Getting flame suit on........

[allaboutmm]

I have a question...why do some people get very upset when WDW offers the free dinning plan? O.K. I get it might be more crowded, and harder to get ressies-is that any different then during a holiday crowd or school vacations? Even though we have never been able to go when they offer it,I think it seems great! It gives people who might not be able to afford the DP, or be able to treat themselves to some nice TS, a chance to. Maybe w/ the $ saved, people can stay an extra day or upgrade their resort. Am I missing something? Isn't it about the magic ?

Flame suit on , getting the popcorn

 

[chip91]

Wish I could go during free dining, when I told DH about it, he said book until I told him when and he said FORGET IT!! He was worried about the heat, as our 1st trip last Oct, it was REALLY hot and probably no where near as hot as in Aug/Sept.. I'm hoping they offer it again and I can convince him...or I wish they would offer it in a cooler season

Chip

 

[DVCLiz]

Wish I could go during free dining, when I told DH about it, he said book until I told him when and he said FORGET IT!! He was worried about the heat, as our 1st trip last Oct, it was REALLY hot and probably no where near as hot as in Aug/Sept.. I'm hoping they offer it again and I can convince him...or I wish they would offer it in a cooler season

Chip

They won't offer it in a cooler season, sad to say, because the whole point of free dining is to lure people into taking a Disney trip during an otherwise hot, hurricane-prone season. It takes something on the scale of free dining to draw people in.

I think the menus and service at table service restaurants have been scaled back due to the ding plan in general, whether it's free or people are paying for it.

Personally, I've never had the Dining Plan. We use the Disney Dining Experience card instead, and just pay as we go, with a 20% discount at most of our choices!!

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

I think the free dining is great and wish that I could take advantage. I don't want to go when it's so hot though.

I don't know why people get so bent out of shape. Yes, you will probably have to make ADR's in advance, but so what?

I hope everyone has a great time on their vacation, free food or not.

 

[shellybaxter]

I don't go during the free dining time so I don't really have an opinion, but I can understand why people get upset. They have traditionally chosen to go during one of the hottest, most humid times of the year. In exchange they get lower hotel prices and lower park attendance. With free dining they loose the trade off. They still go during the heat and humidity but discounts are harder to come by because the main discount is free dining and the parks and restaurants are crowded. I'm not saying its right or wrong, just that I understand the reason behind hating free dining.

That being said, I'm not fond of the dining plan free or for fee. We don't use it and probably never will. We eat way more TS and way less CS. The menus at some of our favorites have appeared to change and become more standard since the inception of the dining plan. I wish they would go back to the old way and make menus people will "pay" for instead of menus they can afford to discount with the plan

 

[FionaLovesShrek]

I agree with the OP. Maybe the free dining was set up to just to draw in the crowds but it's a great benefit for families who may never have been able to enjoy Disney TS restaurants. How great is it that character meals are basically "given" to those children who normally wouldn't even get to go to one. And when I say "given", the family is still paying rack rates for the package. I haven't been able to take advantage of the FDP, but I have paid for it and I will again. It is a wonderful enhancement to our WDW vacation. Maybe it makes it harder to get into TS restaurants, but that just means more people are enjoying all WDW has to offer.

 

[DiszyDean]

I might get flamed for this but I think the "hatred" of the dining plan falls into two buckets:

1. People who are not able to take advantage of the dining plan, for whatever reason.

2. That old socioeconomic sense of entitlement. Simply put, people who consider themselves of a higher socioeconomic class want to be surrounded by like individuals. They do not want groups of lower-middle class families invading their favorite restauraunts. That sort of thinking does still exist in the world. But, of course, no one will admit that. Instead, it is easier to find excuses such as the inconvienence of ADRs ( a reality whether the dining plan existed or not ), crowds ( whether it be the dining plan or some other promotion, Disney's job is to put people in the parks ), reduction in service ( which has been proven that it is not related at all to the dining plan ) or reduction in offerings at certain restaurants ( all restaurants change offerings in menu selections from time to time ).

If you really read between the lines of the posts of those who feveriously oppose the dining plan, you will find there is one common theme..Only those who can afford to pay OOP to eat at some of these resteraunts should be eating there.

Ok..off my soap box now...

 

[Caren]

The problem isn't with the program itself, but what it does to restaurant availability. It would be fine with more restaurants. Disney has expanded restaurant offerings somewhat by lengthening hours and putting in that Tomorrowland Terrace thing, but that really isn't enough. Personally, I'm hoping that they'll reopen the dearly missed Ariel's.

 

[beeayekay]

I might get flamed for this but I think the "hatred" of the dining plan falls into two buckets:

1. People who are not able to take advantage of the dining plan, for whatever reason.

2. That old socioeconomic sense of entitlement. Simply put, people who consider themselves of a higher socioeconomic class want to be surrounded by like individuals. They do not want groups of lower-middle class families invading their favorite restauraunts. That sort of thinking does still exist in the world. But, of course, no one will admit that. Instead, it is easier to find excuses such as the inconvienence of ADRs ( a reality whether the dining plan existed or not ), crowds ( whether it be the dining plan or some other promotion, Disney's job is to put people in the parks ), reduction in service ( which has been proven that it is not related at all to the dining plan ) or reduction in offerings at certain restaurants ( all restaurants change offerings in menu selections from time to time ).

If you really read between the lines of the posts of those who feveriously oppose the dining plan, you will find there is one common theme..Only those who can afford to pay OOP to eat at some of these resteraunts should be eating there.

Ok..off my soap box now...

interesting perspective....................

 

[gigi1313]

I don't go during the free dining time so I don't really have an opinion, but I can understand why people get upset. They have traditionally chosen to go during one of the hottest, most humid times of the year. In exchange they get lower hotel prices and lower park attendance. With free dining they loose the trade off. They still go during the heat and humidity but discounts are harder to come by because the main discount is free dining and the parks and restaurants are crowded. I'm not saying its right or wrong, just that I understand the reason behind hating free dining.

this paragraph hits it on the head for us... we prefer low attendace over any discount or perk but take the perk when it's offered (first was 7 for 5 deal, then free dining and free dining again this year)... although i expect this year to be more crowded than previous years at this time of year, which is a major bummer!

 

[matt&jakesmom]

Personally my family and I the DDP. WE used it last year and ate at restuarants that normally we may not have. It let us open our "eyes" to a lot of TS restaurants that we may not have ever gone into. We normally allocate $100, or more if doing a character buffet for food, for our family of 4, so for us the DDP became a savings.

We are using it again on our trip next week. We are again trying new resturants and even doing 2 dinner shows. We are also looking forward to the expanding snack options.

As for crowds and the heat. We always expect the worse and pray for the best.

 

[sleepydog25]

I might get flamed for this but I think the "hatred" of the dining plan falls into two buckets:

1. People who are not able to take advantage of the dining plan, for whatever reason.

2. That old socioeconomic sense of entitlement. Simply put, people who consider themselves of a higher socioeconomic class want to be surrounded by like individuals. They do not want groups of lower-middle class families invading their favorite restauraunts. That sort of thinking does still exist in the world. But, of course, no one will admit that. Instead, it is easier to find excuses such as the inconvienence of ADRs ( a reality whether the dining plan existed or not ), crowds ( whether it be the dining plan or some other promotion, Disney's job is to put people in the parks ), reduction in service ( which has been proven that it is not related at all to the dining plan ) or reduction in offerings at certain restaurants ( all restaurants change offerings in menu selections from time to time ).

If you really read between the lines of the posts of those who feveriously oppose the dining plan, you will find there is one common theme..Only those who can afford to pay OOP to eat at some of these resteraunts should be eating there.

Ok..off my soap box now...

No flame intended here at all, as your argument does hold some grounds for truth. There undoubtedly exists those who do have a sense of entitlement. However, that mindset runs across all socio-economic boundaries and it cuts both ways--I've been at bluegrass festivals where someone who showed up sporting anything but jeans were subject to whispered ridicule. Further, lumping a majority of the people who oppose or support the dining plan into the "have" and "have-nots" is merely generalization. Certainly, some feel they are entitled. But, simply going to WDW with its inherent costs already presupposes that a family is "entitled" to a magical time. It could easily be argued that anyone who can afford to go to WDW is a "have" and those who can't are "have nots."

I can't and won't speak for those who vociferously argue against the FDP--they have their own reasons, and feelings of entitlement might be one of those. In my case, I don't mind making ADRs, as I've been doing that for years. I don't mind changing menus, as that is an on-going function of any successful restaurant. And I've yet to encounter any serious lack of service at the restaurants my family and I visit. Now, would I prefer there be fewer people to compete against for a finite number of seatings and tables? Sure! Just like I wish there would be fewer people in line at Splash Mountain, fewer people ahead of me to buy souvenirs, and fewer people at the resort so that I could park closer to my building. But, I know I'm not entitled to such things. Those desires are not socio-economic in nature, merely human. And one can label me that at any time.

 

[danalee]

DiszyDean Very nicely said!

 

[Lewisc]

1)Some guests don't like the fact that restaurants have modified the menus so they can make money with the reimbursement rate of MYW Dining. Lobster being deleted from Coral Reef is an example. This is a general complaint with MYW Dining.

2)Some guests don't like the fact that Disney "oversold" free MYW Dining making it hard to get ADRs, longer waits to be seated and generally overcrowded restaurants.

3) I guess there are some guests who are jealous the aren't able to get free dining or somehow think less worthy guests are dining. I don't think this is the main reason. I'd go with a combination of reason 1 and 2.

 

[tinkerbellang]

I guess I just want to add my 2 cents. Most the "hated free dining" posts seem to think that everyone going during that period is on free dining.

I did not find out we would be able to go to Disney until after the free-dining promotion was over with. I did purchase the DDP - more convenient for me since I knew then that everything was paid for and we wouldn't have to worry about going over-budget on meals. We are going during the free-dining program.

I just want to make sure that people paying OOP don't judget people that are using DDP when they are there - not all will be "free-dining" people. I choose to go during August/September because that's the time I am able to go. Besides I was able to use a code from Mousesavers and actually am paying less even with buying the DDP than I would be getting free-dining.

Another thing - I was able to make reservations where I wanted, even when I wanted, at less than 45 days out since I made my reservations at the last minute. But, then again, I'm not a spontaneous person - I like everything planned.

 

[DiszyDean]

By the way, my post was not directed at people that think the dining plan is not for them. There are valid reasons that the dining plan may not work for certain people. It was more directed at the people who think that the dining plan should be abolished altogether yet provide no valid reasons for it.

While there are many people who cannot afford vacations, I think Disney has made great attempts in recent years to make a Disney vacation somewhat affordable for everyone. If you compare staying at a value resort with free dining for 5 days to some other vacation spots, it is a fantastic deal. I think that offering the dining plan allows people to indulge in more of the magic if they are able to go and I just dont understand the reasoning of people who feel that this opportunity should be denied to families who otherwise may not be able to afford it.

 

[Dina]

Wow-- I never thought of it the way DiszyDean suggested. Huh. It's a real shame if that is really bothering people. We're taking advantage of the free dining. I don't care if its crowded, I'm just looking forward to going, and the promotion allowed us to take a trip when we didn't think we would (not having to pay for 2 meals a day makes a big difference, especially when you don't mind staying at a value where the rack rate isn't that big of a hike from the AAA rate).

 

[DiszyDean]

1)Some guests don't like the fact that restaurants have modified the menus so they can make money with the reimbursement rate of MYW Dining. Lobster being deleted from Coral Reef is an example. This is a general complaint with MYW Dining.

2)Some guests don't like the fact that Disney "oversold" free MYW Dining making it hard to get ADRs, longer waits to be seated and generally overcrowded restaurants.

3) I guess there are some guests who are jealous the aren't able to get free dining or somehow think less worthy guests are dining. I don't think this is the main reason. I'd go with a combination of reason 1 and 2.

I see the Coral Reef example used quite a bit in arguments against the dining plan. Coral Reef management decided they would rather have the increased total volume of more diners at 1 TS credit than less volume at 2 TS credits. While, removing lobster as a choice may have been an output of that decision, it is certainly the exception rather than the rule. It is not like Coral Reef is the only place in DisneyWorld to get lobster.

I agree that Disney oversold the free dining. But that is not a reason to abolish it altogether. Disney is making concessions by asking resteraunts to stay open longer etc. and offering trade in packages for TS credits. Airlines overbook flights every day of the week but does that mean that discount airfares should never be offered?

I think someone else posted a distiction between free dining and the paid dining plan. Really, "free dining" is not free. The difference being with free dining, you have to pay rack rate on your hotel room and are not eligible for any other discounts. Free dining is really just a different way of discounting the enitre vacation package vs. room discounts etc.

 

[Lewisc]

Coral Reef is a Disney restaurant. I doubt Coral Reef management had any choice with the decision but rather had to re-do the menu so they could profitably operate with the reduced reimbursement schedule.

Coral Reef is the easiest example since major menu changes occurred at the same time the restaurant changed from 2 to 1 credit. Lobster is the easiest example to post but there were major other menu cutbacks. Bicker did a comparison if you want to search. Lobster is easy example to post. Other entrees including shrimp and scallops are also gone. Other restaurants have had more gradual changes. CRT has had menu changes and went to signature status, in part do to MYW Dining. The signature slipper dessert was omitted due to dining guests.

Olivia's is another example. Do a search if you want the details, I don't remember them but the menu was recently changed. Prime Time dramatically reduced the size, but not the price, of some of the desserts including S'mores. It was originally sized to share. Cash guests are now paying the same high price for a dessert that's no longer sized to share.

I've used the dining plan twice and will probably use it again. I don't have a problem with it BUT You asked why some guests don't like it. You don't want flames. Yet you don't accept the fact that guests have posted menu cutbacks at many restaurants and cash guests have a valid objection, because of MYW Dining they don't have the option of paying for food that was previously available.

I'll repeat my previous post, some guests have a legitamte complaint with restaurant over-crowding and menu cut backs to due MYW Dining in general and the effect is magnfiied with Disney "overselling" free dining.

I see the Coral Reef example used quite a bit in arguments against the dining plan. Coral Reef management decided they would rather have the increased total volume of more diners at 1 TS credit than less volume at 2 TS credits. While, removing lobster as a choice may have been an output of that decision, it is certainly the exception rather than the rule. It is not like Coral Reef is the only place in DisneyWorld to get lobster.

 

[S.Poppins]

I think the FDP sounds great. When I saw the promotion I seriously considered booking during that time. But due to heat and schedules we booked in January. We will definitely do the DDP. I have already made reservations to some great restaurants. We are one of the families that would not eat at so many TSs if we were not on the plan. And without the DDP I would be stressing at every meal over the cost of everything. It is so nice to eat and not have to worry about the price.