Pure Speculation - Free dining in 2007?

[ReneeA]

Has free dining had a big impact on crowds?

We're looking at a trip next year and I'm thinking either September or first week of December.

We went Aug 21-28, 2005 and there were very small crowds...as long as you avoid MK on the weekend.

We went Aug 27-Sept3, 2006 and there were even smaller crowds...as long as you avoid MK on the weekend.

 

[PrincessJasmine1972]

I really hope they will do free dining next September..thats when I will be there..and being on a tight budget..it'll save me more money!

 

[kelleigh1]

Well now we're deciding between Early December or Late September. Free dining will be the decision maker probably, although the thought of seeing the holiday decorations is quite appealing too.

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

We just got back yesterday and I swear I might never eat again. Or until they offer free dining again. We got to eat at restaurants we normally wouldn't pay OOP for (Coral Reef, Spoodles) since we only do one expensive TS meal (Le Cellier).

The dining plan is awesome, but we probably wouldn't pay for it -- it was SOOOO much food. Not that I didn't eat every BITE.

 

[Fast Pass]

I called Disney about a week back and was talking to a CM about the free dining deal for next year and how great it would be. She hesitated and said if Disney offered it again there would be more requirements. She didn't elaborate,so I am assuming they are thinking of offering the free dining but this time making free dining days equal to the number of days a person bought a park ticket for.

Of course, this is pure speculation on my part.

 

[shakespeare]

Free Dining??? That would be wonderful! I have never had free dining! I'm going in July 2007, so I bet it won't be offered then.

 

[Sammie]

I would think if they offer it, it will be the same dates as the UK offered dates. Of middle August through September. This is back to school for most of the Southeast and hurricane season and Love Bug season.

I also agree since Disney is requiring UK guests to purchase tickets to match the days of their DDP, that will be required of everyone.

 

[Tracy Savage]

FD is wonderful! we ate until we hurt! We did it last year. Now I see alot of people are upset about the food quality and service. I still booked it for our next trip. Have you seen the Dining with Pictures thread? I start to drool.....

 

[hjohnson6]

We are planning on visiting WDW during September of '07 so we are hoping for the Free Dining as well.

 

[figarofan]

Has free dining had a big impact on crowds?

We're looking at a trip next year and I'm thinking either September or first week of December.

September is warm and it was very buggy....lovebugs everywhere when we went. I didn't see any large crowds. We had Space Mountain to ourselves. Many of the rides we just walked right on. The only wait we had was Expedition Everest.

December is cooler and the decorations are beautiful. We have been the first part of December and loved it. Already have reservations for December '06 and December '07. There is something special that time of year.

But then I saw a lot of happy people with their free dining eating next to us at the table service restaurants on my last trip. They were having a lot of fun!

 

[wendylovesdisney]

I went Sept 12-16th this year and there was NO wait to get on rides... period. In fact at times, cast memebers asked us if we wanted to stay on the ride for a second time because there was no lines. I will go again next year as this my new favoirte time of year to go.
My theory is this: people who have no qualms taking their kids out of school for a vacation any other time still won't do it the first week or 2 of school which is why I think the crowds were so low.

-Wendy

 

[allaboutmm]

I'm so-o excited!
We are keeping our fingers crossed for late August. Not our first choice of the time of year but....free dinning plan for 5 (DH is a true believer in the ddp), we can go longer b/c the kids won't be back in school yet, and it's value season. I'll just pull up my big girl panties and deal with the heat.

 

[JeanfromBNA]

My theory is this: people who have no qualms taking their kids out of school for a vacation any other time still won't do it the first week or 2 of school which is why I think the crowds were so low.

-Wendy

Kids in the south start back to school in early to mid August.

 

[jordansmomma]

We were there during free dining, however we have a timeshare so we didnt book a trip on site.
I was just wondering what this years prices were for 2A, DS11 & DS7 (at the time next year) were for 7nights at POP or POR or WL, with the free dining?
Just trying to get a rough estimate if it is worth it to stay on site next August.
Thanks,

 

[Princess89]

We were there during free dining, however we have a timeshare so we didnt book a trip on site.
I was just wondering what this years prices were for 2A, DS11 & DS7 (at the time next year) were for 7nights at POP or POR or WL, with the free dining?
Just trying to get a rough estimate if it is worth it to stay on site next August.
Thanks,

We have a timeshare as well, and went during free dining. I found it worth it to stay the week at the timeshare and then a week onsite to take advantage of the free dining. In total, staying the 2 weeks this year, in comparison to 10 days last year in Disney on site, were the same price (this was without free dining). And we managed to stretch it for 2 full weeks.