Do you need free dining to visit Disney World?

[Jeff456]

It just so happens that free dining coincides with when it is convenient for us to visit from the UK, definitely not a deal breaker we would not eat anywhere near as much food without it but a nice perk nonetheless!

 

[theguitarman]

Have to agree with Lee on this...not a fan of the DDP. ADR's are a mess (tho I do make them, gotta play "the game"), and the homogenization of the food is not good. I'm not that old (born after 1980), and I still remember going to the parks, and how fun it was to think of where you wanted to eat that night (usually somewhere in EPCOT WS!) and finding the phones they had in the parks to call information and make a reservation for that night!

The promotion that I prefer is buy a 5 night package, and get 2 free nights, or something similar to that! Yeah, you pay rack rate for the 3 day package, but essentially you are getting like 30% off of everything: tickets + room. Haven't seen this offer in a while tho

CORRECTION: I just looked it up, it was buy 4, get 3 free! Even better!

 

[SleepingMonk]

I then gave this person some important contacts at Disney to get things rolling.

:ROFLOL:


Sure ya did.


407WDWDINE....tell 'em Jimbo sent ya.

 

[wm49rs]

:ROFLOL:


Sure ya did.


407WDWDINE....tell 'em Jimbo sent ya.

And make sure you mention he's the "driving force of the forum."

 

[Jimmy Thick]

The dining plan is essentially this. It is an option that turns a Disney vacation into a somewhat all inclusive vacation. People like one price and done, even if that price is a little higher. Cruises, resorts, etc have been doing this forever and it is a very successful business model. The rub with it being optional is that it would be very easy for Disney to jack the cash price up on food to the point where the DDP is the only logical option. There is also the problem with the want to minimize expenses and letting food quality suffer as a result.

My point is, when will it become a standard part of the package as the dining plan is included no matter what? It makes sense in the long run.

Jimmy Thick-Like this wasn't Disney's plan all along?

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

I wouldn't say we *NEED* any discount to go to Disney (however, once in a while, its kinda nice!!) Any perk is appreciated, but certainly not expected and is not the only reason we go every year

 

[Jimmy Thick]

Have to agree with Lee on this...not a fan of the DDP. ADR's are a mess (tho I do make them, gotta play "the game"), and the homogenization of the food is not good.

ADR's are the easy, and in their current state the best they have ever been. It takes no time to look up when and where you can make ADR's, I don't see how they are a mess.

I also don't understand how the food is being " homogenized". If you mean the food tastes the same in every restaurant I would see a doctor right away to get your taste buds examined. If your trying to say all the restaurants serve the same types of dishes, I once again how to wonder how many restaurants you have experienced. Every place has chicken, steak and fish, but if you explore what all the restaurants have to offer, there is a shocking amount of variety even the most cynical wdwmagic poster could eat during a 15 day vacation.


Jimmy Thick-Or maybe people want to complain just to complain...

 

[Jimmy Thick]

:ROFLOL:


Sure ya did.


407WDWDINE....tell 'em Jimbo sent ya.

I have different contacts than the general public.

Sorry.


Jimmy Thick-<---Totally awesome!!!

 

[Jeff456]

ADR's are the easy, and in their current state the best they have ever been. It takes no time to look up when and where you can make ADR's, I don't see how they are a mess.

I also don't understand how the food is being " homogenized". If you mean the food tastes the same in every restaurant I would see a doctor right away to get your taste buds examined. If your trying to say all the restaurants serve the same types of dishes, I once again how to wonder how many restaurants you have experienced. Every place has chicken, steak and fish, but if you explore what all the restaurants have to offer, there is a shocking amount of variety even the most cynical wdwmagic poster could eat during a 15 day vacation.


Jimmy Thick-Or maybe people want to complain just to complain...

Definitely less choice since the dining plan was introduced... quite clearly a cost cutting measure, desert choice is particularly similar in all restaurants... I mean as an example I love Creme brulee but it seems like it is on nearly every sit down restaurant menu.

 

[Master Yoda]

My point is, when will it become a standard part of the package as the dining plan is included no matter what? It makes sense in the long run.

Jimmy Thick-Like this wasn't Disney's plan all along?

I do not see it ever being the only way at WDW. The resort is simply too large, trip lengths vary too much, there would be issues with AP holders, etc. Right now the 3 flavors of the DDP are a great way to make WDW all inclusive while still letting people pay as they go if they wish.

 

[disneygirl1]

Nope! Wouldn't say I need it, but its nice to save a few bucks!

 

[SleepingMonk]

I have different contacts than the general public.

 

[Fantasmic]

Wow, I leave for a couple weeks

Oh...so do I, well 3 weeks. Please don't break my nose!

As for your question. Yes, I would go to Disney without free dining, but probably wouldn't stay on Disney property as 14 nights with disney food prices is expensive!

 

[PhilharMagician]

No. I save more money with TIW.

 

[nolatron]

Never used free dining, so. My next trip in 2 weeks is actually my first time using the dining plan ever. It's just my DD and I so I figure I'd give the QS dining plan a shot to see how using it compares to using cash like we've always done.