Dining Question

[lmermaid]

There are 8 of us (6 adults, dd 7 and ds 5) going to Dis 12/2-12/11. I have a couple of questions regarding dining. We were considering getting an annual pass with the 10-20% dining discount or possibly doing the MYWD. We don't typically get appetizers or dessert. Would it still be worth getting MYWD plan? The AP and AP dining is about $200 more than regular park pass.
We plan on attending the Candlelight Processional and Fantasmic and doing the dinner package for both, but I don't think the AP discount or the MYWD credits count for either one of those. Any recommendations?
Thanks

 

[lmermaid]

I've been reading alot about free dining for Aug-Oct 4th and that people are hoping it is extended through December. How do you get free dining? Do they tell you about it or do you have to request it? Does it work the same way as MYWD (# of credits etc)?