question on dining at DW

[denhouse]

We just got back from our 1st DW vacation and it was great 5/1 to 5/8... Absolutely loved it and can not wait to go back. While we were there I see they advertised free dining packages... That is an amazing savings like $800 off the Dining Plus plan and now wish we would of waited till Sept. to go.

Does Disney typically offer free dining plans every year?? Is there a pattern that over time they have seemed to followed that I can try to monitor to book for next year?? We are hooked.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

We just got back from our 1st DW vacation and it was great 5/1 to 5/8... Absolutely loved it and can not wait to go back. While we were there I see they advertised free dining packages... That is an amazing savings like $800 off the Dining Plus plan and now wish we would of waited till Sept. to go.

Does Disney typically offer free dining plans every year?? Is there a pattern that over time they have seemed to followed that I can try to monitor to book for next year?? We are hooked.

Since 2005, Disney has been offering the Free Dining promo for Magic Your way packages with a 3 night minimum and a 14 day maximum (Basic Dining Plan; 1 TS, 1 CS, 1 Snack per person per night) during the mid to last part of August until the end of September, give or take a few days. This year, for the first time, the fall free dining promo offers the Quick Service DDP for values and the Basic DDP for mods and values. For the last few years it has also been offered as a bounceback to guest staying in the resorts during the Free dining promo. The free dining offer is usually announced around March/April. The first couple of days it will only be open to Disney Visa holders and then will open up to the general public. The booking dates for this year for the general public are August 15 - October 2, 2010 (but you could book up to 14 days past that date and still receive the FD promo).

Free Dining has been a brilliant plan on the part of Disney to fill the parks with crowds during what was previously their slowest season, and hurrican season to boot. And then having the bounceback for free food while the free diners are there in the parks, on their Disney high, well I would call that pure marketing genius. I personally don't see it Free Dining ending anytime in the near future.

 

[Jack&Ryan'smom]

The great thing with the free dining is you can check in on he last day of the promotion but get the ding plan free for the length of your stay.
They do change some things to the plan/promo each year...we went in 2007 and had an appetizer & tip included in the plan. In 2009...no app. or tip included but we stayed at a value and still had the full service dining plan. This year if you stay at a value you only get the quick service dining plan. I'm glad we went before they switched that!!
It's a great time of year to go. Parks are quiet...minimal waits. The only drawback is that the restaurants are a bit crowded...ADR's a must!!! It is still very hot at this time of year also.
Oh how I wish we were going this fall!!!