Free dining codes and Number in your party

[whodatdare]

Happy day everyone,

I have this question/comment buried in another thread, but thought others might have the same question.

Info:
We have a group of 6 (4 adults, 2 children 8 and 5). We are planning on going Nov. 24-30th. Planning on staying at the new Art of Animation.
I checked on resorts that match our needs (4 adults two kids) in the Moderate and value range. We could do: Coronado Springs, All Star Music, A of A, and the Cabins. I priced each out for November.

Yesterday, we got the free dining pin that ends at the end of June. Now, i know it didn't cover our dates, but I wanted to see where we would be able to stay using the free dining pin. To my shock, only the Cabins would have been available for our group (the deluxe villas as well but way out of our range). So, I got out of it and checked the Music, and CS without code, and of course, we could stay there pin free.

Is this the norm for bigger groups with free pin codes? I mean, I was all excited until that moment. We won't be staying in the cabins, but really don't want to pay for the dining. And, I doubt that grabbing two rooms with free dining would be cheaper.

Anyone with experience on this?

 

[Reese]

Traditionally free dining has excluded the family suites. You could use it to book two rooms at a value resort.

 

[whodatdare]

Well, than that makes perfect sense! Thank you. I guess we'll have to double room it!

 

[MHTeacher]

We are planning on going Nov. 24-30th

November 24 is the Saturday following Thanksgiving---Thanksgiving week is often "blacked out" for discounts. Could this be a factor?

 

[BrerMama]

Free dining has excluded suites, but not family suites. Not sure if it includes AofA, but you can use them at All Star Music. However.... you still get free QSDP because it's a value.

 

[Seahunt]

Last year the general public FD offer that came out for the fall included dates for arrivals of:

October 1 to 6, 2011
October 22 to November 3 , 2011
November 12 to 17, 2011
November 26 to December 1, 2011 (*Thanksgiving was November 24)
December 10 to 15, 2011

I agree with BrerMama. There were posts here on the DIS where DISers booked family suites during FD, like these lucky DISers:

We had Free Dining with the suites.

We have stayed in the family suites twice during free dining, and are doing ti again in December. We do pay to upgrade the dining plan though.

FYI there was also a general public Room Only code that came out for November dates, if you want to consider that instead of FD. No FD, but still a discount.

Of course no one knows if it will be offered again this year, but the info was:

*THIS IS NOW EXPIRED*
Save up to 30% at Select Disney Resort Hotels!
Each year, magical moments meld with holiday cheer at Walt Disney World Resort. Here, you'll enjoy seasonal events, festive décor and great nightly rates—all the makings of a happy holiday vacation!

This holiday season, save up to 30% at select Disney Resort Hotels when you book through November 19, 2011 for stays most nights October 30 to November 18, 2011 and November 26 to December 23, 2011.

For example, stay in a standard room at select Disney Value Resort hotels* starting at just $76 per night, plus tax for stays most Sunday to Thursday nights October 30, 2011 to November 18, 2011 and November 26 to December 22, 2011. That's a savings of 20%!
Discover great rates at a variety of Resort types:

Hotel Category Savings
Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resort Hotels
30%
Select Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels*
Up to 30%
Select Disney Moderate Resort Hotels*
Up to 20%
Select Disney Value Resort Hotels*
Up to 20%
* Exceptions include the following Resort hotels, which offer alternative rates:
Save 15% at Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
Save 15% at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Save 25% at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Save 25% at Disney's Polynesian Resort
The number of rooms available at this rate is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price of the same room. Minimum stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals. See Important Details. Book by November 19, 2011! Check Availability Now
Book online, call (407) 939-1917† or call your Travel Agent. Be sure to mention booking code J5N when calling.

 

[sjs314]

Disney uses promos to fill rooms whether it be FD or % off etc. If a resort is falling short % wise of what Disney feels should be booked for certain time period they will allocate rooms be included into said promo. If the bookings are at or above said % of booking there will be no availability for said promo at that resort, even though there are still rooms able to be booked at rack rate.

Also as someone mentioned normally the value resort suites are included into promos.