Since rack rate for next year was just released this morning (?) they would have quoted her the "peak rate" for this year as her cost. Her room price likely would have gone up anyways, because reservations made prior to the release of rack rate for the year in question automatically adjust to the applicable pricing.
As for
Free Dining, your CM discount may very well be better. It depends on the number of people traveling and their eating habits. If you're getting 50% off on a AoA family suite, then you're looking at a savings of around $150/night (it depends on rack rate for those weeks). Since the Value resorts only include Quick Service Dining, you would have to be traveling with more than 4 Disney adults in order to make Free Dining a better option. (just estimates, I have no idea how much the CM discount is, I've just heard 50%)
If she's booking in a Little Mermaid room, then Free Dining would probably be better with only 2 adults ($80ish savings) as a percent off discount would be less because rack rate is lower.
If she wants to do a little comparison, she can price a vacation for this year using similar dates to the ones she wants to use next year. It won't be exact, because prices for everything went up for next year, but it will give her an idea of what to expect from a particular discount in comparison to what they're quoting her for next year.
