Universal Dining Plan (Coming Soon?)

[ReelJustice]

Orlando Informer tweeted this earlier:

Looks like Universal is taking the next step towards becoming more like WDW. This should work well with Cabana Bay and more Potter coming on board in 2014.

Of note:
*Potter and FFB are not listed as dining locations.
*Squishees are listed under snacks.

 

[Hockeyman55]

:bang:


Note though that it only works if you book a vacation package. If you have an AP you're out of luck.

 

[Nick]

I wonder if this will increase pricing at sit down restaurants. Right now they are a much better value than eating counter service.

 

[JungleSkip]

:bang:


Note though that it only works if you book a vacation package. If you have an AP you're out of luck.

Not really surprising.

 

[Hockeyman55]

Not really surprising.

Unless they allow AP's holders to buy it at an additional higher cost. I believe Disney does that also, looked into once but wasn't worth the money for us.

- - - Updated - - -

I wonder if this will increase pricing at sit down restaurants. Right now they are a much better value than eating counter service.

Not only that, but will it lead to popular items getting removed from menus for cost cutting purposes. Im looking at you BOG steak snadwich :inquisitive:

 

[BJCool]

Someone commented on Orlando Informer's original tweet.....

It will be $45.99/adult $17.99 child, gratuities not included. it will begin July 1

 

[JungleSkip]

Not only that, but will it lead to popular items getting removed from menus for cost cutting purposes. Im looking at you BOG steak snadwich :inquisitive:

The Dining Plan had nothing to do with that.

 

[Hockeyman55]

The Dining Plan had nothing to do with that.

Gotcha, I thought that was why it was kicked off the menu

 

[Disneyhead]

Gotcha, I thought that was why it was kicked off the menu

Nope, it was kicked off the menu because it was the lowest rating entree on the menu. And many guests complaining of it being too tough.

Oh, and does anyone else find it odd that you can only buy the plan if you are booking a hotel, yet you can't use the plan at any of the hotel restaurants.

 

[Hockeyman55]

Nope, it was kicked off the menu because it was the lowest rating entree on the menu. And many guests complaining of it being too tough.

Oh, and does anyone else find it odd that you can only buy the plan if you are booking a hotel, yet you can't use the plan at any of the hotel restaurants.

Hmmm, never even thought about that. Why is that?

And thank you for clearing that up for me.

 

[Skipper Justin]

Hmmm, never even thought about that. Why is that?

And thank you for clearing that up for me.

I am guessing because the hotel restaurants are pretty pricey.

 

[ReelJustice]

The only way to get any value out of this is to eat dinner at Lombards, right?

 

[tribbleorlfl]

I am guessing because the hotel restaurants are pretty pricey.

I think it's more a matter of the hotel restaurants being Third Party and are not owned/operated by Universal. I remember when Hard Rock Hotel opened, I wanted to transfer to the Palm. I couldn't bc I wouldn't be a Uni ee , but a Lowes ee. I had to apply as a new ee.

 

[Nitro_230]

:bang:


Note though that it only works if you book a vacation package. If you have an AP you're out of luck.

It's same as Disney, you have to book a hotel through Universal to get the plan.

Nope, it was kicked off the menu because it was the lowest rating entree on the menu. And many guests complaining of it being too tough.

Oh, and does anyone else find it odd that you can only buy the plan if you are booking a hotel, yet you can't use the plan at any of the hotel restaurants.

I was thinking the same thing. Really makes no sense.

The only way to get any value out of this is to eat dinner at Lombards, right?

Or City Walk, or Mythos. If you use all of the credits as intended (ie not using your table service as a 2nd quick serve) you'll easily clear $50 bucks, so it will save you money.

I think it's more a matter of the hotel restaurants being Third Party and are not owned/operated by Universal. I remember when Hard Rock Hotel opened, I wanted to transfer to the Palm. I couldn't bc I wouldn't be a Uni ee , but a Lowes ee. I had to apply as a new ee.

I'm sure that's exactly what it is. But I don't understand why they wouldn't get buy-in from the hotels before they started this up. Your done in the park, you head back to the hotel, you want a snack so you want to use your snack credit......... City Walk is still open, walk back.

 

[IzzyB]

I'm sure that's exactly what it is. But I don't understand why they wouldn't get buy-in from the hotels before they started this up. Your done in the park, you head back to the hotel, you want a snack so you want to use your snack credit......... City Walk is still open, walk back.

I agree, they should have gotten buy in. There are a lot of third party restaurants in Disney (especially Epcot) and they are all included on the Disney Dining Plan. Having limitations of where you can go may be the downfall of this thing. Because I know Disney Dining Plan just confuses people on what their allowed to order while in the place, now add the confusion of where you can order? Gonna be a mess for employees.

 

[twebber55]

Just like with disneys dining plan i see no advantages for this

 

[Kevin38]

Just like with disneys dining plan i see no advantages for this

I guess if you want to know food cost in advance.
There is not a cost saving that I can see unless you get the most expensive everything (that you would not do if you were paying as you go)
Plus it locks you in to staying on property all day and keeps your money @ Universal.

 

[Hockeyman55]

Not only that but with Disney the room you get will be at rack rate so that is where they are making up their money

 

[JungleSkip]

Not only that but with Disney the room you get will be at rack rate so that is where they are making up their money

That's only with free dining.

 

[Hockeyman55]

That's only with free dining.

:bang: you're right