Free Dining 2014 Discussion ~ Part 3

[nikkyluvsmickey]

Well once again the disboards saves my vacation plans. I just read on here that the poly waterfall is already being removed from the lobby this week so my ressie in sept at ohana would have been a dissapointment i love taking our trip pics at the waterfall. I immediately changed to boma for our breakfast. Thanks disboards

 

[CaraMiaBelle]

Well once again the disboards saves my vacation plans. I just read on here that the poly waterfall is already being removed from the lobby this week so my ressie in sept at ohana would have been a dissapointment i love taking our trip pics at the waterfall. I immediately changed to boma for our breakfast. Thanks disboards

Nima is my FAVORITE breakfast! Your going to love it!

 

[black562]

Well I think your pretty damn cluey! I am new to this thread, only found it when we decided to do WDW after our Cruise in September. I would have booked at full price, and never given it another thought. You have saved my family nearly $2500. I am so grateful for people like you here on Disboards, it is your knowledge that makes our vacations just a little bit extra special!

Thanks for that.

I think the days of advanced notice for promos is coming to a close. With Disney possibly even going so far as to change dates to make all the internet rumors wrong, it could be doing a disservice to put them out there.

The goal is to be prepared for when the release day comes. Is it really THAT necessary to figure out what that day is? People call everyday anyway around the time when a promo is usually released. As long as everyone is prepared, when it happens you would know right at 7am when someone called to check.

All of these rumors on the internet may end up hurting more than helping. That's all I'm saying. I realize if I don't come here with info, someone else will....but maybe, just maybe no one should.

Am I making sense?

 

[My2Kidzmom]

Thanks for that.

I think the days of advanced notice for promos is coming to a close. With Disney possibly even going so far as to change dates to make all the internet rumors wrong, it could be doing a disservice to put them out there.

The goal is to be prepared for when the release day comes. Is it really THAT necessary to figure out what that day is? People call everyday anyway around the time when a promo is usually released. As long as everyone is prepared, when it happens you would know right at 7am when someone called to check.

All of these rumors on the internet may end up hurting more than helping. That's all I'm saying. I realize if I don't come here with info, someone else will....but maybe, just maybe no one should.

Am I making sense?

What you are saying makes sense, Disney wants to be the one to share their "secret" and not have rumors ruin it for them. Nobody likes it when people guess they are pregnant before they make the announcement.

No matter how you find out there is excitement and anticipation and the businesswoman in me loves the price of the "advertising" done on social media. $0. And what they get for it is super excited customers, people calling in prepared which makes it easier on CMs and faster which allows for more bookings per hr which is more money, more people being made aware of the deals and promos then would otherwise be, and did I mention it is FREE advertising for them?

So I wonder, how upset is the mouse really about social media sharing promos???

 

[black562]

So I wonder, how upset is the mouse really about social media sharing promos???

Enough that they likely changed the date to make the rumors wrong.

Since they can't seen to figure out how the info is getting out there, they just make it wrong info and they're covered. It makes sense when you think about it, and makes rumor mills all but extinct.

The odd thing is, they actually pinned a page on their Pinterest account that had the original leak of information on free dining in it. They basically gave audience to a page that had a leak...a public post that everyone can still see.

Why would they do such a thing?????

 

[wdwmaw]

Enough that they likely changed the date to make the rumors wrong.

Since they can't seen to figure out how the info is getting out there, they just make it wrong info and they're covered. It makes sense when you think about it, and makes rumor mills all but extinct.

The odd thing is, they actually pinned a page on their Pinterest account that had the original leak of information on free dining in it. They basically gave audience to a page that had a leak...a public post that everyone can still see.

Why would they do such a thing?????

I have said this before The ones in the know are sitting at home with their IPads following you and others laughing and thinking it is the funniest thing watching everyone here and other disney community sites. They have us in the fish bowl and they just hold a piece of food out there, tease us and then drop it only to watch the frenzy Could they be studing human behavior at its worst

 

[ConnieB]

Thanks for that.

I think the days of advanced notice for promos is coming to a close. With Disney possibly even going so far as to change dates to make all the internet rumors wrong, it could be doing a disservice to put them out there.

The goal is to be prepared for when the release day comes. Is it really THAT necessary to figure out what that day is? People call everyday anyway around the time when a promo is usually released. As long as everyone is prepared, when it happens you would know right at 7am when someone called to check.

All of these rumors on the internet may end up hurting more than helping. That's all I'm saying. I realize if I don't come here with info, someone else will....but maybe, just maybe no one should.

Am I making sense?

Makes you wonder how much of this we're doing to ourselves. Because so many people booked POR/POFQ did that cause the exclusion because now that it's full they don't need FD to fill it? Or was it already planned to be excluded either because it's one of the more popular or just because of some Disney reason?

Seems like there are not anywhere near as many rooms available this year....or because of the advance warning that it was going to happen did a much larger than usual number of people get a jump on booking it in the very beginning? I tried calling for something else the afternoon of the 7th and got the "circuits busy" recording for quite some time....but yesterday I called again and got through on first try.

The internet has a lot of great uses, but sometimes I think having too much information causes a lot more trouble than help. Of course that doesn't mean I'm cancelling my ISP anytime soon.

 

[black562]

Makes you wonder how much of this we're doing to ourselves. Because so many people booked POR/POFQ did that cause the exclusion because now that it's full they don't need FD to fill it? Or was it already planned to be excluded either because it's one of the more popular or just because of some Disney reason?

Seems like there are not anywhere near as many rooms available this year....or because of the advance warning that it was going to happen did a much larger than usual number of people get a jump on booking it in the very beginning? I tried calling for something else the afternoon of the 7th and got the "circuits busy" recording for quite some time....but yesterday I called again and got through on first try.

The internet has a lot of great uses, but sometimes I think having too much information causes a lot more trouble than help. Of course that doesn't mean I'm cancelling my ISP anytime soon.

My point exactly. There may be better benefit in saying "It's coming soon" and everyone being prepared for when it does....whether it's a week or a month....being ready is key.

It does no good to share a date I may find on another site, if that date just gets changed or what have you....it becomes irrelevant at that point. I'm not about making people angry, just helping with their plans....when helping becomes harming, perhaps the information is hurting more then helping.

 

[wdwmaw]

Makes you wonder how much of this we're doing to ourselves. Because so many people booked POR/POFQ did that cause the exclusion because now that it's full they don't need FD to fill it? Or was it already planned to be excluded either because it's one of the more popular or just because of some Disney reason?

Seems like there are not anywhere near as many rooms available this year....or because of the advance warning that it was going to happen did a much larger than usual number of people get a jump on booking it in the very beginning? I tried calling for something else the afternoon of the 7th and got the "circuits busy" recording for quite some time....but yesterday I called again and got through on first try.

The internet has a lot of great uses, but sometimes I think having too much information causes a lot more trouble than help. Of course that doesn't mean I'm cancelling my ISP anytime soon.

I agree with the whole pre booking thing. Disney execs want people to pre book, it forcasts their earnings. They have pushed the system to pre book and everyone has fell for it with dining, pre planning, and on and on and on. In the quarterly meeting the other day pre-bookings were even mentioned as a postive for Disney and they want to continue to encourage this. With the local TA's, they want people pre-booked, it helps them determine their earnings for themselves or agency. Have you thought that most of the Disney sites out there are backed by an agency. Agencies and Disney feeds off the idea that if others see what a great time someone is having then they will want it also. They are now willing to lay down extra money for a dessert party that I use to stand in and eat the icecream I got with the dining plan for free for example. When we first started going to Disney places like DIS were very few and very few were on here. Back then people would say DIS people made very little impact on discounts since there were not that many in the big picture of bookings. I don't see that now.

Some of the best things in life are secrets, Disney may be one of those

 

[cassiejo2711]

Thanks for that. I think the days of advanced notice for promos is coming to a close. With Disney possibly even going so far as to change dates to make all the internet rumors wrong, it could be doing a disservice to put them out there. The goal is to be prepared for when the release day comes. Is it really THAT necessary to figure out what that day is? People call everyday anyway around the time when a promo is usually released. As long as everyone is prepared, when it happens you would know right at 7am when someone called to check. All of these rumors on the internet may end up hurting more than helping. That's all I'm saying. I realize if I don't come here with info, someone else will....but maybe, just maybe no one should. Am I making sense?

Totally making sense. I do understand that Disney may want to retain some secrets or "magic". Even if I didn't know in advance I would try to get FD, but your info is so helpful in making decisions and planning.

 

[cassiejo2711]

I'm not about making people angry, just helping with their plans....when helping becomes harming, perhaps the information is hurting more then helping.

This part makes me sad. I truly don't think you are hurting anyone and I hope no one is making you feel that way.

 

[kelly3927]

Oh I almost forgot one. This one raised my eyebrow. In a thread over on Micechat, someone made a short post about free dining and listed the excluded resorts. The odd part was that he said he saw a memo that was circulating. So it made me wonder who he worked for. I would link it but we aren't supposed to do that. But if you google "Micechat free dining 2014", it's the first result that shows up. His third post mentions the exclusions. These things are everywhere....and the funny part is, even though this is the biggest forum, none of the leaks are coming from here. Oddly enough, they come from the little forums and Facebook groups and fan pages. All we've been doing here is reporting them all. I wonder why that's the case?

If there is a Disney "insider" that leaks info they prob think they are safer on small boards and groups rather than Disboards. Who knows??

 

[Mommaof3]

I really know nothing about all the close details. But I think I understand what you are saying and will say this. I read this board daily when actually planning a trip. When I am in the "thinking about maybe going to Disney" mode, I read occasionally and it is ALWAYS your thread. I am not looking for an exact date at that time. I know the traditional dates. (new people need that info) But knowing that FD MIGHT come helps me decide to try Disney that year or think about something else or go without FD if it is not rumored to come. It is just information to me, like what the weather is usually like at that time of the year. Just because it is usually sunny does not promise me the sun, but it is a good prediction. You are a good prediction for me. You do not have to tell me an exact date. A month range is fine, a week is heavenly, a day to me is "Wow". You are an information gatherer. I really don't see what all the fuss is about. One cannot gather what is not there. Only Disney controls what leaks from their Mouse House. And I alone am responsible for the actions I take based on the information I read. Thanks again for the info. Melissa

 

[Aubrav]

They could simply just be testing the waters. Maybe they got a new marketing team that is trying to study the behavior of Disney travelers and how far they are willing to go or how much leaks affect the marketing system. If they leak are people going to go ahead and book in hopes to get FD, therefore filling up the rooms? Are those same people going to cancel if they can't modify their reservation to FD? After all of this happens over the next few weeks with cancelling and changing plans, how much is going to be left unoccupied? Would that be a good opportunity to offer another wave of promotions to fill rooms? Should they modify their sales to apply only to new reservations? Social media can be tricky and you can't always anticipate how everything will work out once the dust settles.

Personally, yes, I was planning to visit Disney this year but there was a very good chance that I would have stayed off property to make up for the cost of meals if I hadn't gotten such a great offer.

 

[mommycal]

really wondering if/when they roll out more pins besides what was released 2 days ago. I know we can't go unless we got POR for a family of 5 w/the FD. just too darn pricey otherwise. highly disappointed/discouraged

 

[saskdw]

My point exactly. There may be better benefit in saying "It's coming soon" and everyone being prepared for when it does....whether it's a week or a month....being ready is key.

It does no good to share a date I may find on another site, if that date just gets changed or what have you....it becomes irrelevant at that point. I'm not about making people angry, just helping with their plans....when helping becomes harming, perhaps the information is hurting more then helping.

There's different ways to look at the info being leaked in advance.

To attract customers like myself it's beneficial for them to get the promo info out there as early as possible for the following reasons:

1) I won't and don't book until I'm satisfied with the price I'm being offered. The longer they take to release their promo the better chance I have already booked a vacation somewhere else.

2) At their current "rack rate" compared to what other vacations are possible WDW is priced too high and I wouldn't go there at that price. If they continue to offer FD or 35% discounts or lower their prices they will continue to be considered for our vacation dollars. If they take too long to get the info out I may have already booked a vacation somewhere else.

The real chaos is caused by the people calling in to change an existing reservation to FD or RO offer. I would like to see them make the offer only available for fresh reservations the first few days. If you have a reservation in the system you aren't eligible until after a certain date. It would make it alot easier for them to actually know how many rooms they have filled. Right now they have no idea how many of their reservations are "phantom" reservations based on FD coming out for those dates.

 

[My2Kidzmom]

I really know nothing about all the close details. But I think I understand what you are saying and will say this. I read this board daily when actually planning a trip. When I am in the "thinking about maybe going to Disney" mode, I read occasionally and it is ALWAYS your thread. I am not looking for an exact date at that time. I know the traditional dates. (new people need that info) But knowing that FD MIGHT come helps me decide to try Disney that year or think about something else or go without FD if it is not rumored to come. It is just information to me, like what the weather is usually like at that time of the year. Just because it is usually sunny does not promise me the sun, but it is a good prediction. You are a good prediction for me. You do not have to tell me an exact date. A month range is fine, a week is heavenly, a day to me is "Wow". You are an information gatherer. I really don't see what all the fuss is about. One cannot gather what is not there. Only Disney controls what leaks from their Mouse House. And I alone am responsible for the actions I take based on the information I read. Thanks again for the info. Melissa

Well said.

 

[disneynewbee]

My point exactly. There may be better benefit in saying "It's coming soon" and everyone being prepared for when it does....whether it's a week or a month....being ready is key.

It does no good to share a date I may find on another site, if that date just gets changed or what have you....it becomes irrelevant at that point. I'm not about making people angry, just helping with their plans....when helping becomes harming, perhaps the information is hurting more then helping.

Well I look at it like this.... You have already said you do not work for Disney or have an inside connection and that your information is gathered. So when you post the dates on here I'm excited and prepared but I also know that it is not a 100% guarantee. Anyone who gets their panties in a bunch because the date is a day off is crazy. I would rather have you tell me a date then have to check the board every single morning to find out. By giving a date I knew to come on that morning and see if it was happening. If not I would check every day from that point on. It's like the weather man, should they stop giving us the weather because it's not always 100% accurate? Hey your accuracy is 100x better than theirs and they do it every day and get paid. Anyone who can't deal with the fact that some things might be slightly off should not be reading anything that doesn't come directly from the mouse's mouth.

 

[JLKennedy]

I would like to see them make the offer only available for fresh reservations the first few days. If you have a reservation in the system you aren't eligible until after a certain date. It would make it alot easier for them to actually know how many rooms they have filled. Right now they have no idea how many of their reservations are "phantom" reservations based on FD coming out for those dates.

That won't fix the problem at all. Most reservations I make are in my name, that does not mean my husband couldn't call and make a reservation in his name or my fil for that matter (same name)

 

[saskdw]

That won't fix the problem at all. Most reservations I make are in my name, that does not mean my husband couldn't call and make a reservation in his name or my fil for that matter (same name)

I guess they need to make the deposits non-refundable then.