FREE DINING UPDATE- RUMOR and SPECULATION / Update Page 80 !

[mking624]

Not to rain on anyone's parade here at all but no discount is a given. People just act like FD was written into the Constitution or something. I mean I know all the promos and deals are great and lord knows I have used them. With 4 kids, I love any deal that means less money spent, but in the end the way I always look at it is can I afford to go at normal prices. I then book what our needs or what we want, then if something hits that works for us then that is even better means more for less.

In the end however, Disney is a business with one thing in mind, MAKING MONEY. Do CM's and such make it a more magical experience for people well yes for the most part, however the goal is still to make money.

The company I work for just cut ALOT of jobs. I sat in on a meeting 2 days ago where they were deciding where and who got cut. Do they hate the people that work for them???? No, are they careless people without a thought about their employees?? On the surface it may seem so, but in reality cost per unit was sky high and payroll was the quickest and easiest way to take money straight off the top. I have alot of people that work for me, that won't be there come tomorrow, the company made what it thought was best decision for the interest of the company as a whole.

That being said I would love a 4/3, or maybe even FD, but as it stands now, my ressie is made and I am going regardless.

People get spoiled sometimes, just the reality of life and then they expect something.

I am sure a fall deal will roll out soon, but if it doesn't keep in mind one thing

As much as I love Disney ( over 40 trips) I know that in reality if Disney began to lose money and kept doing it at a rapid pace then there may be changes coming that no one would like to see.

End of rant, here is hoping for pixie dust for all come fall.

That's why this thread has the word "speculation" in the title. No one has said FD is guaranteed. We don't know.

That said, there's a difference between cutting jobs and giving incentives for guests to come in. Last spring, Disney World cut a bunch of jobs (mainly middle management) yet they still offered some nice discounts to the guests. Disney World saw a decline in attendance during Q4 last year, indicating something needs to be done to increase that attendance. With no increase or decrease in attendance in Q3 last year, yet they still offer incentives for that time frame this year, it would only make sense that they'd offer *something* to increase attendance for Q4 this year when they saw a decrease last year. Do they have to? Of course not. But it would be wise on their part to make a business move that will attract guests, not keep them away.

 

[clanmcculloch]

oh I thought wow if it was 4/3 w/ fd that would be good right, but when I did the numbers it was actually about $450 more!

You know, I hadn't done the math. Because my trip is 10 nights, 4/3 w dining included would cost me $672 more than FD. WOW! OK, FD where are you?

 

[KayMouse]

Well, either way I will be going October 17-24 and staying at POFQ (DD's 3rd Birthday present). I am hoping for FD, but don't really know the pattern for the release dates. Has it EVER extended that far into October? Hopefully Disney will release something soon, because I am ready to book! Hopefully it's better than these 30% PINs I've been getting! (I've gotten 3 so far!) 4/7 would be great for me, or the kids eat free! I'm just looking for something that will be worth me not actually staying at US. I am a HUGE HP fan, and will surely be checking it out for 2 days, but I really want my DD to experience Disney! Urgh! Disney, why must you keep us waiting??

 

[collcass]

I thnk your analysis is great, Knox. Thx so much for it

Thanks and please don't panic. It's just a vacation.

Two days ago, I would have said "but is is a very important vacation". I stalked the boards for a discount as obsessively as the next person Today, however, I agree 100% with this. DO NOT PANIC. Put it in perspective; it is ONLY a vacation

Yesterday, we received 10 inches of rain. I live at the TOP of a hill. OUr house flooding is nearly impossible. We have a split level which means the downstairs is 100% completely finished. WE LOST everything. There is currently a foot of water spread throughout 1500 sq of our house. We will lose everything in our house to mold.

My new perspective: It is only a vacation

 

[scdisneyguy]

Us too!!!! And will DH be glad to know he can ride his beloved ST before refurb

BTW what is TSMM? I am having a blonde moment or maybe a brain fart from playing out every $$$$ scenario possible!!!

Toy Story Mania I would assume but not sure, haven't read the actual report on stitchkingdom.

 

[mking624]

Well, either way I will be going October 17-24 and staying at POFQ (DD's 3rd Birthday present). I am hoping for FD, but don't really know the pattern for the release dates. Has it EVER extended that far into October? Hopefully Disney will release something soon, because I am ready to book! Hopefully it's better than these 30% PINs I've been getting! (I've gotten 3 so far!) 4/7 would be great for me, or the kids eat free! I'm just looking for something that will be worth me not actually staying at US. I am a HUGE HP fan, and will surely be checking it out for 2 days, but I really want my DD to experience Disney! Urgh! Disney, why must you keep us waiting??

Typically FD has been offered mid to late August through the end of September (or the first couple of days of October) to accommodate the value season. Last year was the first they extended it, having it go through December...though it was tiered (values getting QSDP, mods/deluxes getting DDP).

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

Us too!!!! And will DH be glad to know he can ride his beloved ST before refurb

BTW what is TSMM? I am having a blonde moment or maybe a brain fart from playing out every $$$$ scenario possible!!!

Toy Story Midway Mania, commonly known on here as just TSM

 

[sunny45]

I thnk your analysis is great, Knox. Thx so much for it

Two days ago, I would have said "but is is a very important vacation". I stalked the boards for a discount as obsessively as the next person Today, however, I agree 100% with this. DO NOT PANIC. Put it in perspective; it is ONLY a vacation

Yesterday, we received 10 inches of rain. I live at the TOP of a hill. Our house flooding is nearly impossible. We have a split level which means the downstairs is 100% completely finished. WE LOST everything. There is currently a foot of water spread throughout 1500 sq of our house. We will lose everything in our house to mold.

My new perspective: It is only a vacation

Sorry to hear this and you probably did not have flood insurance because of where you lived, at the top of a hill. Our weather in the Northeast has been horrible this year. Putting things into perspective sometimes has to hit us in different ways. Good luck to you getting things back to normal.

It is only a vacation. If we have to make PB&J sandwiches for a week to survive on I am sure we can manage. It is only a week of our lives.

 

[KayMouse]

Typically FD has been offered mid to late August through the end of September (or the first couple of days of October) to accommodate the value season. Last year was the first they extended it, having it go through December...though it was tiered (values getting QSDP, mods/deluxes getting DDP).

Thanks! I just remembered that my sister went last year in November and she said she got the QSDP. Hopefully it's extended just a little bit more for the mid/late October babies! *crosses fingers*

 

[2littleprincesses]

Toy Story Midway Mania, commonly known on here as just TSM

This bums me out because ydd said she would try TSM this year.

 

[TheRatPack]

Not to rain on anyone's parade here at all but no discount is a given. People just act like FD was written into the Constitution or something. I mean I know all the promos and deals are great and lord knows I have used them. With 4 kids, I love any deal that means less money spent, but in the end the way I always look at it is can I afford to go at normal prices. I then book what our needs or what we want, then if something hits that works for us then that is even better means more for less.

I understand what you're saying....but for us it isn't so much that we can't afford the regular prices at Disney, but why would we want to? I could afford a regular priced house....but I chose to negotiate and pay less then the 'asking price'. I could afford to buy my bread at the grocery store for 3.00 a loaf....but I choose to drive a few extra miles and pay 5.00 for 3 loaves, buy enough to freeze and again....save money. I could afford to pay for a purse, clothing...etc at the mall....but I choose to buy clothing on clearance at Target, Marshalls...etc.

So it's not necessarily that we expect the FD deal to just be given to us because we breathe......it just kind of makes no sense for our family to pay full price on site when we can cut those cost in 1/2 (or more) and stay off site with just a small decrease in the magic (trams versus buses, decor, food...etc). Still, when we're on site we spend limited time at the hotel....and we do the same off site because we're at the parks the majority of the time. Yes we'd not get EMH, free bus rides...etc, those are not worth that extra 1000.00 or so for us to stay on site without some sort of discount or 'freebie' luring us in. We're already paying more for 'free' dining by staying on site versus off....but we weigh the differences and we are comfortable paying that bit more for the magic.

So again...it's not that we're looking for a handout but more of an incentive to spend our money with WDW versus some off site hotel or rental home where we feel we're getting the most bang for our buck. If I based all my decisions on whether or not I could afford things at the 'sticker' price....I wouldn't have half the things that I do. Maybe it's just me though....I try to find a bargain in everything and cringe at the thought of paying full price for anything, even vacation.

 

[leeseem]

I thnk your analysis is great, Knox. Thx so much for it

Two days ago, I would have said "but is is a very important vacation". I stalked the boards for a discount as obsessively as the next person Today, however, I agree 100% with this. DO NOT PANIC. Put it in perspective; it is ONLY a vacation

Yesterday, we received 10 inches of rain. I live at the TOP of a hill. OUr house flooding is nearly impossible. We have a split level which means the downstairs is 100% completely finished. WE LOST everything. There is currently a foot of water spread throughout 1500 sq of our house. We will lose everything in our house to mold.

My new perspective: It is only a vacation

Sorry to hear about the flooding! I hope something can be salvaged!

 

[KTJAY]

You know, I hadn't done the math. Because my trip is 10 nights, 4/3 w dining included would cost me $672 more than FD. WOW! OK, FD where are you?

Right there with you!! 4/3 inc dining would cost our party of 7-$775 more than free dining. Help me disney

 

[Bridge203618]

Question: If we go on post #1's hunches - do you think there will be any other promotions for Q3 (april-June?) If bookings are still low - will they offer different promotions to get more bookings? or will they concentrate on the summer months? I have a room only booking for end of May-early June. I would love to make it a package - I would even buy tickets for a future visit (we don't need tickets) if only they would send me that darn FD pin!!!

Second Q - where does Disney make their most money? Souvenirs and tickets? Hotel? Food?

 

[Bridge203618]

If they run a 4/3 deal I assume that is 7 nights and 8 days - do you have to get 8 days of park tickets?

 

[maroo]

I thnk your analysis is great, Knox. Thx so much for it

Two days ago, I would have said "but is is a very important vacation". I stalked the boards for a discount as obsessively as the next person Today, however, I agree 100% with this. DO NOT PANIC. Put it in perspective; it is ONLY a vacation

Yesterday, we received 10 inches of rain. I live at the TOP of a hill. OUr house flooding is nearly impossible. We have a split level which means the downstairs is 100% completely finished. WE LOST everything. There is currently a foot of water spread throughout 1500 sq of our house. We will lose everything in our house to mold.

My new perspective: It is only a vacation

Oh no.

I am so sorry.

That is really crappy. And a good reminder.

 

[CanadianGuy]

Question: If we go on post #1's hunches - do you think there will be any other promotions for Q3 (april-June?) If bookings are still low - will they offer different promotions to get more bookings? or will they concentrate on the summer months? I have a room only booking for end of May-early June. I would love to make it a package - I would even buy tickets for a future visit (we don't need tickets) if only they would send me that darn FD pin!!!

Second Q - where does Disney make their most money? Souvenirs and tickets? Hotel? Food?

Promotions come down to one thing.. getting butts in the empty hotels and parks.

If the hotels and parks are projected to 'not have enough guests' the offers will keep on flowing.

If they are projected to achieve targets.. the 'discount faucet' will return to a steady drip, drip, drip.. instead of the gushing flow it has been.

Money? Certainly even discounted they make good coin at some aspects of the hotel/motel side.. but overpriced trinkets to associate with your magical memories and food also generally do very well for them.

I thnk your analysis is great, Knox. Thx so much for it

Two days ago, I would have said "but is is a very important vacation". I stalked the boards for a discount as obsessively as the next person Today, however, I agree 100% with this. DO NOT PANIC. Put it in perspective; it is ONLY a vacation

Yesterday, we received 10 inches of rain. I live at the TOP of a hill. OUr house flooding is nearly impossible. We have a split level which means the downstairs is 100% completely finished. WE LOST everything. There is currently a foot of water spread throughout 1500 sq of our house. We will lose everything in our house to mold.

My new perspective: It is only a vacation

That indeed does put things in perspective. Two years ago I worked four days straight with no sleep covering a massive local flood for the radio station that I work for... 3am watching a teetering bridge, 8am reporting from washed out roadways and 4pm talking to folks whose house was currently about 1/2 mile downstream bobbing up and down in the river.

And on like that for four days.. it was pure insanity. By the end I was so hopped up on caffeine and sugar that I just went home and collapsed for 24 hours.

I know first hand the devastation this can bring. I hope you can manage to salvage some items of importance and I'm glad it sounds like everyone is physically ok...

And as you say.. in all things in life ... perspective.

Knox

 

[scdisneyguy]

That's why this thread has the word "speculation" in the title. No one has said FD is guaranteed. We don't know.

That said, there's a difference between cutting jobs and giving incentives for guests to come in. Last spring, Disney World cut a bunch of jobs (mainly middle management) yet they still offered some nice discounts to the guests. Disney World saw a decline in attendance during Q4 last year, indicating something needs to be done to increase that attendance. With no increase or decrease in attendance in Q3 last year, yet they still offer incentives for that time frame this year, it would only make sense that they'd offer *something* to increase attendance for Q4 this year when they saw a decrease last year. Do they have to? Of course not. But it would be wise on their part to make a business move that will attract guests, not keep them away.

I read the title, also read tons of people in this thread and others like it EXPECTING even booking ahead waiting for FD. In essence, my company cutting jobs is no different than Disney offering incentives at all. Disney makes more money if no discount is added, just common sense. NOW, the curveball here that Disney thinks is if we give them something will they spend it elsewhere while here.

For instance, if a grocery chain offers 2 liter drinks for .69, they get them cheaper but their profit is next to nothing. So why offer it ???? Well they assume that you will buy other things when you come in to buy the drinks on special.

This is great for Disney if all or at least a vast majority of people spend the money on merchandise, extras, etc. Where this actually hurt is when you have people that get the deals ( FD) or whatever and don't spend that money elsewhere. There is nothing wrong with being frugal, my parents have been that way for the whole 45 years they have been married. There is however a difference in frugal and cheap.


So in the grand scheme of things, is it better to get more people in at a smaller rate? Obviously it is to a degree, but that is why you always see the fine print (only a select few bookings at this rate) If FD was such a great investment in Disney's future then it would basically be a given, you wouldn't have to wait for a code, pin, or hope for a DVR or public offer to finally roll out. They do it as a business move after looking at numbers and forecasts and such. Disney did pretty good for itself before 2005 and FD trust me.
Again wasn't in anyways saying I hope it doesn't come or get offered, just trying to enlighten the people that think it's a right that is given at birth.

I want to see Disney making money and staying above water so to speak.

If not cutbacks will come eventually, it always happens companies don't just lose money then close instantly, they try to make adjustments before to off-set the loss and keep afloat.

It is fine I love the discounts too, just don't expect them. Maybe they will just keep rolling them out year round just as much as possible. I just hope that doesn't change anything in the grand scheme of things.

I don't wanna walk into Magic Kingdom 8 years from now and have them hand out sparklers at the turnstiles and say be sure to stay for our Wishes sing-along at 9...

Just taking a different angle to look at it from the business end I guess it is my nature.

 

[KTJAY]

I thnk your analysis is great, Knox. Thx so much for it

Two days ago, I would have said "but is is a very important vacation". I stalked the boards for a discount as obsessively as the next person Today, however, I agree 100% with this. DO NOT PANIC. Put it in perspective; it is ONLY a vacation

Yesterday, we received 10 inches of rain. I live at the TOP of a hill. OUr house flooding is nearly impossible. We have a split level which means the downstairs is 100% completely finished. WE LOST everything. There is currently a foot of water spread throughout 1500 sq of our house. We will lose everything in our house to mold.

My new perspective: It is only a vacation

So sorry to hear this. I'm in Connecticut too-Mystic area! This weather has been terrible. I know alot of people's homes in pretty bad shape after all the flooding. I hope things get better real soon for you.

 

[Bridge203618]

Question on 4/3 promotion - although I don't expect it to come out for my vacation, always good to have answers

If I want to use that promotion, I assume that if I am going 8 nights, I pay full price for 5 and get 3 free?

Also is there anything that says I have to use the tickets I buy with the package? If no - if I never use them during this stay and I use them another stay - are there names attached to them? Can a child ever use an adult ticket if it has never been used?

Lets say I buy a package with tickets

I would buy 3 adult (me, dh and 14 year old DSD) and 1 child ticket for DD who is 3. If I use the child ticket for my DD this year but not the other 3 adult tickets, say I come back if 5 years - can my DD who will be 8 use the adult ticket that my then 19 year old probably won't want to use?

Don't ask why I am speculating when I don't anticipate needing the info but I like to be in know...