Is this because of Free Dining or the 30% off counter service locations?

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Two days ago when I was in Epcot around 11:30 AM I was walking past Electric Umbrella and OMG the line to order was out the door almost to the other end of that part in Future World. If you didn't know what it was some people might think it's a line for an attraction because it was that long. Anyway would you say that had to do with Free Dining or the 30% off counter service locations in the parks during certin times of the day? Personally I thought it was because of the 30% off because when I went to the other counter service locations in the parks the lines were never that bad.

 

[verticalchaos]

My guess? It had more to do with that being probably the most visible counter service restaurant in Future World. And the busiest time of the year.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Two days ago when I was in Epcot around 11:30 AM I was walking past Electric Umbrella and OMG the line to order was out the door almost to the other end of that part in Future World.

1) I wrote about this earlier this week.
2) This is due strictly to the 30% discount and the hours of the discount allowable use.
3) Instead of getting food before sitting, they are limiting access.
. . . all entrances are blocked by CM's
. . . only one entrance in, and any exit out
. . . people are only let in at one entrance as others leave the eatery
4) Other eateries (like Pecos Bill) are using the get-food-before-seat rule.
5) It is working smoother than the Electric Umbrella trial.
6) As you mentioned, the outside line was LONGGGGGGG.
7) Now, think about the line in the cold or rain . . . . .


NOTE:
The wife was working at Epcot and saw lots of angry people.
In fact, she saw one CM almost pushed out of the way as someone decided they were too good to wait outside.

 

[ededmd]

I think it is a bit of both - free dining and the 30% off.

It is one of the busiest times of the year.
Free dining increases TS reservations.
More on the fly / CS diners due to fewer TS reservations last minute.

The 30% off promo is being used to incentivize diners to shift away from peak lunch times to "off" times before or after WDW traditional lunch "rush".

We ate lunch at Cosmic Ray's around 1p (NOT during the 30% off) and while the lines were long and the seating crowded, it felt about right for the week leading up to Christmas (12/20).

 

[wcpamotm]

I admit I don't pay much attention to those details because the only dining plan that is right for me is TIW, but why would Disney offer "free" (actually cost-already-built-in) dining during the busiest time of year?

 

[TwingleMum]

I must have missed something ~ whats the 30% off ??

 

[Planogirl]

I would walk around to Liberty Inn before I'd waiting in a long line for this one. Even with 30% off.

I wonder too what the 30% off thing is though?

 

[GoofyGirl1717]

I must have missed something ~ whats the 30% off ??

It was a coupon that is offered during the holiday season to try to get people to eat at "nonbusy" times. I think you had to eat lunch before 11:30 not sure about the dinner time. If you do eat at these other times you will get 30% off CS. I believe it will end Jan 3 or so.

 

[jcarwash]

I must have missed something ~ whats the 30% off ??

Here's a link to the Disney Parks blog post about the seasonal 30% off, off-hours dining coupon:

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...oucher-dine-during-off-hours-save-30-percent/

 

[sdzman]

Electric Umbrella is always busy. Believe it, there arent that many places to get a burger in Epcot.

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

I would walk around to Liberty Inn before I'd waiting in a long line for this one. Even with 30% off.

I totally agree!!! And while the burgers are ok in both, the seating is better at Liberty Inn, in my opnion, but it is all the way across the water!!!

 

[Googelibear]

I admit I don't pay much attention to those details because the only dining plan that is right for me is TIW, but why would Disney offer "free" (actually cost-already-built-in) dining during the busiest time of year?

I know this is off subject but I have to agree with you. I don't understand their reasoning with the "free food" either.