How busy was 2007 Free Dining?

[singingpixie]

I'm looking at going to WDW next year for the first week of Free Dining with my mom (assuming it's offered again). My other option is to look for other discounts and go the week before free dining. How awful were the crowds (both in the parks in general, and in the restaurants) the first week of free dining this year? I have no problem making my ADRs at 180 days. Thanks!

 

[Bob P]

Hi,

The crowds are light to manageable.

The restaurants, for the most part, are booked solid.

 

[singingpixie]

Hi,

The crowds are light to manageable.

The restaurants, for the most part, are booked solid.

Thanks! So, by "booked solid," do you just mean we shouldn't plan on changing our ADRs/trying to be walk-ups, or that even with ADRs we should plan on substantial waits at restaurants?

 

[KatMark]

We never had more than a 10 minute wait for our ADR (with the exception of Boatwright's which was closer to 40 minutes). Once you've made your ADR's, you might have a hard time changing them to get some place else at the time you want. Walk-ups at restaurants while we were there were impossible.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Just to let you know...the bounce back offer for free dining that was offered this year doesn't start until August 30, 2008. So it might be safe to assume that if it's offered to the general public for next year that would be the start date.

As to the crowds.....we found it to be just as crowded as any other time in the summer months. The lines to the rides and attractions were, at best, moderate but usually long. The restaurants were very busy but we arrived early for our ADR's and all but once were seated within about 10 minutes. We were told that due to the fact that they were not permitting any walk-ins it made it easier to seat people without much of a wait.

Also, we stayed at POFQ which was sold out as was CBR and as far as we were told, so were all of the value resorts.

 

[singingpixie]

Just to let you know...the bounce back offer for free dining that was offered this year doesn't start until August 30, 2008. So it might be safe to assume that if it's offered to the general public for next year that would be the start date.

As to the crowds.....we found it to be just as crowded as any other time in the summer months. The lines to the rides and attractions were, at best, moderate but usually long. The restaurants were very busy but we arrived early for our ADR's and all but once were seated within about 10 minutes. We were told that due to the fact that they were not permitting any walk-ins it made it easier to seat people without much of a wait.

Also, we stayed at POFQ which was sold out as was CBR and as far as we were told, so were all of the value resorts.

That's good to know, as my mom's a teacher who goes back to work the Wed after Labor Day.... so my question may end up being moot!