Go to WDW in February or October?

[heehee611]

So back story, we have been 3 out of the last 4 years and have always gone in February. First 2 times we got free dining during that time, and this February we got SPD, which definitely was not as good of a deal as free dining was in the past.

DH wants to go again in February 2016, and I would imagine they'll have SPD or something similar to it. I wanted to go in November 2016 because they usually have free dining that time of year and I think it would be nice to have a change and see the Christmas decorations.

Cost is a huge consideration though. While November is slightly more expensive than February to begin with, I thought the better deal of the free dining would offset that. However, I see for 2015 you have to have the park hopper, which we wouldn't get otherwise, and that takes away from the savings. So I am thinking that price probably won't be any different.

We always stay moderate because we like having the table service meals.

Any opinions/advice?

 

[Surveyboy]

I think that with the current levels of room occupancy "Free Dinning" will soon be a thing of the past. This years offer is already scaled back from previous offerings.

 

[Canuck16]

I think that with the current levels of room occupancy "Free Dinning" will soon be a thing of the past. This years offer is already scaled back from previous offerings.

I agree with this.

The Free Dining offer out for this coming Fall s very limited as to what dates they are offering it.

I think that the limit Disney has put on that offer this year is a sign that they are trying to ween people off of Free Dining and it will be a thing of the past in the next few years.

 

[wdwjeffc37]

To answer your question, you have been in February already, so why not try October. It is a whole different experience. There is the MNSSHP(pretty expensive hard ticket event)and the Halloween decorations. However, if cost is a factor February is a less expensive time to travel to Disney. Let's face it, a Disney vacation is an expensive proposition any way you look at it. Plan what is comfortable for you and you will have much less stress. Cheers!!

 

[Fantabulously Cherry]

I agree with this.

The Free Dining offer out for this coming Fall s very limited as to what dates they are offering it.

I think that the limit Disney has put on that offer this year is a sign that they are trying to ween people off of Free Dining and it will be a thing of the past in the next few years.

I completely agree with this! In the past years, it didn't matter what kind of room we were staying in to get free dining. This year, we had to give up our king bed and go with a 2 queen bed Royal Room in order to get free dining. I'm not happy about this because we needed the extra room for a pack & play for our DD, and the RR's with 2 queens look very crowded.

 

[OhThePain]

I am not a discount person in that I don't plan my trips around when I can get a good discount, so take my opinion for what it is worth.

The fall is our favorite time of year to go. If you go in October, you have the Halloween decorations up along with MNSSHP (not cheap but worth doing one night). Or, shortly after Halloween is over, Disney begins to put up the Christmas lights which are also very nice. It gives you a chance to see MK (the only park that really goes all out for Halloween) and the other parks in a different light, so to speak. Also, from September- Mid-November EC has F&W which is a lot of fun if you are interested in trying new foods, wines and beers.

To offset the extra costs of staying in the fall, maybe consider renting DVC points and staying at an EC area resort. My wife and I rented points through David's a couple of years ago and it worked out great (and was very very affordable). If you decide to rent points, you have to have your deposit and selections in no later than 11 months out because that is when bookings open for DVC and the EC area resorts book very quickly during F&W.