Free dining in October?

[batt01]

If I remember correctly, last year WDW offered some sort of free dining deal in October. Is this so? What was the deal? If they offer it again, when would they announce it?

Thanks!

 

[DisneyGeek2000]

If I remember correctly, last year WDW offered some sort of free dining deal in October. Is this so? What was the deal? If they offer it again, when would they announce it?

Thanks!

This was announced last year around June 2 or so:

"Check in between August 21, 2005 and October 4, 2005 for a Magic Your Way vacation package of 3 nights or longer at a Walt Disney World resort and get the Dining Plan added at no extra cost!"

 

[superdiz]

We used it. I gained 10 lbs. DDP is a waistline killer.

 

[Stacy_C]

We used it. I gained 10 lbs. DDP is a waistline killer.

I gained 8 lbs., but I sure did enjoy it!

 

[grimley1968]

DisneyGeek is right. We actually used that offer and it was wonderful.

However, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for that to happen again soon. I really don't think Disney attracted many who would not have otherwise stayed with the offer. The 50th Anniv. did more than the free dining to bring people to the parks, IMO. On the other hand, many of the people who took advantage of the free dining had already planned to stay there and pay for the dining package (like us). For my family, it was as though someone just said, "Oh, you're going to Disney in October? Then eat all you can, and more, on me! Here's a check for about $700 to foot the bill!"

I really doubt they filled as many rooms with that as they would with just a straight up discount on room prices, and discounts on room pricing, I bet, probably get Disney a better return for what they're not charging, than in not getting a single penny for my family of 4 for an entire week for all that overpriced food of theirs!

On the flip side, for those who would not be interested in the dining plan anyway, or who prefer to eat off WDW property, the free dining package wouldn't be as attractive to them (since this special came with a rack rate provision on the rooms) as a room discount.

It was awesome for us, but I just wish I could be a fly on the wall to listen as Disney's CFO hears the Disney return on the free dining last fall. I'm betting the CFO's outrage at the loss would probably kill said fly.

Yes, I'd look for a room discount well before the free dining.

 

[tinkerbell211]

We did not take advantage of this last year, because that is when we were just beginning the school year. The only way I would consider WDW at that time this year is IF they offer the free dining. It would be the deciding factor of whether we would be willing to take the kids out of school so early in the year.
Hey, and I teach!!!
FREE FOOD!!!!!

 

[denman007]

I think the main reason they did free dining was to introduce everyone to the new dining plan in hopes of getting repeat business.

It was also offered at a time when, typically, attendance is low. However, it was very crowded during our stay Oct 1-10...worst I've seen it in Oct.

I doubt we'll see free dining again...it sure was awesome, though.