Free Dining - Deal or Not

[DCDisney]

It's always good to run the numbers both ways. FD broke even for us last year with 4 adults at AKL compared to a really good room only rate. But with 2 kids barely adult aged we felt like the ddp was way more food than we needed. This year we are doing a mixed stay BC and PO-FQ (always wanted to stay at BC but a little pricey for a whole long trip when we do a package and can't switch around.) for 30-40% room, have the GAD passes which will save us $80 off each park ticket, and the kiddos can share adult meals when that works and we will still come out WAY ahead. It's nice too that we can have more flexibility this trip in terms of appetizers, eating at the food and Wine Festival, being hungry enough to enjoy the concierge lounge at BC, etc etc. I liked DDP for awhile but I think we're over it.

 

[Missytara]

In my opinion, the free dining usually is a better deal at the values and usually is not a deal at the deluxes. The mods vary depending on family group make-up, etc.

That's true; I go by myself to POR, so free dining would do nothing for me.

A room discount works best for me.

 

[CampbellScot]

Free Dining is a better deal for my family. (four of us staying at POFQ). We had initially had 30% off the room with a pin. We were not going to do the dining this year now that the one of the kiddos is an "adult" in the eyes of Disney. She would never eat enough to justify the cost. In the past we've always done the dining plan regardless of its "free" status. But when we ran the numbers, adding in the kids favorite TS places, both buffets, it just seemed a ridiculous waste of money. It was kind of a bummer b/c the table service places have always been such a big part of the trip for us.

YAY for free dining!!!

 

[kirbygump]

The 40% discount is a better deal for our family of 3 disney "adults" and 2 kids at BC CL, 6 nights, DDP, 7 day base tickets saved us $300 over FD for the same time. So run the numbers or have the CM do the deals. Can't believe Disney has these two huge promotions running at the same time. They must really be getting hit hard this year.

 

[AmyinPA]

Ok, after reading these posts I am worried I took the best deal. I have the white rabbit pin code for the 20/30/40, when I first got it we upgraded from CBR to WL STD view for only $16 more. We were so excited to be able stay at a deluxe for only $16 more total! BUT, I planned on switching back to CBR IF the FD did come out, which it did.

My family consists of me, dh, ds(12 cons an adult) and dd(7)

I am sooo bad at # crunching. Would it be more beneficial for us to go back to say the 30% at the CBR and pay for our own meals?

 

[saradela]

Ok, after reading these posts I am worried I took the best deal. I have the white rabbit pin code for the 20/30/40, when I first got it we upgraded from CBR to WL STD view for only $16 more. We were so excited to be able stay at a deluxe for only $16 more total! BUT, I planned on switching back to CBR IF the FD did come out, which it did.

My family consists of me, dh, ds(12 cons an adult) and dd(7)

I am sooo bad at # crunching. Would it be more beneficial for us to go back to say the 30% at the CBR and pay for our own meals?

First find out, if you are going on value season for CBR, and value season for WL, sometimes is almost the same price for WL because it is on value season while CBR is not. Then go to the disney web , and make the reservation, to see which one is a better deal for you.

 

[DnJ2002]

We waited for FD to book our next trip but based on this discussion, I ran the #s with the room discount instead. It will definitely save us more money than using FD. We are looking at staying at the BC and still want the DDP, but it was still cheaper to get the discounted room and add the DDP then to use the FD.

But I'm looking for some info from you veterans. This is our first time booking on our own (used a travel agent last time) - is there anything different to expect by booking online or by reserving "room only" and adding the tickets and dining (online) - or does it work the same as when we booked a package last time with a travel agent? It makes me nervous to book what seems like a good deal, just in case.

Thanks for your help!

 

[wdwmaw]

We booked bounceback so we did get regular dining at POP for free and for 2 adults and 2 kids paying as adults we saved $2015 on 12 nights. It comes out to $168 per day savings with food and tix included.I guess we could save more on a deluxe resort, but our plan is to keep bottom line low so this is best value for us.

 

[CTFamilyCruisers]

I ran the numbers and the savings were exactly the same for 40% of YC Club Level vs Dining Plan for 4 adults (well, 2 adults and 2 "Disney Adults"). I am sticking with the Club level because 1) most breakfasts will be covered, and 2) we don't always get dessert, 3) may grab CS for a dinner or two, and generally don't want to feel pressure to eat that much.

Add to that some of the perks with Club level - check-in, help with ADRs (which I will definitely need now that everyone else will have free dining), drinks and snacks throughout the day and I think we made a good choice.

 

[chimo2u]

Someone mentioned already above, but if you are booked Deluxe, I would look at the price again. You can add dining and tickets to the room only 40% discount. We did it last year and saved $$$ as well.

Thank you for encouraging me to take another look I did just that after you told me that you can still get the DDP with the summer 40% off code. I ran the numbers, and by switching my resorts I was able to save a bundle. Originally booked AKL Club Level (with the FD discount, 2 adults, deluxe dining plan, 6 day base tickets with park hoppers and no water parks= price was approx $2,800.00)
Looked into the summer 40% off Deluxe deal. It was not available on our club level room at AKL....so had to look into changing resorts. Staying Beach Club, Deluxe Dining package, 6 days with park hoppers, the total was over $400.00 LESS!!! so needless to say, I am now booked at Beach Club. It was a tough decision because we love AKL so very much... but it is also an exciting decision as we get to try somewhere new! I hope I won't regret the change...I definitely LOVE the fact that I saved quite a bit with the summer discount!
It definitely pays to run all the numbers. Now...I gotta get around to making a new ticker, I'd say!

 

[LisaNJ25]

That's true; I go by myself to POR, so free dining would do nothing for me.

A room discount works best for me.

yep! and with my my family the FD works best. POR lover here also with 3 "adults" this trip and 2 kids.. so FD saved us approx $145 a night vs $45 of the room.

Everyone has to run their numbers with all the promos to see what workds best fro the,