The Free Dining Myth

[MightyMom]

There is a strange phenomenon that occurs in late winter and early spring. Chatter of an elusive occurence referred to as "FREE DINING" rings out louder and louder until an announcement is made in mid spring.

I've never experienced this phenomenon. "FREE DINING" seems too good to be true. Disney will actually pay for my food if I agree to go during a "slow" time???? HUH??? Again... it all seems too good to be true.

I've only gone to WDW in June..... but this year we decided to live life on the edge! We decided to pull the kids out of school in September!! *GASP!!*

We've always paid for the dining plan because.... well.... because we think it is nifty and we like to eat.

I'm thrilled... beyond thrilled to think that perhaps I too can join the legions of people who SWEAR they have experienced "FREE DINING". (insert dramatic music)

I swear if I do experience this I will capture every savory bite on film.

 

[TarzansKat]

I swear if I do experience this I will capture every savory bite on film.

Mightymom, we will hold you to that and expect a beautiful pictorial food trippie upon your return.

 

[TDC Nala]

Not only must you go during a slow time, but you must buy a room/tickets package at rack rate. Depending on whether or not you are eligible for room discounts, a case can be made that "free dining" is not actually "free."

and remember, this year you must pay your own tips.

 

[pepperw23]

Not only must you go during a slow time, but you must buy a room/tickets package at rack rate. Depending on whether or not you are eligible for room discounts, a case can be made that "free dining" is not actually "free."

and remember, this year you must pay your own tips.

I know this is going to sound like the dumbest question ever posted on the DIS since I should probably know, but what exactly is Rack Rate? I have always wondered that and never got around to asking.

 

[TDC Nala]

"Rack rate" is the term for the regular, nondiscounted price of a resort room.

 

[DisneyDreams21]

I know this is going to sound like the dumbest question ever posted on the DIS since I should probably know, but what exactly is Rack Rate? I have always wondered that and never got around to asking.

Rack rate is the posted Disney rate (aka full price) with no discounts.

I survived the mythical free dining 3 years in a row

 

[suzimar57]

we've done the free dining twice now and i swear, the food really does taste better when it's free!!!

 

[KatMark]

we've done the free dining twice now and i swear, the food really does taste better when it's free!!!

We're right there with you!

 

[MightyMom]

I survived the mythical free dining 3 years in a row

Suuuuuuuure you have! (insert lots of sarcasm) See... I'm still on the fence about the Loch Ness Monster and UFO's.... until I see it with my own two eyes I'm not gonna believe it.

Same goes with this whole FREE DINING legend .... if I don't taste it with this mouth.... I won't believe it exists!

 

[MightyMom]

Mightymom, we will hold you to that and expect a beautiful pictorial food trippie upon your return.

If I do get to experience FREE DINING I may not be able to put my fork down long enough to pick up the camera! I'll try.

 

[1gr8mouse]

We have enjoyed it twice !! We just booked a 5 day trip during the supposed dates.....TA will switch to the promotion if offered......We are waiting with great anticipation........Any word on announcement dates?? We have the visa....havent heard anything from them.....

 

[wdwmaw]

Suuuuuuuure you have! (insert lots of sarcasm) See... I'm still on the fence about the Loch Ness Monster and UFO's.... until I see it with my own two eyes I'm not gonna believe it.

Same goes with this whole FREE DINING legend .... if I don't taste it with this mouth.... I won't believe it exists!

Just as you are seated at the Rose and Crown Pub for your free meal I hear the Loch Ness Monster may appear!!

I too am hoping for this (shhh).... free dining.

 

[RMulieri]

The myth is real.Have seen it...But this year I got a better discount with my room, so no free dining for me.

 

[beroh2253]

Done it the last 2 years, the last week in Sept. and this will be our 3rd year ,already in on the bounce back and have all ADR's made. And I agree it does taste better thinking it is free. Hope to see everybody there.

 

[sassyat30]

I found (using the WDW site) that by plugging in my dates during free dining, the room rates are somehow higher than normal.

How does that happen?

So, the food may be "free", but you're paying for it somewhere else.

We get a better deal on the room with our AAA rate, so we aren't using the "free" dining this year.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

Not only must you go during a slow time, but you must buy a room/tickets package at rack rate. Depending on whether or not you are eligible for room discounts, a case can be made that "free dining" is not actually "free."

and remember, this year you must pay your own tips.

Yeah, that Free Dining, what a rip off . . . it only saved us about $1300.00 on our last trip! And to think it will only save us around a $1000.00 this year cause we have to pay for our tips . . . it almost makes me want to not go . . .YEAH RIGHT!!! FREE DINING ROCKS!!!

 

[danx2plus3more]

princess, i thought i read a thread somewhere where you were telling ppl you would never again go during free dining because of the heat...did you change your mind?

 

[PrincessTiffany]

princess, i thought i read a thread somewhere where you were telling ppl you would never again go during free dining because of the heat...did you change your mind?

Sorry, I was being a little tongue in cheek with Nala and some of the others that keep saying Free Dining really isn't free. We won't be going back because of the heat and we also didn't think the crowds were that low. But, even though I thought it was hot and crowded, I have also said that everybody should do Free Dining at least once, because it it such a great value. Even with a 40% off code, which we have for December, we won't ever save as much money as we did with Free Dining. I hope everybody that wants it this year, gets it this year. But you are are right we won't be returning in September.

 

[ElizabethB]

Free dining used to rock. Now, with no appetizers and have to pay tips, it's a nice deal. But, it no longer rocks!

We don't mind the heat because we spend most of our time in air conditioning -- eating!

 

[sassyat30]

"Free" dining will actually cost us about $100 more on our trip.