No Free Dining = No WDW This Year?

[Dorisk3]

It is interesting how a lot of people think that they are somehow entitled to free dining. I hope it does come out for the people who want it (or "need" it)- and hopefully with some patience it may yet appear. These threads on the resort boards are getting more and more strange as the days go by.

 

[damone]

It is interesting how a lot of people think that they are somehow entitled to free dining. I hope it does come out for the people who want it (or "need" it)- and hopefully with some patience it may yet appear. These threads on the resort boards are getting more and more strange as the days go by.

 

[Don Disney]

It is interesting how a lot of people think that they are somehow entitled to free dining. I hope it does come out for the people who want it (or "need" it)- and hopefully with some patience it may yet appear. These threads on the resort boards are getting more and more strange as the days go by.

It's interesting that you are interested!

 

[Port Orleans fan]

ToddlerTN, It is the same way with us.....No FD=No WDW. I simply cant afford it. Hopefully they will offer it for Dec.

Well that's another one off the theme park and restaurant list.

(I'm only joking)

 

[my3squeals]

It is interesting how a lot of people think that they are somehow entitled to free dining. I hope it does come out for the people who want it (or "need" it)- and hopefully with some patience it may yet appear. These threads on the resort boards are getting more and more strange as the days go by.

I don't feel "entitled" to FD or any other discount for that matter, BUT I have done my homework, and plenty of it and I know I can go to WDW much cheaper than rack rate. And I will, even if it means renting DVC points, which I have done and pay OOP for the DDP. To me and maybe it is jsut my simple mindness it is really no different than the BOGO sale at Payless. Yes I know I can go to Payless and buy any pair of shoes I want, but why do it when I know if I wait another 2 weeks I can go and get a BOGO and when there are 10 feet in our house that makes a difference to me. Now may I have missed out on the pair I really wanted and have to change styles slightly maybe, but for me I am OK with that. If you on the other hand can't deal with changing styles or having to wait, well by all means buy your pair at full price, but don't hate the playa!

 

[Port Orleans fan]

My wife said the same thing - she hopes that they wait until July...

I got the idea from my wife too. OMG women are evil, but we do their bidding without complaining.

 

[leahjade]

no free dining, no WDW for us. I said this on another thread and was attacked so I'm a little worried now. Everyone has to do what's in their family's best interest budget wise!

 

[JerseyJanice]

One word for you people--

BOUNCEBACK.

DH and I were both very impressed by Free Dining last summer, so we booked a Bounceback trip for this year before we left.

I hope that Free Dining comes out this year so our friends can join us, but if it doesn't, they'll take whatever discount becomes available.

 

[rebster]

Why don't you make a room reservation so you can make your dining reservations at the 180 day mark, and then switch if free dining comes out. Just book at a value...with the current discount and you only need one nights deposit...and if you cancel within 6 days of going..you get all your money back. That way, if free dining comes out in the summer...you won't miss out. And if it isn't...just cancel. Disney isn't obligated to offer free dining, but there are ways to prepare for it!

 

[mking624]

Next time you wish to give a shout out to Disney saying you will "NOT" go because they wont feed 8 of you for a week, think about the other 19,999,999 people who will go. I dont think they really care about your $8000, which is not all profit. Another 8 will come along and take your place.

Oh I think they definitely care when they're losing numbers rather than gaining them (which happened last year). Any business would care because that will, at some point, affect their profit if numbers keep dropping. That's why they use promos...to entice people to come. They don't want to lose more guests.

 

[Tink888]

I understand where you're coming from regarding the FD, we're hoping they offer it this year as well and will probably end up at the beach if they don't.

I do think your requirement for the 180 days window is a little rigid though. In all the times we've been to Disney, four of which have been during free dining, I don't think we've ever booked a trip even with the dining more than four months out. We've always gotten every restaurant, time and resort that we wanted on the first call with no hassles.

To each their own though. Every family's vacation and planning style is different. I guess it just really just comes down to how much you want to be at Disney compared to your other options.

 

[mking624]

I understand where you're coming from regarding the FD, we're hoping they offer it this year as well and will probably end up at the beach if they don't.

I do think your requirement for the 180 days window is a little rigid though. In all the times we've been to Disney, four of which have been during free dining, I don't think we've ever booked a trip even with the dining more than four months out. We've always gotten every restaurant, time and resort that we wanted on the first call with no hassles.

To each their own though. Every family's vacation and planning style is different. I guess it just really just comes down to how much you want to be at Disney compared to your other options.

I agree about the 180 day mark. It hasn't always been 180 days. It used to be 90 and it wasn't until 2005 that it had been expanded to 180. In fact, just last year it was shortened back to 90 before expanding again. Would that original shorter time frame for booking ADRs have prevented the OP from going? I can see not going because of no discount, but the ADR thing is a little rigid...especially since booking right at 180 days doesn't necessarily guarantee you'll even be able to get in.

 

[sunny45]

We had FD when we went in 2007 and it was a very exciting surprise for us. We had booked prior to knowing anything about FD for our 25th anniversary.

We could have gone anywhere this year for vacation but planned this years trip based on only one thing....Christmas decorations at WDW

So no matter what goes down we have 2 rooms booked at POP and are going (air is already booked) because we want to see WDW at Christmas time. We could go to US, we could rent a car and go to one of the beaches but we want to see WDW lit up for Christmas.

I am praying for FD, even the QSDP, but will still be going no matter what.

 

[Wendy*Darling]

Oh I think they definitely care when they're losing numbers rather than gaining them (which happened last year). Any business would care because that will, at some point, affect their profit if numbers keep dropping. That's why they use promos...to entice people to come. They don't want to lose more guests.

I agree that Disney uses promos to entice people to visit, however I don't think that having a string of posts on a message board saying "I won't go if I don't get free dining AND if I don't get it when I want it to be released!" will make a bit of difference for when, or even IF they release it. This is especially true when most of the people who are saying it are people with multiple trips listed in their signature. They know we are all coming back one way or another. They may not know what month, but we are coming back. We usually aren't the ones they do these offers for. I think they target people who haven't been before or who haven't been within 5 years or so. Sure, they want us to visit but we are one tiny corner of their market which means we get one tiny corner of their marketing plan. I think when they target for us, they use things like bounceback (and more precisely, DVC!), not these general public discounts. Sure, they know we book them and that's just a bonus, but I think they are looking more at what your average first timer or "haven't been in a while-er" needs to be encouraged to book. Those people don't know that they can book dining 6 months in advance. Most other vacation destinations don't ask you to decide where you want to go for dinner 6 months in advance! DS's best friend's family booked free dining last year very, VERY last minute. They still got to use their credits without a problem. Sure, they ate at some of the more obscure restaurants, but they had a fabulous time! Since they didn't each chicken nuggets, hot dogs and burgers all week, they thought they ate like kings. The have no idea what LeCellier is or if they should be disappointed not to have gotten in.

I still think there is no need to panic about fall discounts. I'm sure we'll get them, just not as quickly as we were hoping.

 

[DISNEY1975]

Oh I think they definitely care when they're losing numbers rather than gaining them (which happened last year). Any business would care because that will, at some point, affect their profit if numbers keep dropping. That's why they use promos...to entice people to come. They don't want to lose more guests.

Yes, they can offer promos, but it doesnt have to be free dining. Personally, I wouldnt offer the promo's until later. I plan my vacations/airfare about 6 months out. Are they going to offer me a promo before Ive even thought about rack rate?

The OP said he/she will NOT go if there is no free dining. Then dont go!

I feel badly for the ones who cant go without a deal. Not the ones who just refuse to go and then make it seem like Disney is losing out because Disney wont be priveledged enough to have them as guests at the resorts. Pah-leeze.

To all those who need to stay within a budget and really want Disney to come out with a deal....I hope they do and all your wishes come true!

 

[Coconuts]

I certainly don't feel that I'm entitled to free dining, but like the poster, it is a great discount and DH said that a fall trip to WDW wouldn't be in the cards without something like it. Like another poster said, if you're on these boards and have some knowledge of the discounts to be had, it's very hard to accept rack rate.

I have been to WDW twice with free dining -- it is a great deal and super convenient.

 

[beansmom]

Wow...maybe you should pick another place to go. I can understand people saying they can not afford to go without a deal, but your demands of Disney are just plain shocking!

Here is from wikipedia...

"Walt Disney World Resort is the largest and most visited recreational resort in the world[citation needed], containing four theme parks, two water parks, 24 themed hotels, and numerous shopping, dining, entertainment and recreation venues. The resort complex is owned and operated by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, a division of the The Walt Disney Company. It is located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, a tourist area southwest of Orlando. The property is often abbreviated as Disney World or WDW."

It also goes on to say that there are over 20 million visitors to the MK annually. Another 15 Mil + to Epcot and over 10 mil each to AK and DHS.

Disney resorts and theme parks make billions in profit annually, even in hard times. This does not include The Disney Companies other businesses like entire TV networkS. This is only the parks and resorts portion.

Next time you wish to give a shout out to Disney saying you will "NOT" go because they wont feed 8 of you for a week, think about the other 1,999,999 people who will go. I dont think they really care about your $8000, which is not all profit. Another 8 will come along and take your place.

Have fun at Yosemite.

Well said. I also do not know WHY people think Disney OWES them a discount on anything. But yanno what? I think I'm gonna call up Buckingham Palace and DEMAND that Old Liz send me a check because I had to pay for all my own food, hotel AND entertainment in London last year. And Hollywood...I was just there LAST MONTH and again, I had to pay for all my own food, etc. They owe me a nite in the Governor's mansion NOW. I'll deal with Texas, NYC, NJ, and New Orleans when I get back from my compensation week in Hawaii! Lookout Italy, here I come!!

I am also glad to get discounts and freebies, but I don't think Disney OWES them to me. And, frankly, if you can't afford a vacation somewhere if you don't get free food, I wouldn't plan on going at all. Camp close to home...go to the beach in your own state...find something you CAN afford. We went to Disney at least 5 times last year but this year, we are spending two weeks in my mil's condo in upstate NY. Why? Coz it's cheaper.

And Port Orleans Fan, we are right with ya. We are NOT selfish, imo, I just want to be able to take two steps without stepping on your child and I don't want to wait 3 hours in line for Peter Pan. I also spend American currency on my vacation. I don't get to pay with monopoly money.

Yes, I will take advantage of any discounts I can but I am not gonna stand here and stomp my foot and scream because Disney expects me to PAY them for using their facilities and eating food there. (Nervy bums!)

 

[Incredimom3]

I've booked POR for the end of September paying full price rates. We are getting an educational discount on tickets, so we will go in September. If Disney doesn't offer free dining, we'll (regretably) cancel our POR reservations and stay at a cheaper place with more space for our family of 5. I know that we shouldn't expect the same promotions year after year; however, it is difficult to pay such high rates for Disney property without some kind of incentive. The other resorts aren't as "magical" and we would have to pay for parking at theme parks, but we could get a place with a free breakfast, kitchen and bigger beds for almost half of what we're paying at POR. I'm hoping that something gets announced this month.

 

[Melanie230]

We also went the first week of October last year, and my wife and I were up at 6am to make ADRs the first day they were available. Although we were thrilled with how they worked out, it was a challenge to get everything we wanted. If it's really that much easier this year, there must be fewer bookings to contend with, which makes me wonder all the more why they're waiting so long for fall promos. Don't most people plan Disney trips well in advance?

So far I have gotten The Garden Grill, The Crystal Palace, and Tusker House on the days that I wanted. No problem at all. Didn't even have to adjust the time.

 

[Jenny Wren]

Well, I guess I was attacked a little when I said that if FD wasnt offered, we wouldn be going. I have sat and figured for hours trying to see what the best solution would be if its not offered. I guess I could stay offsite, but the transportation is wonderful onsite, that I hate to have to fool around with a rental car. You see, there will be 12 of us going. So the FD would save us lots of money, we are all adults, so it will be costly. My husband has been off work for almost 6 months and I am laid off, so funds are a little limited. This was going to be our Christmas. Sooooo, before you start flinging mud at others, stop and think what you would do if you were in someone elses shoes, and really wanted to spend your Christmas at WDW but just couldnt do it. Pretty heartbreaking.

Everyone is entitled to their thoughts, and thats mine.