knw6883 said:
I've seen some mentioning that they got the dining plan for free last august/sept - was this a special deal for those who have packages, like the current ticket special? Is it likely that the special will happen again, and does anyone remember when it was announced last year?
As you've likely heard by now, it was a special for a limited time. It's not expected to come back.
However, if you're willing to rent points and stay at a Disney Vacation Club property, you can add the dining plan to those reservations now. The price for a DVC rental plus dining plan could easily be cheaper than a room only, at other resorts. So, in my mind, it's like getting the food free (atleast from a budgetary point of view).
BUt, even if it's not precisely cheaper, it is a GOOD DEAL!
For example, using Value Season rates for both (Sun-Thu)
going rate for a studio at OKW: ~$80US/nt + $90 meal plan for two adults = "$170 incl all taxes
The cheapest room at a moderate resort, including all taxes = ~$155.
So, you're getting that day's meals for $15.
Compare to a premium view room or guaranteed King bed, or whatever, and it's the same or CHEAPER to go with DVC and meals (not to mention roomier with a kitchennette!)
Comparing a 1-bed or even 2bd DVC property to two separate hotel rooms, and it's a great deal.
And, you don't need to buy rack rate tickets, either. You can bring your own AP, buy discount tickets on line or AAA, buy at the gate, whatever.
I mention this in part because I (and others I know) didn't know about the DVC + dining deal because we don't normally read the DVC boards -- and didn't know about the change.
Maybe this info will help someone,
--Barbara