Tell me about Free Dining Experiences...

[mommylovespoly]

We have been to WDW three times, but due to a "souvenir" we have not been back for a couple years!

We have done Jersey week twice and went the first full week of June on our last trip. Jersey Week was pretty busy but we were still able to spontaneously walk in to less crowded choices like Marrakesh and Kona without much trouble when we changed our minds about a plan. That was nice. Crowd levels first full week of June in 2008 were such that we were able to change ADRs on a whim. We LOVED that. Obviously we didn't change things like CRT on a whim, but we were able to walk in to Kona, Narcoosee's and even reschedule Chef Mickey very easily.

We liked that, a lot.

If we go at the end of Free Dining next year, and get the premium plan as we did on our last trip-- will we have any flexibility at all? Understand that our desire to walk in is not for things like Le Cellier or California Grill with a Wishes view. We just want to be able to stay "home" at Poly and eat at Kona if we feel like it without a lot of drama, or to duck into Rose and Crown or that TS at AK for a spontaneous leisurely lunch. Is that possible during Free Dining?

Thanks!!

 

[Nadjalu]

With the popularity of free dining now a days it is a tough call.

When we were there in Dec 09, everyday we seen the sandwich board sign at the gate of every park saying "No TS available, please use our CS places"....This sign was out by noon.

So again I say it is a tough call. Many more people take advantage of the free dining so it ties up the restaurants a lot quicker, even the not popular ones.