Sunday, July 6, 2008

Changes coming to Disney Dining Plan at WDW?

Disney's Dining Plan was originally intended to give Disney Resort Guests an option for an all-inclusive experience, similar to what you find on the Disney Cruise Line. It certainly has been a good program for the first few years. In fact, Disney has even offered the DDP for free to encourage guests to book longer stays during the off-season.

So what's the problem? Well, the collateral damage from the DDP has been worse than anticipated.

  • Quality and value for the dollar has suffered in feedback and survey results at Disney's many sit-down restaurants.
  • The price of the DDP has been raised and gratuities are no longer included. This reduces the value for guests and complicates matters for the serving staff.
  • Complaints from Disney's most valued repeat customers, mostly Disney Vacation Club owners, have risen to the point where many are looking to use their points off Disney property and sales of new DVC contracts are dropping off. 
  • Additionally, the DDP puts a strain on the dining system causing sit down restaurants to book up months in advance with the low-margin DDP diners leaving few tables for guests who actually pay full menu price for the items they order. 
Now, forces appear to be in motion to put an end to this problem while still offering Disney Resort Guests something of an all-inclusive experience. One of the options being considered is a return to the Silver, Gold, and Platinum packages that would let guests choose an option that includes just snacks and counter service.

While I agree that Pleasure Island needs some reworking to fit in with the new image Disney is wanting to project for Downtown Disney, I'm afraid their perceived demand for more Dining is skewed by the DDP. Removing the pressure DDP puts on the Disney Dining system and bringing some profit margin stability back into the equation should be satisfied first before bringing in additional outside vendors.

I don't know what Disney will choose to do, but it's clear that they must do something before it's too late. Any suggestions from the peanut gallery?

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Inserted by The Editor at 1:03 PM

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1 Comments:

Anonymous said...

I think the past 3 year basic meal plan was fine. If people wanted to add more food with the deluxe, they had that offer. I think all they should have done for the basic in 2008 should have been to leave everything included and upped the price a little bit. We were just there July 4-13 and were very upset with the change. No one had told us about it.

7/17/2008 10:20 AM

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