crowd level during free dining plan

[bornwiththeears]

My husband and I are taking a solo trip the end of September through Oct. 4th (we have been 24 times with our children). We almost always stay at the Dolphin or Swan. Looked at my email and realized most of our trip falls in the free dining plan. I usually track the crowd levels but am wondering how much of an impact does the free dining plan have on crowd levels. Do the crowd level predictions have this promotion calculated in their estimates? Hoping someone with far more expertise would have this answer.

 

[Sandy Mouse]

It should already be in the calculations, because it has happened for the last few years September through December.

 

[talkdisneytome]

My husband and I are taking a solo trip the end of September through Oct. 4th (we have been 24 times with our children). We almost always stay at the Dolphin or Swan. Looked at my email and realized most of our trip falls in the free dining plan. I usually track the crowd levels but am wondering how much of an impact does the free dining plan have on crowd levels. Do the crowd level predictions have this promotion calculated in their estimates? Hoping someone with far more expertise would have this answer.

Going Sept. 24th - Oct 4th and hoping that the crowds follow the moderate calendar. Although, I'm skeptical after some DVM were on hold 4+ hours to book reservations. Wishing for some pixie dust on crowd levels.

 

[vtownpatty]

We are going Sept 27th through October 5th. We have always gone in December before Christmas using free dining and crowds were just fine. Last trip we noticed crowds were higher the last couple of days, but I think that was Christmas crowd beginning.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Chrystmasangel]

I was actually wondering the same thing and found this blog on Dad's guide to WDW (love this sight)

http://dads-blog.dadsguidetowdw.com/free-dining-crowds/

 

[jsgrand0]

We are going Oct. 3-11, checking in specifically on the 3rd to take advantage of free dining. I can tell you that there is almost NO availability of the free dining offer during those dates! Within 4 hours of them opening up the reservation availability for free dining all the value were sold out. Now, I don't know what percentage of rooms they open up for the free dining, but they were more than GONE before the first day was over. We have been before around this time and the crowds were great, but that was a few years ago and it almost seems that free dining is more anticipated than ever now! Here's hoping to somewhat light crowds!

 

[tinkerbella16]

I have gone during free dining many times and I can honestly say that it does not effect crowd levels in the parks as much as people worry that it does. Just the restaurants get booked up and booked up fast! Crowds have always been very managable and great! At least when we've gone during FD in November. They never get to the level of Christmas or other holiday crowds get to, I can say that for sure.