dining plan and free dining

[jima53]

I'm a bit confused with the terms Disney Dining plan and the phrase I read that people say "free dining". Are they the same, and the free dining just a slang term?

I've read the Faq about Disney Dining plan and understand that. My question to you is what are the pros and cons to this and how does it contribute to the crowds that so many people talk about. Are the people on the DDP given priority seating even if they don't make a reservation at the more popular restraunts? Or is there a problem with being seated because you belong to the plan. Do the servers feel like they are missing out on better tips? Sorry about so many questions but we go to WDW halloween week staying in Ft. Wilderness and hoping to combine some home cooking with a few counter or sit down meals.

Thank for any info or help.

Jim

 

[wdwobsessed]

"Free dining" is the same as the DDP ... WDW offered a promotion a while back for this time of year (Aug 13th - Sept 30th) where if you booked a package at rack rate they threw in the DDP for free.

As far as the availability for ADR's and places being crowded ... during the "free" dining period maybe more than average in attendance are ON the DDP ... therefore less availability at the sit down places.

People on the DDP have to make ADR's just like those not on the DDP. You are given no advantage as far as that goes for having the DDP. ADR's are ADR's and you can't just walk up and say you are on the DDP and get in to a sold out TS...if a non DDP needed an ADR to get it ... so do you.

I just think it may be slightly tougher to get TS at the popular places than it was before. I added a day to my trip on Saturday that is in 10 days and I was able to get Chef Mickey's for breakfast at 7:50 and WCC for dinner at 8:30. I also had a choice of several times for Crystal Palace.

People seem to get thier panties in a ruffle if they don't get thier first choice of times and places. I wouldn't worry too much ... but I would make ADR's now for any place you really want to eat.

WDWO

 

[jima53]

Thanks for the info I was looking for. Sounds like families really made out going to WDW for their vacations during that period of time.



Jim