Anyone Else fed up with Free Dining!!!!!!

[eyeheartgoofy]

I agree that free dining makes scoring the perfect ADR's a bit challenging and I was one of the first to express disappoinment in the fact that Disney moved free dining up one week in August (b/c I thought I was so clever to book my vacation for the first week of "cheap points", but before free dining was typically offered). But, as DVC members, we have the same shot at gettting ADR's as free diners ... we aren't being penalized b/c we are DVC members.

 

[jekjones1558]

I agree that free dining makes scoring the perfect ADR's a bit challenging and I was one of the first to express disappoinment in the fact that Disney moved free dining up one week in August (b/c I thought I was so clever to book my vacation for the first week of "cheap points", but before free dining was typically offered). But, as DVC members, we have the same shot at gettting ADR's as free diners ... we aren't being penalized b/c we are DVC members.

Did you read this explanation of why DVC members are now at a disadvantage?

The Disney Dining phone line opens at 7 AM Eastern time.

If you are booking reservations online, you may begin doing that at 6 AM Eastern time - that is when the system rolls over.

So, those booking online get a full hour to book restaurants prior to the time the phone lines open.

Because the online system does not recognize DVC reservation numbers, DVC members cannot go online to book 90 + 10 reservations (onsite guests may start booking exactly 90 days from the first day of their reservation - and they may also book restaurants for up to 10 days after that.) DVC members who want to use 90 + 10 booking cannot do it online - they have to call the dining line. There is currently no way for the online system to verify that DVC members are staying onsite.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Granted, we have AK Concierge for one of our 3 night stay in September and they were able to get us a Le Cellier dinner reservation for Saturday of the trip. I just went on line to book Cape May Cafe for Sunday the 27th and I got it. These two places are favorites of ours and we got them.

I was curious to see how on line booking worked, and it did for us, even during the free dining promotion!

Bobbi

 

[n2mm]

Did you read this explanation of why DVC members are now at a disadvantage?

Thanks for posting. I tried to say the same thing, but folks just seemed to glaze over. To some of us, yes that 1 hour head start is very important. Why should some have the extra hour and others not. I booked my reservation and I have a number, but the online system doesn't recognize my number. So in that hour my hands are tied. No, I'm not trying to book an ADR for every night and yes I use my kitchen, but when my two little granddaughters want to eat with the princesses and I have to hate 60 MINUTES before I can call, I know my times will be limited if at all -- so having a DVC reservation number vs a regular reservation is a disadvantage and it needs to either be fixed, or the online should not start until 7:00. And yes, I call at 7:00AM and never wait for MS to open at 9:00AM. If it doesn't get fixed, I'll be the first one calling to book a dummy reservation at a value resort in order to get my ADRs -- no it's not fair, but until ADRs become fair to all, I'll have to do what needs to be done to make it fair. Just shut down the online until 7:00AM and I'll be happy.

 

[DisneyFreaks]

1. It's NOT free, it's free if you pay FULL Rack rate. So using Disney logic... Mark up room to 100% over what you would pay in the real world. Give a discount and folks don't realize they are getting ripped off for the hotel. (As a stockholder I LOVE this logic, as a consumer

I think we all realize this but try telling that to a regular person booking a non DVC trip. I tried in vain to explain this to my niece but she just doesn't get it and insists that Disney is giving her family something for free. I told her about all of the room discounts she could get and tickets from a broker that would save a little cash but she continues to argue. She actually said she thinks I'm jealous because DVC members get screwed out of this generous offer. She's not alone. This is what Disney wants folks like her to think I guess. Maybe someday she'll see the light.

TDC Nala - Thanks for explaining the time thing. I too was a bit confused by the talk concerning that one hour. Hopefully by the time we are ready to book the ADRs for our trip next year they will have the kinks in the system fixed. Otherwise I'll take my chances calling Disney Dining like always.

 

[chrismass]

I think one solution would be to offer the Quick service plan for free and people would pay the difference to upgrade to the standard or deluxe. It wouldn't eliminate the problem but would certainly take some of the strain off the system.

I think that's a great idea - many people wouldn't bother paying for the upgrade and then the table service restaurants would free up!

 

[RachelTori]

TDC Nala - Thanks for explaining the time thing. I too was a bit confused by the talk concerning that one hour. Hopefully by the time we are ready to book the ADRs for our trip next year they will have the kinks in the system fixed. Otherwise I'll take my chances calling Disney Dining like always.

Well, you're certainly being optimistic!


The last I heard, Disney was "aware" of the DVC problem and was "working on it". Anyone have knowledge if this is truly the case?

And count me in as another who is unhappy with this 1 hour time lag.

 

[MiaSRN62]

It isn't just free dining, but the DDP in geeral. The overall quality of Disney TS meals has suffered greatly.

Agree Chuck
Between FREE dining and DDP it is really tough to get some ADR's.

Maria

 

[pilferk]

You choose to call one hour later -- nobody is stopping any of us DVC members from calling the regular dining number like everybody else.

I believe the poster is referring to the fact that the new online dining system does NOT allow DVC members to book 90+10, because the online system will not accept DVC confirmation numbers as valid.

And the online system "refreshes" and allows bookings at 6 AM..while the phone line doesn't go up until 7 AM.

Thus, giving up the 1 hour head start.

 

[pilferk]

I totally agree!

I have to call for my ADRs on Thursday & I've never worried about getting the ADRs I want in the 20 years my family has been going to WDW until this trip! I don't want to be treated better than anyone else, but my God do I hate feeling like I'm missing out, especially when Disney is guaranteed to get my money!

We all show send an e-mail! Can you imagine?

Back when we discovered this problem with the online system (within a day of launch), my wife engaged in an all out blitz through DVC and Disney Dining Customer service. We were told we were the only ones contacting them about this . While I know that isn't true (others reported they were, in fact, calling), the more complaints they get, the more pressure the DVC brass will put on Disney IT to make this right.

While I know this isn't a DVC issue, per se...I feel like they are the right place to send the complaint along to. Their job is to look out for the membership's best interests, and I think this certainly qualifies.

My wife also wrote a letter to Jim Lewis, explaining her frustrations. I'm sure we won't get anything out of that, but it can't hurt.

 

[pilferk]

Just shut down the online until 7:00AM and I'll be happy.

The other alternative:

Let Disney IT crosscharge the funds back to DVC MS so that they can open their phone lines at 6 AM to take dining reservations.

IT seems to have been the origin point for the problem, let them fund an alternative until they can fix the issue.

 

[pilferk]

Well, you're certainly being optimistic!


The last I heard, Disney was "aware" of the DVC problem and was "working on it". Anyone have knowledge if this is truly the case?

And count me in as another who is unhappy with this 1 hour time lag.

Yes.

They are aware of the problem, and have been given sufficient feedback to pretty much pin down exactly where to look to identify what it is, if not the root cause of it.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2205123
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2205207


And yes, they're working to fix it. Given their demonstrated competence level..whether that gives you solace or not is questionable.

 

[Chuck S]

As far as the correlation between free dining and DVC, I must agree with the OP as well. It is just another example of how those of us who invested (spent) an enormous amount of money into DVC once again, get shafted.

How so?

For instance, 6 nights in an SSR 1 bedroom (8/16 to 8/22) includes one weekend night.

It is 175 points. I paid roughly $6 per point, when I average out my initial buy in, and add the current dues, for a total of $1050. Add the DDP for 2 adults (455.88) and that is $1505.88.

The free dining package, including a one day base ticket and the DDP, for those dates and room is $2794.62 plus 13% tax, or $3157.92. Explain to me how "free dining" is a better deal than DVC, or how DVC got "shafted."

I priced SSR, because OKW was showing unavailable on those dates for the "free DDP." And really, SSR takes more points than OKW, so DVC savings would be "less" than with OKW.

I figure I'd be saving $1652.04, even adding the DDP for cash at DVC. That is still greater than a 50% discount from the cash "free" dining rate.

 

[jworkkul]

Now I'm going to sound like a complete "idiot" but exactly what is the free dining I keep reading about? I have a reservation from 7/12 through 7/18. Do I come under the "free dining" option? I don't get it.

 

[Chuck S]

Now I'm going to sound like a complete "idiot" but exactly what is the free dining I keep reading about? I have a reservation from 7/12 through 7/18. Do I come under the "free dining" option? I don't get it.

"Free Dining" replaced the normal seasonal cash room discounts a few years ago. Rather than "discounting" the room part of the cash packages, you pay full rack for the room, and a park ticket and the Disney Dining Plan will be included.

Basic human psychology tunes folks into "Free" rather than a room discount.

Given the huge mark-up on Disney food, it is likely the "Free Dining" cost Disney much less than the traditional room discounts ever did, and it seems to achieve their goal of full rooms.

Much like the difference between "1/2 Price" and "Buy 1, get 1 Free" The average person on the street would likely think that "Buy 1, get 1 Free" is a better deal than "1/2 Price."

Another good example are the popular "Buy 1, get one for 1/2 price" offers..they are really a 25% discount.

DVC Point reservation or Member Discounted cash reservations are not eligible for the "Free Dining" promotion.

 

[goofy4tink]

That offer will not affect everyone though, as it will be offered to fewer people. The offer to the general public ends in Sept.

There are a ton of folks who have gotten the 'pin code' for free dining starting on 11/29...a ton. I can only think that Disney will open it up to the general public in a few months.

My issue??? Most DVC owners book way in advance. I booked my Aug 16th trip back in Dec. I booked my Nov 30 (then changed to the 29th) trip back in February. And what happens? Disney offers free dining. I don't expect Disney or DVC to offer DVC owners free dining. We knew going in what we were getting...a great deal on wonderful lodging.
But.....now, I have to fight those who have seen free dining and jumped on the band wagon....'Oh, look honey, free dining at Christmas time...let's go.'
Maybe if DVC owners were allowed to book our ADRs all at once (I know, I know, they're working on it!!) it would be easier. Or, if we were allowed to book before 'regular' guests booked....say 5 days before our 'regular' booking date. I'm quite frankly getting tired of planning in advance and getting left out of some decent food options.

I may vote with my feet so to speak...it may be time for a rental car and more off-site dining. The food quality has gone downhill, thanks to the dining plan, so I won't miss that. I just liked a lot of the restaurants' atmospheres in WDW. But, I'm not willing to stand by while DVC members get left out in the cold. I can't believe this is happening to me two trips in a row...two!!! I'm taking a friend who hasn't been to WDW in over 15 years..she has never stayed DVC, not even seen a DVC villa. I wanted to be able to eat at some fun spots..but unless things change by Sept 1, my ADR booking date, we'll be eating at counter service spots.
Or, I'll just book a value for those nights, book my ADRs and then cancel the room...hate to do that but unless Disney gets on the stick and allows me to book the same as 'regular' guests, what are my options???

 

[dvczerfs]

ok, i just called disney dining. after 20 min on hold , i was given the dvc 800 number to call. i called dvc mem services. after 25 min. i was told that the on line system for dvc resi numbers will go 90 plus 7 days. from 8 to 10 you have to call. fyi, both people i talked to in both places havnt ran across this yet. (must be the standard answer) i quess i will find out next thursday.

 

[goofy4tink]

ok, i just called disney dining. after 20 min on hold , i was given the dvc 800 number to call. i called dvc mem services. after 25 min. i was told that the on line system for dvc resi numbers will go 90 plus 7 days. from 8 to 10 you have to call. fyi, both people i talked to in both places havnt ran across this yet. (must be the standard answer) i quess i will find out next thursday.

Better than nothing but we are still being penelized for owning, and using, DVC.

 

[Sammie]

When the new ala carte system is full implemented, some restaurants especially the more popular ones will limit the number of seats to be used for discounts, this will open up some availability but it will also affect others using discounts too.

So while you might be pleased that all the ADRs won't be taken by free dining, you might not be able to use your DVC discount either.

Bascially many of the nicer restuarants have complained to Food and Beverage that they can not keep the quality of food to their previous standards and the restaurant constantly be filled with people dining with a discount.

 

[Alexander]

personally, i don't think it is free dining, but the way disney lets people have multiple resies with in hours or even less time of eachother. we all know, someone who is eating at rose and crowne at this time, will not be eating at leceilier(sp?) two even three hours later. they need to put a stop to that, imo that would free up quite a few adrs.

Actually, I wonder if they aren't in the process of stopping this now, or at least controlling it. When I booked all of the ADRs for Aug/Sept, everything was linked through my reservation number, not my telephone number, or cell-phone number, or work number, etc. I think by linking them to your reservation, they can clearly see what you have booked and prevent multiple bookings. Does this work for those staying off property? No, but I feel that it is a start.