What can I expect?

[Candikayne]

For you DISers that have been to Disney during President's week, Easter week and X'mas week....how will the crowds during free dining impact the Disney transportation? Does the free dining promo even compare to the other weeks I mentions as far as sheer volume?

Will it be hard to get on a bus due to long lines or is the free dining no where close to the crowds during the holidays? I am still on the fence about renting a car. I see others posting about not being able to get ADRs or even a room reservation during this time. Is that how it is during the holidays too?

I have never visited during an extremely busy time and I just don't know what to expect. I have all my ADRs already (thank God!). I also have a great deal on a rental so the rental price is not the issue. I would just like to save a couple $$$ if I could without the hassle.

Any advice from DIS veterans who frequent the parks during the high peak times would be much appreciated.

 

[CleveRocks]

I can only give you a theoretical answer ...

It's not nearly as crowded as holiday times.

The Free Dining promotion is only available (for each class or room at each resort) up until a certain percentage occupancy is reached. After a particular room type at a particular resort for a particular day of travel meets/exceeds their target room occupancy percentage, then Free Dining is no longer available at that type of room at that resort for that day.

So what I'm saying is that the Free Dining promotion itself does not bring room occupancy to 100%. Christmas time and Easter time DO bring occupancy to as close to 100% as possible. Thus, I reckon that Free DIning time is not as crowded as holiday times.

 

[Candikayne]

Thanks for the response. Based on that, the crowds should be what I am used to. I normally go in July, but changed it to August to get the dining promo. July is crowded, but I am an early riser and I stay away from AM EMH so I should make out OK.

 

[TSAONE]

bump