Why do soft drinks cost extra with the combos at the theme park cs locations?

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I am not sure how things work for those who purchase the Quick Service Dining Plan, but I was wondering how come the combo meals at the theme park counter service locations don't have a soft drink included with them when paying by cash, credit card or just charging the meal to your resort room. When you go to any fast food locations like McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's or Taco Bell if you purchase a combo meal a soft drink is included, so why does a soft drink cost extra for the combo meals at the theme park counter service locations?

 

[OKW Lover]

<shrug>
Would it really matter if you wind up paying the same price? Or are you suggesting that Disney include a soft drink without raising the price of the combo?

 

[TDC Nala]

Disney CS are not fast food places like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's or Taco Bell. There's no reason for them to operate in the same manner. They have a captive audience and little to no competition. If you object to the drink not being included in the combo, you can't go somewhere else that is more to your liking (without leaving the park).

 

[Illuminations_Rocks]

To make it "look" more comparable to the cost of a meal you'd get a a McD's, BK, etc. People complain about the high prices enough. They would not like to see their "meal" be $11.95 on the board, because $8.95 "looks" better. Then you have to still get the drink. Costs the same, feels different to the consumer looking at the price board.

 

[camlace]

I actually like that they don't include drink. I have my own water and never get a soda...so works for me!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

<shrug>
Would it really matter if you wind up paying the same price? Or are you suggesting that Disney include a soft drink without raising the price of the combo?

I just find it a bit misleading that the theme park counter service locations advertise combo meals, however the difference they don't include a drink and if anyone else saw that they might think the same thing.

 

[TDC Nala]

Well, the guests still get the option to buy the drink or not buy the drink, so I don't see the concern.

 

[drew64]

Because that is how Disney chooses to sell and price them. Signs are pretty clear about what is included, and millions go there every year and manage to avoid being confused by it.

I am sure that everyone quickly realizes they are not at a McDonalds, etc and knows enough to read the menu board.

I am old enough to remember having to use your brain enough to order items individually at fast food restaurants instead of by meal number. We survived!

 

[OnlyDisney]

Just to clear up my confusion: We are on the dining plan, will a soft drink be included with our cs meals?

 

[BriarRosie]

Just to clear up my confusion: We are on the dining plan, will a soft drink be included with our cs meals?

Yes, because a soft drink is part of the meal entitlements on the dining plan. The original poster was confusing the issue by comparing out of pocket ordering vs. what's included with the dining plan.

Combo meals don't need to have a drink to be a combo meal. I think technically a sandwich and fries can be a "combo meal" by Disney standards. Drinks have always been a la carte when you pay out of pocket, as far as I can remember.

And frankly, it doesn't bother me in the slightest, knowing I'm part of the "captive audience".

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I was wondering how come the combo meals at the theme park counter service locations don't have a soft drink included with them when paying by cash, credit card or just charging the meal to your resort room.

After careful and thoughtful contemplation, I think the reason is profit.

 

[OnlyDisney]

Yes, because a soft drink is part of the meal entitlements on the dining plan. The original poster was confusing the issue by comparing out of pocket ordering vs. what's included with the dining plan.

Combo meals don't need to have a drink to be a combo meal. I think technically a sandwich and fries can be a "combo meal" by Disney standards. Drinks have always been a la carte when you pay out of pocket, as far as I can remember.

And frankly, it doesn't bother me in the slightest, knowing I'm part of the "captive audience".

Thanks

 

[honeydiane1953]

When u r at saay WDW, Universal etc. they charge whatever they want because they have a captive audience. You will pay almost anything unless u have your own car and walk miles to get to it and then drive miles to get to fast food.

 

[wilma-bride]

It doesn't bother me either since DH and I nearly always share a soda. we drink so much during the day at WDW that, when we stop to eat, we really only want/need food anyway. I would much rather be able to pay the lower price and only buy one soda/drink to share

 

[Staxeon]

Selling soft drinks seperate does alot of things for them.

The soda itself is dirt cheap, its usually the paper costs (cups) that kill beverage sales. If you don't include the drink in the combo you eliminate paper cost, or make it back easily by forcing the customer to add on a drink each time.

Also with the case of Disney it encourages sale of that unlimited refill drink mug you can buy (I think its like $12-15?). I'm sure they make a good markup on that piece of plastic. And on the flip side of that, if I've shelled out $15 for a unlimited refill mug I wouldn't want another soft drink thrown in everytime you made a snack or quick service purchase.

 

[MrsLS]

Selling soft drinks seperate does alot of things for them.

The soda itself is dirt cheap, its usually the paper costs (cups) that kill beverage sales. If you don't include the drink in the combo you eliminate paper cost, or make it back easily by forcing the customer to add on a drink each time.

Also with the case of Disney it encourages sale of that unlimited refill drink mug you can buy (I think its like $12-15?). I'm sure they make a good markup on that piece of plastic. And on the flip side of that, if I've shelled out $15 for a unlimited refill mug I wouldn't want another soft drink thrown in everytime you made a snack or quick service purchase.

Its unlimited drinks (soda/tea/coffee) at your resort, not at any QS purchase. Even if people cheat and use it at other hotels, you can only use it at the hotels, you can't get free refills at the parks, so I don't think having the drink separate from the meal encourages buying this mug.