They are doing it to try to bring in more guests during the height of hurricane season. After last year's hurricanes, many people are wary of vacationing anywhere near the Gulf Coast at that time of year.
I really hope that they continue with the free dining aleast until 2008. I just came back from disney a couple of days ago, and planning my next trip for 2008 and I really want to stay at the AKL. With the free dining it will help with the cost since i will not go to disney with out the dining plan. and it will help me decide when to go.