Who is going in Aug/Sept and does NOT have free dining?

[stalkingmickey]

I booked the AKL on the 40% off code and got a rate of 129 a night for a standard view for 8/31 to 9/9. We paid for DDP. When free dining came out it was actualy 200.00. It is just DH and me so the code was cheaper. Then we had to move so now we are staying at the Poly. Works out even better. Even though I would have chosen to stay at AKL had i been given the choice

 

[madenon]

I had the free dining booked with a stay at ASMo. I decided I wanted to upgrade to CBR. There was still availability at CBR for the free dining, so I could change (was after the 24th of june). But it turned out that using the ZJZ-code and paying for the DDP would be cheaper than changing my free dining at ASMo to free dining at CBR. So there are 2 ways of looking at it;

- no I haven't got the free dining, but got a great room rate
- they don't call it free dining, I'm paying amount X, but the discount I got in totall will be more than I payed on dining, so therefor I've gotten free dining and an extra €60,- spending money payed for by Disney.

I like the second one better.

 

[clownfish1452]

I was thinking about going during free dining, but desided it would not matter when we went, because I was more interested in the premium plan and that would not be free any ways.

Sarah

 

[laurabelle]

Staying at WL end of August on a good PIN rate and not doing DDP, free or paid. Don't want to spend that much time on meals (just have ADR for CG) and DS12 wouldn't come close to getting our money's worth on adult fare. This trip is about making the most of our time in the parks....

Your trip sounds like my trip! I'm actually going on free dining with the whole family (SSR 1 BR free upgrade from Pop! ) then turning around and going right back for a weekend trip on the WL pin code offer to do Night of Joy and the Race for the Cure, just me and my oldest dd. Free dining would have cost us another 1 day ticket and we also don't want to spend alot of time sitting down to eat this trip... besides, we'll probably still be full from free dining! We are planning on going to the sushi bar or lounge at CA grill one night (no ADRS) and lunch in Japan (we have APs and DDE card) then whatever counter service for the rest.
So no, free dining is not always the best way to go...
Have a magical trip!

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Sept 10th for us and we do have free dining.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'm also DVC, staying on points at BCV in September, so I had to pay for the dining plan. No free dining here!

 

[KristenHoneymooner]

Our Disneymoon is August 20-26, so too early for free dining. We're paying for DDP, and hoping to enjoy its convenience!

I just hope service isn't poor because servers think of the period as "Free Dining" because it is free for Bounceback people and for guests from the UK. It would stink to pay $80 a day for food (for the 2 of us) only to be treated poorly by dining staff who assume we aren't paying for food anyway.

 

[amcjeep4life]

We are heading to the AKL Sept. 16-22, and DO NOT have free dining. I booked our trip in Juanuary, and after much debate, we added the Premium Plan, due mostly to all the extras we wanted. I know I could have saved myself some money, but the idea that anywhere we wanted to eat was included, no stretching for 2TS meals, character breakfasts everyday, and tickets to Cirque, it just made it worth it. We are taking our nieces, aged 10 and 12, for their first trip. It is only our second trip, the last in '00 and off-site too! I work hard for my money, and at this time, have no qualms about handing it over to Disney. Of course, if they end up kicking me out of the AKL, I may feel differently!