Disney Dining

[sconce]

Has anyone heard any rumors about free dining for Sept. like they have done in the past?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Has anyone heard any rumors about free dining for Sept. like they have done in the past?

This thread should help you:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2401308

 

[mitros]

Personally, I wish Disney would stop the "free" dining crap. ALL of the Disney menus have lost a lot of their dishes because of the free dining. Disney is still trying to jam the parks with bodies, and they will do whatever it takes to do so. Even if it means bringing the Disney experience down to where it's just not "Disney" any more. One of the big things we used to look forward to in our many Disney visits was the great and unique food and dining experiences that they once provided.........now that's gone as well. a shame, a real shame.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Personally, I wish Disney would stop the "free" dining crap. ALL of the Disney menus have lost a lot of their dishes because of the free dining. Disney is still trying to jam the parks with bodies, and they will do whatever it takes to do so. Even if it means bringing the Disney experience down to where it's just not "Disney" any more. One of the big things we used to look forward to in our many Disney visits was the great and unique food and dining experiences that they once provided.........now that's gone as well. a shame, a real shame.

I know we're slightly here, but this has been a bone of contention for us as well. However, I don't blame FD as much as I blame the DP in general. You're absolutely right that the FD does make the restaurants more crowded. Luckily, most of the time it's offered when crowd levels are lower anyway which does help to offset some of the increase in diners.

The bottom line is Disney's bottom line. When the DP was introduced, both the tip and an appetizer were included, then those features were removed and year after year the meal portions have decreased and sadly, so has the quality. Yet, the prices increase exponentially.

My DH and DD11 are thrilled that this will be our first trip sans DP. The kids' meals are pretty awful with almost identical, unimaginative offerings at all QSs and most TSs. I feel sorry for the kids whose DP parents don't know that they can actually order for their kids off the adult menu at the QSs.

We, too used to be so excited to plan our meals and we really enjoyed all of them, especially meals at Le Cellier. But, this will be our first year not going to Le Cellier. The meat was not as good the last two years, yet the portions got smaller and the prices went up.

Sorry to the OP, but I had to vent. Mitros started it

 

[mitros]

I know we're slightly here, but this has been a bone of contention for us as well. However, I don't blame FD as much as I blame the DP in general. You're absolutely right that the FD does make the restaurants more crowded. Luckily, most of the time it's offered when crowd levels are lower anyway which does help to offset some of the increase in diners.

The bottom line is Disney's bottom line. When the DP was introduced, both the tip and an appetizer were included, then those features were removed and year after year the meal portions have decreased and sadly, so has the quality. Yet, the prices increase exponentially.

My DH and DD11 are thrilled that this will be our first trip sans DP. The kids' meals are pretty awful with almost identical, unimaginative offerings at all QSs and most TSs. I feel sorry for the kids whose DP parents don't know that they can actually order for their kids off the adult menu at the QSs.

We, too used to be so excited to plan our meals and we really enjoyed all of them, especially meals at Le Cellier. But, this will be our first year not going to Le Cellier. The meat was not as good the last two years, yet the portions got smaller and the prices went up.

Sorry to the OP, but I had to vent. Mitros started it

Hey! watch it kiddo. I didn't do nuthin' Oops, maybe I did. But, like you, I had to vent!

 

[skier_pete]

I hate to tell you, but DDP or FD or whatever, the likelyhood that Disney corporate would've downgraded the menus over the last 5-10 years would have happened no matter what. You have two ways to raise revenues in any business like this...raise prices or cut costs. Corporate mentality now across the american business sector (NOT just Disney) is to cut and cut and cut. So you can blame Free Dining if you like, but it is unlikely that you wouldn't have seen a food down grade anyways.

To OP, here's the sitch, as my good friend KP would say...there WILL be free dining this year in late-August / September.

SkierPete

 

[WDWKOOK]

I hate to tell you, but DDP or FD or whatever, the likelyhood that Disney corporate would've downgraded the menus over the last 5-10 years would have happened no matter what. You have two ways to raise revenues in any business like this...raise prices or cut costs. Corporate mentality now across the american business sector (NOT just Disney) is to cut and cut and cut. So you can blame Free Dining if you like, but it is unlikely that you wouldn't have seen a food down grade anyways.

To OP, here's the sitch, as my good friend KP would say...there WILL be free dining this year in late-August / September.

SkierPete

Did you really hate to tell us that

You mention that there are "two ways to raise revenue: Raise prices OR cut costs." Disney has chosen to do BOTH. This is evidenced by the lower quality of food, particulary meat; smaller portions; less variety (menu options) AND exponentially raising prices of all food (DDP and non-DDP).

This tactic might go un-noticed by first-time guests or guests who haven't been in a long time, but those of us who go regulary over many years have seen (and tasted) the precipitous decline, much to my dismay

 

[skier_pete]

Did you really hate to tell us that

You mention that there are "two ways to raise revenue: Raise prices OR cut costs." Disney has chosen to do BOTH. This is evidenced by the lower quality of food, particulary meat; smaller portions; less variety (menu options) AND exponentially raising prices of all food (DDP and non-DDP).

This tactic might go un-noticed by first-time guests or guests who haven't been in a long time, but those of us who go regulary over many years have seen (and tasted) the precipitous decline, much to my dismay

Your right, Disney does BOTH...again typical of how corporations work now-a-days. Not an ideal situation for repeat guests. But here's the thing...at least as I see it. They have probably analyzed it, and those guests that come frequently are unlikely to be chased away easily by something such as less varied menus. And a LOT of guests will never really notice.

SkierPete

 

[sweetdana]

FD time annoyed me last year. With the new 180 window I got my ressies in before it even came out! YEAHHHHH! I thought it was silly that someone who paid for the DDP or DP, and couldn't get the ressies, and someone who didn't got ressies they didn't show for. I planned an on the spot trip in Dec I think 6-11th and my only option for availibilty was the chineese place in Epcot .. FD caused me to skip the DP all together. I tried walk up a couple times and failed every time! We ate alot of chicken nuggets, as the burgers turn my tummy.

The new 180 day window fixed that, and also offering QS helps even more.
This shows they know, and care about getting DVC people to buy DP! I am going in late Aug and cannot wait for the Mickey's BBQ!

 

[heatherbabydoll1]

Here is my two cents. I do like the free dining and dining plan! I understand where everyone is coming from with the food portions declining. Also I really miss the tips and appitizers. My son is now counted as an adult, huge price difference. I usually get the DDP because I love Hoop De Doo and the signature resturants. The dining plan has been wonderful for my family over the years. It allows for a no worry vacation. With the exception of the tips. I love the fact that as long as I have gas to get there my food, room and tickets are all paid for 45 days before I get there. I am a big budgeter and I have an amount for every tip and resturant. The dining plan saves our family any where from 25 to 110 a day depending where we eat dinner. It allows our family to try things that we probably wouldn't try if we where paying cash for our meal. Knowing no matter what we pick on a menu we paid the same low price has opened many doors for a family that eats at home most of the year just for the oppurtunity to eat all that wonderful food! I hope it stays! I would pay even more if they would put back the tips so I don't have to be bothered by it! That is usually the only problems I ever have with it. Also I am thrilled we are back to 180 days!!!! The 90 days was a pain in the neck!

 

[DizzyStitch]

I couldn't agree with you more. Dining Plan takes away some of the planning headaches for me and it means none of that "so where do you want to eat" stuff. And if it wasn't paid for or free I might try to squeeze an extra dollar or two out of the trip by skipping meals and I don't think that is a good idea with kids. My 9 year old was turned into an adult last year just so we would not "cheat" the system and so she would have more choices. And maybe the menu items were really good a few years ago. But back then I could not afford Disney or the Dining Plan so I would not know. I am happy with what I get and try to just sit back and enjoy the ride. And considering that dining out for my family is Qdoba or Chuck E Cheese this is a huge step up

 

[CanadianGuy]

Has anyone heard any rumors about free dining for Sept. like they have done in the past?

Pardon if I interrupt the taking of the thread off track.. but to actually answer the OP's question.. *(ahem)*

Nothing has been announced formally. The Disney Discount Codes & Rates board tracks this and you can find us over there under the RESORTS header on the homepage of the DIS.

Knox

 

[WDWKOOK]

Pardon if I interrupt the taking of the thread off track.. but to actually answer the OP's question.. *(ahem)*

Nothing has been announced formally. The Disney Discount Codes & Rates board tracks this and you can find us over there under the RESORTS header on the homepage of the DIS.

Knox

So post #2 doesn't answer the (never returned) OP's question

 

[KYMickey]

I've been reading this thread since it started and have decided it's time to chime in. The DP's have ruined Disney as a dining destination. Prior to having them dining at Disney was an experience you really couldn't find anyplace else. Not only was the food of excellent quality but the variety was amazing. There were certainly very few places where you had such a variety in such a small distance. Now while there is variety it's very tamed down and hardly close to the true flavors of the nationalities they're supposed to represent. In addition the quality and portions are mediocre at best.

As for the comments about about the DP and 180d ADR's taking away the planning headaches I certainly don't agree. How in the world can you possibly decided 180 days before a vacation what and where you want to eat for a given meal? You have taken what used to be a very enjoyable relaxing vacation and turned it into a planning nightmare. Keeping your schedule and making all of your plans work would make any industrial planner pull his hair out! And don't say you just can cancel an ADR if you change your mind because you can't replace it and you will end up having meals you paid for that you didn't eat.

Maybe in some cases the dining plan can save you some money but you spend your entire vacation eating instead of enjoying the vacation. Also the savings are really no different than if you actually budget during the vacation. Also how many people actually eat three large meals every day in their everyday lives?

A lot of the people commenting here don't have a reference because they never visited Disney when it was truly a magical experience in every way. They only know it like it is now which is certainly far from what used to be. While I realize the old Disney will never be back getting rid of the DP's and 180d ADR's would certainly be a step in the right direction!

 

[skier_pete]

OK, I'm going to disagree with a lot of what was said by PP.

I've been reading this thread since it started and have decided it's time to chime in. The DP's have ruined Disney as a dining destination. Prior to having them dining at Disney was an experience you really couldn't find anyplace else. Not only was the food of excellent quality but the variety was amazing. There were certainly very few places where you had such a variety in such a small distance. Now while there is variety it's very tamed down and hardly close to the true flavors of the nationalities they're supposed to represent. In addition the quality and portions are mediocre at best.

This I agree with somewhat...the variety of the individual menus have gone downhill. However, I disagree that quality and portion size has. We find ourselves satisfied and stuffed at most meals.

As for the comments about about the DP and 180d ADR's taking away the planning headaches I certainly don't agree. How in the world can you possibly decided 180 days before a vacation what and where you want to eat for a given meal? You have taken what used to be a very enjoyable relaxing vacation and turned it into a planning nightmare. Keeping your schedule and making all of your plans work would make any industrial planner pull his hair out! .

This is certainly a "to each his own" situation. I LOVE planning my vacation out. I have no problem planning out where I'm going to eat 180 days in advance, and we have never had a problem with making our ADRs for 4 consecutive trips now. I find my vacation to be *more* relaxing because I already know where I am going for dinner. DW and I recently went out to dinner on a Sunday night at home spontaneously, and spent the night going from restaurant to restaurant trying to find one that was available. All I could think of was "God, it's so much better when we go to Disney and we know what we are doing...being spontaneous really sucks." Anyways, you don't like it and there are many others that agree with you...I and many others do...I'm am sorry but just because you don't like it doesn't make it *bad*.

Maybe in some cases the dining plan can save you some money but you spend your entire vacation eating instead of enjoying the vacation. Also the savings are really no different than if you actually budget during the vacation. Also how many people actually eat three large meals every day in their everyday lives?.

OK, now your making no sense. The standard DDP does not give you "3 large meals" per day, but does give you two - one TS meal, and one CS meal. You certainly do not "spend your entire vacation eating". I would agree on the Deluxe plan you might - though anyone that purchase the Deluxe plan does so because that's apparently what they WANT...to spend a lot of time eating. Some people choose that on vacation. As for the savings being no different than if you budget yourself...I totally disagree. I could give you details of our spending to disprove that, but I am rambling on enough.

A lot of the people commenting here don't have a reference because they never visited Disney when it was truly a magical experience in every way. They only know it like it is now which is certainly far from what used to be.

Let me say this...we have now been on six Disney trips going back to 1997. The trips in 1997 and 2000 were before the dining plan. We ate at several restaurants at the time...I won't list them all, but they include Coral Reef, San Angel Inn (Mexico), Restaurant Marrekesh, Crystal Palace, Sci-Fi, & Brown Derby. We have since been back to each of these restaurants somewhere between 2006-2009. My opinion is the food quality has remained very similar over the decade. Decent food, not quite great, overpriced. Unless the "Halcyon Days" of great, reasonably priced food at WDW occurred pre-1997. (And I doubt it) I don't see a lot of change over those years.

While I realize the old Disney will never be back getting rid of the DP's and 180d ADR's would certainly be a step in the right direction!

Said it before, and I'll say it again: This is never going to happen. By my observations the BIGGEST difference between WDW restaurants in the '90s and today, was that in the '90s the restaurants were frequently EMPTY. Your hope (and others as well) is that Disney voluntarily goes back to policies when they struggled to fill most of their restaurants? You REALLY think that is likely? If these changes have ruined your Disney vacations for you, then I am sorry. My opinion, it's maybe time to go somewhere else on vacation for a while.

KYMickey - it may look like I am picking on you, but your comments are not uncommon within the DIS boards, and they are certainly valid opinions. After hearing it repeated, I start to think a lot of these comments come from a place of "familiarity breeds contempt". Many posters who complain about this seem to go to WDW a LOT. I suspect that the loss of "magic" is more from a loss of "newness" of the Disney experience.

Of course this is all one man's opinion.

 

[DC7800]

the variety of the individual menus have gone downhill. However, I disagree that quality and portion size has. We find ourselves satisfied and stuffed at most meals

No, it is well documented that the portion sizes have indeed decreased. Quality is a bit more subjective perhaps (though absolutely there have been cutbacks), but when you go from getting four chicken fingers to getting only three, it's really hard to argue there hasn't been a reduction in portion sizes.

Now, you may well be "satisfied and stuffed" with the smaller portions, or even prefer it having wasted food previously, but that doesn't mean there isn't actually less of it. You may not notice, but someone else probably misses those larger portions, and is therefore more keenly aware they're getting shortchanged.

Unless the "Halcyon Days" of great, reasonably priced food at WDW occurred pre-1997. (And I doubt it) I don't see a lot of change over those years.

Walt Disney World was indeed noticably in decline prior to 1997. Now, the most serious dining cutbacks generally did fall after that time period, but Disney's long, slow slide into mediocrity has been a long time coming.

This is certainly a "to each his own" situation. I LOVE planning my vacation out. I have no problem planning out where I'm going to eat 180 days in advance, and we have never had a problem with making our ADRs for 4 consecutive trips now.

Partially this is a capacity issue. No one is saying Disney should operate half-empty restaurants, but neither should nearly every last one be booked weeks in advance. That's a pretty clear sign that supply isn't keeping up with demand. The option to plan early is fine, but it shouldn't be a requirement; There is always going to be a certain amount of same-day or even walk-up business that you don't want to turn away (lost business to Disney).

 

[skier_pete]

No, it is well documented that the portion sizes have indeed decreased. Quality is a bit more subjective perhaps (though absolutely there have been cutbacks), but when you go from getting four chicken fingers to getting only three, it's really hard to argue there hasn't been a reduction in portion sizes.

I guess I was more thinking of the TS meals than CS...I guess it wouldn't surprise me that portion sizes have shrunk. But this has occurred everywhere, hasn't It? Everywhere from McDonald's to Outback to your local diner. Though, I suppose we all want Disney to be above that.

Walt Disney World was indeed noticably in decline prior to 1997. Now, the most serious dining cutbacks generally did fall after that time period, but Disney's long, slow slide into mediocrity has been a long time coming.

Well, I can't argue with you here, as my many childhood trips retained no memory of the dining experience. I guess I don't understand how if the food has been going downhill for 20 years why my family and I enjoy our meals so much.

Partially this is a capacity issue. No one is saying Disney should operate half-empty restaurants, but neither should nearly every last one be booked weeks in advance. That's a pretty clear sign that supply isn't keeping up with demand. The option to plan early is fine, but it shouldn't be a requirement; There is always going to be a certain amount of same-day or even walk-up business that you don't want to turn away (lost business to Disney).

Actually, you are very right - they're ideal situation is having just enough demand to not turn anyone away. This is a very tricky balance to reach though. One way to do this is get the restaurants filled, and then raise your prices until the point where you just barely have to turn away people. Let's hope they don't think of this...or maybe they already did?

I've never denied the possibility that things aren't at the same quality level. I guess what I'm arguing is that there are three choices if you want to change it: (1) Change it with your wallet - and don't buy the food, (2) buy the food, and try not to let it bother you so much...because there is NO WAY I would pay Disney prices if I didn't thoroughly enjoy it or (3) become the CEO or Vice President of the Disney corporation and make changes...while arguing to your board that you should make changes that will negatively impact Disney's bottom line. (Increase food quality and reduce the number of heads in the restaurants.)

 

[Alice clones]

We personally love DP. I also dont have a propblem with the 180 days. i feel that with 4 kids if we know where we will be each day, and where we will be dining, i can avoid the "when are we going to...." questions. i also let the kids each pick a favorite restaurant and then work it into the schedule. The last reason that we favor DP is one of our Disney daughters is a Type 1 diabetic. so by having the restaurants reserved at set times and pre paid for, we know that we are keeping her on the best schedule to keep her blood sugar levels good, and we aren't tempted to just get a snack rather than sit down. i am also sad that quality is dropping in portion size and variety, but it is everywhere else as well. all we can do is voice our complaints and hope that it comes back. i still think that you can get a magical meal at disney though, you may just have to work a little harder to find it.

 

[heatherbabydoll1]

I wanted to add something. I usually get the deluxe dining plan. No, I don't eat three big meals a day. I get it because it allows me to go to Hoop De Doo and signature resturants.

Also booking in advance is awesome because it helps make the time go by faster to our next trip. We love planning all year long. We do how ever leave some meals to be spontanious. We plan them as QS but a lot of times we call dining and see where there is things available our just walk up to a counter and see if there is any available seating. That is how we tryed Kona Cafe and Olivia's. They are now on our must do lists!

The dining plan does save me money, a lot. No, we would never order as much food as we do on the plan but that is why it is so great. It allows you to try new things that you would never try.

Also I currently live in Kentucky but I grew up in central Florida. I ate at those resturants before the dining plan and after. The changes that have happen are no different than other resturants off property. I don't spend my whole day eating and the magic of Disney has never fizzled. Those that I have helped plan there first trip, love the dining plan, they are happy to be able to get in to popular resturants they hear about and they also do leave open some reservations to try things spontaniously.

I hope to hear real soon that free dining is available!