$100 photobook with free dining= Disney epic fail

[smidgy]

Also, I think it is crazy to complain about a discount because they aren't giving you enough. The entitlement of todays society never ceases to amaze me.

well, I guess it's a matter of semantics. the "free" dining is so hyped on the dis, so looked forward to, etc. therefore, when it finally arrives, I see nothing wrong with expressing your disappointment at the parameters of the deal on a discussion board (where opinions are encouraged).

I wouldn't call it "complaining", that word sounds whiny. people who are disappointed are allowed to say so.

I definitely wouldn't call it "entitlement". of course, NO ONE is "entitled" to a trip at all, let alone a discounted trip.

this is a DISNEY discussion board, so we are discussing opinions, hopes, plans,etc for our next Disney trip.

I feel lucky to be able to go to WDW at all! that being said, I was hoping (as were many others) for free dining to come out. now that it has, I am disapointed (as are others) in the parameters of this particular discount.

Disney does want to know what people think, after all.

 

[mareed]

The charge for the photobook on the free dining packages is coming out to $90.90. To see the actual value of the package discount, compare it with a regular price package with the relevant dining plan added.

Also, when I compare this "free dining" to what I booked last August during the earlier "free dining" offer, it's now $90.90 more, so this exactly matches my findings! They're including a charge of $90.90 for the photobook.

 

[let'sgo]

If people had to wait an hour or more just to make a reservation, it seems as if Disney's offer is successful. Why would you offer a better deal when everyone is snatching up this one? Now, if you really didn't like the offer, you shouldn't have taken it and that would send Disney a message.

 

[Palendat]

Also, I think it is crazy to complain about a discount because they aren't giving you enough. The entitlement of todays society never ceases to amaze me.

I don't agree with this statement at all. For the past 8 years Disney has offered some form of free dining during the late August - late September time frame. The price 8 years ago was what it was, included apps and tip, etc. For those in the know, and for whom it works out for, this is the new rack rate FOR THIS TIME FRAME. 8 years later, the new price is x% higher, less app and tips, even though the economy is in the toilet, unemployment is hurting a lot of families and Universal has a huge hit with Harry. It is not unreasonable to feel that Disney is inflating the cost of their vacations far higher than inflation in the rest of the economy (although I do realize that inflation is HUGELY under-reported). Does Disney have the right to do this? Of course they do, they need to make money. But for people to feel disappointed with this year's free dining deal is also their right, and is also understandable.

 

[penjen]

Even though there were waits to change/make reservations today, I still don't think this "deal" is bringing in the masses. If you try to make a dining reservation during this time frame the availablity is wide open. Or everyone will be at the quick services

 

[ElizabethB]

Of course, it is always about supply and demand. Disney thinks it can get away with forcing a photo album on everyone and that people will still buy. If they do buy, Disney was right. If they do not buy, Disney was wrong.

Naturally, Disney would like to wean the public away from discounts. But, so far they are apparently finding bookings less than they hoped with the original free dining offer. So, they have offered it again.

Free dining does not work for us because we llike to stay deluxe club level and even with two adults and two teens, the 40% off price was better.

Moreover, as a PP poster said, the free dining offer has been so diluted that, for us, it's not worth the bother.

The NY Times yesterday, in the lead editorial, said the economy is sputtering seriously and the annual rate of growth has dropped precipitously. If that is the case and continues, Disney will have no choice but to continue offering discounts.

 

[bpesch]

I am not seeing that an additional purchase is required. It looks like it is free dining AND a free photobook. I does not appear that you have to but the cd.

It's all included in the price but make no mistake about it, you are paying for it. That's the problem with package deals. All the extra stuff that you might not otherwise purchase is added to the package and you are paying for it in the total price.

So you really have to pull a package deal apart and figure out whether or not it's a good deal for you. In my mind, if I don't want it but am forced to "buy" it in the package, it is not a good deal.

 

[BigGreen73]

Good for you. The only way to "protest" Disney's deals is with your wallet. And it has to start somewhere. If enough people say "this isn't good enough", then they'll HAVE to lower prices.

Of course, this attitude is a good argument for Disney needing to wean the public of these discounts. "How dare Disney not give me a HUGE discount on my vacation! Screw you Disney!"

Nicely put. I am just pleased that WDW is still offering discounts at all now. They have been saying that they are going to do away with the big discounts, but it's great that WDW is still offering room discounts, FD etc in any form. money saving's is money savings. So what happens if WDW no longer offers FD at all? Are people going to just stop going? Doubt it...

 

[Iwant2BAprincess]

We started going to Disney in 2006 with FD-it just made sense. My kids were 2& 4 so the cost was truly about the same as a beach trip at the same time of year and we got so much more out of it. We have gone every year since and still love it. I am sad to say that I calculated (with the current costs and promo) what my trip will cost for next year for the same package we have this year (booked during last year's fd promo) and between general ticket cost increases, my oldest will now be deemed an adult, the photo promo (wouldn't mind if it was the cd but I have no desire for the book) and the change from qs to reg dp my trip is now a budget buster. So, I am trying to come to grips that this year will be the last disney trip and I am sad about it but just as disney has to look out for their bottom line, so do I. I think we will switch things up and when we next return to Orlando our boys will be big enough to switch to the Universal parks instead.

 

[SnipsNSnails]

I was just thinking about this. I had expected the offer to possibly be QSD free at mods instead of DDP. So in that regard, I'm much happier with the photobook being added rather than it being free QSD as that would have saved us even less when we had to upgrade to DDP.

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

The math is fairly easy for me:

5 nights at POFQ (314 sq feet) with Free Dining: $1338-value of 2 day tickets we would use later because we have APs $333 = $1005 adjusted value

5 nights at WBC in a 2 bedroom (1200 sf with full kitchen, w/d, balcony, jacuzzi tub) including dining oop and rental car: $839.62

There's just not even a chance I would stay at Disney with these figures.

But for those families with no AP and a family of 4, it is probably a good deal. The fact remains that Disney's business philosophy is to get all the higher paying customers into their rooms first, then give the leftovers to the GP with a discount and then, lastly the AP holders (who should be rewarded for their loyalty imo) get the scraps.

I love Disney, but I have found better bang for my buck offsite.

 

[SimonCharles]

This doesn't sound good. You've been very loyal.

 

[meredith1]

So, what does this mean for the "higher priced" payer that has never been? We get railroaded, too?

 

[ElizabethG]

well, I guess it's a matter of semantics. the "free" dining is so hyped on the dis, so looked forward to, etc. therefore, when it finally arrives, I see nothing wrong with expressing your disappointment at the parameters of the deal on a discussion board (where opinions are encouraged).

I wouldn't call it "complaining", that word sounds whiny. people who are disappointed are allowed to say so.

I definitely wouldn't call it "entitlement". of course, NO ONE is "entitled" to a trip at all, let alone a discounted trip.

this is a DISNEY discussion board, so we are discussing opinions, hopes, plans,etc for our next Disney trip.

I feel lucky to be able to go to WDW at all! that being said, I was hoping (as were many others) for free dining to come out. now that it has, I am disapointed (as are others) in the parameters of this particular discount.

Disney does want to know what people think, after all.

I don't agree with this statement at all. For the past 8 years Disney has offered some form of free dining during the late August - late September time frame. The price 8 years ago was what it was, included apps and tip, etc. For those in the know, and for whom it works out for, this is the new rack rate FOR THIS TIME FRAME. 8 years later, the new price is x% higher, less app and tips, even though the economy is in the toilet, unemployment is hurting a lot of families and Universal has a huge hit with Harry. It is not unreasonable to feel that Disney is inflating the cost of their vacations far higher than inflation in the rest of the economy (although I do realize that inflation is HUGELY under-reported). Does Disney have the right to do this? Of course they do, they need to make money. But for people to feel disappointed with this year's free dining deal is also their right, and is also understandable.

I realize that people are disappointed. It is fine to express, "Oh shoot, that is more than I want to spend on a vacation. I don't think I can justify a vacation this year." I have no problem with the "I" language.

It is the complaining (def: Express dissatisfaction or annoyance about a state of affairs or an event) that I don't like. Many people don't phrase things in the "I'm disapointed" vain. Instead, many involve Disney's wrong doing in their response. "Disney = Epic Fail". "I'm protesting Disney's poor discounts". Etc.

 

[donaldtutter]

Why does Disney seem to be discourage people from being Annual Passholders? During the eight years we have been passholders--two adults, one child--we have been going to WDW at least two times per year for 14 days each visit, usually with free dining. While I realize the tickets can be upgraded to AP's, if we are made to buy 6 during our two trips, that is 3 passes each year that are being accumulated. We currently have 9 one day and 6 two day passes that have not been used. We are fortunate to have more than enough pictures of every character and setting in WDW and do not want to be forced to pay $90-100 for a photobook. We easily and happily spend over $7000 a year directly to Disney(not counting airline or other transportation costs) for our great vacations. We don't feel entitled to huge discounts or complaining that Disney doesn't deserve to make money. All we would like is for Disney to make accessible a free dining package that doesn't punish Annual Passholders.

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

I agree.

I think Disney should give AP holders a straight discount. Any time, any place. First year AP holders could receive, say 10% off lodging and food. Second year (renewed) AP holders could then receive 20% off food and lodging. Each year a renewal is made the discount gets higher and perhaps caps out-say at 40%. I'd take 40% discount at any time, unlimited, over free dining and be happy. That would be a good program for their most loyal customers in my opinion. The longer you stay a passholder, the greater your savings. And by this program, the loyal passholders would receive first dibs on discounted rooms. They're going to be discounted eventually anyway (most periods) so why not give them to your loyal fanbase? This would also encourage more AP renewals, as those that capped out wouldn't want to lose their discounts.

 

[treehugnmama]

We buy a photo book every year. I didn't buy one last year and I really missed it. We are dvc so fd is not a benefit to us but if I still was doing the package I would love the photo book. Maybe you will be surprised and like it too. The first time I bought it it was a special and I was hooked

 

[battymum]

Can anyone tell me what happens if we add this offer to our current reservation.

We booked under the previous free dining offer and have paid in full. Would love a photobook though.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

This offer represents a failure for my family, in that it did not get us to spend our vacation dollars at WDW this year. If they fill the rooms, it will not be a failure for WDW. Time will tell.

We were considering other vacation options this year anyways. We had already booked at WDW, hoping for a good offer during the time-frame that works for us. It didn't work out. We move forward with the other options.

 

[mareed]

Can anyone tell me what happens if we add this offer to our current reservation.

We booked under the previous free dining offer and have paid in full. Would love a photobook though.

Your package price would increase by $90.90 for this new offer with the photobook. You can go online yourself and price the same package you have and you'll see the new price.