What is "Free Dining"?

[Jazmine8]

Hey Diser's, I tried to find the answer for this on the threads but came up empty in my search. What I would like to know exactly is what is free dining? Who gets it or how do you get it? I'm sure it's only for resort guests. I have read about Disney Visa olders (codes) and such but really need a veteren's explanation. Thanks Kim

 

[ChelleinNC]

Here is a simple/basic explanation. In the past, Disney has offered "free dining" to increase traffic during what was normally a very slow (hurricane) season. In order to get the "free dining" you had to buy a package (room & tickets) at rack rate. It may or may not be offered again. There is a thread (sticky) on the Disney Dining Plan forum: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1735192

Hope that helped

 

[checkwriter]

When you book at a WDW resort you can add a dining package. There are several levels of these packages. The basic one gives you one counter service meal, one 'sit-down' meal, and one snack a day.

Here is a link to a page with more information about the dining packages:

http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/packages/2008-packages.htm

During "Free Dining" periods, Disney will offer this package for no charge to resort guests who book more than a certain number of days (usually three). The rumors are that the next such period will happen in late August and September of this year, with reservations being accepted beginning sometime this coming week (week of April 6)

 

[kimbac3]

Hey Diser's, I tried to find the answer for this on the threads but came up empty in my search. What I would like to know exactly is what is free dining? Who gets it or how do you get it? I'm sure it's only for resort guests. I have read about Disney Visa olders (codes) and such but really need a veteren's explanation. Thanks Kim

The basics:
Yes, you have to be a resort guest

It's only available to book for a limited time and the dates available are limited (Late August/Early September)

It's not really "free" because you are paying rack rates for the room. You have to book a package - meaning room and tickets. It can't be for room only stays.

But you get 1 table service credit, 1 counter service and 1 snack credit per person, per night of stay.

You get ALOT of food!! And you need to do alot of planning. ADR's are a MUST!!

We did this last September, we really enjoyed not having to pay for our meals. However it is different this year because tips are not included in the dining plan.

Any more specific questions?? I'd be happy to help you if I can.

Kimba

 

[Jazmine8]

Thanks everyone for your input. I will be spending about $1200 OOP for dining this summer (and that's just for Disney dining not including IOA/US, Seaworld, for two weeks), but I expected that and have planned my budget accordingly. I kinda figured the offers would be during the most undesirable times to visit and you have to buy tickets and such. And rooms at rack rate...well I don't know about that one. I started searching a little further and some people really like it and it has worked just fine for them. I just don't know if it would be right for my family. I glad I og tup Christmas mornign and made all of my ADR's right them and got ezactly what I wanted. Since then I have changed things around serveral times and have always gotten what I wanted. I feel for those who don't and just can't understand how they don't get what they wanted. I guest I'm just a Type A and have to have everything all planned out beforehand with a little room for off the cuff type stuff.

 

[Jazmine8]

Love that name "checkwriter" that's how Auntie Kim will feel this summer with my debit card and wallet