Bummed by rumor

[supersuperwendy]

We are traveling to SSR Aug. 16 - 21...I picked those dates thinking we'd beat the free diners somewhat. Rumor has it free dining packages will start exactly on the 16th. This has me bummed. I've never been to WDW during free dining...is it a mad house?

 

[Valentine]

Been there many times during free dining.. and you know what.. never noticed it much.. AND I thought it worked in my favor... since with the little ones.. we don't really do too many sit downs.. so.. people were spending ALOT of time eating.. and we were playing : ) Just make your ressies as soon as you can.. and you will be fine... Do your early morning touring.. pool time in the afternoon when it is blazing hot anyway... and go back at night... and you won't even feel the crowds....

 

[supersuperwendy]

Thanks Valentine!

 

[utahkennedys]

We have been during free dining a few times, always in Sept, and what I notice and hate is that every ADR at almost every restaurants is GONE. So, no changing plans, getting in anywhere at the last minute, etc. I also noticed the crowds up in Sept. from the usual, but not sure how that would affect August?

 

[MiaSRN62]

We have been during free dining and felt it was more crowded and more difficult to get ADR's. Start planning your meals now. August 2006 or 2007 comes to mind.


Maria

 

[mom2rb]

I have been during free dining. It didn't seem bad at all in the parks. The restaurants were packed. Make sure you make ADRs for anywhere you want to go eat.

 

[Tara]

Having been in late August and mid-September before the days of free dining and then during, I notice a definite increase in crowds. Make those ADRs early, because you'll definitely have trouble getting in for table service otherwise. (IME)

 

[eeyoresmom]

Even though it hasn't been released yet in the US, I believe that is the free dining time already sold to people in the UK. I have been several times the last 2 weeks of August and have not noticed crowded parks at all. The restaurants however are a differeent story.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I have been several times the last 2 weeks of August and have not noticed crowded parks at all.

We were there one year when the week switched from non-free dining to free dining. To us, it was noticeable the day the free dining crowds came in as far as the parks went. We made a comment that we were glad we were leaving in 2 days......it had been a 12 day vacation for us so we really saw a difference in park attendance. Perhaps it was just that one year......


Maria

 

[dis2cruise]

been at dw the last 3 yrs with free dining in late august early sept and if we waited on a line for maybe 10 minutes (we do use tour guide mike) so crowds aren't really an issue.

op the day you are leaving i will be arriving for my dd's sweet 16 birthday party week at okw

 

[lugnut33]

It's easier and cheaper to just plan on eating off-site. And I'll be honest with you, I have not really been that impressed with the food they are offering at WDW, and the prices are way too high.

Oh, and that's the great thing about staying at SSR, it's so easy to go off-site.

 

[jersey joe]

We will be at SSR starting Aug. 23 for 5 nites. Can someone explain what this free dining is about? Thanks

 

[mybabesuz]

Officially began booking today.
You have to pay full rack rate cash ressie.
You get free Reg. Dining Plan.
Dates are Aug. 16th- Oct 3rd

We went the past two years.
First year wasn't that bad.
After last year said never again.
Restaurants were over crowded and it was HOT !
I think they added extra tables to accommodate more people.
You couldn't move in them, Felt like we were eating on top of people.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

It's easier and cheaper to just plan on eating off-site. And I'll be honest with you, I have not really been that impressed with the food they are offering at WDW, and the prices are way too high.

I totally agree! I know some people don't like to cook on vacation, but for us, the villas gives us the ability to eat more normally at least some of the time on vacation. I can't do a whole week of eating out at lunch and dinner. Besides I love to cook! Free dining does bring in the crowds!

 

[jersey joe]

Does this apply to DVC members? Thanks

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Does this apply to DVC members? Thanks

No, it's a perk to get you into cash rooms at rack rates!

 

[Suzabelle]

Now since free dining ends Oct 3rd. Can people get the free dining for the week of the 3rd if they check in by that date? We check into DVC that date and hope the free diners are gone.

Suzabelle

 

[lugnut33]

Now since free dining ends Oct 3rd. Can people get the free dining for the week of the 3rd if they check in by that date? We check into DVC that date and hope the free diners are gone.

Suzabelle

I believe in the past if you have started your vacation before the end date you will get the free dining for the duration of your stay.

 

[Cee]

Are there restrictions on where you can eat for free? We'll be at the THVs the first week of Sept. and all I want is to be able to have breakfast at BOMA! Oh, I will NOT have the free dining plan.

 

[Anal Annie]

Officially began booking today.
You have to pay full rack rate cash ressie.
You get free Reg. Dining Plan.
Dates are Aug. 16th- Oct 3rd

We went the past two years.
First year wasn't that bad.
After last year said never again.
Restaurants were over crowded and it was HOT !
I think they added extra tables to accommodate more people.
You couldn't move in them, Felt like we were eating on top of people.

In the past free dining started closer to the end of August I think so it never affected us. But nobody can make ADR's until 90 days out now though right? We're all still equal in that respect, right...but now EVERBODY will be calling on May 16 for Aug 16 week right? That is when we go too and I was already dreading this new dining reservation system that seems to be giving everyone fits. Hope they get it running better before then...