Free Dining and crowds

[ChrisAlli]

My SIL and BIL have received the 40% off code in the mail. They are looking to use the time between Sept 19-27th or close to it. If free dining comes out it's usually during this time period as well.

Would these two discounts make the parks more crowded???

We were all thinking of going together but I was planning on Sept 26-Oct 4 or Oct 3 to Oct 12. Hoping that if free dining is offered we'd be at the tail end and crowds die off as well as making sure MNSHP would have started. Also be out before Columbus day crowds.

Am I over analyzing these codes and crowd relations....

Does any of this make sense???

[guelde96]

We went last year for free dining Sept. 21-30. The crowds were only bad at Epcot at night during the food and wine festival. MNSSHP had already started so I do not think that will be a problem. We will not be going this time of year again. Not because of crowds but due to weather. Everyday was above 90 with 100% humidity. They did offer a free dining bounce back for this Sept. I would pay more to go at a milder time of year. I know you did not ask about weather just wanted you to be aware.

[eliza61]

My SIL and BIL have received the 40% off code in the mail. They are looking to use the time between Sept 19-27th or close to it. If free dining comes out it's usually during this time period as well.

Would these two discounts make the parks more crowded???

We were all thinking of going together but I was planning on Sept 26-Oct 4 or Oct 3 to Oct 12. Hoping that if free dining is offered we'd be at the tail end and crowds die off as well as making sure MNSHP would have started. Also be out before Columbus day crowds.

Am I over analyzing these codes and crowd relations....

Does any of this make sense???

One note Chris.
With free dining you cannot use the 40% code. You must pay rack rates to get the free dining. Usually the room discount will save you more money.

Free dining will make the crowds a bit higher but that's why they offer it during traditional "slow" times of the year- to fill the rooms. (Disney's does nothing without an angle. :thumbsup2 )

[ChrisAlli]

Thanks for the replies, we have typically gone the end of Oct and the weather is always pretty good.

I keep thinking another code will come out for the times I'm looking at but not sure. Is there a history of codes for past years???

[katieloubear]

We are looking to go in Sept/Oct of 2009....should we plan more toward the middle of Oct? Also, where do you get these codes?

[jenseib]

The codes are sent to individuals. Not every one gets them.

I would think that free dining would be worth more than 40% off code, but I guess it depends on where you stay and how many people. For us we would stay at a Value and have two adults and a child on the dining plan. So per day I think I would save more with free dining.

[eliza61]

We are looking to go in Sept/Oct of 2009....should we plan more toward the middle of Oct? Also, where do you get these codes?

A good place to check is mousesavers.com. They are pretty up to date with the codes.

The codes are sent to individuals. Not every one gets them.

I would think that free dining would be worth more than 40% off code, but I guess it depends on where you stay and how many people. For us we would stay at a Value and have two adults and a child on the dining plan. So per day I think I would save more with free dining.

Your absolutely right. We generally stay deluxe, so even with 4 adults(teenagers but technically adults) we were cheaper with the room discount and our DDE card.

[Tnkrbelle565]

During free dining the parks are empty but the restaurant are PACKED. Plan to make your ADRs ASAP and don't plan on being able to walk up to a TS restaurant just because the parks are empty. Since it's free...more people take advantage of eating at the TS restaurants.