Free Dining Rumors

[doccoc2002]

I read in one of your other posts where you called the park dirty. If you ever get the chance to see Magic Kingdom at about 4am in the morning you will see custodial crews out washing the sidewalk and roads, wiping down poles and cleaning things you would never even think about cleaning and touching up things with paint. I don't doubt that throughout the day with 60,000 people in the park at times things would get messy and things would look far from perfect, things get swept up that need to be, bathrooms still get cleaned and anything major gets taken care off right away.

You can actually see this going on sometiimes if you go before park opening. When we go in for early ADR's you can see them out cleaning. I agree it is hard to keep a place clean when 60,000 even 30,000 people are in the parks but I think they do an amazing job! I can't even keep my house clean a full day with 3 kids, a husband and a dog!

 

[eelore]

Ok Disney had already announce the September free dining deal by this time last year! So what's the deal this
year and why haven't they announced it yet? Surely they are having it!! They won't get alot of business if they don't in my opinion anyway! I keep hearing rumors they are going to announce it but as of yet they haven't. So OMG Disney announce it already! It's causing so much freaking stress for those of us who have vacation plans and need the deal to be able to take the trip this year! LOL

 

[pinkle]

This is for QS for kids only who also get to stay, play and eat free. Valid until Aug 14th. You had to book 4nights/5days.

Sorry you had a bad time...but this is probably the worst week to go to Disney if you do not like the big crowds...Deals or NO deals Easter week is the WORST...way to busy. I would never go again during this time...way to many people and a lot of them RUDE!

I love Disney, we have always gone in the fall and never found the crowds too bad....newer rides had longer waits, but that's Disney. I do really hope the FD becomes available....we are counting on it! If not maybe we'll look into Universal and Sea World(haven't done that yet). I imagine they will be busier if Disney doesn't have any good fall promos.....

 

[Oglet]

At least with Disney you can bring your own food and drinks into the park, try that at Universal or Sea World. So regardless of free dining or not if your on a tight budget Disney is still a better option.

 

[maclark93]

What does your little birdie tell you about the week of July 17-24? Free dinning?

 

[ConcKahuna]

What does your little birdie tell you about the week of July 17-24? Free dinning?

Maybe the little birdy was only a mocking bird. All us Floridians know how they'll just mimic anything they hear!

I haven't heard anything about free dining, and after the uproar the non-Disney restaurants are rumored to have made last year (and those non-Disney restaurants include almost everything at Epcot), I wouldnt be surprised if free dining goes the way of the dodo.

 

[SiAmCrAzY]

Conckahuna- I love the video in your sig! was that a abag of cheetos?

 

[OldsDr]

!

I haven't heard anything about free dining, and after the uproar the non-Disney restaurants are rumored to have made last year (and those non-Disney restaurants include almost everything at Epcot), I wouldnt be surprised if free dining goes the way of the dodo.

What was the Uproar?

 

[DC7800]

I wouldnt be surprised if free dining goes the way of the dodo.

Given the problems with the dining plan (and free dining in particular), we can only hope.

 

[doccoc2002]

Why do people come on a free dining thread just to put it down and be negative...First of all if you think restaurants were unhappy about losing money during Free dining you are wrong...I am sure Disney pays them well for being included on the DDP. Free dining has nothing to do with menu changes...1 it is good to keep menus fresh and 2 free dining is not resposible for quality of food the RESTAURANT is!! I haven't seen any difference in food quality...In 2008 I saw a big difference in service but having to pay the tip OOP cleared that! Now waitstaff knows they have to work for the tip...If they are complaining(meaning waitstaff) it is probably because they have to work for it...That is the whole point of waitstaff you are there to serve people. I know that sometimes you get a party that is horrible tippers but you get that everywhere not just Disney. If a waiter/ress is good I will give more than 16%...if they are not they will get 16% I never give under 16% unless they are really BAD and I have never had that at Disney. Yes, I have had waitstaff that only got 16% but most of the time I am giving at least 20%. Does everyone follow this NO...but considering you are getting FD..I think you should. If the waitstaff is really bad(I have never had a problem at Disney but have at local restaurants or other vacation spots) I have gone and talked to management AFTER the meal.
Sorry, got OT but I am just sick of reading that it is FD fault that people have had bad service or problems with the menu. "Cause it is NOT the case at all. There are some places which you can't order some things off the menu if you are on the DDP...If you want it you have to pay extra...That is NO MATTER when you go...Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring...So, it is not FD it is the DP.

stepping off soap box now!
Back to the Topic at hand please.

 

[lauraf]

Why do people come on a free dining thread just to put it down and be negative...First of all if you think restaurants were unhappy about losing money during Free dining you are wrong...I am sure Disney pays them well for being included on the DDP. Free dining has nothing to do with menu changes...1 it is good to keep menus fresh and 2 free dining is not resposible for quality of food the RESTAURANT is!! I haven't seen any difference in food quality...In 2008 I saw a big difference in service but having to pay the tip OOP cleared that! Now waitstaff knows they have to work for the tip...If they are complaining(meaning waitstaff) it is probably because they have to work for it...That is the whole point of waitstaff you are there to serve people. I know that sometimes you get a party that is horrible tippers but you get that everywhere not just Disney. If a waiter/ress is good I will give more than 16%...if they are not they will get 16% I never give under 16% unless they are really BAD and I have never had that at Disney. Yes, I have had waitstaff that only got 16% but most of the time I am giving at least 20%. Does everyone follow this NO...but considering you are getting FD..I think you should. If the waitstaff is really bad(I have never had a problem at Disney but have at local restaurants or other vacation spots) I have gone and talked to management AFTER the meal.
Sorry, got OT but I am just sick of reading that it is FD fault that people have had bad service or problems with the menu. "Cause it is NOT the case at all. There are some places which you can't order some things off the menu if you are on the DDP...If you want it you have to pay extra...That is NO MATTER when you go...Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring...So, it is not FD it is the DP.

stepping off soap box now!
Back to the Topic at hand please.

I totally agree, I have been every year since 2005. I paid for it the first year and have had free dining since. I have not seen any difference in food quality or service. I have only had really bad service once and that was something that was paid for (wedding dinner). I do not understand what others are talking about but it doesn't bother me. If they offer free dining I will still go, and if they don't I will still go.

 

[Oglet]

Why do people come on a free dining thread just to put it down and be negative...First of all if you think restaurants were unhappy about losing money during Free dining you are wrong...I am sure Disney pays them well for being included on the DDP. Free dining has nothing to do with menu changes...1 it is good to keep menus fresh and 2 free dining is not resposible for quality of food the RESTAURANT is!! I haven't seen any difference in food quality...In 2008 I saw a big difference in service but having to pay the tip OOP cleared that! Now waitstaff knows they have to work for the tip...If they are complaining(meaning waitstaff) it is probably because they have to work for it...That is the whole point of waitstaff you are there to serve people. I know that sometimes you get a party that is horrible tippers but you get that everywhere not just Disney. If a waiter/ress is good I will give more than 16%...if they are not they will get 16% I never give under 16% unless they are really BAD and I have never had that at Disney. Yes, I have had waitstaff that only got 16% but most of the time I am giving at least 20%. Does everyone follow this NO...but considering you are getting FD..I think you should. If the waitstaff is really bad(I have never had a problem at Disney but have at local restaurants or other vacation spots) I have gone and talked to management AFTER the meal.
Sorry, got OT but I am just sick of reading that it is FD fault that people have had bad service or problems with the menu. "Cause it is NOT the case at all. There are some places which you can't order some things off the menu if you are on the DDP...If you want it you have to pay extra...That is NO MATTER when you go...Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring...So, it is not FD it is the DP.

stepping off soap box now!
Back to the Topic at hand please.

Are you being general about several topics or just this one?

Reason I am asking is because I don't really see anything in this topic that goes along with your post so I'm a little puzzled and that's why I asked was it directed at other topics as well?.

Not trying to start anything, just looking for some clarification.

 

[pinkle]

when do we expect to know something?????????

 

[pixie_mtl]

when do we expect to know something?????????

I think it's tomorrow. Read it from another thread.

 

[DC7800]

First, doccoc2002 if you are new to this board and our discussions then welcome; If you aren't new, then excuse me for not noticing.

Why do people come on a free dining thread just to put it down and be negative.[/SIZE]

Well, this is the Rumors & News board, not Disney Restaurants or one of the trip planning boards. It's not as active as it once was, but people who visit this board regularly often discuss aspects of WDW and the Disney corporation from a critical perspective. If you are more accustomed to the "pixie-dusted" Disney-can-do-no-wrong tones of discussions elsewhere, it probably is a surprise to see often popular Pop Century (for example) derided as a "tacky decorated Motel 6" by people who count themselves among the biggest fans of Disney creations. Rather or in addition to discussing when free dining might be available, threads here may center around aspects of the program itself, both positive and negative attributes - with the negative viewpoint being just as valid and pertinent to the discussion as the positive opinion.

First of all if you think restaurants were unhappy about losing money during Free dining you are wrong

Really, Restaurants have no objection to losing money? You might argue that for Disney restaurants they lose money but make it up on room rates and package prices, but for a non-Disney operated establishment, that doesn't apply (and it doesn't exactly conform to how we know Disney typically operates, either.)

I haven't seen any difference in food quality

I'm glad you haven't personally, but just because you haven't noticed a difference unfortunately doesn't mean there isn't one - as documented by too many people to explain away as matters of personal taste; Other diners have noticed.

So, it is not FD it is the DP

Wait a minute - are you arguing that yes, there is a problem, but the real cause is the Disney Dining Plan instead of Free Dining? Well that I pretty much agree with; I would only add that the issue with Free Dining is that it exacerbates the core problems with the dining plan. If you have just ten percent, for instance, of your customers on the plan, as a restaurant operator you probably don't feel so much pressure to simplify your menu, reduce portion sizes, or cut corners on quality. But with free dining, with the vast majority of diners on the plan, that changes things.

 

[doccoc2002]

First, doccoc2002 if you are new to this board and our discussions then welcome; If you aren't new, then excuse me for not noticing.
First of all not new but a lurker. I relay don't need your welcome and I wasn't looking for your sarcasm either.

Well, this is the Rumors & News board, not Disney Restaurants or one of the trip planning boards. It's not as active as it once was, but people who visit this board regularly often discuss aspects of WDW and the Disney corporation from a critical perspective. If you are more accustomed to the "pixie-dusted" Disney-can-do-no-wrong tones of discussions elsewhere, it probably is a surprise to see often popular Pop Century (for example) derided as a "tacky decorated Motel 6" by people who count themselves among the biggest fans of Disney creations. Rather or in addition to discussing when free dining might be available, threads here may center around aspects of the program itself, both positive and negative attributes - with the negative viewpoint being just as valid and pertinent to the discussion as the positive opinion.

I was under the impression that this thread was started on the topic of a FREE DINING RUMOR(in hopes it is coming). I must of read it wrong obviously it said Let's hope FD doesn't come out...my mistake. As for "pixie-dusted Disney" I never said Disney was perfect NO ONE IS! But I believe Disney is a "Magical" place so excuse me for being positive and try to look at the brighter things in life than being negative and bitter. By the way I don't care for POP or any of the values...I guess I am one that feels it is too much like a MOTEL!

Really, Restaurants have no objection to losing money? You might argue that for Disney restaurants they lose money but make it up on room rates and package prices, but for a non-Disney operated establishment, that doesn't apply (and it doesn't exactly conform to how we know Disney typically operates, either.)

If NON-DISNEY restaurants don't want to be part of the DP they don't have too. They are not twisting their arms to do it. I am sure Disney compensates them too. Taken my words out of context..try reading that I am sure Disney pays them for the DP and most people will get an app or a specialty drink off the menu.

I'm glad you haven't personally, but just because you haven't noticed a difference unfortunately doesn't mean there isn't one - as documented by too many people to explain away as matters of personal taste; Other diners have noticed.

Everyone has a down day...again RESTAURANTS effect quality not FD!


Wait a minute - are you arguing that yes, there is a problem, but the real cause is the Disney Dining Plan instead of Free Dining? Well that I pretty much agree with; I would only add that the issue with Free Dining is that it exacerbates the core problems with the dining plan. If you have just ten percent, for instance, of your customers on the plan, as a restaurant operator you probably don't feel so much pressure to simplify your menu, reduce portion sizes, or cut corners on quality. But with free dining, with the vast majority of diners on the plan, that changes things.

I am saying you can't blame the FD promo...last time I checked the FD isn't offered all year so yet the DP is and the menus are the same. If you don't like to go during FD then DON'T since you seem to think that FD is the root of the cause! Last time I checked Menus don't change just for FD.

 

[doccoc2002]

I totally agree, I have been every year since 2005. I paid for it the first year and have had free dining since. I have not seen any difference in food quality or service. I have only had really bad service once and that was something that was paid for (wedding dinner). I do not understand what others are talking about but it doesn't bother me. If they offer free dining I will still go, and if they don't I will still go.

We will continue to go too with or without FD. At some point you know it will end and it has been nice having it.

Are you being general about several topics or just this one?

Reason I am asking is because I don't really see anything in this topic that goes along with your post so I'm a little puzzled and that's why I asked was it directed at other topics as well?.

Not trying to start anything, just looking for some clarification.

I was talking about this one...just one little comment line got me thinking and my mind rambled on...I usually don't even bother responding. hence my soapbox comment

 

[ShhhQ]

I am saying you can't blame the FD promo...last time I checked the FD isn't offered all year so yet the DP is and the menus are the same. If you don't like to go during FD then DON'T since you seem to think that FD is the root of the cause! Last time I checked Menus don't change just for FD.

I agree with everything you had to say... except the comment about Pop and the other values, but I will let that slide

 

[CanadianGuy]

Actually - menus DO change during F/D.

A number of dishes are mysteriously 'absent' during the F/D window.. I've seen it posted about here many times myself, including at least once by WebmasterPete.

But honestly... we run into this on the resorts board.. nobody in the F/D threads wants to hear the negative side that it might not be offered.

It probably will.. but the truth is -- IT *MIGHT* NOT and there's a host of reasons why for both arguments.

And I suspect people that don't want to see it again - come to threads like this - because they hope to read that it is not being offered again... just as others wish to read that it is.

I think a little mutual respect and fairness go a long ways in these threads.

 

[mcwheelee]

They have opened up the Visa offer to the GP...short window though.


Kids, ages 3 to 9, can stay and play for FREE when you buy this 4-night/5-day room and ticket package for stays most nights from May 2 through June 3, 2010:

That's only $499 per adult based on adult double occupancy in a standard room at selectDisney Value Resorts.