Free Dining Plan or Not?

[TandLMommy28]

We were planning to wait until February 2011 to go to Disney. We had some reasons for waiting, mostly that my hubby is in a union and his contract ends Feb 1, so we wanted to make sure they re-sign before we go taking a big vacation!

BUT... with this free dining plan thing... we can do our family of four at All Star Movies, upgrade to regular dining plan from the quick service plan and upgrade to park hopper for 6 days/5 nights in September for only $1,600--and I've already got $1,000 put away for Disney right now.

Plus we'd be going the week of my son's birthday, how cool would that be?

But I know there's always a good deal... do you think this deal is too good to pass up? Should we just do it???

 

[princesspat209]

I say just do it. It is a very good deal & what better way for your son to enjoy his birthday.

 

[Metro West]

 

[Mrs D]

Well I'd say it would be a pretty good savings based on what your looking for.
I did a quick run of the numbers if you were paying full price (I guessed your kids are under 9) it'd be $2145.

The weather will be h-o-t in Sept vs it could be pleasant or cold in Feb. Crowds fill be about the same. There should be room discounts in Feb, but I'd doubt they'd match the savings of FD when staying at a value.
I think your family would enjoy the FD. It's fun to do a sit down each night especially if you wouldn't have done that otherwise.
Happy planning!

 

[TandLMommy28]

We decided to do it! So many more decisions to make but at least one is made! We are actually going in September...

As for weather, I lived in Florida for 5 years so I'm familiar with the heat and think it'll be OK. I think I prefer KNOWING it will be hot than gambling with what the temp may be. February is so unpredictable down there. SOme years we were hitting the beach in Feb, some years we were in winter coats!

 

[Mrs D]

Congrats!!!
Ok, now get on the Disney restaurant Ressie site and start making your ADRs now!!!

 

[Pinocchio #1 Fan]

You owe it to yourself to do the Ohana breakfast once, as well as the Biergarten in Germany! My wife and I love going in September, but we are biased because that's our anniversary.

 

[pinkerbell]

glad u decided to do it! we go every year in Sep/oct and like the weather MUCH more than this pasr feb's trip - we will not do Feb again - VERY cold and rainy, not enjoyable for our 4 and 6 YO's no pool and no water rides, kids LOVE those and i hated having to keep saying no pool and we cant get wet _even thought it was only 40 degrees outside (the HIGH for a few days), they still wanted to swim.
Second - free dining is already being scaled down - We still have the Regular free dining from bouncing back last year, but are aware the for values it is now counter service - I LOVE the CS and have had it for our last two trip (FEB & APRIL) but like the Table service also for charachters - deals do go away - glad you are taking it while you can - If you go late enough you can also do the Wine and Food festival which DH and I love and possibly MNSSHP!!!!!! WE LOVE THIS!!! we all dress up and the kids can enjoy wearing costumes without coats (live in MA & it gets colod in OCT). We have always booked starting in Free Dining but staying past the end into OCt - as long as you start IN free dining - you can usually book through and past the end - if the CM doesnmt let you call back until you find one who will we stay for three week, so have two seperate ressies - the money we save on FD we put right back into staying longer

Have a great time!! and check out the wine and food festival and Mickey not so scary halloween - avoid both on weekends if you can!

 

[CdnBuzzFan]

Welcome to the boards! Glad you decided to go. You'll have an amazing time.