what week does free dining usually start each year?

[lissiesmum]

What week does the free dining generally start each year? I was supposed to travel to WDW in February, but will now have to go during summer vacation instead. I'm thinking of maybe going to WDW before free dining starts, as I assume this draws big crowds?

 

[shopn24seven]

I think it all depends on WDW. LOL.
Usually in September they have FD, but I have received pins for FD for Thanksgiving - Xmas dates, too. Crowds are larger during this time, too.

 

[It'sWDW4me]

Free dining has started as early as mid-August (8/13/06, I believe) but has settled down to a little later (8/23/09). There was a first this year with the buy 4 nights, get 3 free offer that extended into the beginning of the summer.

 

[J3nn78]

summer before free dining will have bigger crowds than end of summer with free dining.

 

[marciemi]

Free dining has started as early as mid-August (8/13/06, I believe) but has settled down to a little later (8/23/09). There was a first this year with the buy 4 nights, get 3 free offer that extended into the beginning of the summer.

Free dining this year started on 8/16 actually, and from what I read on these boards, that first week was crazy. We arrived on 8/24 and that day still saw 95-120 minute waits at Epcot (Soarin'/TT). Within a couple days after that the crowds really died down.

They have posted the bounceback offer for next year, which we booked, which has bounceback free dining (and most likely regular free dining) beginning on 8/15/2010.