Which is better, free dining offer or cast member discount?

[karen230]

I am planning a trip for 2015 and want to know if anyone here thinks a cast member discount is a better offer or free dining? Our friend got us a room last year through his CM discount but I am curious if it would be a better deal to pay the rates and go when disney is offering free dining. Any. Help would be great, thanks!

 

[DebbieB]

I am planning a trip for 2015 and want to know if anyone here thinks a cast member discount is a better offer or free dining? Our friend got us a room last year through his CM discount but I am curious if it would be a better deal to pay the rates and go when disney is offering free dining. Any. Help would be great, thanks!

There are too many variables to answer that. Which resort are you looking at? How many adults/children?

For example, if a cm can get 50% off, a $500 room would be $250 off, most likely that is a better deal, depending on how many people you have. If it's a $150 room, that's $75 off, with adults & children free dining would likely be better.

 

[karen230]

Right now we are booked for Art in a mermaid room, but if free dining would be a better deal then I will change to a value resort with free dining. We will most likely use a standard or preferred room if we change resorts.

 

[karen230]

Oh and 2 adults 2 kids ages 12 and 9 when we arrive.

 

[bdoyledimou]

my family is in a AoA Family Suite with the F&F CM discount, and we were able to purchase the DDP (4 adults 1 child) with the savings.

 

[HarkiQuinn]

I'd personally prefer the discount. We did the CM discount in 2011 and for two adults (at All Star) for a five day stay I think we spent $600 give or take $100.

 

[MillauFr]

Just remember that for most people you can eat paying out of pocket for less money than Disney charges for the dining plan.

 

[2DisPrincesses]

We have always come out ahead with Free Dining but only because my girls LOVE character dining, Ohana,ect. Once we are past the character dining, the discount will most likely be better for us.