Dining & DVC

[disneynutz]

I don't think that it can happen. DVC uses the Disney ADR computer system and the rules for all Guests have to be the same.

 

[TagsMissy]

I am very sorry you can't get your ressies but... in all honesty we bought into 'accomodations' not into parks, restaurants or anything else... Perks are just that... a Perk... we are not entitled to anything beyond what we purchased.

(now please don't take this to be a rude comment since I am saying I made the same decision as you to go to WDW during free dining) you made a decision, as did I to go to WDW when historically Free Dining has occurred and so because of that we take our chances as to what dining may be available. I know that I may not be able to get what I want once I hit my 90 day mark but c'est la vie...

I suggest to keep on trying. Something should open up at some time.

 

[Chuck S]

I understand your disappointment in not getting your ADRs, but I really don't see Disney putting DVCers above their own cash guests. Disney has pretty much always given equal access to all onsite guests as far as dining and recreation.

I'm going to merge this thread into an ongoing similar discussion thread.

 

[JimMIA]

As far as the deterioration in overall offerings and quality, I think the DDP was a contributing factor, just like the corporate profit taking mentality. I don't think the decline can be directly linked to any one cause...just a lot of little spears all taking a chink out of the armor adding up to lower quality and fewer selections.

I agree -- it's been a combination of factors. DDP certainly had a major impact, cost-cutting, technology, turnover in chefs -- there are many reasons for the decline.

And in many ways, the changes are not all bad. Disney is trying to make dining available for many more people as an incentive to stay onsite. To do that, they really have to make it as affordable as possible and that's not consistent with fine dining. There is a total difference in approach between Longhorn and Charley's. So a lot of the good things have gone away in their quest to increase production and lower costs.

 

[yitbos96bb]

I thought Le Cellier was decent... a great deal on the DDP actually. Never found it great in the grand scheme of steakhouses... I mean I can take you to 4 or 5 in downtown Chicago that are leaps and bounds better than anything on Disney Property including Yachtsman and Shula's.

I actually tended to enjoy the appetizers and side dishes at Le Cellier more than the steak. The Cheese soup is fantastic (I have the DIsney cookbook and make it at home sometimes) as are some of the other sides. To me Le Cellier is like Artist Point. Nice ambiance, Excellent side dishes (The crusted Mac and Cheese..mmm) and appetizers and decent Entrees. Of course I think AP is a little disappointing for the price whereas I think Le Cellier is spot on for a Disney restaurant (a little high if not on WDW property).

There was a time when the food was somewhat better than it is now, and you could walk right into LC. It used to be our favorite onsite restaurant, even back n the day when we were paying cash for all our meals (long before DDP)

In fact, before DVC came out with the slogan, we used to call LC "Disney's Best Kept Secret!" And so did the Canadian CM's. I've always sorta thought DVC stole that from us!

But the food just about everywhere at WDW has deteriorated in the last 4-5 years. Many blame the deterioration on DDP, but I think it's more the corporate "cut expenses - maximize profits" mentality. I don't own Disney stock, but as a shareholder in other companies I understand the mentality. Still, it has caused the Mouse to lose some of his luster in recent years -- especially in the dining area, but also in places like housekeeping in DVC.

 

[CarolA]

I am a DVC Member, and the free dinning is causing vacation problems for my further trip. I feel that DVC Members should have Dinning perks for which allow us to book early than the 90 days out window.

I would like every DVC Member to email Members Services about the problems that free dinning is causing us, and request the we should get more perks and should be able to book dinning early than 90 days out. Being that we invested so much money into DVC I feel we should get more than the regular Disney Guest.

Please replay to this thread if you email DVC Members Services

I am "replaying" to this thread because I am curious why posted this and what you think you purchased? You purchased a place to stay and now you basically want Disney to pay you? And WHY should you get more then the regular guest? Seriously it's ENTIRELY possible that that guest paying BIG BUCKS for a room at the Grand Floridian is MUCH more profitable to Disney then you or I!

Perks are just that and I really don't understand why Disney gives them to us at all. No matter what they give us we whine



(I also am not sure why this is in this thread?)

 

[Chuck S]

(I also am not sure why this is in this thread?)

I merged another thread in to this thread, the post you quoted was the first post of the other thread. If you look at it, the complaints in that post are almost identical to the OP of this thread ...doesn't like free dining...complains about 90+10 ADR window, etc.

 

[Tara]

I am "replaying" to this thread because I am curious why posted this and what you think you purchased? You purchased a place to stay and now you basically want Disney to pay you? And WHY should you get more then the regular guest? Seriously it's ENTIRELY possible that that guest paying BIG BUCKS for a room at the Grand Floridian is MUCH more profitable to Disney then you or I!

Perks are just that and I really don't understand why Disney gives them to us at all. No matter what they give us we whine



(I also am not sure why this is in this thread?)

CarolA that's exactly what I keep saying. All the people who are hoping for some sort of ADR booking advantage might be very dismayed to learn which groups Disney would actually offer such an advantage to! You can bet that it wouldn't be DVC members!

And being in management, I've learned the same thing about benefits - even if a benefit is no cost to people, they'll complain about it. It seems to me that complaints and entitlement-type posts about perks are on the rise lately.

 

[crisi]

I am "replaying" to this thread because I am curious why posted this and what you think you purchased? You purchased a place to stay and now you basically want Disney to pay you? And WHY should you get more then the regular guest? Seriously it's ENTIRELY possible that that guest paying BIG BUCKS for a room at the Grand Floridian is MUCH more profitable to Disney then you or I!

Perks are just that and I really don't understand why Disney gives them to us at all. No matter what they give us we whine



(I also am not sure why this is in this thread?)

Disney stakeholders who may be deserving of "perks" in no particularly order

Onsite guests
Onsite Deluxe Guests
Onsite Suite/Conceirge Guests
Florida residents
Disney stockholders
Disney institutional stockholders
Disney rank and file CMs
Disney Execs (and former Execs)
The Disney Family
DVC members
First time visitors
Loyal visitors
Annual passholders
Employees of Disney partners and sponsors (remember when THEY got all the cool perks?)
Make a Wish guests
Anyone celebrating a special event

Some of these people have invested almost nothing in Disney but arguably deserve special treatment (Make a Wish guests). Some have invested far more than DVC members. Some will pay much more for their trip, some much less. Some might have huge influence on how Disney does business.

 

[dischick4778]

Disney stakeholders who may be deserving of "perks" in no particularly order

Onsite guests
Onsite Deluxe Guests
Onsite Suite/Conceirge Guests
Florida residents
Disney stockholders
Disney institutional stockholders
Disney rank and file CMs
Disney Execs (and former Execs)
The Disney Family
DVC members
First time visitors
Loyal visitors
Annual passholders
Employees of Disney partners and sponsors (remember when THEY got all the cool perks?)
Make a Wish guests
Anyone celebrating a special event

Some of these people have invested almost nothing in Disney but arguably deserve special treatment (Make a Wish guests). Some have invested far more than DVC members. Some will pay much more for their trip, some much less. Some might have huge influence on how Disney does business.

Wow, sorry the thread got this serious. I was just looking for a place to voice my opinion and make a suggestion among fellow members. I wasn't really all that serious.

 

[yitbos96bb]

Wow, sorry the thread got this serious. I was just looking for a place to voice my opinion and make a suggestion among fellow members. I wasn't really all that serious.

I don't think any of this was directed toward you.

 

[dianeschlicht]

There was a time when the food was somewhat better than it is now, and you could walk right into LC. It used to be our favorite onsite restaurant, even back in the day when we were paying cash for all our meals (long before DDP)

In fact, before DVC came out with the slogan, we used to call LC "Disney's Best Kept Secret!" And so did the Canadian CM's. I've always sorta thought DVC stole that from us!

But the food just about everywhere at WDW has deteriorated in the last 4-5 years. Many blame the deterioration on DDP, but I think it's more the corporate "cut expenses - maximize profits" mentality. I don't own Disney stock, but as a shareholder in other companies I understand the mentality. Still, it has caused the Mouse to lose some of his luster in recent years -- especially in the dining area, but also in places like housekeeping in DVC.

I totally agree with that analysis! We have seen the "cost cutting" in the restaurant department for about 5 years now, and each time we go it gets a little bit worse as far as food quality and selection is concerned. It looks like we are going to go back to making most of our meals in the unit like we did at teh begining.

 

[DisneyBunny15]

I completely agree with you dischick4778 and I posted one similar to yours on the restaurant thread and was really outnumbered and made to feel like I think I'm better than other customers. This is not even close to being the case but considering I have to plan 11 months out when my family will be going to Disney, it is impossible to know if free dining will coincide. That was not as much of an issue when you could still make ADRs at 180 days out. But now you're competing with everyone who is making TS ADRs with free dining. Unfortunately we will be at BCV the second day of free dining -- I called at 7am on my 90th day out (90 + 10 doesn't allow you to call any earlier than the 90th day out from the first day of your trip) and could not get Le Cellier for ANY time during our 4 day trip (we are realistic and since we're on the deluxe dining plan we know it's best to get Le Cellier for lunch - but nothing available from Mon. - Thurs. anytime between 11 and 4) we also could not get any Fantasmic dinner package (None at all!!- none of the 3 different restaurants) I realize between Fantasmic being cut back, free dining offered a little earlier than usual and the new 90 day ADR rules we have just hit a perfect storm for dining where and when you want to be more diffficult than it ever has been. That is why I do agree that they should offer DVC members who have to plan so far in advance an extra window (even if only 10 days) in which to book their ADRs. Don't get me wrong, I made fabulous ADRs and will not let anything ever "mess with my magic" but just wanted you to know that I agree with your idea -- wish Disney would

I had the same exact problem as you! I took this to the Restuarant Board and was severely outnumbered - But I do feel jipped! We pay so much for DVC and the only time I get vacation time is in August because I teach summer school - During free dining, I'm not eligible for free dining AND I couldnt get some of my favorite restuarants I wish Disney would do something about this

 

[yitbos96bb]

I had the same exact problem as you! I took this to the Restuarant Board and was severely outnumbered - But I do feel jipped! We pay so much for DVC and the only time I get vacation time is in August because I teach summer school - During free dining, I'm not eligible for free dining AND I couldnt get some of my favorite restuarants I wish Disney would do something about this

Free Dining has generally been around the same time (September) every year its been offered, to the best of my knowledge.

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

I am not sure why anyone would think that Disney allowing DVC members to book before cash reservation people would be a good idea for Disney.

You are a loyal customer sure but, DVC members already locked in, you're pre-paid and you're overall cheaper.

It wouldn't be smart to draw people in for free dining then have them call for ADRs only to find out they don't get any because they're already taken. At least this way, everyone staying onsite is on a fair playing field.

EVERYONE, according to Disney, is able to go on a 10 day vacation and it's up to them if they want to or not. It makes sense that Disney technically gives an advantage to the 14-night Poly cash paying customer than the 4-night DVC point using customer.

I understand the frustration but honestly, I don't think I would ever change and it wouldn't be a good idea for Disney to change it.

 

[yitbos96bb]

I am not sure why anyone would think that Disney allowing DVC members to book before cash reservation people would be a good idea for Disney.

You are a loyal customer sure but, DVC members already locked in, you're pre-paid and you're overall cheaper.

It wouldn't be smart to draw people in for free dining then have them call for ADRs only to find out they don't get any because they're already taken. At least this way, everyone staying onsite is on a fair playing field.

EVERYONE, according to Disney, is able to go on a 10 day vacation and it's up to them if they want to or not. It makes sense that Disney technically gives an advantage to the 14-night Poly cash paying customer than the 4-night DVC point using customer.

I understand the frustration but honestly, I don't think I would ever change and it wouldn't be a good idea for Disney to change it.

Well of course its a good idea... for DVC members. Remember that's mostly who is commenting on this thread. They are looking at self interest, not Disney's interest or guests interests. So I completely understand WHY they want it... I certainly wouldn't turn it down.

 

[dvcdisney]

Well of course its a good idea... for DVC members. Remember that's mostly who is commenting on this thread. They are looking at self interest, not Disney's interest or guests interests. So I completely understand WHY they want it... I certainly wouldn't turn it down.

Of course, why would I suggest or be in support of something that wouldn't benefit me in some way.

The only reason why I suggested it as being a good Perk for DVC members is that it fits in with the way a good majority of us plan. I, as well as many other DVC members, plan their vacations out very far in advance and this 180 days +10 is just another thing we can utilize. I understand that not everyone books so far in advance, but lots of us do and it just seems to me that it would be a nice perk. It wouldn't change the way I vacation (in terms of using points for resorts, although it would change the way I dine at disney), but it would be nice to see since it would target those who do plan very far ahead. That was just my point.

 

[crisi]

Of course, why would I suggest or be in support of something that wouldn't benefit me in some way.

The only reason why I suggested it as being a good Perk for DVC members is that it fits in with the way a good majority of us plan. I, as well as many other DVC members, plan their vacations out very far in advance and this 180 days +10 is just another thing we can utilize. I understand that not everyone books so far in advance, but lots of us do and it just seems to me that it would be a nice perk. It wouldn't change the way I vacation (in terms of using points for resorts, although it would change the way I dine at disney), but it would be nice to see since it would target those who do plan very far ahead. That was just my point.

But I planned that way before I was a DVC member - and a lot of people do. It isn't just DVC members who are compulsive planners or book a year out. Plenty of CRO guests do the same advanced planning.

 

[yitbos96bb]

Of course, why would I suggest or be in support of something that wouldn't benefit me in some way.

The only reason why I suggested it as being a good Perk for DVC members is that it fits in with the way a good majority of us plan. I, as well as many other DVC members, plan their vacations out very far in advance and this 180 days +10 is just another thing we can utilize. I understand that not everyone books so far in advance, but lots of us do and it just seems to me that it would be a nice perk. It wouldn't change the way I vacation (in terms of using points for resorts, although it would change the way I dine at disney), but it would be nice to see since it would target those who do plan very far ahead. That was just my point.

As I said, I don't feel entitled to a longer reservation period, but I sure won't complain if they want to give it to me. The problem is when they take them away... that's always heartbreaking...

As Abe Simpson said about Social Security "I didn't earn it, I don't need it, but if they miss one payment, I'll raise h***!"

 

[Chellymouse]

Here's another for this 90 days business! I called at 6:59am (on a Sat no less) sat on hold for 40 minutes and while we did get LeCellier, it's at 8:35pm and we did get Spirit of Aloha, but it's the early show. We couldn't get an 8pm during our entire trip. We did get our other requests, but not necessarily on the days/times we wanted. Personally, I think there should be so many ressies allotted for the free dining people, so many for DVC and so many for everyone else. Either that, or some kind of advantage for us DVC members. Let's face it, while none of us probably wants to cook on vacation, we could if we had to. Furthermore, I think the vast majority of us use some kind of grocery service (non-Disney) for our staples. One would think that if we are going to spend our $$ eating on property or being on the DDP, we should get some kind of priority booking.