If free ddp isn’t offered...

[stormflm595]

Originally Posted by shughamster

Is this based on anything concrete? I remember every year there seemed to be a fear that the free DDP would be going away but it hasn't yet, plus it was offered for US guests in the past few months.

See more...

It's more that with Galaxy's Edge opening, they won't really need to offer the free dining as an incentive to stay on-site as the rooms could fill themselves. At least that's what a Virgin TA rep told me in store when I enquired if they had any inkling of it was happening or not. I imagine anyone selling WDW holidays will all find out the same day on what deal they may do. I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed for free dining!

[Shani]

Every year before free dining comes out for at least 10 years, there's been tons of speculations and TA's claiming to be "in the know" saying there won't be free dining. Every year, Disney have released free dining.

Maybe one year the speculation will be true.

The UK market is very different to the US market for Disney, though.

[shughamster]

Originally Posted by Shani

Every year before free dining comes out for at least 10 years, there's been tons of speculations and TA's claiming to be "in the know" saying there won't be free dining. Every year, Disney have released free dining.

Maybe one year the speculation will be true.

The UK market is very different to the US market for Disney, though.

See more...

This is how I see it - numbers of visitors from the UK staying onsite would plummet without the DDP and families almost convince themselves that "we're saving money so can spend a bit more in the shops".

[bighal]

Originally Posted by Shani

The UK market is very different to the US market for Disney, though.

See more...

Yes it is. Its a lot lot smaller. We stay longer and spend less per day in WDW than the US guests do...

[Clamshell]

Originally Posted by stormflm595

Our current plan if free dining is offered is to book moderate and upgrade from QSDP to DDP.

If not offered then we are going to stay in the cheapest value and buy ddp.

See more...

I think this is pretty much our plan.

[sha9]

Originally Posted by Shani

Every year before free dining comes out for at least 10 years, there's been tons of speculations and TA's claiming to be "in the know" saying there won't be free dining. Every year, Disney have released free dining.

Maybe one year the speculation will be true.

The UK market is very different to the US market for Disney, though.

See more...

You’re right. And every other year I’ve been one of the ones saying just what you’ve said but this year Galaxy’s Edge opens and that changes everything. Like everyone else I hope it stays but I’m the least confident this year of any year.

[piglet100]

Originally Posted by shughamster

This is how I see it - numbers of visitors from the UK staying onsite would plummet without the DDP and families almost convince themselves that "we're saving money so can spend a bit more in the shops".

See more...

Yes and we stay so long and spend so much more than typical US guests, plus it'd be terrible PR for them! My guess is a gradual reduction of the available dates (e.g. fewer in school holidays, fewer resorts available etc) rather than completely scrapping it.

[Shani]

Originally Posted by sha9

You’re right. And every other year I’ve been one of the ones saying just what you’ve said but this year Galaxy’s Edge opens and that changes everything. Like everyone else I hope it stays but I’m the least confident this year of any year.

See more...

I agree with you. I'm not as confident it will stay. I am leaning towards there being some kind of dining offer, but with much less availability for it.

We're in for a few years of changes I think, with the anniversary soon too. Disney will push as much as they can to charge the highest price point they can achieve.

[Leicesterlass]

We're not planning on going back until 2021 so watching with interest what happens this year. If it's not offered were currently thinking about not staying onsite but the changes to fastpasses will also have an impact. The 3 fastpasses at 60 days out are a huge bonus so if we dont get these it will have an impact.

We don't fancy a villa as we don't drive so currently weighing up Idrive hotel, Universal hotel, onsite paying OOP or onsite paying for DDP. Onsite will probably go from a moderate to a basic.

For us it will go on price with a preference to onsite if it only a little bit more expensive.

[YorkshireT]

Originally Posted by piglet100

Yes and we stay so long and spend so much more than typical US guests, plus it'd be terrible PR for them! My guess is a gradual reduction of the available dates (e.g. fewer in school holidays, fewer resorts available etc) rather than completely scrapping it.

See more...

We spend more because we stay longer, but Americans spend more per day.
They can't cope with all the guests now.
So do you offer free dining to people who spend less per day, or no free dining and pack it out with higher spending visitors?
I think it may still be offered, as it's advertising, but it's price and availability that counts, and both may be disappointing I'd guess.