What will "Free Dining" do the restaurants?

[Buttercup Roberts]

Hiya folks,

You know, it's already a big mess when you want to eat sometimes at Disney... long waits, huge lines, ps's sold out.

What do you think the Free Dining for everyone on packages will do?

I'm thinking of staying far far away from the restaurants and getting Home Away from Home to do my own food, until I hear how it shakes out.

I'm just worried it will be like Extra Magic Hour evenings... PACKED!

 

[ElizabethB]

More crowded and many, many more kids at the nicer restaurants.

I plan to stick with the signature restaurants for dinner when we're there next month as, I assume, people will be reluctant to spend two TS vouchers for one dinner. We're not on the dining plan as we figured it was a toss up between free dining and paying rack rate at GF, when we already had an AP discount plus DDE.

Free dining's a winner for Disney, though. They get everyone to pay rack rates, so no room discounting, and the ability to use the saved money any way one wishes, including over at Universal for the day!

Plus, they keep everyone on-site, as opposed to heading to Universal for the day. Room discounts are money in my pocket, which I can use any way I like, including heading to Universal. Free dining is a benefit only if I remain a captive on-site for the entire day.

Also, I plan to avoid CG as (assuming again), if a family splurges and uses two TS vouchers, it will probably be to see the fireworks from CG, which I've done so many times I simply don't care about fireworks. I want quiet places to dine with sophisticated food and wine. Somehow I doubt we'll find many opportunities next month for quiet, relaxed, sophisticated dining!

Very sorry to hear that Extra Magic Hour evenings are packed. Wish they'd bring back separate ticket E-Ride Nights. Oh well.

 

[Lewisc]

I think it's going to be unpredictable. Some guests are making double reservations. Other guests are making reservations based on where they're getting "a good deal" and may be underestimating the time it's going to take to get from another park or resort to a WS restaurant.

Restaurants like CM and CRT were booked solid before MYW Dining.

 

[milmore104]

You have to keep in mind though it maybe a little more busy at certain rest. there were only a limited number of free dining packages avalible!

 

[PrincessAlina]

Elizabeth B...Do you realize how arrogant and stuck up you sound? I aplogize if my family having a good time at disney (yes we are using the free dining plan) will interfere with your "sophisticated" dining and lifestyle.

 

[Lewisc]

Elizabeth B...Do you realize how arrogant and stuck up you sound? I aplogize if my family having a good time at disney (yes we are using the free dining plan) will interfere with your "sophisticated" dining and lifestyle.

I don't think her post is that bad.

Who doesn't think MYW Dining will result in crowded restaurants? Who doesn't think you'll see more kids in TS restaurants?

She's probably correct with her CG comment.

Of course ME and MYW Dining will help keep guests on property, away from Universal.

AP Discount with DDE can be a better deal for guests who eat at signature restaurants and who order alcoholic beverages.

 

[PrincessAlina]

I did not have a problem with her facts. Of course the table service restaurants will be busier than in the past. I'm sure there are a lot of families with children, like mine, who find it easier to dine at counter service locations. That way there's less waiting around and less opportunity for the children to get antsy.

HOWEVER, I do have a problem with her stuck up attitude.

"Somehow I doubt we'll find many opportunities next month for quiet, relaxed, sophisticated dining!"

Believe it or not, some parents raise their children to behave and to act appropriately. I take offense, as should all parents who have raised their children properly, to her saying that she's going to eat elsewhere because my family will be there, somehow taking away from her "sophisticated" dining experience.

 

[skiwee1]

Elizabeth B...Do you realize how arrogant and stuck up you sound? I aplogize if my family having a good time at disney (yes we are using the free dining plan) will interfere with your "sophisticated" dining and lifestyle.

Huh? Her post was fine. Your post on the other hand was very nasty.

 

[PrincessAlina]

Don't worry, I won't waste my time her any more.

 

[Lewisc]

HOWEVER, I do have a problem with her stuck up attitude.

"Somehow I doubt we'll find many opportunities next month for quiet, relaxed, sophisticated dining!"

Believe it or not, some parents raise their children to behave and to act appropriately. I take offense, as should all parents who have raised their children properly, to her saying that she's going to eat elsewhere because my family will be there, somehow taking away from her "sophisticated" dining experience.

I can't speak for someone else but my fear would be those parents who don't raise their children properly will take advantage of the free dining offer. After all it doesn't cost anything.

Those parents who have well behaved children at restaurants are taken out to dinner at home and on vacation. Those are the families that would be having at least some TS meals without free dining.

Sorry but I think you read too much into her post.

 

[Belle5]

Elizabeth B...Do you realize how arrogant and stuck up you sound? I aplogize if my family having a good time at disney (yes we are using the free dining plan) will interfere with your "sophisticated" dining and lifestyle.

Interesting that your introduction on the board has you coming in with boxing gloves on...
I am a mother of 6 children ages almost 2 to almost 19. I totally understand what ElizabethB is saying--I take no offense whatsoever! If my DH and I want to go to WDW alone on a getaway--there is no way I am going to frequent the family type establishments. I would have the attitude of "been there, done that". I would be seeking out those spots that are known to be more "adult". WDW is NOT just for families with children. It is for everyone!

 

[Beauty]

Umm its DISNEY if you really want complete sophistication don't go somewhere that is MEANT for kids both YOUNG AND OLD! And the above poster is correct that its for everyone but still it IS DISNEY. I don't know it just seems that there are so many people who let little things like loud children or flashing cameras ruin the magic. I think its crazy!

I do understand the want to get away from the kids and have a nice meal with a SO but again its Disney and there simply isn't a restaurant at Disney that could EVER guarantee no children except for V & A.

I don't know maybe I'm just to magic oriented at Disney. There is really nothing that is going to ruin my magic unless I get sick.

 

[dznyntnh]

I did not have a problem with her facts. Of course the table service restaurants will be busier than in the past. I'm sure there are a lot of families with children, like mine, who find it easier to dine at counter service locations. That way there's less waiting around and less opportunity for the children to get antsy.

HOWEVER, I do have a problem with her stuck up attitude.

"Somehow I doubt we'll find many opportunities next month for quiet, relaxed, sophisticated dining!"

Believe it or not, some parents raise their children to behave and to act appropriately. I take offense, as should all parents who have raised their children properly, to her saying that she's going to eat elsewhere because my family will be there, somehow taking away from her "sophisticated" dining experience.

Pot, Kettle, Black.

You need to understand that there are MANY people without children who travel to WDW. Some of us do like to have a quiet, pleasant (and yes, sophisticated) dining experience during our trips. You may feel that your children are 'taught' to behave well in public, but you said it yourself, many families choose CS dining cuz it's easier and the kids get 'antsy'.

 

[sotoalf]

Umm its DISNEY if you really want complete sophistication don't go somewhere that is MEANT for kids both YOUNG AND OLD! And the above poster is correct that its for everyone but still it IS DISNEY. I don't know it just seems that there are so many people who let little things like loud children or flashing cameras ruin the magic. I think its crazy!

I do understand the want to get away from the kids and have a nice meal with a SO but again its Disney and there simply isn't a restaurant at Disney that could EVER guarantee no children except for V & A.

I don't know maybe I'm just to magic oriented at Disney. There is really nothing that is going to ruin my magic unless I get sick.

Overcrowded restaurants can ruin any experience. Magic isn't free – especially Disney's kind.

 

[Beauty]

I disagree.

Overcrowded restaurants won't ruin my experience and I'm honestly sorry if it ruins yours.

When I'm at Disney I'm there to have fun and thankfully our family can make just about any situation fun. My DH even broke his arm while at Disney 2 years ago and we made the best of it. We still laugh about it. I don't know if I'm with my family away from work and responsibilities I'm happy. If the restuarant is crowded, its crowded I'm still with my family and I'm sure we can find something to joke about. I just think people are soooo uptight now days. Just relax and make the best of whatever............remember WE ARE LUCKY to be able to afford to take our families to DISNEY, there are many people out there who will never afford that luxery.

Just my opinion of course and not meant to offend anyone.

 

[Tinkerbelll]

Pot, Kettle, Black.

You need to understand that there are MANY people without children who travel to WDW. Some of us do like to have a quiet, pleasant (and yes, sophisticated) dining experience during our trips. You may feel that your children are 'taught' to behave well in public, but you said it yourself, many families choose CS dining cuz it's easier and the kids get 'antsy'.

Huh? Her post was fine. Your post on the other hand was very nasty.

Interesting that your introduction on the board has you coming in with boxing gloves on...
I am a mother of 6 children ages almost 2 to almost 19. I totally understand what ElizabethB is saying--I take no offense whatsoever! If my DH and I want to go to WDW alone on a getaway--there is no way I am going to frequent the family type establishments. I would have the attitude of "been there, done that". I would be seeking out those spots that are known to be more "adult". WDW is NOT just for families with children. It is for everyone!

No Flames Please but Wow. I have never seen such contridiction. People taking time to Judge someone else for doing the same exact thing that they are doing... judging someone else. Can't we all just express our opinions nicely and get along!!

If someone's post happens to be offensive or taken the wrong way, that could be mentioned. But I don't think attacking the poster is right either. All this talk of boxing gloves and nastiness.... it's really sad, IMHO.

As for the OP, I do think resturants will be filled with more children and families. We travel as a couple, just DBf and I, and we don't ever seem to mind the extra company while we dine. We are in WDW afterall, which is for everyone! But for those who do enjoy a more quiet and sophisticated meal (and there is nothing wrong with that!) then I think that planning on eating at signature resturants is a great idea. I know many people with families who have booked the dining plan and the only thing I have heard of is people subbing 2 TS for HDDR or MBYB.... Hope everyone has great trips!

 

[ncbyrne]

Flames? FLAMES?! for a simple post like this!? Maybe it's the summer heat getting to everyone! As for the OPs question? Do I think the restaurants will be crowded? Yes - and that's exactly what Disney wants: people staying onsite spending lots of $ all over the WDW resort! However, it's offered during the unbusy early fall season and I don't think it will be as bad as the summer months or the holidays.

 

[Tinkerbelll]

Flames? FLAMES?! for a simple post like this!? Maybe it's the summer heat getting to everyone!

I have to agree.. it's almost 95 here today and I'm melting away!!

 

[milmore104]

I disagree.

Overcrowded restaurants won't ruin my experience and I'm honestly sorry if it ruins yours.

When I'm at Disney I'm there to have fun and thankfully our family can make just about any situation fun. My DH even broke his arm while at Disney 2 years ago and we made the best of it. We still laugh about it. I don't know if I'm with my family away from work and responsibilities I'm happy. If the restuarant is crowded, its crowded I'm still with my family and I'm sure we can find something to joke about. I just think people are soooo uptight now days. Just relax and make the best of whatever............remember WE ARE LUCKY to be able to afford to take our families to DISNEY, there are many people out there who will never afford that luxery.

Just my opinion of course and not meant to offend anyone.

DIDDO!!! We are all in WDW to have a good time on vacation. I was hospitalized during our last trip for 2 days not to mention being real sick before I was admitted but I still kept on going, having fun, visiting the parks if this didn't ruin my trip how could a child ruin yours? Aren't we all there it have a good time? Even the best behaving kids have a slip up every now and then. And may I add I have seen some pretty ruin adults in a Sign. rest. so it goes both ways!

 

[Palendat]

I'm one of the parents that will have 2 young children (6 & 2) with me, eating at table service for the first time at Disney. And I AM WORRIED about how my children will handle it. I plan on bringing new games and activities to keep them occupied. I feel that I have raised my children properly, but I am still worried that the children will spoil someone else's experience. Having said that, we couldn't have afforded to go to WDW this year, had it not been for the free dining, so I guess we will be there, trying our best not to interrupt anyone's good time. I do see the points that both sides are expressing, and I'm not offended by any of the comments.