Pls explain how Free Dining generally works..

[CathieArms]

Specifically, I'm wondering how the FD generally relates to the resort you choose. I think I read that the FD for Value resorts is usually QSDP. Is that true? Does that mean that it's generally the Regular DDP for Moderates? What about the Deluxe resorts? Do they get the DxDDP?

Thanks for clearing up my questions.

 

[Cafeen]

Specifically, I'm wondering how the FD generally relates to the resort you choose. I think I read that the FD for Value resorts is usually QSDP. Is that true? Does that mean that it's generally the Regular DDP for Moderates? What about the Deluxe resorts? Do they get the DxDDP?

Thanks for clearing up my questions.

First off, there's always a possibility for change. However, with that disclaimer said...

The latest incarnations of the free dining discount have been as follows:

• Value Resorts - QSDP for free. Upgradable to DDP or DxDDP by paying the difference. Not upgradable to Premium or Platinum plans.
• Moderates, Deluxe, Deluxe Villas - DDP for free. Upgradable to DxDDP by paying the difference. Not downgradable to QSDP (even at no difference in price). Not upgradable to Premium or Platinum plans.

There have been some cases of PINs or Bouncebacks that did offer the DDP for Values, but those are few and far between (and I think were mainly residual from when Values did get the DDP with the general public offers).

 

[Eeyore's Pal]

Don't forget....you're getting a dining plan for free, but you are paying full rack rate for your hotel accommodations.

 

[CathieArms]

Don't forget....you're getting a dining plan for free, but you are paying full rack rate for your hotel accommodations.

This is true; however, at this moment, we're paying full price/rack rate for the hotel AND DxDDP. I'll take ANY discount I can get. Rumor has it that there *might* be a PIN released on 3/1 that includes FD. With 7 of us at 10 days, that'll save a HUGE chunk of change.

 

[Cafeen]

Don't forget....you're getting a dining plan for free, but you are paying full rack rate for your hotel accommodations.

Correct. When comparing discounts, it's best to look at all the options.

For a typical family of 4 with 2 kids under 10 (so they qualify as kids on the DDP, thus less savings from the DDP), free dining is still the better deal at both Value and Moderate resort levels (with the possible exceptions of the Cabins and Value Suites, I haven't done the math on those). This is due to both the relative rack rate at those levels of resorts along with the typical lower percentage room discount (25-30%). With this year's prices, this family would save ~$116 per night using Free Dining at a moderate, far greater than the ~$45-$50 per night they'd save with a typical room discount. Of course, this also assumes that they'd be purchasing the dining plan anyways.

It tends to switch over in the Deluxe category, where both the discount is higher (~40%) and the room rates can be considerably higher, 40% could easily be greater than $116. Different party make ups and desire to dine according to The Plan(tm) will shift this back and forth as well.