Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<That's the more troubling trend, Dave, is that people feel compelled to use the options simply because they are paid for, or even free, not that they are hungry. It leads me to understand that some people are dining next to me with different priorities. My priority is to have a relaxing meal with good service. I have had bad experiences of late where I assume some people aren't putting the same value on their meal as I am and that is why I am witnessing poor social behavior.>> I have missed you, ChiMike. Again, you nailed a thought of mine before I even had formulated it completely. There's a different vibe or dynamic that's in play now in WDW dining. It starts right when you call to make your PS and are asked 'are you on a dining plan?' which is then asked again when you check in at the restaurant. Choices are down. Places are packed. And you often -- or I do -- feel rushed. Then want to get you in, fill you up and turn the table over. When I'm on vacation, I may want a two-hour (or more) dinner. I never want a 45-minute one! <<That really is minor nitpicking though. What I feel is the 2nd biggest negative effect, outside of the reservation problem, is that the servers are less motivated to provide the best service possible. Why should they when they are guarenteed a minimum of 18%? Talk about a sweet job, if I was custodial or busting my butt at Speedway I would be bitter.>> Exactly. They can provide the worst guest service possible and it doesn't matter.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I believe it only went to $60 for DVC >> That's all it is for Fla residents too, Dave. But they now charge you an extra $25 for a second card in the family/household etc ...
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 >> am not sure even setting aside 20% of the seats will fix the issue of getting into Le Cellier << <<Probably not, In September I was told Le Cellier was booked for 3 weeks. NO AVAILABILITY - PERIOD. That is insane. We're not talking Charlie Trotters here>> No. It isn't. It's only the third-best steakhouse on property (after Yachtsman and Shula's). But people have this plan 'played' like a science. They know the places to maximize the 'value.' I'm sure when I use the plan, I'll do likewise. I already sense quite a few lunches at the Pepper Market at Coronado Springs because it's higher quality and more expensive than Pecos Bill's or Yakitori House!
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <<<I believe it only went to $60 for DVC >> That's all it is for Fla residents too, Dave. But they now charge you an extra $25 for a second card in the family/household etc ...< gotcha - that's easy for me- the wife doesn't get her own card next year -- $25 for an extra piece of plastic won't fly with me either
Originally Posted By hopemax >Choices are down. Places are packed. And you often -- or I do -- feel rushed. And don't forget that because locations are full, the restaurants feel justified in bumping up their prices. Dining plan people aren't affected by restaurant prices (except to think they are getting a better deal.) But everyone not on the plan...
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 ^^Good point, hopemax. I haven't checked out WDW menu prices recently, but I'll be there next week so maybe I should.
Originally Posted By mgmguy So,am i to understand that menu choices will be limited during this special promotion?I will not be able to choose any meal from the menu?Cause that defeats the whole purpose of looking at menus on Deb's site and picking what i will order.
Originally Posted By Labuda mgmguy - the meus on Deb's site are the meus you'll be seeing on your vacation - it's just that, in general, they don't have as may options as they had in years past.
Originally Posted By DisneyWorldMom <<And don't forget that because locations are full, the restaurants feel justified in bumping up their prices. Dining plan people aren't affected by restaurant prices (except to think they are getting a better deal.) But everyone not on the plan...>> hopemax.. You are correct... we do not use the dining plan... and have to be on our toes to make sure we get a reservation... I don't see a end in sight with the constant price increases, I guess they feel what ever the market will bare.. Example: Ohana.. first two times there were relaxing and wonderful, and had no problem getting a reservation a few weeks in advance, then we returned after a few years absence. When we made our reservations about 6 weeks ahead, we were told there were only two times availble for our whole length of stay.. the per person price had increased dramatically, the service was horrible, and we were rushed in and out of there in less then a hour... but Disney has no shortage of guests wanting to eat there... simply due to the dining plan options, and conventions, the POLY was packed with guests waiting for their dinner at Ohana , I've never seen it empty..
