This week Disney is set to unveil substantial changes to its Magic Your Way Dining Plan (also known as the “Disney Dining Plan” or DDP.) While the program was designed as an incentive for the general public to book stays at Disney resorts, for nearly two years DVC members have been able to add the DDP to existing reservations for the same cost.
The DDP currently provides guests with two meals per day (one at a sit-down Table Service location, the other Counter Service) plus a snack for a fixed price of $38.99 per adult and $10.99 per child, per day. The fees included multi-course meals—at Table Service locations adult participants would receive an appetizer, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage—plus all taxes and gratuities.
However, beginning in 2008 Disney is eliminating the appetizer from Table Service meals and all server gratuities. Pricing for this revised version of the DDP will be set at $37.99 per adult and $9.99 per child for cash guests. Expect an announcement later this week regarding pricing for DVC members.
The additional expense of tipping one’s server at all Table Service meals combined with the elimination of a $6-10 appetizer in return for a modest $1 fee reduction will have drastic changes on the value of the DDP for most Disney guests. Those who presently have the DDP added to 2008 DVC room reservations are advised to contact Member Services should they decide to opt-out of the Dining Plan.
There are several other dining packages being made available to cash guests as well. A Deluxe version of the DDP will offer three meals per day at any participating Disney restaurant (including Table Service) plus two snacks for a fixed daily fee. Disney will also offer “Premium” and “Platinum” packages which cover not only meals but theme park tours, Cirque do Soleil admission, preferred viewing for fireworks shows and many other perks. The Premium and Platinum packages have existed in some form or another for many years (Gold, Silver, etc.) and have never been offered to DVC members. The Deluxe dining package is a new offering and could yet be made available to DVC members. We will have more information on that package when / if an announcement is made by DVC.
