Free Dining Rumors

[littlebirdie]

Let's just call it a hunch... but on Thursday they will announce that starting Monday 4/5 free dining will be available to visa members...this offer will also be available to the general public starting Thursday 4/8. The offer will run until 10/2. If you book your stay on or before 10/2 the free dining will continue through the length of your stay. Quick service will offered to value resorts while moderate and deluxe resorts will enjoy basic service. The number of rooms each resort has available for this offer will be limited. :teacher: :littleangel:

[black562]

Let's just call it a hunch... but on Thursday they will announce that starting Monday 4/5 free dining will be available to visa members...this offer will also be available to the general public starting Thursday 4/8. The offer will run until 10/2. If you book your stay on or before 10/2 the free dining will continue through the length of your say. Quick service will offered to value resorts while moderate and deluxe resorts will enjoy basic service. The number of rooms each resort has available for this offer will be limited. :teacher: :littleangel:

Like I said earlier, I plan to start paying attention on the 1st, which just happens to be Thursday.

[magpie889]

Let's just call it a hunch... but on Thursday they will announce that starting Monday 4/5 free dining will be available to visa members...this offer will also be available to the general public starting Thursday 4/8. The offer will run until 10/2. If you book your stay on or before 10/2 the free dining will continue through the length of your stay. Quick service will offered to value resorts while moderate and deluxe resorts will enjoy basic service. The number of rooms each resort has available for this offer will be limited. :teacher: :littleangel:
Are you sure about this? how do you know? When i went the last week of August we got free dinning on the basic package with staying at pop century. Im just asking because you said value resorts are getting quick serivce.

[penjen]

Let's just call it a hunch... but on Thursday they will announce that starting Monday 4/5 free dining will be available to visa members...this offer will also be available to the general public starting Thursday 4/8. The offer will run until 10/2. If you book your stay on or before 10/2 the free dining will continue through the length of your stay. Quick service will offered to value resorts while moderate and deluxe resorts will enjoy basic service. The number of rooms each resort has available for this offer will be limited. :teacher: :littleangel:

What does your hunch tell you the starting date to book this is? AUG 15??

[kimberlay]

Let's just call it a hunch... but on Thursday they will announce that starting Monday 4/5 free dining will be available to visa members...this offer will also be available to the general public starting Thursday 4/8. The offer will run until 10/2. If you book your stay on or before 10/2 the free dining will continue through the length of your stay. Quick service will offered to value resorts while moderate and deluxe resorts will enjoy basic service. The number of rooms each resort has available for this offer will be limited. :teacher: :littleangel:

So if i check in on October 2, will this qualify me for free dining?

[littlebirdie]

So sorry should have included the start date 8/15-10/2 for the 2010 season.

[disneyfantotheend]

So sorry should have included the start date 8/15-10/2 for the 2010 season.

Thanks littlebirdie! I am feeling very positive about your "hunch".

[littlebirdie]

Remember Disney Dreamers...birds have friends in high places.

All good things to those who wait patiently.

I've already said far too much.

HAVE A MAGICAL DAY! :littleangel:

[TammiDZ]

Let's just call it a hunch... but on Thursday they will announce that starting Monday 4/5 free dining will be available to visa members...this offer will also be available to the general public starting Thursday 4/8. The offer will run until 10/2. If you book your stay on or before 10/2 the free dining will continue through the length of your stay. Quick service will offered to value resorts while moderate and deluxe resorts will enjoy basic service. The number of rooms each resort has available for this offer will be limited. :teacher: :littleangel:
Is it me, or does that sound like more than a "hunch"?

[black562]

I could be way off, but sounds like a bit too many facts to me to be someone messin with us. Of course I guess I could make up some similar facts, but I like what I hear, so I choose to believe. :goodvibes:lmao::rotfl2:

Your worrying will be short lived. The bounceback began on August 15, so look for that date again. As in the past, as long as your check in date falls in that time period, you'll be eligible for the promotion.

And no, I'm not a little birdie, but notice there are now two of us saying the same things?

Edit: to correct a date.

[disneyfantotheend]

Thanks Joe!! You are the one who made me stop worrying last night and now I feel even more confident, thanks to littlebirdie!!!!

[black562]

Thanks Joe!! You are the one who made me stop worrying last night and now I feel even more confident, thanks to littlebirdie!!!!

Wait until you have the free dining promo in hand, then you can thank me.

And I promise I am not littlebirdie, nor do I know who he/she is. Don't want anyone to think I'm double posting or anything.

Remember though guys, its all fluid until its made official...

[magpie889]

Remember Disney Dreamers...birds have friends in high places.

All good things to those who wait patiently.

I've already said far too much.

HAVE A MAGICAL DAY! :littleangel:
just curious:flower3:! did u get this hunch from someone? or has it been a yr after yr observation;)

[penjen]

Remember Disney Dreamers...birds have friends in high places.

All good things to those who wait patiently.

I've already said far too much.

HAVE A MAGICAL DAY! :littleangel:

Thank You Littlebirdie!

[magpie889]

So far I think people who are anxious should read one of black562's (sorry if I screwed up the number) post it will calm you down. As well a reminder to everyone that this thread is pure SPECULATION. With that said I do hope it happens ...and that we are speculating right. But its not worth losing sleep over :), because I have never first thing jumped on Free Dining I usually wait a month and such and have no issues getting a standard or preferred room at Pop Century.

But to be a hypocrit and add to the speculation I made my ADR's today as I have booked my trip and I am goin Free Dining or not, and a CM said its good Im making my reservations and she said she heard rumors Free Dining is next week she told me not to quote her on it, but she had just heard rumors. So everyone is in the dark really ...so we shall see what happens next week! I think by the end of next week everyone will have a greater sense of what may be happening with Free Dining situation of 2010.
Your post just made me so happy! I want the deals to come out!

[littlebirdie]

Cast members have family and friends...family and friends sometime like to post online. Call it speculation if it makes you feel better though. LOL :littleangel:

[kerabriann]

Cast members have family and friends...family and friends sometime like to post online. Call it speculation if it makes you feel better though. LOL :littleangel:

For some reason I have faith in you littlebirdie:) Maybe its the angel!:flower3:

[emmysmommy]

Cast members have family and friends...family and friends sometime like to post online. Call it speculation if it makes you feel better though. LOL :littleangel:

Actually, it would make me feel better if you said to call it a fact rather than speculation! :rolleyes1

Soooooo... you are saying that I can sleep in until next week. Hmmmmm....

[PixieDustandEeyore]

Cast members have family and friends...family and friends sometime like to post online. Call it speculation if it makes you feel better though. LOL :littleangel:

I was referring to my own speculation:) But oh little birdie you are making me optimistic..no worries:)

[black562]

I wouldn't look at the UK offers, their offers are different and have been different in the past. They have a longer time in which to book their Free Dining and their offer is for a longer period than the one for US and Canada. They are also able to get tickets longer than 10 days.

If anything, they'll do a tiered system with values getting quick service and mods/deluxe getting regular dining. The values hold a great deal of people and they don't want those setting empty either. Plus, it means they get rack rate on the rooms, which is a good deal for them.

[squirrel]

If anything, they'll do a tiered system with values getting quick service and mods/deluxe getting regular dining. The values hold a great deal of people and they don't want those setting empty either. Plus, it means they get rack rate on the rooms, which is a good deal for them.

That's possible, they may have tested it out last Fall when the normal period of Free Dining was over. They could tell how fast the mods and values were going and compare with the regular DDP Free Dining.

[frayedend]

Let's just call it a hunch... but on Thursday they will announce that starting Monday 4/5 free dining will be available to visa members...this offer will also be available to the general public starting Thursday 4/8. The offer will run until 10/2. If you book your stay on or before 10/2 the free dining will continue through the length of your stay. Quick service will offered to value resorts while moderate and deluxe resorts will enjoy basic service. The number of rooms each resort has available for this offer will be limited. :teacher: :littleangel:

So we can expect this announcement tomorrow even though it doesn't start until 4/5???

[beachgrl001]

Originally Posted by littlebirdie http://www.disboards.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36042548#post36042548)
Let's just call it a hunch... but on Thursday they will announce that starting Monday 4/5 free dining will be available to visa members...this offer will also be available to the general public starting Thursday 4/8. The offer will run until 10/2. If you book your stay on or before 10/2 the free dining will continue through the length of your stay. Quick service will offered to value resorts while moderate and deluxe resorts will enjoy basic service. The number of rooms each resort has available for this offer will be limited. :teacher: :littleangel:



I hope your wrong about the QS at values :eek: I really wanted to book POP, But will upgrade if I have to...

[black562]

black562,
loved the pics (especially the one in epcot)

I know we are all worried/anxious but have faith :) I have been doing FD for 4 years now. I am pretty confident that it will be announced. I know it seems like there are alot of people waiting for it, but in reality its mostly just us die hards on the dis:wizard: I really think its gonna be either april 1st or Monday 5th, If I dont see anything by the 5th I will start to panic.

Thanks, I'm glad you guys liked my little story.

Keep in mind though that there's always the possibility of a different kind of promotion that may be just as good as free dining. Disney reviews their booking constantly and can/will make changes on the fly as they see fit. I see three possibilities.

1. Free dining that more or less mirrors the bounceback offer.
2. Free dining with quick service for values and regular dining at mod/deluxe.
3. A different promotion for the fall time period as Disney could experiment with something new.

If they want to "scale back promotions" as they put it, then 2 or 3 would make sense. I'm sure no one here would be surprised with a quick service option at values, as they did that at the end of last year as a possible test.

We should know what Disney decides in the next few days...

[disneyfantotheend]

I was thinking the same thing. Littel birdie please come back and help us feel confident again. LOL I really don't know what to believe anymore. there are so many people with both views that feel so strongly they are right. Guess we have to just wait and see, but the wait is killing me!!!!

[black562]

I posted a blog update and thought I'd go ahead and throw it out here as well.

The one thing that's different this year from other years is the addition of Harry Potter just up the road from Walt Disney World, which was recently announced to open on June 18. I can tell you that this addition will certainly have no trouble drawing crowds. However, Disney may have to make some changes to how they've done past promotions.

In the past, free dining has required a minimum 3 night stay and 1 day park ticket. This year, those requirements will not suffice. I can see folks staying at Disney, eating for free and spending the day at Universal. For the promotion to be a success, Disney HAS to keep its visitors on property and in their parks.

I can easily see the following changes happening:

1. Minimum stay of at least 5 nights.
2. Tickets required for length of stay.

So yes, there's always the possibility that Disney will take a tiered approach to their fall promotions by offering a different discount in the next week or so, followed by free dining if needed at a later date. This would allow them to gauge the affect of Harry Potter as the opening date draws near. There are other promos that would also ensure the two requirements above, such as the 4/3 offer or some variant thereof. There's also the possibility that they will tier the free dining as they did at the end of 2009, with value resorts getting free quick service and mod/deluxe getting the regular plan in an attempt to fill the more high price resorts and gain more revenue.

Remember though folks, Disney is currently offering promotions through the busy season and has even removed blackout dates for the Easter holiday. It would make little sense to offer promotions during this time and offer nothing during the least busy time of the year.

You have to remember, Disney could plan a promotion and completely change it at the last minute, so nobody knows 100%...not even the ones that claim they have "insider tips".

Stay tuned...

[black562]

Joe, I really look forward to what you have to say on this topic. I find myself getting frustrated with the drama- to the point that I think I'm just going to stop checking in. But then I'd miss your logical, well thought out responses to said drama (some of which echos what I'm already yelling at my computer, lol). Thanks for keeping it a little more grounded! :thumbsup2

Oh, and the pictoral story was a much needed injection of fun. :laughing:

Thanks for the kind words. In the end, nobody has the answers, and everything is fluid until an official announcement. There are people here who claim to have insider info that its definitely going to happen, while others claim to have the same insider info that its definitely not going to happen. My conclusions are based on logical facts, data from the past, current happenings, the current economic situation and the new Harry Potter area at Universal. When you lay everything on the table and look at the sum of the pieces, it helps you to better draw conclusions and make a judgment.

Have I heard insider tips...yes I have...but unless they're a member of the Disney promotion team, then anything and everything can change on a dime. Still, I think, at some point, we'll all end up happy.

[frayedend]

In the past, free dining has required a minimum 3 night stay and 1 day park ticket. This year, those requirements will not suffice. I can see folks staying at Disney, eating for free and spending the day at Universal. For the promotion to be a success, Disney HAS to keep its visitors on property and in their parks.

I can easily see the following changes happening:

1. Minimum stay of at least 5 nights.
2. Tickets required for length of stay.



Stay tuned...

Go to Universal and head back to Disney to eat? I don't think so. But I say this only because I only have the 1 day pass and I'm hoping you are wrong. :) We have extra week long passes from a friend that she didn't use the year before. That was what prompted this trip. We added the 1 day to get the dining. Which also brings up that if they require tickets for length of stay that wouldn't go along with their policy of 1 day passes now.

[babybunny223]

Still, I think, at some point, we'll all end up happy.

Now see, that is why I like reading Joe's posts and blog. He makes you feel good; that what Disney is all about.:thumbsup2

[leebee]

I'd spend the day at the Wizarding Worldl and go back to Disney to eat. Let's see... in late August, Universal park hours post closing at 7pm. No problem going back "home" to Disney for a free table service meal! If the timing is right, I might even be able to catch a 10pm showing of Wishes!

[disneyfantotheend]

I really wish I could just leave this go and stop coming to these threads. I am subscribed to about 5 different free dining alerts, so what are the chances I won't get one, if it does come available? Not very big I wouldn't think. So I think it is time for me to move on. Best of luck to everyone.

[Leeanne]

So if i check in on October 2, will this qualify me for free dining?

If you got this answer then sorry for answering it again...I missed it when I was looking. Once the promo comes out you would need to call Disney and have it added to your reservation or make the reservation and use the code, pin, promo, ect. Then (if it is extended to Oct 2) if you check in on Oct 2 then (from previous promos) you will recieve fd for the entire time! Just checking in on Oct 2 does not qualify you for FD....you will need to have it added to your reservation. Hope that helps!
Good luck!!

[Daxton]

We have a unique situation. We arive April 15th staying at AS Sports..then depart on the Disney Cruise for the 18th thru 22nd...we then come back to Pop Culture and depart the 25th. I have not bought park tickets yet ( was going to buy a 7 day during our first three night stay) and we didnt do the meal deal. If the meal plan is announced do you think I could still take advantage of it? I would probably have to buy 2 separate 3 day tickets because of the cruise in the middle of our stay, but even with that I would think I would still save quite a bit of $$$. Any thoughts or advice on this anyone?

[black562]

We have a unique situation. We arive April 15th staying at AS Sports..then depart on the Disney Cruise for the 18th thru 22nd...we then come back to Pop Culture and depart the 25th. I have not bought park tickets yet ( was going to buy a 7 day during our first three night stay) and we didnt do the meal deal. If the meal plan is announced do you think I could still take advantage of it? I would probably have to buy 2 separate 3 day tickets because of the cruise in the middle of our stay, but even with that I would think I would still save quite a bit of $$$. Any thoughts or advice on this anyone?

The fall promo is rumored to begin on August 15, not April 15....

[Daxton]

Ahh ok..then I guess I will have to stick to my plan! Thank you!

[brian7221@att.net]

If i remember right last year they had same deal, free dining thru September. Then somewhere along the line they extended it into late October, which i hope is the case for 2010. We have a trip planned for mid October. Got my fingers crossed.

[lovemickeyshouse]

Last year free dining was offered to Mods and above in Early December too

[Minnie321]

I recieved a VISA deal about two weeks ago for buying so many days of dining and recieving so many free - I really don't remember the details because I recieved it right before I was leaving for Disney and it was for the summer months - when I am boycotting Disney (now that I returned last night from 7 days I am in a full boycott - not just summer - I am really sad I hope my feelings change, but right now I want to be as far away as possible until half of the people attending find somewhere else to go - and frankly I wish they would stop giving everything away - that would help with the crowds).
Anyway don't remember details, but it was VISA and it was buy so many days get so many free and it was for summer months - I don't remember when it started or ended.

[doccoc2002]

I recieved a VISA deal about two weeks ago for buying so many days of dining and recieving so many free - I really don't remember the details because I recieved it right before I was leaving for Disney and it was for the summer months - when I am boycotting Disney (now that I returned last night from 7 days I am in a full boycott - not just summer - I am really sad I hope my feelings change, but right now I want to be as far away as possible until half of the people attending find somewhere else to go - and frankly I wish they would stop giving everything away - that would help with the crowds).
Anyway don't remember details, but it was VISA and it was buy so many days get so many free and it was for summer months - I don't remember when it started or ended.

This is for QS for kids only who also get to stay, play and eat free. Valid until Aug 14th. You had to book 4nights/5days.

Sorry you had a bad time...but this is probably the worst week to go to Disney if you do not like the big crowds...Deals or NO deals Easter week is the WORST...way to busy. I would never go again during this time...way to many people and a lot of them RUDE!

[Oglet]

I recieved a VISA deal about two weeks ago for buying so many days of dining and recieving so many free - I really don't remember the details because I recieved it right before I was leaving for Disney and it was for the summer months - when I am boycotting Disney (now that I returned last night from 7 days I am in a full boycott - not just summer - I am really sad I hope my feelings change, but right now I want to be as far away as possible until half of the people attending find somewhere else to go - and frankly I wish they would stop giving everything away - that would help with the crowds).
Anyway don't remember details, but it was VISA and it was buy so many days get so many free and it was for summer months - I don't remember when it started or ended.


Sorry you had such a bad time, the same happened to me after my first trip there. I went the day after Christmas and it took me years to give Disney another chance it was just horrible.

I am actually a CM and I assure you there are many many times during the year when the crowds are extremely low and the parks almost feel empty however as the above poster pointed out you really went at a horrible time. The truth is just like you all these other people who were there went because it was convenient for them to go. Spring break was in full force and this past week a lot of counties in Florida had spring break so you probably had a bunch of locals there as well.

I read in one of your other posts where you called the park dirty. If you ever get the chance to see Magic Kingdom at about 4am in the morning you will see custodial crews out washing the sidewalk and roads, wiping down poles and cleaning things you would never even think about cleaning and touching up things with paint. I don't doubt that throughout the day with 60,000 people in the park at times things would get messy and things would look far from perfect, things get swept up that need to be, bathrooms still get cleaned and anything major gets taken care off right away.

Please don't think Im attacking you or what you said, that is simply not my intention. I am just sorry that you had a horrible experience as I am sure you spent a lot of money and had high hopes for your trip.

Hopefully one day you will give it another try, pick a time of the year when its not so busy, I did after my horrible experience and I am extremely happy that I did.

[doccoc2002]

I read in one of your other posts where you called the park dirty. If you ever get the chance to see Magic Kingdom at about 4am in the morning you will see custodial crews out washing the sidewalk and roads, wiping down poles and cleaning things you would never even think about cleaning and touching up things with paint. I don't doubt that throughout the day with 60,000 people in the park at times things would get messy and things would look far from perfect, things get swept up that need to be, bathrooms still get cleaned and anything major gets taken care off right away.



You can actually see this going on sometiimes if you go before park opening. When we go in for early ADR's you can see them out cleaning. I agree it is hard to keep a place clean when 60,000 even 30,000 people are in the parks but I think they do an amazing job! I can't even keep my house clean a full day:rotfl: with 3 kids, a husband and a dog!:rotfl:

[eelore]

Ok Disney had already announce the September free dining deal by this time last year! So what's the deal this
year and why haven't they announced it yet? Surely they are having it!! They won't get alot of business if they don't in my opinion anyway! I keep hearing rumors they are going to announce it but as of yet they haven't. So OMG Disney announce it already! It's causing so much freaking stress for those of us who have vacation plans and need the deal to be able to take the trip this year! LOL:confused3

[pinkle]

This is for QS for kids only who also get to stay, play and eat free. Valid until Aug 14th. You had to book 4nights/5days.

Sorry you had a bad time...but this is probably the worst week to go to Disney if you do not like the big crowds...Deals or NO deals Easter week is the WORST...way to busy. I would never go again during this time...way to many people and a lot of them RUDE!


I love Disney, we have always gone in the fall and never found the crowds too bad....newer rides had longer waits, but that's Disney. I do really hope the FD becomes available....we are counting on it! If not maybe we'll look into Universal and Sea World(haven't done that yet). I imagine they will be busier if Disney doesn't have any good fall promos.....:cool1:

[Oglet]

At least with Disney you can bring your own food and drinks into the park, try that at Universal or Sea World. So regardless of free dining or not if your on a tight budget Disney is still a better option.

[maclark93]

What does your little birdie tell you about the week of July 17-24? Free dinning?
::MinnieMo

[ConcKahuna]

What does your little birdie tell you about the week of July 17-24? Free dinning?
::MinnieMo

Maybe the little birdy was only a mocking bird. All us Floridians know how they'll just mimic anything they hear!

I haven't heard anything about free dining, and after the uproar the non-Disney restaurants are rumored to have made last year (and those non-Disney restaurants include almost everything at Epcot), I wouldnt be surprised if free dining goes the way of the dodo.

[SiAmCrAzY]

Conckahuna- I love the video in your sig! :lmao: was that a abag of cheetos?

[OldsDr]

!

I haven't heard anything about free dining, and after the uproar the non-Disney restaurants are rumored to have made last year (and those non-Disney restaurants include almost everything at Epcot), I wouldnt be surprised if free dining goes the way of the dodo.

What was the Uproar?

[DC7800]

I wouldnt be surprised if free dining goes the way of the dodo.

Given the problems with the dining plan (and free dining in particular), we can only hope.

[doccoc2002]

Why do people come on a free dining thread just to put it down and be negative...First of all if you think restaurants were unhappy about losing money during Free dining you are wrong...I am sure Disney pays them well for being included on the DDP. Free dining has nothing to do with menu changes...1 it is good to keep menus fresh and 2 free dining is not resposible for quality of food the RESTAURANT is!! I haven't seen any difference in food quality...In 2008 I saw a big difference in service but having to pay the tip OOP cleared that! Now waitstaff knows they have to work for the tip...If they are complaining(meaning waitstaff) it is probably because they have to work for it...That is the whole point of waitstaff you are there to serve people. I know that sometimes you get a party that is horrible tippers but you get that everywhere not just Disney. If a waiter/ress is good I will give more than 16%...if they are not they will get 16% I never give under 16% unless they are really BAD and I have never had that at Disney. Yes, I have had waitstaff that only got 16% but most of the time I am giving at least 20%. Does everyone follow this NO...but considering you are getting FD..I think you should. If the waitstaff is really bad(I have never had a problem at Disney but have at local restaurants or other vacation spots) I have gone and talked to management AFTER the meal.
Sorry, got OT but I am just sick of reading that it is FD fault that people have had bad service or problems with the menu. "Cause it is NOT the case at all. There are some places which you can't order some things off the menu if you are on the DDP...If you want it you have to pay extra...That is NO MATTER when you go...Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring...So, it is not FD it is the DP.

stepping off soap box now!:rotfl:
Back to the Topic at hand please.

[lauraf]

Why do people come on a free dining thread just to put it down and be negative...First of all if you think restaurants were unhappy about losing money during Free dining you are wrong...I am sure Disney pays them well for being included on the DDP. Free dining has nothing to do with menu changes...1 it is good to keep menus fresh and 2 free dining is not resposible for quality of food the RESTAURANT is!! I haven't seen any difference in food quality...In 2008 I saw a big difference in service but having to pay the tip OOP cleared that! Now waitstaff knows they have to work for the tip...If they are complaining(meaning waitstaff) it is probably because they have to work for it...That is the whole point of waitstaff you are there to serve people. I know that sometimes you get a party that is horrible tippers but you get that everywhere not just Disney. If a waiter/ress is good I will give more than 16%...if they are not they will get 16% I never give under 16% unless they are really BAD and I have never had that at Disney. Yes, I have had waitstaff that only got 16% but most of the time I am giving at least 20%. Does everyone follow this NO...but considering you are getting FD..I think you should. If the waitstaff is really bad(I have never had a problem at Disney but have at local restaurants or other vacation spots) I have gone and talked to management AFTER the meal.
Sorry, got OT but I am just sick of reading that it is FD fault that people have had bad service or problems with the menu. "Cause it is NOT the case at all. There are some places which you can't order some things off the menu if you are on the DDP...If you want it you have to pay extra...That is NO MATTER when you go...Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring...So, it is not FD it is the DP.

stepping off soap box now!:rotfl:
Back to the Topic at hand please.
I totally agree, I have been every year since 2005. I paid for it the first year and have had free dining since. I have not seen any difference in food quality or service. I have only had really bad service once and that was something that was paid for (wedding dinner). I do not understand what others are talking about but it doesn't bother me. If they offer free dining I will still go, and if they don't I will still go.

[Oglet]

Why do people come on a free dining thread just to put it down and be negative...First of all if you think restaurants were unhappy about losing money during Free dining you are wrong...I am sure Disney pays them well for being included on the DDP. Free dining has nothing to do with menu changes...1 it is good to keep menus fresh and 2 free dining is not resposible for quality of food the RESTAURANT is!! I haven't seen any difference in food quality...In 2008 I saw a big difference in service but having to pay the tip OOP cleared that! Now waitstaff knows they have to work for the tip...If they are complaining(meaning waitstaff) it is probably because they have to work for it...That is the whole point of waitstaff you are there to serve people. I know that sometimes you get a party that is horrible tippers but you get that everywhere not just Disney. If a waiter/ress is good I will give more than 16%...if they are not they will get 16% I never give under 16% unless they are really BAD and I have never had that at Disney. Yes, I have had waitstaff that only got 16% but most of the time I am giving at least 20%. Does everyone follow this NO...but considering you are getting FD..I think you should. If the waitstaff is really bad(I have never had a problem at Disney but have at local restaurants or other vacation spots) I have gone and talked to management AFTER the meal.
Sorry, got OT but I am just sick of reading that it is FD fault that people have had bad service or problems with the menu. "Cause it is NOT the case at all. There are some places which you can't order some things off the menu if you are on the DDP...If you want it you have to pay extra...That is NO MATTER when you go...Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring...So, it is not FD it is the DP.

stepping off soap box now!:rotfl:
Back to the Topic at hand please.

Are you being general about several topics or just this one?

Reason I am asking is because I don't really see anything in this topic that goes along with your post so I'm a little puzzled and that's why I asked was it directed at other topics as well?.

Not trying to start anything, just looking for some clarification.

[pinkle]

when do we expect to know something?????????

[pixie_mtl]

when do we expect to know something?????????

I think it's tomorrow:surfweb:. Read it from another thread.

[DC7800]

First, doccoc2002 if you are new to this board and our discussions then welcome; If you aren't new, then excuse me for not noticing.

Why do people come on a free dining thread just to put it down and be negative.[/SIZE]

Well, this is the Rumors & News board, not Disney Restaurants or one of the trip planning boards. It's not as active as it once was, but people who visit this board regularly often discuss aspects of WDW and the Disney corporation from a critical perspective. If you are more accustomed to the "pixie-dusted" Disney-can-do-no-wrong tones of discussions elsewhere, it probably is a surprise to see often popular Pop Century (for example) derided as a "tacky decorated Motel 6" by people who count themselves among the biggest fans of Disney creations. Rather or in addition to discussing when free dining might be available, threads here may center around aspects of the program itself, both positive and negative attributes - with the negative viewpoint being just as valid and pertinent to the discussion as the positive opinion.

First of all if you think restaurants were unhappy about losing money during Free dining you are wrong

Really, Restaurants have no objection to losing money? You might argue that for Disney restaurants they lose money but make it up on room rates and package prices, but for a non-Disney operated establishment, that doesn't apply (and it doesn't exactly conform to how we know Disney typically operates, either.)

I haven't seen any difference in food quality

I'm glad you haven't personally, but just because you haven't noticed a difference unfortunately doesn't mean there isn't one - as documented by too many people to explain away as matters of personal taste; Other diners have noticed.

So, it is not FD it is the DP

Wait a minute - are you arguing that yes, there is a problem, but the real cause is the Disney Dining Plan instead of Free Dining? Well that I pretty much agree with; I would only add that the issue with Free Dining is that it exacerbates the core problems with the dining plan. If you have just ten percent, for instance, of your customers on the plan, as a restaurant operator you probably don't feel so much pressure to simplify your menu, reduce portion sizes, or cut corners on quality. But with free dining, with the vast majority of diners on the plan, that changes things.

[doccoc2002]

First, doccoc2002 if you are new to this board and our discussions then welcome; If you aren't new, then excuse me for not noticing.
First of all not new but a lurker. I relay don't need your welcome and I wasn't looking for your sarcasm either.

Well, this is the Rumors & News board, not Disney Restaurants or one of the trip planning boards. It's not as active as it once was, but people who visit this board regularly often discuss aspects of WDW and the Disney corporation from a critical perspective. If you are more accustomed to the "pixie-dusted" Disney-can-do-no-wrong tones of discussions elsewhere, it probably is a surprise to see often popular Pop Century (for example) derided as a "tacky decorated Motel 6" by people who count themselves among the biggest fans of Disney creations. Rather or in addition to discussing when free dining might be available, threads here may center around aspects of the program itself, both positive and negative attributes - with the negative viewpoint being just as valid and pertinent to the discussion as the positive opinion.

I was under the impression that this thread was started on the topic of a FREE DINING RUMOR(in hopes it is coming). I must of read it wrong obviously it said Let's hope FD doesn't come out...my mistake. As for "pixie-dusted Disney" I never said Disney was perfect NO ONE IS! But I believe Disney is a "Magical" place so excuse me for being positive and try to look at the brighter things in life than being negative and bitter. By the way I don't care for POP or any of the values...I guess I am one that feels it is too much like a MOTEL!

Really, Restaurants have no objection to losing money? You might argue that for Disney restaurants they lose money but make it up on room rates and package prices, but for a non-Disney operated establishment, that doesn't apply (and it doesn't exactly conform to how we know Disney typically operates, either.)

If NON-DISNEY restaurants don't want to be part of the DP they don't have too. They are not twisting their arms to do it. I am sure Disney compensates them too. Taken my words out of context..try reading that I am sure Disney pays them for the DP and most people will get an app or a specialty drink off the menu.

I'm glad you haven't personally, but just because you haven't noticed a difference unfortunately doesn't mean there isn't one - as documented by too many people to explain away as matters of personal taste; Other diners have noticed.

Everyone has a down day...again RESTAURANTS effect quality not FD!


Wait a minute - are you arguing that yes, there is a problem, but the real cause is the Disney Dining Plan instead of Free Dining? Well that I pretty much agree with; I would only add that the issue with Free Dining is that it exacerbates the core problems with the dining plan. If you have just ten percent, for instance, of your customers on the plan, as a restaurant operator you probably don't feel so much pressure to simplify your menu, reduce portion sizes, or cut corners on quality. But with free dining, with the vast majority of diners on the plan, that changes things.


I am saying you can't blame the FD promo...last time I checked the FD isn't offered all year so yet the DP is and the menus are the same. If you don't like to go during FD then DON'T since you seem to think that FD is the root of the cause! Last time I checked Menus don't change just for FD.

[doccoc2002]

I totally agree, I have been every year since 2005. I paid for it the first year and have had free dining since. I have not seen any difference in food quality or service. I have only had really bad service once and that was something that was paid for (wedding dinner). I do not understand what others are talking about but it doesn't bother me. If they offer free dining I will still go, and if they don't I will still go.
We will continue to go too with or without FD. At some point you know it will end and it has been nice having it.
Are you being general about several topics or just this one?

Reason I am asking is because I don't really see anything in this topic that goes along with your post so I'm a little puzzled and that's why I asked was it directed at other topics as well?.

Not trying to start anything, just looking for some clarification.
I was talking about this one...just one little comment line:snooty: got me thinking and my mind rambled on...I usually don't even bother responding:surfweb:. hence my soapbox comment:rotfl:

[ShhhQ]

I am saying you can't blame the FD promo...last time I checked the FD isn't offered all year so yet the DP is and the menus are the same. If you don't like to go during FD then DON'T since you seem to think that FD is the root of the cause! Last time I checked Menus don't change just for FD.

I agree with everything you had to say... except the comment about Pop and the other values, but I will let that slide ;)

[CanadianGuy]

Actually - menus DO change during F/D.

A number of dishes are mysteriously 'absent' during the F/D window.. I've seen it posted about here many times myself, including at least once by WebmasterPete.

But honestly... we run into this on the resorts board.. nobody in the F/D threads wants to hear the negative side that it might not be offered.

It probably will.. but the truth is -- IT *MIGHT* NOT and there's a host of reasons why for both arguments.

And I suspect people that don't want to see it again - come to threads like this - because they hope to read that it is not being offered again... just as others wish to read that it is.

I think a little mutual respect and fairness go a long ways in these threads.

[mcwheelee]

They have opened up the Visa offer to the GP...short window though.


Kids, ages 3 to 9, can stay and play for FREE when you buy this 4-night/5-day room and ticket package for stays most nights from May 2 through June 3, 2010:

That's only $499 per adult based on adult double occupancy in a standard room at selectDisney Value Resorts.

[Carolina Mom]

I got an offer in the mail today for free Quick Service Dining (4 night/5day stay) for stays 4/11-6/3. Not sure when we will hear anything about free dining for Fall. We are planning a trip for early December so they will have to extend free dining like last year for us to benefit (fingers crossed).

Based on last year, free dining promo came out on 3/30/09 for stays 8/16-10/3. Had to wait until 7/27 for the free dining to come out for stays 9/27-12/17 (these are general public dates). I am willing to wait but am hoping to take advantage of any promo that Disney throws my way!

[britt54311]

I got a Free QS dining (DVC) offer in the mail a few weeks ago, good for most nights 2/28/10-07/3/10, to bad we want to go in October.

[katieam1]

I got a Free QS dining (DVC) offer in the mail a few weeks ago, good for most nights 2/28/10-07/3/10, to bad we want to go in October.

We got the same mailing as well, we are going in September so no good for us either. I already have a pin code for 30%value/35% off mods/40% off Deluxe for the whole year so I am using that as of right now.

[devonsmommy]

I got the Free Dining (quick service) postcard in the mail good until Aug. 14th.

[Minnie321]

Sorry you had such a bad time, the same happened to me after my first trip there. I went the day after Christmas and it took me years to give Disney another chance it was just horrible.

I am actually a CM and I assure you there are many many times during the year when the crowds are extremely low and the parks almost feel empty however as the above poster pointed out you really went at a horrible time. The truth is just like you all these other people who were there went because it was convenient for them to go. Spring break was in full force and this past week a lot of counties in Florida had spring break so you probably had a bunch of locals there as well.

I read in one of your other posts where you called the park dirty. If you ever get the chance to see Magic Kingdom at about 4am in the morning you will see custodial crews out washing the sidewalk and roads, wiping down poles and cleaning things you would never even think about cleaning and touching up things with paint. I don't doubt that throughout the day with 60,000 people in the park at times things would get messy and things would look far from perfect, things get swept up that need to be, bathrooms still get cleaned and anything major gets taken care off right away.

Please don't think Im attacking you or what you said, that is simply not my intention. I am just sorry that you had a horrible experience as I am sure you spent a lot of money and had high hopes for your trip.

Hopefully one day you will give it another try, pick a time of the year when its not so busy, I did after my horrible experience and I am extremely happy that I did.

We really do go all the time - 3 times a year usually - summer, Thanksgiving, Mardi Gras or Easter (not both). I didn't mean Disney was doing a bad job - it is just that in 37 years I have come to expect things - and this time was really disappointing. Two years ago we went the week after Easter because that was when school was out - this year we were out the week before. When we went the week after Easter we loved it - Holiday crowds, but not really that bad - I wonder if there is a big difference in the week before and the week after?? I will return someday, but for the past 8 years I have always had a Disney Trip booked - in another words I would have the next one booked before I went on the upcoming trip. After this summer I did not book anything - Easter was a last minute decision - and now again nothing booked - it is hard to face as I am a total Disney Fan - I have helped friends book trips, plan, organize - I just love Disney - just have to take a break right now. Disney does have some really great employees - there is always one that sticks out each time - this time it was Marcos - he drove the boats from Epcot to the resorts and Hollywood Studios - great guy - he made us all smile and laugh!
As for the dining - I didn't really pay that much attention to the details - I hope everyone gets the free dining they want!

[IslandAdventure4]

If i remember right last year they had same deal, free dining thru September. Then somewhere along the line they extended it into late October, which i hope is the case for 2010. We have a trip planned for mid October. Got my fingers crossed.

Same here, waiting, wanting, wishing... :rolleyes1