Free Dining in Feb?

[DisneyLvr12]

Do you guys expect to see free dining in Feb?

We're trying to figure which will be a better value - free dining or the room only discount. I know it's kind of difficult now b/c there's no discount rates or free dining info available yet for Feb. It would be for 2 adults, 2 kids (ages 5 and 2). We'd like to stay CL at the WL.

Any thoughts on which will save us more - free dining or a (probably 25%) room discount?

 

[FirstTripEver]

I'm also watching/waiting for Free Dining in late January & early Feb.

We are staying at a moderate - *if* Free Dining is announced, is it USUALLY for 6 nights? Or 5 nights? Anyone know?

 

[Cafeen]

Historically, the minimum stay for a Free Dining Plan package has been 3 nights. (Even the current offer has a 3 night minimum stay, they just don't advertise it beyond the "Check for other package lengths" text). So, a 5 night stay should be covered.

Now, as far as early Feb, it's pretty likely, at least up until Mardi Gras/President's Day. After that period though, it's pretty unlikely as Winter/Spring Break season starts then and runs all the way past Easter. Do note that Mardi Gras is a week earlier than President's Day Week this year, so that may have some positive impact (well, for guests ) on crowds during that week and discounts are possible then.

In essence, we simply won't know for another couple months, but mid-late Jan into early-mid Feb is pretty likely.

As far as staying CL at WL with only 1 kid needing a plan, my gut is hinting that a room discount will likely be better. But, let's take a look...

A standard room at CL in early Feb (I looked at Sun Feb 03 - Sun Feb 09) is $455 weekday, $488 weekend. So, looking at a weekday night (since it's cheaper and thus the value of a room discount will be less), a 25% discount would save you about $114 per night. The free dining plan would save you about $56 per adult, and $17 for the 5 year old, or about $146 per night. (Note: the weekend rate at that time of the year, with a 25% savings, comes to ~$122 per night)

Taking tax into account (since lower room rates also mean lower tax on the room): We get a room rate of 387.04 per weekday with the discount, or $516.43 per night without the discount. A difference of ~$129.39

So, my gut was wrong! However, it's close enough to determine if a dining plan is the right option for you at this point. (~$16 and change per night).

 

[Zobie]

Should I book now, as I know my dates and then try to change if/when a special comes out for that time? Or do most of you wait for the special and then try to book? Also does the $200 deposit transfer if you change to a discounted offer? Thanks in advance!

 

[BuzzNwoodY0824]

We always book and then go with the flow of discounts and changes. However, we also book through AAA so as soon as an offer comes out, we are notified and if it's for us, they change our reservation.

I'm not sure how easy it is without AAA. But we usually book and pray.

 

[Cafeen]

I always book first and worry about discounts later. I figure, the earlier I open the reservation, the earlier I can start paying it down (I'm bad about saving money). In reality, it doesn't matter much either way, just keep an eye out for the discounts and call/book asap when they come out.