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

[TDC Nala]

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.

If you are booking 90 days out or less, you do not have to tie your restaurant reservations to your resort reservation. The only time it's necessary to do that when booking online is if you want 90 + 10 booking.

I have several reservations for the Aug/Sept time period, none of which are tied to a resort reservation (they can't be anyway, because it's a DVC reservation and the online system doesn't recognize them). They are tied to a telephone number. Some onsite guests booking within 90 days may choose not to input their resort reservation number for whatever reason - and they don't have to. So linking to a resort reservation is not going to catch everyone.

Have seen some indications that they WILL cancel both your reservations if you double-book online and the system catches you.

 

[reedycreek]

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.

Chuck, not really what I was referring to at all. I feel we get "shafted" as free dining has had a negative effect on quality of dining at Disney. As DVC members who visit WDW more frequently than the casual vacationer who would most likely get free dining, we ultimately feel the impact of the decline in quality.

My post had nothing to do with the cost of free dining versus owning DVC.

 

[eliza61]

Not sure how being a dvc member puts us at a disadvantage. Free dining is doing what it is designed to do. Bring more visitors to the park during a slower period. Late August - october occupancy goes down so this is a way disney came up with to entice people into booking.

I have back up restaurants. If I don't get into Chef Mickey, crystal palace will work. Generally the odds are good that one of my choices will come through.

Don't go by me though, I don't think there are any restaurants at WDW that if I missed it would be tragic.

 

[eliza61]

Chuck, not really what I was referring to at all. I feel we get "shafted" as free dining has had a negative effect on quality of dining at Disney. As DVC members who visit WDW more frequently than the casual vacationer who would most likely get free dining, we ultimately feel the impact of the decline in quality.

My post had nothing to do with the cost of free dining versus owning DVC.

Well that's another debate. I think the decline in quality is through out disney (especially the last 15 months or so) Not sure if free dining causes it, maybe it does. I going in August, we are getting a rental car and eating offsite more. Out of 10 nights I only have 4 nights of TS. I figure the savings in money and headaches (from mediocre food) more than makes up for the cost of the rental.

 

[n2mm]

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???

I share your pain and your dates. We choose Aug 16th because we thought there would be no free dining from the history. We are also going early December. I got a pin for free dining for Nov/Dec but we're only there 2 days then the cruise, then return for another 2 days. While we would've thought of switching to the FD for the first 2 days (which would mean changing to the required 3 night trip), we already have our airfare and I just don't need that one day pass for the 2 of us. Now I dread making my ADRs for December because with a split stay I have to call twice and was hoping for a CP for this trip as we've never done it.

 

[eeyoresmom]

HMMMM...many posters have stated that free dining is not really a deal. I agree if you've booked 2 people in a duluxe. Has anyone done the math for 4 Disney adults staying at a value ???? We've owned DVC for 5 years and LOVE the DVC resorts but take advantage of promos that DO save us money

 

[goofy4tink]

HMMMM...many posters have stated that free dining is not really a deal. I agree if you've booked 2 people in a duluxe. Has anyone done the math for 4 Disney adults staying at a value ???? We've owned DVC for 5 years and LOVE the DVC resorts but take advantage of promos that DO save us money

I stayed at POP last Sept, from Thursday until Monday..four nights, over Labor Day weekend. We were planning on going anyway and were already booked when free dining was announced. So, I ran the figures, and based on my existing ADRs, we saved about $350 by using free dining. There were three of us, and no one needed a pass....dd and I both had APs, and dh was using an existing 10 day hopper (non-expire). So, we were able to use the one day, one park passes when renewing APs, which was nice and a bit of a money saver especially since we got the DVC discount as well.

But, if you're staying at a deluxe, and need park passes, I'm not sure free dining is always such a great deal. No way am I spending that kind of money to stay in a deluxe room....I just will not pay rack rate.

But, like I said, three of us (all considered adults) saved $350 at POP, with free dining. And we had table service booked every day before the free dining came out. I didn't change any ADRs when we got free dining.

 

[eeyoresmom]

That's exactly what I mean..I don't want to start an arguement, but some of the previous posts have made it sound like everyone that has booked a free dining vacation is having the wool pulled over their eyes. It just stinks that maybe someone who is not so experienced with Disney vacations would think this is true across the boards and not go...or pay more than they have to.

 

[lugnut33]

That's exactly what I mean..I don't want to start an arguement, but some of the previous posts have made it sound like everyone that has booked a free dining vacation is having the wool pulled over their eyes. It just stinks that maybe someone who is not so experienced with Disney vacations would think this is true across the boards and not go...or pay more than they have to.

The best value is to stay at a value resort during free dining. I'm not above staying at a value, but I do like having a bit of extra room.

However, if you look at what it actually costs Disney to put on free dining (especially now that tips are not covered) it's pennies on a dollar.

 

[eeyoresmom]

The best value is to stay at a value resort during free dining. I'm not above staying at a value, but I do like having a bit of extra room.

However, if you look at what it actually costs Disney to put on free dining (especially now that tips are not covered) it's pennies on a dollar.

I'm sure that's true, but for the consumer, DDP costs $40 per person per day regardless of what it costs Disney. Of course Disney is making money on the free dining...that doesn't change the fact that for many people, this promotion does save them money.

 

[Chuck S]

I'm sure that's true, but for the consumer, DDP costs $40 per person per day regardless of what it costs Disney. Of course Disney is making money on the free dining...that doesn't change the fact that for many people, this promotion does save them money.

But, even "free dining" may not be saving them much as they think it is.

If you would normally eat as much food and the same types of food as the DDP includes, then yes. But if you are normally lighter eaters, or prefer appetizers over dessert, then it STILL may be cheaper to get a discounted room rather than paying rack rate and free dining. There is no way we have ever spent as much just paying out of pocket (including tips), as what we would have paid using the DDP, and we often eat more TS meals than the DDP allows. We have always spent $150 to $200 less for a 8 or 9 night trip than what the DDP would have cost us, and we've been able to order what WE wanted to eat, rather than what Disney wanted to feed us.

Some days it costs us more than the DDP, other days less, but overall, we saved a lot by NOT getting the DDP. If you're running around at the end of your trip buying up snack items to take home because you have credits left...snack items you wouldn't normally buy...or if you leave without using up all the CS credits or TS credits, have you really saved anything?

 

[eliza61]

Can some one explain how DVC members are being left out in the cold by free dining? Is it because it's free food?
I'm not understanding it. Was there some thing implied in our dvc that said we would get the adr's when we wanted?

 

[palmtreelover08]

but if I can handle staying at a value resort, I can't bring myself to do it. While I understand, the savings can be great with a DVC if you prefer the Villas and Deluxe resorts, but this trip, I find it hard to believe Disney is making any money at all.

For $1627, I have two adults, and two children (one 5, one 15) in my Pop Century Room..for 14 nights, with "free" DDP. I couldn't go to the Jersey Shore for $1600.00 plus meals for one week, let alone 2 weeks! When you figure I'll be using the base ticket towards renewing my annual passes, this is really a deal hard to beat. ..Note.. I booked this last year as a bounce back, so I don't know if there were additional savings added in or not.

While I would love know that I could stay at a Deluxe resort w/my DVC for a week a year..I just can't pass up a deal like the above. When A DVC CM approached me last week during my June trip, he was pushing hard the value of a DVC. I told him that as soon as he could compete with giving a DDP discount to DVC members, I'd be sold.

Anyway, just wanted to chime in that I can understand the complaints from DVC members..and do feel like you are getting the cold shoulder.

 

[eliza61]

but if I can handle staying at a value resort, I can't bring myself to do it. While I understand, the savings can be great with a DVC if you prefer the Villas and Deluxe resorts, but this trip, I find it hard to believe Disney is making any money at all.

For $1627, I have two adults, and two children (one 5, one 15) in my Pop Century Room..for 14 nights, with "free" DDP. I couldn't go to the Jersey Shore for $1600.00 plus meals for one week, let alone 2 weeks! When you figure I'll be using the base ticket towards renewing my annual passes, this is really a deal hard to beat. ..Note.. I booked this last year as a bounce back, so I don't know if there were additional savings added in or not.

While I would love know that I could stay at a Deluxe resort w/my DVC for a week a year..I just can't pass up a deal like the above. When A DVC CM approached me last week during my June trip, he was pushing hard the value of a DVC. I told him that as soon as he could compete with giving a DDP discount to DVC members, I'd be sold.

Anyway, just wanted to chime in that I can understand the complaints from DVC members..and do feel like you are getting the cold shoulder.

This is pretty much my standard answer.

DVC is not for everyone. I'd tried the values and lasted 1 day at all stars. After that I went screaming and I do mean screaming for the nearest deluxe resort.

DVC is for the long term. right now in these economic conditions, deals abound when I first purchased my membership the only deal disney made was through AAA.

Many people (me included) hate the DDP so even if I did not have my membership I would not take advantage of the free dining and now that the food quality is so poor (IMO) at Disney, I would be hard pressed eating 10 TS. Meals are a big part of my vacation, I always look forward to eating at some really nice restaurants so even if it's free, I'm pissed if it's a lousy meal.

 

[eeyoresmom]

If you would normally eat as much food and the same types of food as the DDP includes, then yes.

We usually do not buy the DDP, but this trip we are bringing someone who hasn't been since they were a child. We would have paid for the DDP, since we plan on a TS every day. For this trip free dining IS a savings for us...We would have spent $160 per day for the DDP staying in our DVC villa. We are paying $110 per night for a preferred room at ASSP. There are more than 4 in our party, so we also have a DVC reservation and will probably pay OOP for food for that 1 person. The point I'm trying to make is that DVC members can take advantage of the deals too ( BTW, the 1 adult staying at DVC will be pool hopping to ASSP)

 

[palmtreelover08]

and I def. see the advantages of the deluxe and Mod. resorts..just can't afford them for two weeks, espcially since I am making 3 trips down this year. Who knows.. I may be running for the doors a day after I am there too.. I've never stayed at the Pop before, so not sure what to expect.

I also agree that the food is not fabulous, and is sometimes down right nasty..but I have had my share of good meals, with Tutto Italia being one of them in my June trip.

I guess to each their own. Hope everyone has a fun trip with their next visit

 

[CarolA]

HMMMM...many posters have stated that free dining is not really a deal. I agree if you've booked 2 people in a duluxe. Has anyone done the math for 4 Disney adults staying at a value ???? We've owned DVC for 5 years and LOVE the DVC resorts but take advantage of promos that DO save us money

Four "adults" or four people Disney thinks are adults. If they are REAL adults... you pay $15 a night extra for each of them so ONE of them is "not free" LOL!

And how many of your fellow DVC members really "downgrade" to value. Sure some of us do, but more folks on here seem to want to stay higher on the "food chain" LOL!

But just for kicks.

4 adults with a one day ticket came out to $196.31 a night for the days I checked (Sept 15-19) Hmm... I figure a value would sell for about $80 if you put that hotel anyplace else. (Basis is the approximate price of the Lake Buena Vista Fairfield Inn, which while NOT on Disney is actually a nicer hotel with things like "free breakfast, free internet, free fridge and a coffeepot LOL!) So is dining worth $110 a night? (Granted you also get a ticket for one day so.... that does bring the dining cost down a little!) FREE??? On my math it just cost.....

Then I add up what I would realistically eat.. hmm... I would rather have a real discount on a room. I would come out ahead that way. This way Disney gets rack rate for the room and probably makes money on the "free" since I won't use all the food.

 

[lugnut33]

and I def. see the advantages of the deluxe and Mod. resorts..just can't afford them for two weeks, espcially since I am making 3 trips down this year. Who knows.. I may be running for the doors a day after I am there too.. I've never stayed at the Pop before, so not sure what to expect.

I also agree that the food is not fabulous, and is sometimes down right nasty..but I have had my share of good meals, with Tutto Italia being one of them in my June trip.

I guess to each their own. Hope everyone has a fun trip with their next visit

Thanks for stopping in and giving us a non-DVC viewpoint, it's appreciated. In your case you're definitely coming out way ahead with the free dining.

You'll probably like Pop. I've stayed there and it's not bad other than the tiny rooms.

 

[eeyoresmom]

Carol...I'm not following you here. If I'm going to stay on site and pay for the DDP, I'm saving money. That's ALL I'm saying. I don't need to be proven that I can do it cheaper. I know I can ( if I stay off site, or on but don't do the DDP ). 2 of the Disney adults are 13 and 17 so no extra room charge. We are paying $110 per night for a prefered room ( with DDP ) Could I get it cheaper ? Yup. Probably around $80. Could I feeed those same people for $30 per day doing a TS each day????? I know that the dining isn't really FREE. Disney is making money of of me, but not as much as they would have without this "free dining" promo.

 

[CarolA]

Carol...I'm not following you here. If I'm going to stay on site and pay for the DDP, I'm saving money. That's ALL I'm saying. I don't need to be proven that I can do it cheaper. I know I can ( if I stay off site, or on but don't do the DDP ). 2 of the Disney adults are 13 and 17 so no extra room charge. We are paying $110 per night for a prefered room ( with DDP ) Could I get it cheaper ? Yup. Probably around $80. Could I feeed those same people for $30 per day doing a TS each day????? I know that the dining isn't really FREE. Disney is making money of of me, but not as much as they would have without this "free dining" promo.

I don't follow your logic either.

You asked if anyone did the math. I did it. Thats the cost. Is it money saving? For me no. For you maybe, but you didn't ask if you were saving money, you asked "has anyone done the math for 4 adults staying at a value" The math is $196.31 a night.

I then compared it to what I consider "reasonable" for the quality of accomodations a value provides and.......