How does free dining effect the crowds?

[hugo]

We are booked November 15th-22nd and took advantage of the free dining offer. Most of the crowd calenders show lows levels during this time. How does free dining change this if at all?

 

[LSUfan4444]

Hardly at all. The reason it is offered is because crowds are low and the crowd prediction services take into account that some promotion will be offered during the low crowd seasons.

Even though every single year people will claim there will be no more free dining and ________ month has gotten too crowded and they will never come back during that month again.

 

[TandLMommy28]

I've gone twice now during free dining. The second trip was noticably more crowded than the first but we found out later that most of Georgia was on a fall break that week so that's probably why.

We have rarely waited in line for anything during free dining in September. Honestly the restaurants were the most crowded part of our experience!

 

[It's A Happy Day]

Crowds in the park aren't really what the problem is, it's getting those reservations at the places you want when you want

While I'm sure it increases the park attendance, I find it harder to get a reservation at certain times - you have to be more flexible. That being said.... totally worth it!

 

[GWhitten98]

I have the same concerns, we planned our trap for the same week you are going based on several factors one of which was low crowd levels. We would have gone that week with or without free dining. I am concerned the the low crowd levels will be affected by free dining. That being said, we went last year the week before xmas(free dining offer) and crowds were still really low.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Does not affect the parks really, buts has an awful impact on the restaurants.

Between the 'free' dining and the dining plan, the restaurant part of the WDW experience has gone to hell in a hand basket.

 

[hugo]

Thanks everyone. We aren't going for the food, we have the quick service plan, so this is nice to know. We will book one character meal and that's about it. Looking forward to a laid back trip.

 

[lustergirl]

We are booked November 15th-22nd and took advantage of the free dining offer. Most of the crowd calenders show lows levels during this time. How does free dining change this if at all?

My dates are almost same as yours: 11/17-11/21. I don't think it will be any more crowded. Dinner reservation maybe harder to get though.