Why not?
Thanks for input.
it's free if you don't use pts and book a room at rack rates (no discounts)\
disney does this to fill rooms that otherwise won't be used.

I'm not even DVC. I'm not trying to touch nerves or start a debate either. As a NON-DVCer, I just couldn't understand why a DVCer staying at a WDW resort didn't qualify for free dining plan. Pardon my ignorance.Are you sending Disney a payment for this room? Not a payment for dues or a payment on your financing? If not, why should Disney give you free dining?
And it is avaialble. Call 407-WDisney and book a room. They will be glad to take your cash.
And "Free" means "Pay rack rate for the room and we give you dining" Basically it's just another way of peddeling a discount.


I have to admit I find it a little frustrating that we have paid $1000s to join DVC and in August all the restaurants will be full of people who aren't paying for their dinner, whilst we will be. Our solution to this, is we are booking very few ADRs and will be eating offsite or in our villa more often than we usually do. I understand the maths but I know I won't enjoy my meal if I am sat there thinking 'I am the only fool in the room paying for this food'
See above - nothing is free at Disney.
I have to admit I find it a little frustrating that we have paid $1000s to join DVC and in August all the restaurants will be full of people who aren't paying for their dinner, whilst we will be. Our solution to this, is we are booking very few ADRs and will be eating offsite or in our villa more often than we usually do. I understand the maths but I know I won't enjoy my meal if I am sat there thinking 'I am the only fool in the room paying for this food'
I'm not even DVC. I'm not trying to touch nerves or start a debate either. As a NON-DVCer, I just couldn't understand why a DVCer staying at a WDW resort didn't qualify for free dining plan. Pardon my ignorance.
I AM getting the FDP, as a NON-DVCer but my brother, who is DVC is paying for DP. I was just trying to figure out why. He gets a deluxe room (for less) and pays for food and we're staying at AS with free food. Trade-off I guess.
TY all for your replies. My brother is explaining the 'math' to me more and more.![]()

I know the financial arguments, but it's more of a 'feel good factor' thing, iyswim. Especially with the great cash deals on OKW at the moment. Not that I am dissatisfied with my DVC, please don't misunderstand me, we will be staying at the Beach Club, going on a cruise, and finishing at the Boardwalk, 2 weeks holidays all on points - that would never have happened if I had to pay cash! But that doesn't mean that I don't find it a little frustrating that we don't even get a discount on our meals.
Actually, we do get two discounts on our food.I know the financial arguments, but it's more of a 'feel good factor' thing, iyswim. Especially with the great cash deals on OKW at the moment. Not that I am dissatisfied with my DVC, please don't misunderstand me, we will be staying at the Beach Club, going on a cruise, and finishing at the Boardwalk, 2 weeks holidays all on points - that would never have happened if I had to pay cash! But that doesn't mean that I don't find it a little frustrating that we don't even get a discount on our meals.
Let me know how your room at the AS compares to your brothers.
If he is staying at VWL, BCV, BWV or BLT - let me know how the "commutes" compare.
You may be paying for meals next trip.![]()
I'll gladly pay for my dining to stay at a place like that, cause we will be in the middle of EVERYTHING and there would be no way I would spend that much to stay there even with free dining. Also I have worked it out to stay at a DELUXE resort twice a year for the past couple of years. Once was with my in-laws in a 2 bedroom (8 total). Something I would never do or attempt, if I weren't a DVC member. 
May want to bring some cab fare.
Actually, we do get two discounts on our food.
We get the DVC discount at many restaurants.
We also can buy DDP without paying rack rate for a room, and without buying any park tickets we don't need.
You may want to explain this "math" to him. It might be CHEAPER for him to book a room at the All Stars during free dining, stay at his DVC resort and then use the AS DDP credits than to actually pay for the DDP. I have heard of people with older kids who actually save money doing this and never set foot in the Value resort room. He can book with a one-day one-park ticket that he can upgrade to a multi-day ticket or an AP so that part of the cost is not wasted.I AM getting the FDP, as a NON-DVCer but my brother, who is DVC is paying for DP. I was just trying to figure out why. He gets a deluxe room (for less) and pays for food and we're staying at AS with free food. Trade-off I guess.
TY all for your replies. My brother is explaining the 'math' to me more and more.![]()
You may want to explain this "math" to him. It might be CHEAPER for him to book a room at the All Stars during free dining, stay at his DVC resort and then use the AS DDP credits than to actually pay for the DDP. I have heard of people with older kids who actually save money doing this and never set foot in the Value resort room. He can book with a one-day one-park ticket that he can upgrade to a multi-day ticket or an AP so that part of the cost is not wasted.
For example ... it's $972 for a week at ASMu for 2 adults and 2 children 10 and over during FD with a one-day one-park pass per person. Subtract out the cost of the park passes ($80 per adult) and you get $652, divide that by 7 and the cost of the DDP is $92 per night. If you *paid* for the DDP for 4 "adults" it would cost you $160 per night.
