2016 Free Dining Watch

[choover2576]

We are booked at POFQ, but if FD isn't offered there, is CBR our next best choice? I thought about upgrading to Saratoga Springs because with 30% off the rack rate there (if offered), we'd save about $1260, so we'd basically get our FD money back in the form of an upgrade, but I'm really thinking about saving that $1200 and just booking at CBR. A few pros and cons of CBR? Is this ok on this thread? I'm new here in case it's not obvious, haha.

I love WDW Prep School for trip planning. Here is a link comparing all Disney World Resorts: http://wdwprepschool.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-every-disney-world-resort/

I'm a newbie too, with only 2 WDW trips under my belt and the resorts forums members (and all DIS members actually) have been VERY helpful:
http://www.disboards.com/forums/disney-resorts.12/

Best advice I received is that you will have a great time no matter where you stay

 

[maybethisyear]

So it makes sense to me that FD is released during at least slightly slower times. Does the release in and of itself make the park just as busy as "normal"? Is it still lower crowds than summer or Christmas?

 

[Burlingtondw]

We always have gone late October and I don't feel it's that busy, except Epcot with F&W.

 

[Confederate Scott]

So it makes sense to me that FD is released during at least slightly slower times. Does the release in and of itself make the park just as busy as "normal"? Is it still lower crowds than summer or Christmas?

I do not think offering the free dining will have any significant impact on the crowds.

 

[Atlanta WDW Fan]

Pete on the Daily Fix just said it looks like it's going to happen, STILL UNCONFIRMED, however. I have my reservations for September, and went ahead and booked my dining as well. I may have to upgrade to a moderate if the same rules from last year apply. But, I will at least have all my reservations in hand when and if, free dining is released. Either way, I'm sticking with the dining plan. It just takes one less thing off of you. It is so nice being able to just go to the restaurant, pick out your meal and not sweat the prices. Prepaying for food makes sense for us. I know there are those that say free dining, or even the dining plan in general, is not worth it. But, I really like using it.

 

[ejgonz2]

I do not think offering the free dining will have any significant impact on the crowds.

It fills the hotels but doesn't have a huge impact on park crowds from what I've read.

 

[Attracted to Beasts]

We are booked at POFQ, but if FD isn't offered there, is CBR our next best choice? I thought about upgrading to Saratoga Springs because with 30% off the rack rate there (if offered), we'd save about $1260, so we'd basically get our FD money back in the form of an upgrade, but I'm really thinking about saving that $1200 and just booking at CBR. A few pros and cons of CBR? Is this ok on this thread? I'm new here in case it's not obvious, haha.

 

[Confederate Scott]

We are booked at POFQ, but if FD isn't offered there, is CBR our next best choice? I thought about upgrading to Saratoga Springs because with 30% off the rack rate there (if offered), we'd save about $1260, so we'd basically get our FD money back in the form of an upgrade, but I'm really thinking about saving that $1200 and just booking at CBR. A few pros and cons of CBR? Is this ok on this thread? I'm new here in case it's not obvious, haha.

CBR is a nice resort. My complaints were the multiple bus stops and the lengthy walk to the food court. I would stay there again though.

 

[Burlingtondw]

Staying at a moderate resort, fam of 4, all adults under Disney, we would save over $2000 with free dining, only $1000 with a 25% room discount, how do people reach the decision that the room discount is better?

 

[Confederate Scott]

CBR is a nice resort. My complaints were the multiple bus stops and the lengthy walk to the food court. I would stay there again though.

I should have added that POFQ would be my first choice of the moderates by far.

 

[vrajewski10513]

Staying at a moderate resort, fam of 4, all adults under Disney, we would save over $2000 with free dining, only $1000 with a 25% room discount, how do people reach the decision that the room discount is better?

The dining plan for 4 adults is a massive cost. For people with one or two children, or just traveling as a couple staying at a deluxe, the room discount comes out to be more.

 

[Disneylover99]

Staying at a moderate resort, fam of 4, all adults under Disney, we would save over $2000 with free dining, only $1000 with a 25% room discount, how do people reach the decision that the room discount is better?

I think it's impossible to get a better discount if you're staying standard in a value or moderate with a family of four.

 

[Kellett]

Pete on the Daily Fix just said it looks like it's going to happen, STILL UNCONFIRMED, however. I have my reservations for September, and went ahead and booked my dining as well. I may have to upgrade to a moderate if the same rules from last year apply. But, I will at least have all my reservations in hand when and if, free dining is released. Either way, I'm sticking with the dining plan. It just takes one less thing off of you. It is so nice being able to just go to the restaurant, pick out your meal and not sweat the prices. Prepaying for food makes sense for us. I know there are those that say free dining, or even the dining plan in general, is not worth it. But, I really like using it.

I do too! It's so nice to not worry if you should order the dish you want because of the price. My family and I absolutely never order desserts when we go out so having the dining plan and getting sweet stuff is extra special for us.

 

[Confederate Scott]

Staying at a moderate resort, fam of 4, all adults under Disney, we would save over $2000 with free dining, only $1000 with a 25% room discount, how do people reach the decision that the room discount is better?

Seems like your decision is pretty easy. Your savings with free dining is $1,000 more than a room discount. If you were not going to the parks a room discount would work since you cannot take the meal plan without park tickets.

 

[vrajewski10513]

Ahh I have to go to work tonight so I'll be it of the loop for 5 hours. I hope I come back to some new news later!!

 

[damskipi13]

Thank you! IF I read the site correctly, it appears that the discounts are only available for Active and Retirees, not Veterans (unless Disabled). My husband is a Veteran so I don't think he is eligible...

That is my understanding as well. Sorry! But hopefully you find another fabulous discount!

 

[damskipi13]

Staying at a moderate resort, fam of 4, all adults under Disney, we would save over $2000 with free dining, only $1000 with a 25% room discount, how do people reach the decision that the room discount is better?

It really depends on your circumstances. I can get military discounts, so that works out to more savings than FD. I also am going solo next trip, so the FD benefit wouldn't be all that great. You just have to do the math and figure out what works best for your situation.

 

[rere101399]

Ok who is waking up at 4:30 tomorrow?? Trying to decide if it's the thing to do or not!

 

[Disneylover99]

Ok who is waking up at 4:30 tomorrow?? Trying to decide if it's the thing to do or not!

Sure. Why not? Unless the dirty steve comes back later and tells us we can sleep in tomorrow.

 

[X96msm]

Ok who is waking up at 4:30 tomorrow?? Trying to decide if it's the thing to do or not!

I am! I barely slept last night because I was too anxious, lol.