Is onsite dining less popular now?

[ruthie]

Hi

Just wondering whether tougher economic times have changed the way people dine?
Are people looking for cheaper options or do they eat the same as before?



Thanks

 

[gregokdisney]

just by reading the messages here - the long hold times and the difficulty of getting the ADRs you want, I'd say there's still a healthy demand for onsite dining at WDW.

 

[LUVDZNY2008]

just by reading the messages here - the long hold times and the difficulty of getting the ADRs you want, I'd say there's still a healthy demand for onsite dining at WDW.

I agree!!

 

[TDC Nala]

With the dining plans so popular, and WDW offering so many package discounts, table service at WDW is as popular as ever, if not more popular.

 

[princessjane]

More popular. I even find in the "Real World" that restaurants are always packed around here, despite the economic picture. when I'm on vacation, I don't cook, clean or do anything else that I normally do at home because well...I;m on VACATION!!! LOL

People still like to go out to eat. I do cook more at home now, but we get take out once a week and go out on Friday or Saturday for dinner. At WDW, I like eating at the restaurants. I think with the dining plan options tacked on to your package it's a "No-brainer" for people. If you book your trip way ahead of time and pay it off over say a 6 month time period, It's the same as taking a All-inclusive vacation for the most part. I on the other hand did not have the ADR problems like some people did. I got everything I wanted even with going during free dining. I think less people are going on vacation but the people who are going, are opting for the Dining plan to budget better. I came out ahead on my first trip with dining and this time, I'm way ahead (Free dining!!)

 

[CFL]

Both me and my husband are restaurant servers in Orlando and we have noticed people just spending a bit less money, splitting entrees or not going for an app, stuff like that. I completely understand spending less on the meal with money being tight but the people who are tipping less because of the economy (and yes they are out there) are going to drive me up the wall.

 

[ruthie]

Hi All

thanks for all the info.

CFL-i'm sorry for you, i hope things improve soon

princessjane-did you book all your ADRs 90 days before?


thanks

 

[ElizabethB]

No, because Disney has systematically reduced quality and variety in order to bring on-site dining to a price point where people will still buy. Also, the reduced quality and variety make it more possible for Disney to offer the DDP.

Too bad for those of us who like fine dining. I'm surprised at the sheer number of people who just want to put something in their stomachs, regardless of taste or qualilty. We have completely given up on the 1TS restaurants (many of which we used to really enjoy). We now dine exclusively at the signature restaurants and avoid the rest. We also dine at the Swan Dolphin restaurants, which aren't part of the DDP and so have managed to retain their quality. And, we head over to Universal and eat at Emeril's and Bice.

And, as for reducing tips due to the economy, I agree it's not right to do that. But, if someone is ordering less (splitting entrees, skipping wine and dessert), then the bill total is less and the tip will be, correspondingly, less.

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

We are spending more on food at Disney than every as the kids are growning teens. I have noticed resturants at home being less crowded than prior years. We tip more because of the economic times.

 

[ROEDISNEY]

I don't think so . As far as I'm concerned I'm in Disney I want to enjoy myself. I'll cut back at home if I have to but not in Disney.