KNWVIKING -- I guess it just depends on where you want to eat too.
From my perspective, DH and I have done the FDP at BD twice. From experience, I now know it isn't even necessary in January.
But in May, DH and I ate what we wanted at BD for the FDP. With tip and tax, our bill came to $48.47 for the two of us. (Not big eaters and we only drink ice tea.)
Let's see -- under the new FDP at BD that would be $39.33 twice = $78.66. This subtotal does include tip.
I have to add on two ice teas at $2 each and tax.
$82.66, tax 6% (same rate we paid in May).
Total $87.62
I am aware we would get a lot more food. But it's food we would be just stuffing into ourselves because *we paid extra for it.*
For those who like big meals, or aren't on a budget, the extra $39.15 would be just fine.
If they offered this price for the Fireworks Viewing at CA Grille, I would JUMP on it!
So it's not a bad deal all the way around. Especially if guests do get free popcorn and drinks at Fantasmic, as some have reported. However, after eating all that food at BD I don't know how I could put anything more in my stomach without getting sick.
To me, this trend defeats the purpose of the FDP, which was to get guests into the restaurants in the first place.
Families with small kids -- I see them grabbing quick bites and eating in the seating area. But I very possibly could be proved wrong on that.
I would have rather seen WDW execs to decide to charge $10 - $15 for FDP no-shows, if this really was their true motivation. Heck, they wouldn't even have to serve anyone and get some cash and still keep the other guests happy.
Just my thoughts, right or wrong.