Free Dining VS Deluxe Dining Pkg out of Pocket

[Billmel]

We are DVC owners, and are purchasing the Deluxe Dining plan in october which is the same time that "Free" Dining is going on. I'm just wondering if there will be a difference, I have read where guests are asked up front if they are on the dining plan. We are paying alot of money for the deluxe and are hoping that we still get the experience. Will the fact that free dining is going on effect our service, food experience etc? Should we tell them up front that we are not on free dining, I hope this doesn't sound petty, but for the amount of money we are paying i just want to make sure we get the full dining experience.

 

[SGMCO]

all they ask you is "Are you on the Dining Plan"? not if you got it free or paid for it.
We always had good service and did not find the quality of the food any less.

 

[Billmel]

Thanks....I appreciate your quick response. You hear all these horror stories and just thought I would ask. We have made ADR's at all the Signature restaurants, and just doing 2 meals a day. Either Breakfast and dinner, or Lunch and dinner. Very excited.

 

[Withacy]

This is the third trip I'll have Deluxe Dining (but the first with free dining). They ask if you're on the dining plan - and that's when you tell them it's the deluxe dining, because it does make a difference in what you get with the meal.

Because we're going during free dining this time, we only had to pay the difference between the regular dining plan and the deluxe dining - which for 10 days for 2 people was nearly $500 saved!

 

[Trinityloo]

If FD were to affect the quality of food, it would be for everybody. I can't imagine that they would set aside higher quality foods for those who are not on the dining plan. And I certainly can't imagine that they would do a better job of cooking the food just because you are not on the plan. That would be very unDisney!

 

[Billmel]

If FD were to affect the quality of food, it would be for everybody. I can't imagine that they would set aside higher quality foods for those who are not on the dining plan. And I certainly can't imagine that they would do a better job of cooking the food just because you are not on the plan. That would be very unDisney!

It wasn't the quality of food that had me concerned but the quality of service. We have never had any problems with the dining plan, have used it several times. Both "free" dining and out of pocket Dining Plan. Our best experience was when we purchased what was then called the "Silver" package back in 2001. Took my mother during free dining in 2006 another great experience. I guess I was letting all of the negativity get to me. Its all good. Just wanted my DH to have a wonderful experience, he is a true "Foodie". Thanks for all of the advice.

 

[crystalcml]

I would call and have them put you on FD and pay the difference to get DxDDP if you are going during the dates it's offered. Why not save some money?

Hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[aimay73]

I would call and have them put you on FD and pay the difference to get DxDDP if you are going during the dates it's offered. Why not save some money?

Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Actually, DVC members aren't able to use the free dining promo as they use their points to book a room and are not paying for a package reservation at rack rate which is required to take advantage of free dining.

 

[disfamily4ever]

No matter if you pay for the dining plan or get it free, there has never been a difference in service that I've noticed. However, if you are upgrading because you want the option of 3 table services per day, that's different. The only difference is the type of package you've paid for, not the quality service.

Have Fun

 

[tinkrebell]

Speaking as a cook, the back of the house staff will never have a clue which DDP you are on. They just know that you're a party of 2, or a party of 6, and beyond that, they will bust their chops just to get the food cooked, plated, and out on time for anyone and everyone. Orders are NEVER called in with "treat this person better!" - unless it's a VIP. I had to make a custom cake for M. Night Shyamalan once at my restaurant in Philly - that was special. Other than that, I had no idea who walked through the doors, or if they were walk-up or had a ressie, etc. I just knew that they ordered pistachio ice cream, or vanilla. . .