dining plan good or not?

[BigThunder]

It's typically been offered during the height of hurricane season (aug-sept). This year, they are offering some dates in oct, nov and dec as well. I suspect Disney is being hit hard by the economy.

I know & i'm so bummed because normally oct, nov, or dec is when we go! I was shocked when i heard they were offering it for dec! but jan, when i'm going & when it's supposed to be deserted in the parks, nothing. go figure, just my luck

[uscwest]

With the removal of the automatic tip from the Free DDP I believe that it is incumbent upon Disney to make it VERY CLEAR that the tip is NOT included.

[Tink]

Remember, when DDP is free it's contingent upon paying full rate at the resorts, so you have to weigh that cost against any potential savings.

Personally, only having used it once, I hate the DDP. I also really dislike what it's done to dining at WDW. Service is off, food prep is off and spontaneous dining at full service restaurants is a thing of the past.

[Shellyamc]

Well the last time Dh and I used it was 2005, and it seems like there have been many changes to the DDP since then. Having said that we didn't have kids at the time and we loved it. When I figured the cost of the DP against what the actual cost of food would have been we saved around $800. We tried all the places we would never eat without the DP due to the cost. Now with us taking little ones next time who only eat chicken strips and pb&j I don't know if it would be worth it, but we loved it last time we used it ::

[Slowhand]

Personally, only having used it once, I hate the DDP. I also really dislike what it's done to dining at WDW. Service is off, food prep is off and spontaneous dining at full service restaurants is a thing of the past.

I couldn`t agree more Tink. In addition to which, I have noticed a huge decline in folks non-conforming to dress codes in the signature restaurants [as I mentioned in my t/r from AP].
Ok there`s no need for gents to wear collar and ties, but it doesn`t take too much effort to change out of your park attire before dining does it?
Many of the CM`s we spoke to, from bussers up to restaurant managers on our recent trip absolutely hate the DDP.

[BigThunder]

Remember, when DDP is free it's contingent upon paying full rate at the resorts, so you have to weigh that cost against any potential savings.

Personally, only having used it once, I hate the DDP. I also really dislike what it's done to dining at WDW. Service is off, food prep is off and spontaneous dining at full service restaurants is a thing of the past.

So what about DVC members? Are we not allowed to even buy the dining plan then?

[Tink]

You can buy the dining plan, yes. Let them know when you book your points and they'll talk you through it.