Inspired by the "What the heck is going on in WDW" thread..

[C.Ann]

I was reading through that thread - as well as a few over on the Theme Park Board discussing various issues with WDW regarding crowds; food quality; the lack of any real "slow" season now; etc..

Does anyone feel that some of these issues are a result of "be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it" - specifically the free dining?

I often notice on the Budget Board that people are going to Disney much more frequently than they normally would have due to the free dining.. Just something about the word "free" that people can't (or don't choose to) turn down..

Then the trips are made and the complaints follow.. Poor food quality; can't get ADR's; overcrowded busses; parks too full; grumpy CM's; housekeeping not up to par; "this time of year is supposed to be the slow season"; etc., etc., etc..

I haven't been there myself since they started the free dining, but I know many of you have..

What do you think? Do you feel as though this free dining offer is in any way responsible for some of the current WDW woes?

I don't have any plans of returning to WDW any time in the near (or distant future) - although I would be foolish to say "never" - but I'm still curious about what's happening down there..

Your thoughts?

 

[Acklander]

I still go to the parks - I just eat else where

 

[monkeyboy]

I go for free dinning. Don't do anything but eat.

 

[focusondisney]

I was reading through that thread - as well as a few over on the Theme Park Board discussing various issues with WDW regarding crowds; food quality; the lack of any real "slow" season now; etc..

Does anyone feel that some of these issues are a result of "be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it" - specifically the free dining?

I often notice on the Budget Board that people are going to Disney much more frequently than they normally would have due to the free dining.. Just something about the word "free" that people can't (or don't choose to) turn down..

Then the trips are made and the complaints follow.. Poor food quality; can't get ADR's; overcrowded busses; parks too full; grumpy CM's; housekeeping not up to par; "this time of year is supposed to be the slow season"; etc., etc., etc..

I haven't been there myself since they started the free dining, but I know many of you have..

What do you think? Do you feel as though this free dining offer is in any way responsible for some of the current WDW woes?

I don't have any plans of returning to WDW any time in the near (or distant future) - although I would be foolish to say "never" - but I'm still curious about what's happening down there..

Your thoughts?

Are you sure you're ready for this debate? I'm thinking it could get ugly!

I think free dining has certainly caused some of the problems. Foe quite awhile I thought the food selections had gone down hill when free dining was only in Sept. Now that it is year round, some selections are better, but the variety is more limited.

Also, I'm sure it has increased crowds year round; but I'm sure that is the intent. Disney is in it for the money, after all. I think it probably doesn't cost Disney all that much. Probably less than a room discount. Counter service meals are probably pretty cheap to mass produce.

I'm actually not a fan of the free dining. So I think you are on to something with the "careful what you wish for".

Now I'll sit back & see what everyone else has to say. I always wanted to use this smiley: