Would you travel durning Free Dining this September?

[Jillian]

We booked a vacation a few months ago for the first week of September. We are completely flexible when we travel since our daughter is not in school yet.

Simply put, I'm trying to decide if September or October would be better for crowd levels. I've already got the ADRs I would want for September so I'm not concerned about that during free dining, I'm just wondering what Free Dining does to crowd levels. I know October can bring crowds with the F&W and Halloween so maybe the two months would basically a wash.

I've never traveled during free dining and not sure what the impact is. Any insight would be appreciated. Is it like traveling in the summer or over a holiday?

 

[CarolMN]

Free Dining makes the restaurants crowded, not the parks. In fact, the free dining people spend more time eating than you might expect, making lines in the parks shorter.

If you goal is to go during the least crowded time for the parks, stick with September.

 

[Disney Mom Dani]

I wouldn't go to World any time BUT September. The weather is great, the longest we wait in lines is 20 minutes, but most rides we just walked on, the park is cleaner and the staff is so much more attentive! Plus, they have the parks decorated for Halloween, & it's super fun! Free Disney Dining is offered in September BECAUSE it's so slow.

Hope that helps!

 

[AirGoofy]

We used to go during September before dds were school age and really enjoyed that time. Very low crowd levels, and MNSSHP starts then as well. The only downside is the heat. But, once dds are out of the house in another decade, we'll go back in September.

 

[JWG]

The fact that Disney is advertising "free" tells you that it's not a popular time to be there. Restaurants will be busy, but if you have your ADR's you're set.

At this point, room availability in October could be tough for DVC. October is more popular (Food and Wine, MNSSHP). We like October more because of the events, but the crowds are definitely higher.

 

[drusba]

You say you already have any dining reservations you need. That means you have avoided the only real problem you would face with free dining and thus stick with what you have.

 

[DizBub]

You say you already have any dining reservations you need. That means you have avoided the only real problem you would face with free dining and thus stick with what you have.

I agree with this. We are going to be there Sept 17 - 28 and was dismayed when they announced the free dining promotion. If you already have your ADRs you are all set.

 

[AmyB2006]

September was always a "low traffic" month for Disney. January May and September.

If you're looking for lower crowds, I'd stick with September over October. But, the weather is usually nicer in October plus you have the Halloween Decorations and the parties and the Food and Wine.... I could go on and on.

 

[CarolMN]

September was always a "low traffic" month for Disney. January May and September.

If you're looking for lower crowds, I'd stick with September over October. But, the weather is usually nicer in October plus you have the Halloween Decorations and the parties and the Food and Wine.... I could go on and on.

There are several MNSSHP nights in September, too, specifically for this year:

September: 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27 & 29, 2013

I believe the MK will be decorated for Halloween by the time before the first party is scheduled to occur.

 

[dsneygirl]

Free Dining makes the restaurants crowded, not the parks. In fact, the free dining people spend more time eating than you might expect, making lines in the parks shorter.

If you goal is to go during the least crowded time for the parks, stick with September.

This will be at least our 3rd year in a row going during Sept free dining. The only impact I noticed was in QS restaurants because it takes forever to get through every family members order with a side, with a dessert etc, slow lines at peak times.