Imagine ignoring free dining!

[stepdisney]

Bethcam you are right. It depends on where you are staying, how long you are staying and what size your family is. For us, my DS (12) is considered an adult with tickets and meals. We have another, (6). We are staying WL during value with 2 adults, one 12-year-old and one 6-year-old for 8 nights.

Any way you hash it, it's nice to get a discount and I, for one, am happy that Disney offers discounts.

 

[missmun52]

Maybe they just don't want to do it. I for example won't do "free dining" even if I plan a trip during that time.

I have done dining once and NEVER AGAIN!!! I don't care if it's free, I don't want or NEED that much food a day.

Also, if I was staying someplace like AK and the "deal of the day" was not avaialble for Savannah view I would NOT change under any circumstances. To me being at AK and not having that view would not be worth it!

Just because someone chooses NOT to vacation as you would does NOT make them wrong or that you and I know what is best for them....

Uder some circumstances I would agree. Like if you got another discount or the hotel/room you wanted was not avaliable. But if you can have all these things plus FREE dining a person would really be foolish not to take it if you plan on eating in Disney. even if you use TWO TS credits and nothing else it would be worth it. I was able to keep my origianl ressie exactly the same and get free dining, why on earth would anyone pass that up???? It only takes about 5 min online to make the ressie

 

[ksc37]

If the people to whom the OP was referring have a package reserved at rack rate & were traveling during the free dining period then it would be silly to not even check to see if they could get the free dining.

We are traveling to WDW on 8/25 (the day before free dining starts). We are not going to use the free dining even for the last 4 days of our trip for all the reasons previous posters have stated:

(1) We cannot get the room we want with free dining (DS has his heart set on CR, DH & I have our hearts set on Concierge... we're spoiling ourselves for our anniversary).

(2) We already have a discount on our room. Since the room is so expensive, the discount is significant. The savings from free dining is greatly diminished. We did the math based on our own eating habits & current ADRs - the savings (even if they had the room) was < $50 (not worth holding two ressies & possibly having to switch rooms after the first night).

(3) We already have tickets. I don't feel like putting out the money for tickets at this point.

(4) We're staying Concierge. Snacks & drinks already included whenever we're at the hotel.

 

[CarolA]

Are you saying that you did not dine at all while on vacation? They don't actually tell you how much food you have to eat during the day, just that whatever food you decide to eat, you don't have to pay for.

If the rationale is exchanging one discount for another, we had the 40% discount with a purchased dining plan. Even if we eat breakfast and dinner, $38 per person per day is a lot less expensive than the out of pocket price for two meals, no matter how light they are. The free dining plan saved us $300 over the cost of 40% plus purchased dining so we relinquished the 40% and switched to free dining. We have the same room, same view, same days. and $300 plus in our pockets. And our room is in a deluxe resort with standard view.

GUESS WHAT?? Just because it's RIGHT for you does NOT make it right for everyone else.

I know I am over reacting but this thread had me amazed at the level of "busy body" going on here. Suggestion to CALL co-workers spouses to tell them WHAT you think they should do? Telling those of us who choose not to do free dining that we are WRONG??

Personally I am not going to defend my actions, but I think it's interesting that this thread has lots of folks who KNOW that folks who don't do it thier way are WRONG (or maybe stupid????) (And you just assume that I had no other discounts and am just stupid????)

 

[lustergirl]

I say "to each his own"

 

[Barbers2005]

I have done dining once and NEVER AGAIN!!! I don't care if it's free, I don't want or NEED that much food a day.

Maybe it's just me, but I don't get why too much food would keep you from doing free dining. It's not like they make you use all the credits or order every available item. Even if you only used a few cs credits, or just the snack credits, you're still getting a deal.

 

[Barbers2005]

Personally I am not going to defend my actions, but I think it's interesting that this thread has lots of folks who KNOW that folks who don't do it thier way are WRONG (or maybe stupid????) (And you just assume that I had no other discounts and am just stupid????)

I think most (myself included) are just puzzled why people would turn up the chance for free stuff. I agree that it doesn't make sense if you already have a more valuable discount (as do several other posters), but you said you were turning down free dining b/c it was too much food. You've gotta see how that can make people go .

 

[CarolA]

Maybe it's just me, but I don't get why too much food would keep you from doing free dining. It's not like they make you use all the credits or order every available item. Even if you only used a few cs credits, or just the snack credits, you're still getting a deal.

Once again you are ASSUMING that I am getting a deal. Why? What if I had the 40% off rate and figure that with me only eating one sitdown every three or four days it's not worth giving up that discount? What if I was renting DVC points? What if I get an airline discount? WHAT IF?? Why is the assumption that YOU KNOW it's the right way to go. No I won't do it again. Yes, it's too much food. I wouild be willing to BET that 99 % of the folks who do dining eat thier meals each day to make sure they get the "Value" reagardless of if they need or want the food.

 

[Barbers2005]

Once again you are ASSUMING that I am getting a deal. Why?

Because your stated reason for passing on the free dining was that it's too much food (was I supposed to ASSUME that you did have a discount?).

 

[stepdisney]

GUESS WHAT?? Just because it's RIGHT for you does NOT make it right for everyone else.

I know I am over reacting but this thread had me amazed at the level of "busy body" going on here. Suggestion to CALL co-workers spouses to tell them WHAT you think they should do? Telling those of us who choose not to do free dining that we are WRONG??

Personally I am not going to defend my actions, but I think it's interesting that this thread has lots of folks who KNOW that folks who don't do it thier way are WRONG (or maybe stupid????) (And you just assume that I had no other discounts and am just stupid????)

I think you are the only one using the words right and wrong. And I'm not asking you to defend anything. (Although you are a bit defensive with the all caps). I never suggested you do anything but here's one for you, relax. For someone who values the right to an opinion you sure are upset about others having that same right. Frankly, I don't care if you have a discount or not. I simply asked a question in response to what you wrote. The rest of what I wrote had nothing to do with you. In the future please do not assume what I am assuming. I have no problem writing exactly what I think. And for the record, stupid is your word, not mine.

 

[nurse.darcy]

I must say as an AP holder at DLC and one who has eaten at ALL restaurants and CS in the parks and DTD, I do not necessarily find the dining plan convenient. I DO NOT like having to plan when to eat. I normally just eat when I am hungry. That being said, I am booked for free dining this September and am making ressies. . .we shall see what works for me. . .

I'll make sure you all know. . .

 

[eliza61]

One of DH's friends is going to WDW during free dining. He told them to call and add the free dining plan. He explained how it works. They are not interested. I just can't understand it. The wife seemed annoyed he even mentioned it.

Maybe they're getting better room discounts. We went last year during free dining but because we had such a great room discount on a deluxe room we were not eligible for the free dining.

 

[MasterShake]

Maybe they just don't want to do it. I for example won't do "free dining" even if I plan a trip during that time.

I have done dining once and NEVER AGAIN!!! I don't care if it's free, I don't want or NEED that much food a day.

Also, if I was staying someplace like AK and the "deal of the day" was not avaialble for Savannah view I would NOT change under any circumstances. To me being at AK and not having that view would not be worth it!

Just because someone chooses NOT to vacation as you would does NOT make them wrong or that you and I know what is best for them....

LOL, you must be like a 100 and lived through the depression, cause this is something my grandmother would say/do. "If I can't eat all the food then I shouldn't get it cause that's wasteful", is something she always said. Don't worry Disney has plenty more food and they will not be angry with you if you do not clean your plate. Even if you do not vacation as I do, most people still have to eat while on vacation.

 

[WDWVillain]

I totally get if you have another discount then it isn't free. As a matter of fact that's what I was trying to say in an earlier post. Also not free if you are getting discounted tickets or using left over tickets.
And I get what you are saying that you dont eat in restaurants -

But assuming you have no other discounts, and are buying tickets from disney, so free dining changes nothing but adds a few letters onto your reservation and gives you these credits when you get there (of course how many people have absolutely no discount not even on tickets)-

Even if you were never going to ge 1 meal from disney - what about the fact that you could get 2 drinks a day for free with those credits (1 by ordering a cs 'meal' but only getting a drink and the other with your snack credit) then just ignore the rest. Do you ever grab a bottle water at the parks? Even if you would be taking your water with you - it's still free that way for nothing more than a call to add 3 letters to your reservation.

You know what, nevermind all that. For people who want the room they want, and plan to not eat frequently at the parks/hotels I can definitely see that trying to get free dining would be a hassle not worth doing. You'd have to give up your discounts, and have to make your reservations on property when maybe you were planning on eating in your room or off property. Yeah it'd be cheaper cause its 'free' even when you consider the loss of discounts in most cases, yet it would be an awful lot of trouble for some people.

lets see, I only drink water....Fiji water and I bring it with me. Also I mostly stay concierge and what I have for my own food, I will use from the lounge. 3rd. I have never once gone to disney without a discount. If I do not get one, I do not go! does that answer some of your questions? I also want to add, I have AP's never need tickets, I do nt eat snacks in the parks.....I really do not enjoy disney food at all! sure I will eat maybe a burger once or twice...but I am not going to buy some one day pass thing to get some free dining package.....I do not do any planned dining, I HATE the food in the Char. dining parties...and for me to touch a buffet...that would never happen! It just does not work for me...........simple!

 

[StrwLady]

I must say as an AP holder at DLC and one who has eaten at ALL restaurants and CS in the parks and DTD, I do not necessarily find the dining plan convenient. I DO NOT like having to plan when to eat. I normally just eat when I am hungry. That being said, I am booked for free dining this September and am making ressies. . .we shall see what works for me. . .

I'll make sure you all know. . .

Even if the table services don't work out for you (priority seating times don't mesh with your hunger) then I'm sure the free counter service and snacks will work out good for you!

One thing I love about the dining plan is not having to carry as much money with you. You just hand them your room key!

In case you didn't know you can also use 2 table services for room service. So if staying at a hotel with room service you might find that works better than scheduling your meals. And you can also use 2 table services for The hoop de doo, Luau or Mickey's Backyard BBQ.

However it works out for you, I hope you have a great trip and get a chance to eat some good food! (when you want too of course)

 

[StrwLady]

Let me first say...Yes to each his own! My post by no means are made to tell anyone what they should do (as I believe most who have posted on this thread wasn't either).

I have heard people say that it's too much food. I agree it is a lot of food. We tend to schedule our meals so we only eat the 2 times a day. So we might be a little more hungry at meal time. But regardless of what you can get on the dining plan doesn't mean you HAVE to get it all. We had one trip we were gonna leave with a few counter service on our room keys but a CM suggested that we at least go to a counter service and get a drink or dessert. A drink or dessert that we would have other wise paid for. Which we did. So no food was wasted. Also when we ate a table service I often would get a dessert that wouldn't melt and take it to go. Then later that night I would have a snack when I wasn't as full.

IMHO Free is good! Of course only if it works out as a better deal for you. If you have the dining plan then use it based on your eating habits! Again that is IMHO (in my humble opinion).

PS I do not have free dining this year. I got the 40% off package but added dining because of the savings on the room the dining plan basically works out as free! A Steak every day makes my Hubby a happy man

 

[perd]

One of DH's friends is going to WDW during free dining. He told them to call and add the free dining plan. He explained how it works. They are not interested. I just can't understand it. The wife seemed annoyed he even mentioned it.

if they only used it to get a hamburger one day, they'd still come out ahead. They could eat one meal a day and only order what they wanted and still come out way ahead. I don't see why you WOULDN'T get the free dining if Disney is offering it free and you have to eat anyway.

Or maybe they think it's a disgrace to accept free dining, like you are accepting food stamps or something. I remember one time about 20 years ago giving my parents a Red Lobster gift certificate. We at some point went to Red Lobster with them and they used the gift certificate but they seemed embarrassed to pay with it and I realized they probably thought it was some sort of charity thing. Now they know better and love to get gift cards for restaurants.

 

[C_leen]

Master shake, you are funny. I suspect you are living in the Land, soaring about at night and wolfing down the hydroponic food from their garden.

I am one of the crazy people who didn't get free dining although my trip is during the dates. I tried too, but when I realized I'd have to pay a lot more for lodging to get 'free dining' I backed out. It was cheaper for me to rebook my original reservations at WL for standard rooms and pay for the dining plan. The difference covered my family's airfare, so I felt that was significant enough to pass on fd. I feel funny about missing out on a deal, but in return I get my first choice hotel which we've set up to be our refuge from the parks. I am going to keep checking WL for fd rooms to open, but there was a reason this hotel was mostly off the table to start, so I'm not too hopeful.

We aren't big eaters, but I think I'll recoup actually paying for dp with 2 character meals, Hoop, & Rose & Crown for Illuminations. It's expensive to eat there even if you are chewing on grass. I am looking forward to not being a cheap skate when ds wants a snack or grandpa wants to gnaw on a turkey leg.

 

[boomhauer]

I wouldn't say I'd ignore it, but I don't bother with it sicne we have AP's. I know we could buy package with 1 day tickets, blah blah blah, but it just seems like more of a hassle to me than anything else.

It sounds ridiculous, but I've been so turned off by Disney discounts and promotions, I don't want anything to do with them (the discounts). Just let me book my trip, pay rack rate, pay for my meals and that's it. The aggrivation and disappointment I get from the make-absolutely-no-sense world of Disney discounting isn't worth the extra money I pay anymore.

 

[stepdisney]

Master shake, you are funny. I suspect you are living in the Land, soaring about at night and wolfing down the hydroponic food from their garden.

I am one of the crazy people who didn't get free dining although my trip is during the dates. I tried too, but when I realized I'd have to pay a lot more for lodging to get 'free dining' I backed out. It was cheaper for me to rebook my original reservations at WL for standard rooms and pay for the dining plan. The difference covered my family's airfare, so I felt that was significant enough to pass on fd. I feel funny about missing out on a deal, but in return I get my first choice hotel which we've set up to be our refuge from the parks. I am going to keep checking WL for fd rooms to open, but there was a reason this hotel was mostly off the table to start, so I'm not too hopeful.

We aren't big eaters, but I think I'll recoup actually paying for dp with 2 character meals, Hoop, & Rose & Crown for Illuminations. It's expensive to eat there even if you are chewing on grass. I am looking forward to not being a cheap skate when ds wants a snack or grandpa wants to gnaw on a turkey leg.

There is hope, we were trying to add an additional day to our stay which is WL with FD. The resort is not available for that one day with the package but the very nice CM said to keep calling and that in a week when the deposits are due, if someone does not pay, the rooms will become available. Sending you some pixie dust Either way, enjoy your stay.