Anyone else happy that Free Dining is AFTER their trip?

[n2mm]

Free dining IS during your time period though--just not available to the general public. Which probably means they booked enough free dining packages with bounce back and UK residents, and there was no need to offer it to general public.

Plus:

1) This year value season started earlier in August.
2) Pirate and Princess party in August only--families may have booked in August for this alone.
3) 40% off discount code some people received, in addition to bounce back and UK free dining promo.
4) Schools in Florida starting back later this year (there's been some speculation that's also why no free dining to general public in August).

In other words August=crowded!!

Kelly

I agree with everything except #3. The 40% off discount code was not for most of August. It was for trips starting August 22. Why, because I had the pin myself, but my trip starts August 15-24, so could not use it. Yes, I agree, the GP did not get the free ddp because the resorts will be at capacity, so no need to offer any big promotion. I also agree: August=crowded.

 

[JustUsGirls]

honestly, i don't know when free dining is being offered-i think it doesn't apply to us-we are going oct 2 to oct 6th. Made all ressies already. I hope it is empty. We are not going for the food to be truthful-just for family fun.

 

[ILVPOOH]

We went the last week in August last year with Free Dining and it was great. We had ADRs and never waited for our table more than 10 mins. Most places seated us earlier than our time. We also never waited for any ride except Soarin, where we had to use a fast pass. Never had to use a fast pass for any other ride. Since I don't like to take the children out of school, this is the best time for us (free dining and low crowds compared to earlier in the summer and holiday weeks).

 

[mmcguire]

Harsh .......

I'm sorry, but I fail to see what was so "harsh" about my comment. It's a fact that many folks on DDP will order appetizers and desserts that they would not have ordered if they were paying OP, thus taking longer to consume a meal than they would have otherwise. Longer meal times = longer waits for everybody.

 

[mmcguire]

FYI- I will be enjoying the free dining promo and can't wait til thursday to arrive so I can call and modify my reservation. As for lingering over your "free" food I think the majority of us who are going to be enjoying this delightful promo will not linger over our "free food" anymore as if it were paid for. I think alot of us had originally booked our september trips with the dining plan included in our ressie but are going to call on thursday to modify our existing reservation. My family doesn't linger over any food- whether it be at home or away on vacation. If you seen my two teenage sons you would thing other wise.

To clarify, I simply meant that it takes longer to eat a meal that includes apps & desserts; something a lot of DDP folks would NOT order if they were paying out of pocket. Ordering, waiting for, and eating appetizers & desserts can nearly double the amount of time it takes to eat a meal. BTW, if you are getting the DDP, what prompted you to post on a thread called, "Anyone else happy that Free Dining is AFTER their trip"? Almost seems you were purposely looking to rip on someone who doesn't subscribe to your POV.

 

[twinspluscade]

I thought free dining was being offered to the general public starting on Thursday??? Or is this what you're talking about??? Have I missed something???

Yep, free dining is being offered to the general public on Thursday....BUT with shortened dates (Aug 26-Sept 22). The OP mentioned that free dining would not be during their dates in mid-to-late August, and I was pointing out that it WILL be during their dates--because bounce back and UK residents could book it starting early August.

 

[katiebsmom]

Yep, free dining is being offered to the general public on Thursday....BUT with shortened dates (Aug 26-Sept 22). The OP mentioned that free dining would not be during their dates in mid-to-late August, and I was pointing out that it WILL be during their dates--because bounce back and UK residents could book it starting early August.

Okay, I got it now!!! Thanks

 

[DaisyD]

I am starting my trip September 29. I am hoping most have gone home by then! Last year was miserable with the restaurants packed to the gills with irate DDP folks complaining about everything and anything. So hopefully most will clear out by then!

 

[emer95]

Yes, me!!
I'm happy that our trip ends right before Free Dining begins! It's worked out this way for us before, and the crowds were so light. We walked right onto Soarin' and Splash Mountain many times (didn't even need the Fastpass).
I'll join you in your happiness! See you there!

 

[The Sweetness]

I am perfectly content to pay for my dining. PPL may get hostile during the free promo if they havent made enough (or any heaven forbid) ADRs

It will be crowded enough the week after memorial day

 

[The Sweetness]

We'll be there BEFORE it starts May 27th - June 5th and while I'm expecting it to be crowded I'm happy the restaurants won't be completely mobbed and we got all the ADR's we wanted!! WOOHOO!!

ITA (May 31- June 8 here)