Free Dining crowds vs. Pop Warner crowds

[Amanda Hall]

So, we are going the full week after Thanksgiving. We went that week last year and it was great. This year though Free Dining has been released for people checking in the weekend after Thanksgiving (staying the same week as us). This was not available last year. I am worried about how that will affect the crowd levels at the park while we are there. The week before Thanksgiving last year had free dining and the crowds were much higher than predicted. I wonder if that will happen to our week now with it being newly offered for the deal. Pop Warner kids will be arriving the weekend we are leaving. No free dining offered for that week. I am wondering if we are better offer switching to that week or even the week before Thanksgiving. I realize the crowds these weeks are better than other times we are just trying to get the least crowded option. Any thoughts ? We are staying at POR.

 

[anniemae]

Honestly, I would keep your week. You simply can't control all of the promos, free dining, pop warner, party add on's, festivals etc. It seems Disney always has to have something to draw crowds year round and you can make yourself crazy trying to avoid something only to run into something else. Your week is a good one, i would keep it.

 

[Mikie]

Ditto. Free dining brings more people to the onsite resorts but I don't think it's a noticeable difference in park crowds. ADRs may be harder to get - look for those ASAP! Lots of people with free dining may have been at WDW anyway, but use the discount to choose onsite vs off, or extend their stay, or get a discount on a room they would have booked anyway.

 

[SaintsManiac]

From what I am reading it's a very limited promotion this time. I wouldn't worry about it.