Does using a PIN save more money than free dining? Can you use both?

[proud_canadian]

We were planning on going to disney next fall if free dining is offered but now I see these pin deals and am wondering if that would save me more money than using free dining or could I use both deals (I'm thinking now) if they do offer free dining again?

 

[GingerJay]

I think that the math has been done on this site somewhere (of course) but the general consensus seems to be that you save more using the PINS - this is because to get free dining, you have to pay full rack rates for the rooms...(so no, you can't do both)..

Just see what would work best for you and the way you vacation and go for it! You'll have a terrific time either way

 

[proud_canadian]

When they have had the free dining in the past was it the quick service plan or a different dining plan that was free?

 

[StuckInKS]

It is different for every family and no one can tell you which will be cheaper without knowing who is going, when you're going and where you will be staying. For example, a full price value room can be as low as just over $100/night. The reg dining plan is $42-$47 per night for each adult and about $11 per kid under 9. If you have you, spouse, an 11 year old and 9 year old staying at a value, free dining may be cheaper than a room discount of 20% since 20% off $100 is only $20/day, but free dining is saving you a minimum of $137/day. That is a major difference. Even with 30% off value, the dining is better. Now, if the same people are staying at a deluxe, the story changes. You really should get the figures together and decide which saves your family more money.

 

[StuckInKS]

When they have had the free dining in the past was it the quick service plan or a different dining plan that was free?

This year, the first wave of free dining was reg dining for everyone. The second wave it was quick service for values and reg dining for everyone else.

 

[BABY_EINSTEIN'S_MOM]

Seems like most of the time, the consensus seems to be that free dining saves more if staying value, but pins save you more if staying deluxe(depending on percentage off of course)...but every situation is different so the math must be done for every situation!