Free Dining Question

[macfam5]

Does WDW offer Free Dining every August/September? Or has it for the past few years?

Is it just the basic dining plan or can you get the deluxe dining?

Does that offer make the parks busier?

 

[Bama_C]

I believe they started offering it in August 2005, and I also think the dates have varied a bit from year to year. This will be our 3rd year to be taking advantage of the free dining. We were actually there in 2005 while it was going on, but we were not aware of it when we booked our vacation, so didn't get it. It is the Basic DDP... you can pay the difference and get the DxDDP.

As for the crowded parks... they have gotten more crowded each year (which is why they keep offering the Free DDP I am sure). That said, they are still nowhere near the size of crowds at other times of the year. We were there this past January and were shocked that the crowd was worse than when we were there in Sept. during FDDP. A few years ago in Sept. we actually walked on rides like Test Track and with no wait (and rode again without getting back in line!)... not in the past 2 years, though. More people are finding out about and taking advantage of this plan each year, so it is more and more crowded. Still a great deal.

 

[VAN]

This is our first time taking advantage of DDP. I would think the parks would be busier because of this offer ...

I personally think it is an excellent marketing ploy on the part of Disney. This was traditionally a very slow month for them; however, they still had to pay the staff at their hotels and restaurants. This brings in lots more people who will, of course, spend lots of money! Additionally, because they are getting "free" food, I would think they would be more inclined to splurge on some of the specialty drinks that are not included in the plan (I know I will) ... the mark-up on these drinks must be huge!! And who can leave without visiting the shops!!

Hence, the visitor with free dining feels like they are getting a great deal and Disney makes out because they are bringing in $$$ during a traditionally slow period.

 

[DiszyDean]

This is our first time taking advantage of DDP. I would think the parks would be busier because of this offer ...

I personally think it is an excellent marketing ploy on the part of Disney. This was traditionally a very slow month for them; however, they still had to pay the staff at their hotels and restaurants. This brings in lots more people who will, of course, spend lots of money! Additionally, because they are getting "free" food, I would think they would be more inclined to splurge on some of the specialty drinks that are not included in the plan (I know I will) ... the mark-up on these drinks must be huge!! And who can leave without visiting the shops!!

Hence, the visitor with free dining feels like they are getting a great deal and Disney makes out because they are bringing in $$$ during a traditionally slow period.

And from 2005-2007, free dining used to be even a greater deal. When tips and appetizers were included. Less so now with these things being excluded on the basic plan (appetizers are still included on the more expensive deluxe plan). Still a good deal for many families.

We went to WDW for the free dining plan for the last three years although we are skipping our trip this year to go to Mexico. As has been stated, the crowds increased year-over-year. It was still manageable last year though and still probably nothing compared to holidays like Christmas.

 

[beroh2253]

We went the last 2 years, last week in Sept. and going this year again. Early in the morning is pretty much walk on and crowds didn't really seem that bad at the rides all week. But with everyine on the DDP cause it is free we spent more time in eating places and less time in line for rides.