Cast Member Discount or Free Dining?

[skepace]

So I have a contact with a Disney company that has offered his Friends and Family Discount for us. Awesome right!?! Looks like it will save us a lot but when I called a CM at WDW Reservations said that a Free Dining would be cheaper.

Has Deluxe Dining ever been made available as a "free" option?

Just looking for some help from those that have used the Friends and Family Discount.

Thanks!

 

[figmentfan6]

So I have a contact with a Disney company that has offered his Friends and Family Discount for us. Awesome right!?! Looks like it will save us a lot but when I called a CM at WDW Reservations said that a Free Dining would be cheaper.

Has Deluxe Dining ever been made available as a "free" option?

Just looking for some help from those that have used the Friends and Family Discount.

Thanks!

Friends and Family discounts take off 40-50% of the resort cost. It is an EXCELLENT deal. Further, depending on the dates, it might be possible to add the regular dining plan for around $30 per person (which is significantly cheaper than normal). Ask your friend if he can book you a room with the DP on it.

Deluxe dining, I don't believe, has ever been a "free" option. It is possible to upgrade to it from Free Dining (again, 99% sure but might be wrong), but you can not get it for free.

I think that the Friends and Family discount will save you a lot more money than Free Dining depending, again, on your dates, how many of you there are and if you can get the dining plan added on. Just do basic math and calculate 40% off of the resort room you want. Then calculate the cost of food for you and your family. If the percent off of the room is more than the cost of food, do the CM discount and vice versa. Good luck!

 

[PrincessatheartMN]

So I have a contact with a Disney company that has offered his Friends and Family Discount for us. Awesome right!?! Looks like it will save us a lot but when I called a CM at WDW Reservations said that a Free Dining would be cheaper.

Has Deluxe Dining ever been made available as a "free" option?

Just looking for some help from those that have used the Friends and Family Discount.

Thanks!

I think it is depend on what type of resorts you want to stay. We have Interline discount 40% off any resort (based on availability) but it can not combine with dining (even if you want to purchase it) They are for room only and you have to buy tickets separate. For us , a family of 5, and we dont mind the value resort, a FD is better than 40%. If you are staying at Deluxe, the 40% is much better. Right now, 10 days at All star music saves us about $600 with Interline discount standard room, but FD will save our family $1400.

 

[skepace]

I think it is depend on what type of resorts you want to stay. We have Interline discount 40% off any resort (based on availability) but it can not combine with dining (even if you want to purchase it) They are for room only and you have to buy tickets separate. For us , a family of 5, and we dont mind the value resort, a FD is better than 40%. If you are staying at Deluxe, the 40% is much better. Right now, 10 days at All star music saves us about $600 with Interline discount standard room, but FD will save our family $1400.

What is "Interline"?

Sounds like it a GREAT discount! Looks like we will be able to afford to go this year!

 

[rafiki14]

I was just wondering this.... I have a friend who has offered this before, but I always feel a little bad asking to use it.

There are only two of us going in Sept. and I'm holding out for FD. But maybe just asking for the discount would actually be way cheaper....

There is just something that sounds so great about "free dining"

 

[PrincessatheartMN]

What is "Interline"?

Sounds like it a GREAT discount! Looks like we will be able to afford to go this year!

Interline is offered to Travel industry related employee - like Airline employee, hotel,... I work for Airline.
Still hoping for FD though.

 

[skepace]

Thanks for the info!

 

[skepace]

Alright, need some help. I've called WDW Reservations to ask questions about the CM discount and keep getting conflicting information. Anyone had success with this? Some times when I call they tell me I can get discounted Friends and Family on Dining and others say they never offer that.

HELP! Trying to budget if we can go.

 

[bless7ings]

Did you ask if you could get discounted dining with the friends and family? Just wondering...

 

[Bete]

Alright, need some help. I've called WDW Reservations to ask questions about the CM discount and keep getting conflicting information. Anyone had success with this? Some times when I call they tell me I can get discounted Friends and Family on Dining and others say they never offer that.

HELP! Trying to budget if we can go.

all the time. Experience, training and knowledge differs per each CM.

You can do two tactics, here. When you get a CM that says dining plans can be discounted under this program this is the time to continue with this CM and even book and get locked in.

Another tactic is to get the CM's supervisor if you are not getting what you believe to be a correct answer.

I prefer the first tactic with getting a more informed cast member and continue to book the vacation with them.

 

[CarKey]

I have a Friends and Family discount booked for CBR in June. I have 40% off currently and I'm waiting to add dining. Currently I do not have the option of buying the dining plan as they are offering it only through May, but it is at a discounted rate. Once I was told $30 per person, once I was told half off. The CMs I have spoken seem confident that I will be allowed to purchase it, I just have to wait till closer to time. I have also been told that when I do add DP that my resort discount becomes 50% off instead of 40! Yippee for that!

 

[dclfun]

Just as an FYI, CM discount information is NOT to be shared on a message board or with anyone who is not also a CM. I'm sure the OP didn't realize this, but please keep the discount you were offered private and only between you and your friend or family member.