No Free Dining (not confirmed)

[marius97]

CSR rack rates would be $149 weekday, $159 weekend with added tax. Price quoted by Disney website for 7 nights in September for 2 room totals $2392 ($2126 + ~$265 tax). So 35% savings would be ~$837. Assuming that all childern are greater than age 3, for 7 nights, dining plan would be ~$790 ($39.95*2+$10.99*3 per day). If math is correct, 35% discount would save ~$47.

I've never stayed onsite so this is more a question than a statement...Does the percentage off the rack rate include the % off of tax. That would suprise me if it does. If that is the case, then it would save less.

 

[rootbeerkid]

I've never stayed onsite so this is more a question than a statement...Does the percentage off the rack rate include the % off of tax. That would suprise me if it does. If that is the case, then it would save less.

According to allears, CSR charges "6.5% Florida Sales Tax and 6% County Resort Tax". Whatever the charge might be (discounted or rack), the additional 12.5% is added to the total. A 35% discount of the room-only rate would result in 35% less tax liability. I hope I've understood and answered the question "correcticly".

 

[Spanky2]

CSR rack rates would be $149 weekday, $159 weekend with added tax. Price quoted by Disney website for 7 nights in September for 2 room totals $2392 ($2126 + ~$265 tax). So 35% savings would be ~$837. Assuming that all childern are greater than age 3, for 7 nights, dining plan would be ~$790 ($39.95*2+$10.99*3 per day). If math is correct, 35% discount would save ~$47.

Thanks! I guess the difference between the 2 offers is still minimal, but 35% off would be better.

I don't really care WHAT they offer at this point.....just offer something!

 

[bsmith1997]

My family has enjoyed the free dining every year it has been offered, and were really hoping it would happen again this year. But even if there is no free dining we are still planning a trip during late August this year. Only reason we haven't booked yet is we are waiting for any discounts Disney may offer. I am a Disney visa holder and haven't heard anything for late August yet. With no discounts we will probably stay Moderate and purchase the dining, if the discount off hotel is true, we will stay Polynesian and purchase the dining plan. I've done the math going as far to study menus on Allears.net and price all things we would probably eat and we would save money purchasing the dining plan for our family and really like the convenience of it. I just want some sort of Discount...Please Disney don't keep us waiting anymore

 

[CandyMandy]

This whole discussion is a textbook example of why firms have to be very careful when it comes to their discounting strategy.

If used properly, they can temporarily shift demand and in rarer cases actually grow it. However, if not managed carefully, clients can become addicted to discounts and start "demanding " them. In that scenario the firm is both stuck offering them and permanently lowering its gross margin.

I'm sure Disney is aware of this and that there is vigorous internal debate going on in the parks and resorts division over when and how to "wean" people away from free dining.

 

[Uncleromulus]

If you guys ever review the restaurants Board, it's interesting to see all the takes on Free Dining over the past few years.
To some it's manna from heaven. To others, it's responsible for the general decline in Disney food and menus. So many people eating at WDW restaurants who probably wouldn't have otherwise except that it's free. And because many of them will eat anything (and a lot of it) so long as it's "free" Disney is "free" not to care a whole lot about quality.

 

[OldsDr]

I don't think it is Free dinning that is cause of the decline in food quality it is the DP in general tied to the quest of ever higher profit margins.

It all started when they started shifting away from menues and goiung to more all you care to eat type options. I remeber specifically in the early 90s ordering off a menu at Biergarten and it was great I got some sort of pork leg and it was big. then about 12 or so years later they inroduced the DP. when everyone is paying the same price for a meal if it is a NY Strip or pot roast or meat loaf. You are going to sart moving the menus to the pot roast and meat loaf type foods and away from unique and more costly foods to increase your profit margins. Then if every restaurant is serving similar foods you increase your volume and purchasing power from the distributors.

If I had my way, which I dont, they would get rid of the DP all together and I would start eating more meals on property.

 

[marius97]

This whole discussion is a textbook example of why firms have to be very careful when it comes to their discounting strategy.

If used properly, they can temporarily shift demand and in rarer cases actually grow it. However, if not managed carefully, clients can become addicted to discounts and start "demanding " them. In that scenario the firm is both stuck offering them and permanently lowering its gross margin.

I'm sure Disney is aware of this and that there is vigorous internal debate going on in the parks and resorts division over when and how to "wean" people away from free dining.

That is exactly what I was trying to say...just WAY more eloquently than I could manage.

 

[MassJester]

Nothing is "free."

It's been my experience that the "cost" of "free dining" is an overall reduction in quality.

I hope they do away with it.

 

[joliesmom]

I don't think it is Free dinning that is cause of the decline in food quality it is the DP in general tied to the quest of ever higher profit margins.
If I had my way, which I dont, they would get rid of the DP all together and I would start eating more meals on property.

I totally agree with your post. I would be more than happy if the dining plan disappeared or in the least was not free anymore. I keep hoping Disney will return to quality food.

 

[lbunton115]

My husband, two daughters and I have reservations at the Pop Century his coming September and we did get the free dining (1 sit down, 1 quick meal and 1 snack). Of course, we make our reservations while we were at Disney last year (it was the bounce back offer). We have called Disney a could of times and each time the Disney employee goes on and on what a great deal we have reserved.

 

[DC7800]

they inroduced the DP. when everyone is paying the same price for a meal if it is a NY Strip or pot roast or meat loaf. You are going to sart moving the menus to the pot roast and meat loaf type foods and away from unique and more costly foods to increase your profit margins. Then if every restaurant is serving similar foods you increase your volume and purchasing power from the distributors.

Well said, and a good explanation of the general decline in WDW dining standards and quality.

Nothing is "free."

It's been my experience that the "cost" of "free dining" is an overall reduction in quality.

That's not a price I'm willing to pay.

 

[Karlzmom]

I've never stayed onsite so this is more a question than a statement...Does the percentage off the rack rate include the % off of tax. That would suprise me if it does. If that is the case, then it would save less.

Tax would be figured on a smaller amount paid, so even at the same % rate, the total tax paid would be less.

 

[KYMickey]

I don't think it is Free dinning that is cause of the decline in food quality it is the DP in general tied to the quest of ever higher profit margins.

It all started when they started shifting away from menues and goiung to more all you care to eat type options. I remeber specifically in the early 90s ordering off a menu at Biergarten and it was great I got some sort of pork leg and it was big. then about 12 or so years later they inroduced the DP. when everyone is paying the same price for a meal if it is a NY Strip or pot roast or meat loaf. You are going to sart moving the menus to the pot roast and meat loaf type foods and away from unique and more costly foods to increase your profit margins. Then if every restaurant is serving similar foods you increase your volume and purchasing power from the distributors.

If I had my way, which I dont, they would get rid of the DP all together and I would start eating more meals on property.

+1

 

[skier_pete]

This whole discussion is a textbook example of why firms have to be very careful when it comes to their discounting strategy.

If used properly, they can temporarily shift demand and in rarer cases actually grow it. However, if not managed carefully, clients can become addicted to discounts and start "demanding " them. In that scenario the firm is both stuck offering them and permanently lowering its gross margin.

I'm sure Disney is aware of this and that there is vigorous internal debate going on in the parks and resorts division over when and how to "wean" people away from free dining.

Interesting philosiphy. Previous to the dining plan and free dining program...Disney was losing a lot of money because their resorts, parks and restaurants were quite empty during the late-August through September. Free dining has in fact boosted revenues significantly during this time. I suppose if they could as you mention "wean" the public away from the free dining and still get them to come, it would be a major win...but since they weren't coming BEFORE free dining, even when the economy was good...would they come without it. I can tell you this...we've gone twice during that time, and the ONLY way I would go is if I get as good a deal as free dining. 45 % off rack-rate might do it, but especially when DD turns 10, if I gotta go at this time of year, I better be getting those free meals.

Quote: Nothing is "free." It's been my experience that the "cost" of "free dining" is an overall reduction in quality.

That's not a price I'm willing to pay.

I'm not sure how you have a choice?

I've never stayed onsite so this is more a question than a statement...Does the percentage off the rack rate include the % off of tax. That would suprise me if it does. If that is the case, then it would save less.

You are paying less for your hotel room, therefore you pay the tax (12.5 % for most hotels) on the lower rate. 35 % of room rate means 35 % off the taxes as well.

 

[MassJester]

I'm not sure how you have a choice?

By refusing to purchase.

I used to eat at signature restaurants much more frequenly than I do now. They were priced high, but the experiences were almost always good. Promotion efforts that are focused solely on quantity are at odds with maintaining quality.

The result has been that some "signature" restaurant experiences have declined, and I (and perhaps people similarly situated) will simply make do with a sandwich from time to time.

 

[KYMickey]

By refusing to purchase.

I used to eat at signature restaurants much more frequenly than I do now. They were priced high, but the experiences were almost always good. Promotion efforts that are focused solely on quantity are at odds with maintaining quality.

The result has been that some "signature" restaurant experiences have declined, and I (and perhaps people similarly situated) will simply make do with a sandwich from time to time.

It's the same thing that has been happening with us. Our special meals used to be at signature restaurants, now they're off site.

 

[mitros]

This whole discussion is a textbook example of why firms have to be very careful when it comes to their discounting strategy.

If used properly, they can temporarily shift demand and in rarer cases actually grow it. However, if not managed carefully, clients can become addicted to discounts and start "demanding " them. In that scenario the firm is both stuck offering them and permanently lowering its gross margin.

I'm sure Disney is aware of this and that there is vigorous internal debate going on in the parks and resorts division over when and how to "wean" people away from free dining.

AND, in order to continue to make these offers, and not make enough money, the company will make cuts elsewhere. Longer lines, less cast members to do things that NEED to be done, including safety procedures, and maintenance, as well as keeping things neat and clean. "You don't get somethin' for nuthin"

 

[skier_pete]

By refusing to purchase.

I used to eat at signature restaurants much more frequenly than I do now. They were priced high, but the experiences were almost always good. Promotion efforts that are focused solely on quantity are at odds with maintaining quality.

The result has been that some "signature" restaurant experiences have declined, and I (and perhaps people similarly situated) will simply make do with a sandwich from time to time.

This is absolutely the best (and only) thing you can do. If enough people refuse to pay the prices, perhaps there will be change.

Unfortunately, I won't be joining you. We enjoy the food very much, and have not really noticed the "perilous decline in quality".

 

[mitros]

By refusing to purchase.

I used to eat at signature restaurants much more frequenly than I do now. They were priced high, but the experiences were almost always good. Promotion efforts that are focused solely on quantity are at odds with maintaining quality.

The result has been that some "signature" restaurant experiences have declined, and I (and perhaps people similarly situated) will simply make do with a sandwich from time to time.

Thank you, Jester, you said a mouthful. We feel pretty much the same way.