DVC and Free Dining?

[np4gp]

I know there have been free dining offers for Disney Visa holders but I was just wondering, if you are staying on points, is there ever a way to take advantage of Free Dining??

 

[DVC Mike]

No. DVC members staying on points cannot take advantage of "free" dining.

 

[CraftyMouse]

"Free" Dining is a marketing tool that Disney uses to fill rooms at slow times of the year. In order to get the "Free" Dining you must purchase a full vacation package, which includes a room at rack (full) rate. That is how Disney makes its money. Those who have a discounted room (AP rate, AAA disocunt, etc.) are not eligible for "Free" Dining, nor are DVC members staying on points. We get our rooms, over the course of our membership, for far less than rack rate.

 

[np4gp]

Ahhhh. Thank You. I knew it had to be too good to be true. LOL.

 

[Caskbill]

When free dining is being offered, you can reserve a DVC-room and pay cash, at full rack rate, plus about 11.5% tax, and then get free dining.

Option 1: Use points (eg 13 points/night (average) for a Studio for Sun-Thurs, = 65 points total or about $300 total in dues) and not get free dining.

Option 2: Pay about $230/night cash for a DVC studio, or about $2150 total for 5 nights, and get 'free' dining.

 

[CraftyMouse]

When free dining is being offered, you can reserve a DVC-room and pay cash, at full rack rate, plus about 11.5% tax, and then get free dining.

Option 1: Use points (eg 13 points/night (average) for a Studio for Sun-Thurs, = 65 points total or about $300 total in dues) and not get free dining.

Option 2: Pay about $230/night cash for a DVC studio, or about $2150 total for 5 nights, and get 'free' dining.

Even if you add the dining plan to your DVC points reservation you'll still come out well ahead of the "Free" Dining package price.

 

[DebbieB]

There are reports that they are offering discounted rooms at OKW and SSR with free dining (not full rack rate). Seems they are having difficulty filling cash rooms there.

 

[np4gp]

Thanks guys. I can't complain then - although we are sticking with counter service dining as a way to cut costs...we prefer to spend $$ on toys and such, not just for DS2 but for ourselves...lol. Well, me...

 

[#1SonofMIannie]

just experienced the differences of a cash ressie. versus DVC. was sending DW down with DMIL and DSIL in November. It worked out to $125 p.p more to stay @ PORS with PH and free dining with Disney Visa instead of SSR with paying for PH and dining plan. However I was able to convince them to go that route and save the points for myself and DM to go in Jan for a week @ SSR. It was for the greater good.........my sanity.