Free dining questions

[boyd2284]

I was wondering if anyone had any tips or suggestions on getting discounts on the disney dining plan. I have heard many people talk about how they got free dining or near free dining while staying there. I am looking into renting points from a member and splurging a little bit on a very nice villa. If i could get a discount on the dining plan i could justify spending good money on a villa

 

[alex9179]

The only discount on the dining plan is by booking direct with WDW. Free dining is offered a various slow times, when they want to fill rooms. It's not always available. Recently, you book the room(s) at rack rate, buy the specified tickets for at least the minimum days, then you get a price break on dining. Depending on your party, this can be substantial savings. If it's only 1-2 people, a discount on the room may be a better deal. You won't be able to get discounted dining plans by renting points. You'll pay the full amount for a dining plan to be added to your reservation.
When we decide to go, I've purchased an annual pass for myself and regular tickets for my family. Then I buy the Tables in Wonderland card for discounts toward sit-down restaurants, lounges, and a few counter service. It's not inexpensive at $150 but we're a family of 5 and can make up the difference. I always plan two trips within the year to maximize the AP, but a long vacation could do that, as well.

 

[Mommb]

The only discount on the dining plan is by booking direct with WDW. Free dining is offered a various slow times, when they want to fill rooms. It's not always available.

This is correct. You may well spend less money by renting a villa from a DVC member rather than booking through Disney World with a "rack rate" room and "free" dining. However, you will not be able to get a discounted or free dining plan if you are booking through a DVC owner (nor can a DVC owner get "free"dining using their own points for a room).

 

[Debbie Jean]

You may however, purchase it at full price. It must added by the member whose points you are renting and paid in full when booked. This is true for all DVC resevations.