The story on seasonal dining surcharges
We've been receiving some e-mail asking about dining surcharges during peak seasons, but we didn't want to report on them until we had a response from Walt Disney World. We've finally received that response, so here's the story.
"During certain times of the year, many of our Walt Disney World food and beverage locations experience increased Guest demand," said Disney spokewoman Zoraya Suarez. "As a result, new seasonal pricing has been implemented for select fixed-price dining locations during these periods, specifically during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, spring break, and summer vacation months. In other words, seasonal pricing is not a surcharge, it is the price of the dining experience during certain times of the year."
The dining locations effected by the seasonal price increases are:
1900 Park Fare
Akershus
Biergarten
Boma
Cape May Café
Chef Mickeys
Cinderellas Royal Table
Crystal Palace
Garden Grill
Hollywood and Vine
Liberty Tree Tavern (dinner only)
Ohana
Trails End
Tusker House
These price increases were and are in effect for:
November 18 through November 24, 2007
December 16, 2007 through January 5, 2008
March 16, 2008 through March 29, 2008
May 25, 2008 through July 5, 2008
Projecting forward, it's likely that we'll see them again for:
November 23 through November 29, 2008
December 14, 2008 through January 4, 2009
Again, the seasonal increase is "a result of high demand at select fixed-price dining locations," according to Suarez. So apparently, it's a supply-and-demand thing. Rather than keeping prices steady year-round and just dealing with people who can't get reservations, Disney has elected to see what price the market will bear and take the risk of pricing some people out in order to pull in a little extra cash from food & beverage operations.
The net effect will still have the same number of people mobbing the restaurants to keep them full, but the mix will be shifted from those with the foresight to get their reservations early enough to those either with larger budgets or the
Disney Dining Plan who might take a little longer to reserve their table. So be aware, if you're planning to be at the parks during these affected times, you may need to either budget a bit more for food during your trip if you're planning to eat at one of the affected restaurants or plan to sign up for a Disney Dining Plan, which will keep your cost steady regardless of meal cost.
Sorry, but seriously though, price gouging is against the law in FL, it passed after hurricane Andrew hit & everyon jacked up prices for everything from batteries & plywood to milk & water.
Now what about the less affluent locals? I know some family's that would have to make huge sacrifices to drop the $$$ to just visit one park for one day, let alone stay in a value. Could you imagine having to explain to your kids why you are waiting 90+ min to ride Peter Pan but those people get to jump right on because the are staying at a extra special hotel. Basically it would be like saying the more money you spend the better we treat you! It's obvious that Disney's focusing more and more on the big spenders and less and less on the little guys that live in the back yard. What a shame to forget those who have had passes for 15+ years and came when no one else would. Anyone run down here in the fall of 01? (sept 11th)
BTW, I can be bribed -- so I'll tell all (if the price is right!). 
The way they cheaped out on the DDP this year was bad enough but now this. 
That is just insane!! Can't wait to hear about it.
I would rather pack a lunch than pay extra just because they have me over a barrel. It really isn't a fair price- if it was you know they would increase the prices altogether. But the truth is no one would put up with it. That just means they are trying to take advantage of customers during the busy season- when there are more folks that come to WDW totally unaware, and will not notice until they get their bill. 
