Confused about free dining and discounts

[Bertie131]

I thought I understood as DVC we were not eligible for free inning, but I have been reading some threads that make me think otherwise. Maybe I am just misunderstanding what is being said. I am new to DVC so any help would be appreciated. So ,is there any way to get FD , discounts, or even Packages while we are DVC? Thx!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

To get "free" dining the package must be at full rack rates and each member of the party (age 3 or older) must get at least a two day park pass as part of the package.

If you are a DVC Member staying on points, or an AP holder using a discount, you do not have to buy tickets but you can only get paid dining.

 

[Lynne M]

No, you cannot get free dining, promotions or discounts when you're booking with your DVC points. When you use points, you're using room inventory that members own, not booking hotel rooms that Disney owns. Those offers are made in order to fill Disney's hotel rooms. We're not giving them money, so they have no reason to offer us free dining.

You can, of course, make a cash reservation if you'd like to use free dining or any other promotion.

 

[Bertie131]

Thank guys for clearing it up. Really appreciate it!

 

[Sammie]

Basically Bertie, Free Dining and DVC is a hot topic for some. Personally I never see any reason to get steamed over it.

Some members feel they get cheated by DVC by not offering it.

However as you can see, it truly is not a program that DVC is even affiliated with. Those that get upset need to remember that just because DVC has the name Disney in it, it is not always operating the same as other Disney divisions such as Disney resorts.

Free dining is simply a marketing device for Disney resorts to fill empty rooms at slower times of the year with the restriction of paying full rack rate and buying tickets.

DVC already gets discounted lodging and special pricing on the Annual pass.

So in reading previous discussion on Free Dining and DVC, I can see how it could get confusing.