Free Dining Seems Way Better Than Any Pin Code

[beyond2k]

I've had multiple different pin codes since making my reservations but none have been as good as free dining, which is available to everyone now anyways. People should be looking into that instead of trying so hard to get a pin code off resort stays. Even the 40% off didn't beat free dining.

 

[B-Ride]

Not necessarily true. It all depends on where you are staying and how many people in your party. For example, for 2 adults and 2 children (3-9) staying at a deluxe resort 40% off is a better deal.

Also, the Free Dining deal only goes until October 2nd. Not everyone is looking to travel by then.

 

[ElizabethB]

Free dining is the best value if you're staying at a value resort. 40% off is a much better deal at a deluxe. Earlier this year, we were getting free dining pin codes right and left -- and didn't want any of them!

 

[beyond2k]

We are staying at CSR and free dining was still better than 40% off. Maybe if its a Deluxe Resort it would be different, but for us free dining was still better. I only brought this up because people seem to be so obsessed with getting pin codes, when in many cases the deals out there for everyone may be better.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

For us, if we are going value or moderate free dining is a better deal. Only slightly better at a moderate. Since we are going deluxe this time the 40% off PIN is a much better deal. If we didn't have it we wouldn't be staying deluxe!

Another thing to think about is that the DDP is not for everyone. Therefore making the PIN codes very popular and the reason lots of people try so hard to get them!

Some people just don't like all those ADR's and being tied to them on vacation, or worrying about using all their credits to get their money's worth.

The DDP used to be a great deal for us. But now that I have a child that is considered an adult by WDW but still orders off the children's menu, we can eat cheaper paying OOP, therefore making a room discount even more appealing to us.

 

[francie57]

We are staying in a 2 bedroom villa at the BW and the 40% is definitely a better deal than free dining. Free dining would only save us about $170/day (4 adults) and the 40% off is $260/day. As others have said, it depends on what type of resort you are staying at. The deluxes are usually better with the 40% off.

 

[Rootskate]

For just the two of us, staying at a deluxe, the 40% off is almost double the discount of free dining. Believe me, I figured it out both ways....

 

[ElizabethB]

I would also add that there was a time when free dining really was an amazing deal. That was when it first started. With the table service meal, each person got an appetizer, a main course, a dessert and drink -- plus the tip for the server was paid by Disney!!

Add to that the very important fact that restaurants had not yet dumbed down their menus and reduced quality and portion sizes in order to bring their costs in line with DDP.

With all the changes to free dining -- and now no TS meals with a value resort unless one pays extra, for us the free dining offer is . . . meh.

 

[tpsh007]

For the deluxe resorts like AKV (2 adults) and a 1 bedroom, the 40% off ends up being $200+ less per day when compared to the free dining plan. It is not even a contest.

Now, if you are going for a studio, have a larger party size, and a lower priced resort, at some point the free dining will become the better deal.

 

[Gr8t Fan]

I would also add that there was a time when free dining really was an amazing deal. That was when it first started. With the table service meal, each person got an appetizer, a main course, a dessert and drink -- plus the tip for the server was paid by Disney!!

Add to that the very important fact that restaurants had not yet dumbed down their menus and reduced quality and portion sizes in order to bring their costs in line with DDP.

With all the changes to free dining -- and now no TS meals with a value resort unless one pays extra, for us the free dining offer is . . . meh.

Exactly!!! It used to be an amazing deal, now not so much.

We were fortunate to have booked a bounceback last year so we still have the regular DDP at POP without having to pay to upgrade, but I'm sure this is the last year they will offer that.

Next year it's back to offsite for us and only eating 1 CS meal in the parks considering all of the changes and *rumored* changes to the DDP next year. I know free dining was never *free* but I was willing to overlook paying rack rate for the room because I felt I was getting a decent value in return. Now that they've changed the offering and may be changing the plan for 2011 I don't see the same value that I used to.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I've had multiple different pin codes since making my reservations but none have been as good as free dining, which is available to everyone now anyways. People should be looking into that instead of trying so hard to get a pin code off resort stays. Even the 40% off didn't beat free dining.

As others have said there are many factors that play into this. For my family, free dining at a moderate is the best deal. We have a family of four and are all paying adults since our kids are over 10. For my friend, 40% off the GF is better, they have a family of three and a 9 year old.

If only free dining were available to everyone for the dates they needed! Anyone travelling after October 2nd is needing a pin to make that happen. So enjoy your pins and the fact you are obivously going in the time frame where it is available to everyone.

It takes a lot of research to understand what the best deal will be for your individula needs and situation. You really have to work the numbers.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Exactly!!! It used to be an amazing deal, now not so much.

We were fortunate to have booked a bounceback last year so we still have the regular DDP at POP without having to pay to upgrade, but I'm sure this is the last year they will offer that.

Next year it's back to offsite for us and only eating 1 CS meal in the parks considering all of the changes and *rumored* changes to the DDP next year. I know free dining was never *free* but I was willing to overlook paying rack rate for the room because I felt I was getting a decent value in return. Now that they've changed the offering and may be changing the plan for 2011 I don't see the same value that I used to.

Can I ask what the rumored changes to the DDP are for next year? I haven't heard anything yet. . .

 

[Amy&Dan]

Can I ask what the rumored changes to the DDP are for next year? I haven't heard anything yet. . .

Shelly, I was just wondering that same thing! I wish they'd just leave it alone, every change seems to bring less value for the money.

I may go over to the rumors board here on the dis and see what I can find!

 

[Gr8t Fan]

Over on the News & Rumors board here on the DIS several UK posters have said that the printed brochures for 2011 have removed the dessert at all levels -- QS, DDP and DxDDP, and removed the refillable mugs from the QSDP (and also maybe the DxDDP -- but not 100% sure on that one) while only decreasing the price by about $1.

Also, it is rumored that LeCellier will be changing over to a 2 TS location along with some other WS restaurants.

 

[Gr8t Fan]

Here is a link to the thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2450005

I misspoke earlier when I said it's on the News & Rumors board -- it's actually in the Disney Dining thread.

 

[POOHsie]

I used to get DDP when it included appetizer and tip. Now I could take it or leave it, the money savings is marginal and I am not able to choose what I would really like to order. Why limit your food choices for little benefit?

I am bored with the same old-same old entrees. I am looking at appetizers and I might order 2 or 3 to share with my grown daughter, then have her order an entree to share. I am diabetic, so dessert, even no-sugar-added, is more sugar than I should have. Unless DDP changes so that you could choose appetizer OR dessert, it is not for me.

 

[DISNEYNY]

I've had multiple different pin codes since making my reservations but none have been as good as free dining, which is available to everyone now anyways. People should be looking into that instead of trying so hard to get a pin code off resort stays. Even the 40% off didn't beat free dining.

FD is only available to the GP through 10/2...correct?? I need it for December.

 

[bluejasmine]

I thought that it was until I upgraded from CSR to the Poly.. It turned out over a $1000 cheaper to use room only code and add tickets and dining!

I think if your staying at a value and maybe even a modFD maybe more beneficial but you cant beat that discount on Deluxe resorts on room only! Maybe I should have kept that secret to myself! LOL

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Shelly, I was just wondering that same thing! I wish they'd just leave it alone, every change seems to bring less value for the money.

I may go over to the rumors board here on the dis and see what I can find!

I know, it used to be such a great deal. Not so much anymore.

Over on the News & Rumors board here on the DIS several UK posters have said that the printed brochures for 2011 have removed the dessert at all levels -- QS, DDP and DxDDP, and removed the refillable mugs from the QSDP (and also maybe the DxDDP -- but not 100% sure on that one) while only decreasing the price by about $1.

Also, it is rumored that LeCellier will be changing over to a 2 TS location along with some other WS restaurants.

That would make sense. The last time they changed it and took away the appetizer and tip they decreased the price by like a dollar. Wow no dessert now. If that ends up to be true I'd have to say we are done with the DDP for good.

I did hear that about LeCellier a few months ago.

 

[Rootskate]

Over on the News & Rumors board here on the DIS several UK posters have said that the printed brochures for 2011 have removed the dessert at all levels -- QS, DDP and DxDDP, and removed the refillable mugs from the QSDP (and also maybe the DxDDP -- but not 100% sure on that one) while only decreasing the price by about $1.

Also, it is rumored that LeCellier will be changing over to a 2 TS location along with some other WS restaurants.

So that would bring it down to just and entree and a drink? I would definitely not bother with it at that point.