Should I try and book free dining?

[stindall]

It's just me at Pop with no room discount, not looking for one. I'm on a bit of a budget but i'm still torn if I should get it on not.

 

[Cafeen]

If you have no other room discount and the ticket requirements don't matter (e.g. you're getting those tickets anyway), it makes sense to pick it up. It's only QSDP from the values, so you don't have to worry about tips and stuff. Even if you only use half of it, you'd still be saving.

 

[Blessedwithboys]

Well pick either the Free dining or the room only!! Don't go with no discount!
Have you ever used the Disney dining plan? Do you have any ADR's booked? The quick service dining plan is totally free and it is 18.00 a night to upgrade to the one table service, one quick service. Price you package out with the room discount and then with the dining plan that seems to work for you and see what the savings difference is!!

 

[stindall]

Well pick either the Free dining or the room only!! Don't go with no discount!
Have you ever used the Disney dining plan? Do you have any ADR's booked? The quick service dining plan is totally free and it is 18.00 a night to upgrade to the one table service, one quick service. Price you package out with the room discount and then with the dining plan that seems to work for you and see what the savings difference is!!

I have but not as an adult, we didn't do one on our honeymoon and last trip we paid oop. I have 1 adr and CP which is something I've already budgeted for, I wasn't planning on doing any other adr's. I've already paid for my entire trip (7 days at Pop) so I do meet the minimum requirement!

I don't know where I'd get the room discount from but since I've already paid it off wouldn't it just be better to do free dining?

 

[navywifetill2002]

Since the trip is already paid for and you've already budgeted for your 2 ADR's I'd just add on the free QSDP and not have to about paying for any other meals while you're at WDW. Go get that discount added!!

 

[kandb]

Definetely get the free dining, it adds up to eat at disney. Also, you don't have to use all your credits if you are not big eaters.

 

[Marionnette]

I have but not as an adult, we didn't do one on our honeymoon and last trip we paid oop. I have 1 adr and CP which is something I've already budgeted for, I wasn't planning on doing any other adr's. I've already paid for my entire trip (7 days at Pop) so I do meet the minimum requirement!

I don't know where I'd get the room discount from but since I've already paid it off wouldn't it just be better to do free dining?

You can call Disney and ask for the room discount that's available for your dates. If there is a room available under the discount code, you can save 20% off of the rack rate that you're currently paying for your room. That's about a $20/night savings.

OTOH, the QSDP is valued at $37.58/night per adult. So if you don't have tickets already, this would be the more "economical" choice for you.

Either way, it will be worth a call to Disney to alter your reservation and save some money.

 

[stindall]

THanks everyone, I went ahead and booked free dining! Since I've paid off everything else I felt it just made the most sense, less money for me to save before September!

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

Purely out of curiosity, I have to ask because I think I'm confused. Why would you not do free dining? It's FREE! What am I missing? Unless you're not planning to eat at all while one vacation, why would you pass up free food.

It's just that I'm sitting here and honestly, sincerely trying to figure out a reason not to and I can't think of why it would even be a question!

 

[stindall]

Purely out of curiosity, I have to ask because I think I'm confused. Why would you not do free dining? It's FREE! What am I missing? Unless you're not planning to eat at all while one vacation, why would you pass up free food.

It's just that I'm sitting here and honestly, sincerely trying to figure out a reason not to and I can't think of why it would even be a question!

I just didn't want to mess with calling and booking it because I'm a lazy person! I thought it'd be more trouble than it actually was.

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

I just didn't want to mess with calling and booking it because I'm a lazy person! I thought it'd be more trouble than it actually was.

I always look at it this way. How much will it save me? And how long will it take?

Let's say waaaayyyyy conservatively, you'd eat $100 worth of food during your stay. Now, let's say you get stuck on hold, get a CM who doesn't know what she's doing, have to talk to someone else, and it takes you an hour to add the free dining. 1 hour = $100. How many of us have jobs that pay $100 an hour???? And, of course, these are just numbers thrown out to show a point, not reality.

 

[stindall]

I always look at it this way. How much will it save me? And how long will it take?

Let's say waaaayyyyy conservatively, you'd eat $100 worth of food during your stay. Now, let's say you get stuck on hold, get a CM who doesn't know what she's doing, have to talk to someone else, and it takes you an hour to add the free dining. 1 hour = $100. How many of us have jobs that pay $100 an hour???? And, of course, these are just numbers thrown out to show a point, not reality.

I actually do have a part time job that pays that...but I get your point I appreciate the help! Thankfully it only took 15 minutes including me dancing to the Haunted Mansion hold music.

 

[Jonathan Swift]

Purely out of curiosity, I have to ask because I think I'm confused. Why would you not do free dining? It's FREE! What am I missing? Unless you're not planning to eat at all while one vacation, why would you pass up free food.

It's just that I'm sitting here and honestly, sincerely trying to figure out a reason not to and I can't think of why it would even be a question!

If the amount of money saved on a room discount is greater than the cost for dining that the plan would pay for, then the free dining isn't so "free" anymore. Disney doesn't always allow you to combine discounts. Free dining is offered in off-peak times that usually coincide with other discounts that may be more advantageous.

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

If the amount of money saved on a room discount is greater than the cost for dining that the plan would pay for, then the free dining isn't so "free" anymore. Disney doesn't always allow you to combine discounts. Free dining is offered in off-peak times that usually coincide with other discounts that may be more advantageous.

I know you have to compare discounts and only use what works best, not combine. But the OP mentioned they didn't have a room discount and weren't looking for one. That's why I couldn't understand the question about getting free dining. Room discount, free dining, whatever the discount--something is better than nothing!