when the Buffet at Germany was one of the best values on property (along with Akershus). It was roughly $12 to have lunch there ($15 for dinner) with entertainment, great service and food that was much more authentic then than it is now. :yes:

Are all the changes due to DDP? Nope. But it is a major factor in the reduction of quality and the move toward bland recipes instead of recipes authentic to the country in which you are dining (in EPCOT I mean) or to the cuisine that you are eating otherwise. :yes:

I remember one of our favorite things to do for lunch was to go to France's Bakery or Norway's and get the cheese plate and some wine. It was filling, and enough for two to share for a light lunch. We looked at the cheese plate this last stay and I was honestly saddened. Gone was the authentic experience replaced by three (maybe four) miserably thin slices of mundane cheese. :(

Norway no longer offers a cheese plate or those wonderful (authentic) open faced sandwiches. :(

Again, not all due to DDP but the DDP exacerbates the "condition" if that makes any sense.

And yepper, my parents would haul us out of McDonalds if we didn't behave properly there just as quick as they would a more elegant restaurant. :yes:

[Johnie]

We've enjoyed the DDP every time it has been offered free. We also paid for it in May when they had the special for AP holders. I've eaten everywhere in Disney except most of the 2 TS credit places. With and without the DDP, I have had mostly great service. The times I recall poor service has been when we haven't used the DDP. We were treated like red headed step children in Le Cellier once upon a time until I ordered alcohol (then he perked up :mad:). I suppose he thought since DD and I were sharing that he would get stiffed for a tip. I overtip to compensate for that. I don't tip well for bad attitudes though. The other time was when we went to Sci Fi and just ordered shakes and onion rings. Again a surly server who must have overheard my quiet complaint to beccaberry b/c his attitude did a complete 360.

Personally, I think they should get rid of the DDP. I've noticed they've raised prices in many of the restaurants. I won't pay OOP for that, even with my DDP discount. It's ridiculous and there are LOTS of lovely off site restaurants.

I WISH they'd bring back the vouchers. Those were a FABULOUS deal!!!

[disneywishmom]

We have always dined at the Disney Table Service resturants without the DDP. We even ate at some of the 2 TS places without the plan. We would just budget it into the trip. However, this time we are using the DDP cause we went through a travel agent. I am nervous about it cause we are not big "quick service" fans (for dietary reasons). We know it will save money, but I don't know if I will like having to think about it during the trip. Like, "How many snacks do we have now?"

[Tinker]

I totally agree with Tink . The DDP especially once it was offered free has ruined Disney restaurants . Like Johnie, I have done both . We have paid and have gotten it free . The food is not as good, the service has definitely gone downhill, you don't get the nice portions they use to give and the prices are too expensive .
Bring Back The Good Old Days !!!
And Tink I was raised with good manners . In those days, God forbid if I didn't , I got my bottom paddled . I raised my son the same way and I was always commented at his school conferences on what a fine young respectful boy that I was raising .

[Tinker]

Jim and I eat counter service a lot while at WDW the past couple of years because of such high prices . We do eat at a few nice TS meals, but I now wouldn't pay to eat at Le Celier or say the Yachtsman Steak Haus . As my grandmother would say * Prices Are Just To Dear * .

[Dawn]

I miss being able to walk into Epcot first thing and making a reservation for lunch in Akershus and having a proper meal without those pesky princesses getting everywhere.

I loved Akershus so much we ate there 3 times in a week on one trip. :sigh;

[Tink]

You can still walk into EPCOT's Guest Services and try to make an ADR for that day. There are a few lunch places available usually. :sigh;

The princesses really did make a hash of Norway. :(

[Taja]

Yes. I have no real problem with making ADRs, although I really did like the days that saw us strolling the WS of a Friday evening and then deciding where we wanted to eat and GETTING IN! *gasp*

I'll happily make an ADR if I know I'm going to have a relaxed dinner, good service and food commesurate with the cost.

This last time was a real eye opener. Using YSH as an example, the place was heaving with people waiting outside the actual restaurant for their seating. Kids were running up and down the hallway shrieking, crying, asking to go for ice cream, not understanding that they couldn't swim in the pool. :sigh; Some of the adults weren't much better. Shouting at the podium staff that they had a RESERVATION and didn't see WHY THEY HAD TO WAIT... :sigh;

We took refuge (as we always do) at the Crew's Cup lounge which was surprisingly empty and quite peaceful, and had a nice pre-dinner drink and chance to visit. Once we crossed into the YSH and were placed in Ricardo's very capable and impeccable service hands, all really was well, however the noise level of the restaurant was markedly higher than at any other time we had been.

Again, people not familiar with the menu talking loudly about "what the hell is that do you suppose" and kids saying "YUCK THIS IS GROSS!"

If families are going to dine in a nicer restaurant with an atmosphere that is conducive to low voices and pardon me, manners then they need to educate themselves and their offspring before hand. I know that sounds dreadfully harsh, but I promise you if I had behaved the way the majority of the children I saw that night (and no, I'm not talking exclusively about two year olds, there were children well into their teens behaving like hooligans) my parents would have removed me from the restaurant and there would have a very unpleasant "discussion" ensuing. When we were taken to a proper restaurant we were taught and expected to behave with proper manners.

There. I sound like a hateful old woman now don't I? :sorry:


No, you don't, Tink! Or if you do, so do I! :lol: My parents never tolerated inconsiderate behavior, whether at home or dining in a restaurant. Manners at all times--with a few exceptions to run off excess energy! :lol:

We definitely noticed a decline in dining options and service during free DDP in 2006. That said, it enabled us to try several restaurants we might not have visited for a few more trips--which might have been a good thing! Even with eating about half of most of the meals, I felt as though someone should roll me through the parks! :lol:

As Becca noted, it's more lack of proper management of the DDP program than the fact it exists. About the only things done to "manage" the plan is cram more seats into each venue, truncate the menus and charge more! :rolleyes:

[Debbie2]

Quite simply..yes is my answer to the original question.

I went last year and had free dining and yes it saved us $$$ on restaurants that I would have dined in anyway paying OOP.

I have seen a dramatic fall in standards (of both food and service) since it was introduced.

I wouldn't pay for it and have opted to go in future when free dining is not available.

[uscwest]

Are all the changes due to DDP? Nope. But it is a major factor in the reduction of quality and the move toward bland recipes instead of recipes authentic to the country in which you are dining (in EPCOT I mean) or to the cuisine that you are eating otherwise.

That is one of the biggest problems I have with the restaurants in EPCOT. Now don't get me wrong, I like some of them, but too many of them have "dumbed" down or "Americanized" their food. I mean come on, let each country actually prepare the foods enjoyed in that country and if you don't like it you don't have to eat there.

And Tink I agree with you wholeheartedly on your misbehaving children post. If we had done something like that as children we not only would have been removed from the restaurant but probably would have also had a meeting with Mr. Razor Strap when we got home.

[piglet]

And Tink I agree with you wholeheartedly on your misbehaving children post. If we had done something like that as children we not only would have been removed from the restaurant but probably would have also had a meeting with Mr. Razor Strap when we got home.
OMG what is a razor strap. Is it a belt with razor blades attached to it?:eek3::eek3::scared004:

[Slowhand]

OMG what is a razor strap. Is it a belt with razor blades attached to it?:eek3::eek3::scared004:
I think it`s one of the straps used to sharpen cut throat razors....from my memory of Clint Eastwood films! :p015:

[Tink]

Yes. It's a wide (about maybe 2 inches) leather strip (often called strop) that was once used to sharpen the straight edged blades for shaving. Not sure how that worked, but that's what it was used for.

I'm sure it would be painful whallop. :(

[Taja]

That is one of the biggest problems I have with the restaurants in EPCOT. Now don't get me wrong, I like some of them, but too many of them have "dumbed" down or "Americanized" their food. I mean come on, let each country actually prepare the foods enjoyed in that country and if you don't like it you don't have to eat there.

...


Precisely why I don't dine at many of the TS venues, John. I know there are certain things I don't like (spices, food mixed together, etc.), so I don't book those venues. If I'm with Leu and it's a place she would like, I'll book it and request something plain--or make do with what's available. I may just eat bread, but I won't starve! :lol:

I would rather see the ethnic TS restaurants offer more authentic food and those of us who prefer different fare can dine elsewhere! :)

[Dawn]

That is one of the biggest problems I have with the restaurants in EPCOT. Now don't get me wrong, I like some of them, but too many of them have "dumbed" down or "Americanized" their food. I mean come on, let each country actually prepare the foods enjoyed in that country and if you don't like it you don't have to eat there..

Oh don't get me started on the Rose and Crown menu. Vegetable curry is not traditional British food. :mad:

[Dawn]

In 1989 I went to WDW with my cousin. We were in Epcot and looked round the Living Seas. On the way out we noticed this restaurant called the Coral Reef. Being partial to a bit of seafood we wandered up to the podium and asked about dinner that day. Got a choice of seating times there and then. :sigh;

[Tink]

Yep. That's what we miss the most. :yes:

[Slowhand]

In 1989 I went to WDW with my cousin. We were in Epcot and looked round the Living Seas. On the way out we noticed this restaurant called the Coral Reef. Being partial to a bit of seafood we wandered up to the podium and asked about dinner that day. Got a choice of seating times there and then. :sigh;
Yep that`s typical of the "good old days" we referred to earlier.
Sadly those days are now gone. :mad:

[lisaw]

I remember in '95 we got a table straight away for a character meal in Tony's Town Square Restaurant, It was Belles Homecoming celebration. :p015:

[Skywatcher]

would this still be an issue in Fewbruary - we often wanded up to restraunts last january and got in - doesn't look like free dining is being offered in Feb?

[Tink]

You may be ok in some places. :yes: Places like Chef Mickey's and other very popular sites may not be available, but the lesser visited ones may be ok.

We've just given up on it though. :sigh;

[Skywatcher]

chef mickeys we always book before we go anyway - but avaliablility was always ok whilst in florida :unsure: if we have to book way out that will interfere somewhat with our slack approach to scheduling

[Tink]

I really would book those places that are important to you. You may not have any problems while here in February, but even though the DDP isn't free, people still can and do buy it. That keeps the places more full than not.

[uscwest]

OMG what is a razor strap. Is it a belt with razor blades attached to it?:eek3::eek3::scared004:


I think it`s one of the straps used to sharpen cut throat razors....from my memory of Clint Eastwood films! :p015:


Yes. It's a wide (about maybe 2 inches) leather strip (often called strop) that was once used to sharpen the straight edged blades for shaving. Not sure how that worked, but that's what it was used for.

I'm sure it would be painful whallop. :(
Yes it is exactly what Terry describes and and yes it SMARTS when you have two hundred plus pound dad who is quite angry swinging it.

[Skywatcher]

I looked very briefly at the DDP but I'm not sure we could eat that much - and with days out of the parks it simply wasn't good value for money.

John I'm sorry to hear that :(

[Tink]

You point out a good aspect, Skywatcher. :yes: If you don't usually eat huge amounts at a given meal, you are better off sharing a normal adult meal and eating what you please, instead of what you think you must. We often share. It's not because we are cheap so much as it is because we can't eat a full portion at most full service restaurants (especially now). We are very portion savvy, and most dinners in particular are enough for at least two adults.

Also, you are locked into dining on WDW property with the DDP. If you like to dine offsite, then this plan will end up costing you more as you won't be using all your credits.

It's not a perfect solution to dining by any means. If you are going to use it, be certain you understand what you are getting into. Be certain you understand that they can and do refuse to take the DDP for special events including things like St. Patrick's Day at given restaurants. That can seriously mess up your ability to use your points.

[Watchinherskip]

I remember the first time my DW and I went to Disney World back in '87. We knew to get to Epcot early run to the video reservation site to get a nice place to eat for the day. That was pretty cool. We had a dining plan then. Forgot exactly what it was called, something like dining magic or something.

We had the DDP the last two trips, we paid for them as we went in November and January and for the most part they worked out well, but I know what you mean, a lot of magic is missing. The service at the Coral Reef on the last trip was poor, CM's detached, food was so so, and we had to wait about an hour despite having an ADR. :confused:

I think it comes down to the fact that there isn't an exclusivity now. At one time you would make sure you were dressed properly, kids were prepped for the special dinner, told to be on their best behavior, but now the evening is open to any and all.

I think it was W.C. Fields who once said that I wouldn't want to belong to any club that would accept me as a member.:p

[Skywatcher]

Groucho Marx ;)

[Dawn]

I was freaked out the first time I used that video reservation thing. :eek:

[Tink]

I remember that! It was so convenient! You could check the weather too! :lol:

[Watchinherskip]

Groucho Marx ;)

Thank you Chris.

[uscwest]

That video screen at EPCOT was the coolest thing back then wasn't it?

[Slowhand]

That video screen at EPCOT was the coolest thing back then wasn't it?
It sure seemed like the latest in hi-tech at the time.
We went there to make a dinner reservation ages ago with a couple of friends and my god daughter who was around 7 years old at the time and asked for a table for five.
I was amazed when the lady on the screen asked where the fifth person was....my GD was too small to be seen on the screen! Up `til then I thought it was a "Disney trick", not a real person there! :lol:

[Tink]

LOL! That must have surprised you a bit! :lol:

[Watchinherskip]

That video screen at EPCOT was the coolest thing back then wasn't it?

Yeah it really was sort of special. So "Tomorrowlandish". We could also make some sort of "reservation" from our room at the Disney Inn too.

[CHURCHSTT]

I agree with Tink!! And we may sound like old ladies, BUT we are actually well-mannered ladies!!

My children (now 15 and 21) were exposed to "fine dining" early on as soon as they were old enough to have good table manners and restaurant etiquette. We practice good table manners at home and discuss proper behavior at restaurants. When they were younger, they would often remark about the other children in the restaurant and how they were not "minding their manners".

Both the girls appreciate this life lesson and have commented on how it helped them when they were with other families and the older in work related dining situations. They know how to order, inquire respectfully about the menu, use the proper utensils, cut their meat, etc. They were amazed at the number of friends and co-workers that didn't seem to understand this.

We are going to Disney in October and have our dining planned out (of course!!). I do hope we are not disappointed in the atmosphere of the nicer restaurants. I expect a higher level of excitement at character meals (only doing 2 of these), but the other restaurants, I do expect well mannered quests!!

Hope it is not ruined...:unsure: