I can't make up my mind!!!!!!! Need help!!!

[jagar100]

My family of 4 will be taking our very first trip to Disney this year. That's for certain. We're staying in a value resort at AAA price (20% off). What I can't decide, is whether to go during the FREE Dining in Sept, or go during the first week of December when it's nice and cool and pretty!!!! We will be flying, so that adds around $900 to our expenses. My husband hates the heat since has to work out in it, but how bad is it really??? I live in Memphis where the humidity will kill you. But if it's upper 80's and breezy in Orlando, I can handle that!
Also, with this promotion, do you think it's gonna be SUPER CROWDED????

 

[dogodisney]

We are going in Sept. for the free dining. We have never been during this time before so I don't know how it will be. I've read mixed reports on it. We went the end of June in 2006 and the place was packed, it was extremely hot and it rained alot. So I figure Sept. can't be as bad, at least as far as the crowds go.

 

[geokeim]

Spend the extra money.
It will be hot (& humid) & crowded...
But then again, it sounds as if you are used to it!

Have fun, no matter when you go!

 

[Jack&Ryan'smom]

We were there in Sept. for free dining. We were there the last week of Sept. and yes it was hot & humid. Would I do it again...yes. The only crowds we found were at a few of our table services. We walked onto all the rides. I was even trying to figure out how wew could go for freed ining this SEPT....But unfortunatly it doesn't fir into the budget this year.

 

[skier_pete]

We did free dining last year...and it was not crowded at all (see my sig for the dates), though I have read people that contradict that. All I know is we rode every major attraction and never waited more than 5 minutes in a line. (Used fass passes a lot though.) I will say, the heat,humidity, and rain are pretty bad...it was not 80s, more like mid-90s. The free dining made it worth it enough that we are doing it again, especially since you spend a lot of time inside when you're at WDW anyways. However, if you really want to avoid the heat...early december is a great time to go and still value season + the christmas decorations...we can't wait to try it in 2009.

SkierPete

 

[kmk1180]

The free dining sounds great and could save money but keep in mind that alot of people are going just for that so while the crowds in the parks might not be bad, getting a table at a resturant might be hard.
I've read most resturants are already booked during that time.
Plus if you go in Sept. you absolutly should book your ADR now for what you want if you can still get them. But that also locks you in a certain parks on certain days or makes you leave a park to get there.
Thus really effecting you planning and since it's your first time you might want to keep you schedule more open to allow more time for things you haven't though for or planned or just want to do more of.
So if your going to Disney for the dining, that might be a hassle
while if you go in Dec. crowds and dinning might be easier.
Just something to consider.

 

[jagar100]

I guess the extra $600+ cost will be worth it...especially with a 2-year old. I don't want to fight any crowds if I can avoid it. Maybe I'll get super lucky and my some miracle Disney will offer the free dining in December!

 

[jagar100]

I've read most resturants are already booked during that time. Plus if you go in Sept. you absolutly should book your ADR now for what you want if you can still get them.

Good Point!!!

 

[PrincessNoelle'sMom]

Keep in mind that you will not be able to use the AAA room rate with free dining. That may help to make your decision. December is really nice in Disney - decorations and weather.

Have fun!

 

[Reginak]

Also don't forget to conside annual pass rates: upgrade one ticket to an annual pass and you may get up to 40% off your room rates. Watch Mousesavers.com to see if this discount shows up.

Regina