[palmickey]

I just got my allears e-mail and this was in it:

The Spirit of Aloha and Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue dinner shows will begin new, tiered pricing based on the location of the seating area as of January 1, 2007. Reservations may be made 180 days in advance. For details on the new pricing structure, visit our Restaurant and Dining News page here: WDW Restaurant and Dining News

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

The Disney Dining Plan is now available to use for In-Room Private Dining. TWO table service credits will be deducted from your Dining Plan for each meal, which will include the following items:
--Juice (at breakfast)
--Appetizer (at lunch and dinner)
--Entree
--Dessert (at lunch and dinner)
--Non-alcoholic beverage

This is for single serving portions only, and does not include hospitality platters, amenities, or merchandise.

A number of other changes to the Disney Dining Plan will become effective in 2007:

-- There will be no participating restaurants at Coronado Springs Resort.
-- Dining Plan can be used for In-Room Dining (as described above).
-- Dining Plan can be used for dinner shows, seating Categories 2 and 3 only.
-- Dining Plan can NOT be used at pool bars.
-- Dining Plan can NOT be used at any Downtown Disney location except Cap'n Jack's Restaurant.
-- Aunt Polly's deleted from Magic Kingdom list of participating restaurants.
-- The following Epcot locations deleted from the list of participating restaurants: Boulangerie Patisserie, Chefs de France, Cantina de San Angel, San Angel Restaurant, L'Originale Alfredo di Roma, Lotus Blossom, Nine Dragons, Tangierine Cafe, Restaurant Marrakesh, Yakitori House, Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki, Refreshment Outpost, Refreshment Port.
-- Toluca Legs Turkey added to the list of participating Disney-MGM Studios restaurants.
-- The following Animal Kingdom locations deleted from the list of participating restaurants: Dino Bites and Petrifries

WDW Restaurant and Dining News


I am really dissapointed about all of the EPCOT restaurants. We love the Tangierine Cafe and there are many restaurants we have not got to try yet, and no Earl Of Sandwich.

[Dana]

It's a shame to see the changes, but it's still a great deal with many options. Something tells me this is not going to be the only time this changes. As we have seem many, many times with WDW, they roll out programs and then change them as soon as everyone has caught on and realizes how to use it to the maiximum advantage. I do hope the dining plan stays around for many more years. It's a great deal.

[palmickey]

I agree, it is still a great deal and we will continue to purchase it. It is just dissapointing as I love the Tangerine Cafe and Earl at DTD.

[DisneyTeacher]

Be patient, I bet most of these restaurants will be added back to the list.

[Cavey]

I just read this on Allears and ran over here to see what's the buzz (get it? Mouse BUZZ).

Well, I'm not thrilled with these changes. It seems Epcot is left with few choices. Last trip, we spent alot of time at Epcot because of the Dining Plan. These changes may cause us to rethink the park hopper option.

I also noted the cost of a single day ticket is now around $71.

[dznygrl]

I just think the tiered pricing for the dinner shows is silly. Mostly because the dining plan can only accommodate the lower tiers. It's like a few dollars difference!

Oh well. I still think DDP is a good deal, and I know I will be purchasing it on my next trip. (Unless of course it's offered for free - even better! )

[ssn]

I was pretty upset that Teppayani (or however you spell it!!!) was taken off, but then I read on Allears that it will be closed for rehab from Jan to May and our trip is in April!!! I really wanted to try that restaurant!!! I am also equally bummed about Earl of Sandwich. In regards to prices going up...when I first planned my trip for April I used the 2006 prices to kind of estimate what the trip for 2007 will cost. Comparing the 2, the price is now $900 more than how it worked out with the 2006 prices!!!!!

[hrbib21]

^That's just shocking. That's a HUGE difference. As much as I love it, Disney is really starting to annoy me.

[mickaholic4077]

^ and Disney had better watch out when those Carolina rebels get riled up!!!(LOL)

[gingles]

Originally Posted by DisneyTeacher

Be patient, I bet most of these restaurants will be added back to the list.

It's my understanding that the individual restaurants at Epcot decide whether they will participate. Remember when WDW first started the plan many of the Epcot restaurants were not included but they jumped in pretty quickly after.

I think this plan has been so popular with everyone who wants to do table service that these restaurants are not going to get much business while they watch the included restaurants get all the customers. We'll have to see how it shakes out.

[Soundgod]

Just goes to show that sometimes, if you're booking packages, it's sometimes good to book early and lock in this year's prices. As for the dining plan, the way we eat, it doesn't make as much sense for us, unless it's free. It's just us two and we like to sit down, so there's as many meals that we will be paying out of pocket as from the plan.
As for them changing the offerings, well, most of the places that are dropping off the list are not owned by Disney. Some will eventually come around and negotiate to be included when they see how it affects business for them.

[gatour]

We are another couple that the Dining plan doens't make sense. Well it would make sense for my wife but not for me.

My guess is that some of the Epcot restaurants and at least one or two Downtown Disney will come back on the plan.

I think even if the restaurants stay off the plan, I think the only affect would be that you could wait longer to make your reservations.

[woohoo]

my brother also tried to budget ahead based on last years prices and his trip went up by $700 and we thought that was nuts....but $900? that is insane!

[DisneyTeacher]

Originally Posted by Soundgod

Just goes to show that sometimes, if you're booking packages, it's sometimes good to book early and lock in this year's prices.

I don't think WDW will let you do that. I think there were lots of people here who were waiting to be allowed to book their package. Disney hadn't released the prices so I don't think anyone could book it. Even if you book your room before the room rates come out WDW will tell you that they don't know the price but your rate will be adjusted when the new room rate comes out. You pay a deposit but that might not be equal to one night if the price goes up.

[palmickey]

Originally Posted by gingles

It's my understanding that the individual restaurants at Epcot decide whether they will participate. Remember when WDW first started the plan many of the Epcot restaurants were not included but they jumped in pretty quickly after.

I think this plan has been so popular with everyone who wants to do table service that these restaurants are not going to get much business while they watch the included restaurants get all the customers. We'll have to see how it shakes out.

I hope you are right. This really limits the choices at EPCOT.