Free Dining in 2007?

[PrincessBelle23]

Has there been any more word about Disney offering free dining again this summer? I know it's been offered to people in the UK, and more recently people who were vacationing in Disney last month. I'm praying they do it again this summer, or my chances of going are slim! :sad1: Any new news would be great!

[Castillo Mom]

No news. I would think there would be no info until spring - April to be precise. That's how it went last year.

[cinderkelli]

I am anxious to hear something too! My mom and sister have said they would go with me ONLY if they get free dining. So it will determine if I get to go or not and I need my Disney World this year!!!

[Booknut]

Here in the UK there were some deals a few months ago that if you booked a trip (flights, accommodation etc) with Virgin you got free dining for the period of August/Sept so i'm assuming that Disney will be offering it again!

Wish I could go again!!!!

[Cinderumbrella]

I booked my trip with CRO this AM and the agent said he was "confident" it would be offered again and to keep checking back. :thumbsup2

[Cookie Princess]

I booked my trip with CRO this AM and the agent said he was "confident" it would be offered again and to keep checking back. :thumbsup2

OHHH..I do love to hear that word "confident". Count me in for an August trip!

[bicker]

Uh, the confidence of a random, practically unnamed CM, isn't something I'd hang my hat on! :)

[sl_underwood]

We hope they offer it again as well otherwise we will not be going this fall.

[aubriee]

Uh, the confidence of a random, practically unnamed CM, isn't something I'd hang my hat on! :)

I agree!

Hopefully it will be, but when I booked the Bounce Back program when I was down there Dec 9th-17th, the CM I booked with said Disney was 'significantly reducing the number of free dining pkgs available for 2007 due to the complaints of both the restaraunts and visitors'. He said the only way free dining was going to be offered was through the UK program and the Bounce Back Program. I asked him twice if there was any chance of it being offered to the general public like it has been the last two years and he said "no". This was after I had already booked my free dining trip for Sept 29th-Oct 7th. He also said Disney was very surprised at the turnout for the Bounce Back program considering they did very little promoting of it. Who knows which CM is correct.

[PrincessBelle23]

Thank you all for your feedback! I remain hopeful, and I guess I'll have to keep checking. I know so many people are holding out on this as there only chance to go, just like me! :worried:

[Selket]

If Disney decides to only offer the free dining to those who were there in December (and some of January? not sure when the dates were) then I wonder why they would choose that time period? I was just thinking that for the future if they did this every year then people would probably plan very short trips in December (1 person fly down, spend the night, no parks) just to be eligible to get the free dining plan package for the family in the summer.

I know they want to fill some rooms in Aug and Sept (or whenever) but don't exactly see the point of creating that weird sort of travel planning. Why not open it up to the public (or Disney Visa holders or something) and just sell whatever limited # of packages to begin with that is open to everyone - or at least more open to everyone?

[angiedora]

I really believe there will be free dining offered to the public in March or April. Considering they opened it up last year in April and ran the special for a couple of weeks longer than originally posted, chances are in our favor they will still have some rooms to fill for this promotion. I know we have those on this board who hold out hope for nothing until they see it. But I think we hopeful Disers have reason to hope. It may not be offered for long, maybe a 2 week window but I believe it will be offered.

[bicker]

If Disney decides to only offer the free dining to those who were there in December (and some of January? not sure when the dates were) then I wonder why they would choose that time period?Earlier, they'd come too close to the guests that would have visited that time of year anyway. I'm not sure why they wouldn't offer this straight through January, at least, though.

Why not open it up to the public (or Disney Visa holders or something) and just sell whatever limited # of packages to begin with that is open to everyone - or at least more open to everyone?By targeting the offer, they can perhaps catch more of the guests that wouldn't otherwise visit, and less of the guests that would pay a higher or full price.

[Cinderumbrella]

Uh, the confidence of a random, practically unnamed CM, isn't something I'd hang my hat on! :)

His name was Frank and he worked at the CRO in Houston

[bicker]

Often, the CMs don't give their real names. Regardless, my point was that my recommendation is to not rely on anything told to you verbally. It is all subject to change anyway, and if they didn't take the time and effort to put it in writing then even more so. I just hate reading messages online from folks who expected something only to be surprised by what they encountered, because they placed too much confidence in someone trying to give them encouragement rather than factual information.

Best of luck.

[MickeyEars]

It works both ways in my opinion. We also cannot rely on the word of those CM's such as the one that booked the Bounce Back promotion for aubriee when they say "no, it won't be offered to the general public". The truth is none of them know what Disney will or will not do.
I think it's safe to say those on the DIS often know more of what's going on than the Disney CM's.

Carla

[bicker]

It works both ways in my opinion. We also cannot rely on the word of those CM's such as the one that booked the Bounce Back promotion for aubriee when they say "no, it won't be offered to the general public". The truth is none of them know what Disney will or will not do.
I think it's safe to say those on the DIS often know more of what's going on than the Disney CM's.That's a great point Carla. It doesn't take much work to find information about what's "coming soon" at WDW that directly contradict each other. Some folks look at that as a situation where they get to "choose what to believe". :rolleyes: I suppose you could look at it that way, but what you're really deciding is not which one of the two are correct, but rather you're choosing between the risk of being pleasantly suprised versus the risk of being unpleasantly suprised. Which do you prefer?

[ruthma]

Often, the CMs don't give their real names. Regardless, my point was that my recommendation is to not rely on anything told to you verbally. It is all subject to change anyway, and if they didn't take the time and effort to put it in writing then even more so. I just hate reading messages online from folks who expected something only to be surprised by what they encountered, because they placed too much confidence in someone trying to give them encouragement rather than factual information.

Best of luck.

I perfer to be optimistic!:dance3:

[MickeyEars]

Since you asked, let's see, I think I'll go with optimistic that I'll be pleasantly surprised!!! :cheer2: I always seem to prefer to look at the glass as being half full.

Carla

[ruthma]

Since you asked, let's see, I think I'll go with optimistic that I'll be pleasantly surprised!!! :cheer2: I always seem to prefer to look at the glass as being half full.

Carla

Ditto.....:cheer2:

[angiedora]

Since you asked, let's see, I think I'll go with optimistic that I'll be pleasantly surprised!!! :cheer2: I always seem to prefer to look at the glass as being half full.

Carla
Me Too, Count me in, I'm optimistic!! I even take it one step further, this will really get on your nerves. When things don't work out the way I had hoped I assume there must be an even better option for me!!:flower3:

[MickeyEars]

I'm telling you without a doubt that optimistic is the only way to go!!!! party:

Carla

[Boston5602]

I'm probably wrong and things probably won't work out , I'm probably messing things up right now by writing about it. BUT I always look at things as half full instead of half empty too.





<G>

[bicker]

Just please don't come back if it doesn't out for you and complain about how Disney didn't offer you what you thought they should have. :rotfl:

[pamouselover]

Lets just hope and pray for free dinning!

[MickeyEars]

I won't be complaining because there is absolutely nothing we can do if it isn't offered so why waste time and energy whining about it. While we're waiting though I just choose to remain positive!!!! :rotfl:

Carla

[PeachesDoesHair]

We are hoping for free dining here. We will go either way. If there is free dining, we will be able to go a full ten days. So, even with free dining, I am sure we will be spending more money. If they don't offer it, we will still get the dining plan, but we will also be shortening our stay significantly. Nothing we can really do but hope.

[scrapperjill]

We're also hopeing for the free dinning offer this fall. It's going to make or break our trip. We "may" be able to squeeze in a night or two with out free dinning...but if they do offer it...we'll be spending 7nts there:thumbsup2 I'm anxious, nervious and somewhat excited....I'm just hopeing my glass is 1/2 full..and they DO offer the dinning plan for free.;)

[disney06]

A quick question - I have booked a campsite for 10 days at the end of August. If there is free dining we will probably stay at POP instead. I will be booking my ADR's soon. If I change hotels (because of free dining) do I lose those ADR's or are they transfered too.

Thanks

[ssnelle]

I am 90% sure the ADR's have nothing to do with where you stay...people who stay out of the park make ADR's too, so where you stay should be independent to your ADR. Again, I am not positive, just makes sense to me...

[vernfonzndrian]

I have a question maybe some of u might be of help, If I make my res for my reg MYW package w/ dining now, and they do offer the free dining, is there anyway I can call them and still get it? ( but free) :confused3

[bicker]

We know that folks who book directly through Disney or AAA can typically switch with no problem, as long as there is availability left in the free dining inventory when they make their call, for the type of room they've got booked. Keep in mind that the admission purchase requirement will still apply.

[MARY-IN-OH]

This has surely been asked/answered somewhere, but I could not quickly find the answer (if free dining is publicly announced for everyone later this year).

Could you start free dining on the last day offered ie 9/29 and have it continue for your entire stay (even if 9/29 would be the last day of the offer?)

Sorry if that sounds confusing!
thanks
mary

[angiedora]

This has surely been asked/answered somewhere, but I could not quickly find the answer (if free dining is publicly announced for everyone later this year).

Could you start free dining on the last day offered ie 9/29 and have it continue for your entire stay (even if 9/29 would be the last day of the offer?)

Sorry if that sounds confusing!
thanks
mary

Yes, Starts on check in day lasts until checkout day.

[disgram]

Last year, we had booked into POFQ with the DDP for August. In Feburary, I think. Anyway, when the free dining was annouced, on the 4th of April, I called that morning and got the free dining with no problem. This year we will be going in August again, but we are trying the All Stars. We haven't really decided which one. Again, we are going with the DDP. If it is offered again this year I will be up early as possible so that I can call at 7AM to get it again! I am a half-full type of gal too!!!!! I like the idea of the extra money being put back on the Disney Visa so that I can spend more in the parks!!!:rotfl2: The Dis always knows things ahead of everyone else so we are waiting too!:surfweb:

[scrapperjill]

Just to add...alot will also depend on what kind of regulation they put on the plan "IF" they do offer it. I know last year there was some talk about the way Disney did allow those who checked in on the last day of the offer to still get the 'free' ddp for the lenght of their say...and how they may not do it that way again.

Also to add...I asked our TA at AAA if we'd be able to get the free dinning offer if it was offered...and if we'd already had our reservations made (even without the ddp). She said yes...they would be able to apply it to the reservation if/when it came out. ;) I'm sure that will depend alot on if our stay meet the requirements (ie. lengh, day of tickets, resort room).

[Luv2Roam]

I think the free DDP has so many variables that it would be hard to predict. And anyone who was on the Dis last year could pretty much easily see it appeared that Disney had oversold the dining last fall. They certainly did everything they could to remedy the situation. They seemed to pull a lot out of their creativity hats to do it. :rotfl2:
I wondered how many unpreparded guests showed up without any ADRs and could not get a sit down meal if their life depended on it, and voiced their opinions about that!
I would not be surprised to see additional free dining offerings this year. But I don't think it will be the intensity of last year. Although I could be way off. Or maybe there will be fewer value rooms offered and more deluxes. Lots of ways to play with the program.

[vernfonzndrian]

Just to add...alot will also depend on what kind of regulation they put on the plan "IF" they do offer it. I know last year there was some talk about the way Disney did allow those who checked in on the last day of the offer to still get the 'free' ddp for the lenght of their say...and how they may not do it that way again.

Also to add...I asked our TA at AAA if we'd be able to get the free dinning offer if it was offered...and if we'd already had our reservations made (even without the ddp). She said yes...they would be able to apply it to the reservation if/when it came out. ;) I'm sure that will depend alot on if our stay meet the requirements (ie. lengh, day of tickets, resort room).

:yay: :banana: :cheer2: I am glad to hear that! Can ya'll tell? :thumbsup2

[scrapperjill]

I agree that the ddp and the free offer has alot of variable and is hard to predict if they'll do it or what exactly they'll do. But I also think they probaby do consider or think of the fact that quite a few of those that go to WDW on the free dinning plan won't take the time to plan ahead and make ADR. I'd guess to say they bank on that. It's not up to them to make sure eveyone plans ahead...or knows what to expect. In just about everything they have out that's related to dinning in Disney suggests you DO make ADR ahead of time...so they cover themselves by having the info out there...so it's really up to those who make plans to go to actually plan ahead.

And yes I can see quite a few people getting upset once they arrive and find out they can't get in anywhere...but if you get the plan for FREE....you really can't say much. :confused3

[ThinkTink75]

Quick Question...

Typically how long did the free ddp last?
Was it for the entire month of August?
We are teetering between late July and early August and would actually prefer to pay for it and not deal with the hectic crowds and such of the free ddp offer and I just figured if we book in advance and were leaning toward first week of Aug, would we hit the free ddp if its offered again?

I know it seems strange but my bf gets major crowd anxiety and since we went last in January we want to make it as easy as we can in summer :)

[ReneeA]

Quick Question...

Typically how long did the free ddp last?
Was it for the entire month of August?
We are teetering between late July and early August and would actually prefer to pay for it and not deal with the hectic crowds and such of the free ddp offer and I just figured if we book in advance and were leaning toward first week of Aug, would we hit the free ddp if its offered again?

I know it seems strange but my bf gets major crowd anxiety and since we went last in January we want to make it as easy as we can in summer :)


2005 it was Aug 17 through Oct. 4.

2006 it was August 12 through Sept 29th.

It starts mid August because beginning of August is still a really busy time in the parks since schools aren't back in session. Southern schools typically go back mid August.

Either way, end of July and first week of August are BUSY times with lots of people. It doesn't start to clear out until toward the end of August.

[bicker]

Just to add...alot will also depend on what kind of regulation they put on the plan "IF" they do offer it. I know last year there was some talk about the way Disney did allow those who checked in on the last day of the offer to still get the 'free' ddp for the lenght of their say...and how they may not do it that way again. I believe that was actually two years ago. Last year, word is that they deliberately pulled the end-date in a week to accommodate that situation.

[bicker]

And regarding 2007:The free dining promotion applies for arrivals starting August 5 (for the bounce-back offer) or August 12 (for the UK/European offer), through September 29, 2007.

[kaysmommie]

Can you use a AAA discount and still get free dining? I thought you had to pay rack rate and could not use any discounts :confused3 .

[aquamarinedreams]

Does anyone happen to know the dates for the free DDP for November/December?
We would like to really take advantage of this "if" they do it again. DH has to book off dates for work though ahead of time and I want to make sure we book it within these dates in case Disney does it again.
thanks!
Jen

[bicker]

There has never been a free dining promotion for November/December.

[ThinkTink75]

Thanks for the dates... we know that summer will be busy whenever we go but have heard horror stories of impatient waiters, rushed dinner, and no slots for sit down dinners during free DDP. We figured an incentive will make it even busier than normal so we are toying with getting in and out before it starts in August. Thankss! :)

[aquamarinedreams]

There has never been a free dining promotion for November/December.

Thank you bicker! I wasn't sure if there was or not. For some reason I had it in my mind it was for all value seasons. I guess not :sad2:

[WDW1st-timers]

Well I'm still hoping that the dining plan will be opened back up to the general public.

[aubriee]

Just to add...alot will also depend on what kind of regulation they put on the plan "IF" they do offer it. I know last year there was some talk about the way Disney did allow those who checked in on the last day of the offer to still get the 'free' ddp for the lenght of their say...and how they may not do it that way again.


You just scared me to death! I'm one of the ones who was there in Dec and booked the Bounce Back program. I asked the CM when the last date I could start our trip and still get the free dining would be. He said that as long as we were checked in by Sept 29th we would get free dining for the length of our stay. I just went to get our paperwork and sure enough the Bounce Back Program booklet states 'requested arrival date must be on or between August 5, 2007 and Sept 29, 2007'. The confirmation I received from Disney says for eight nights arriving 09/29/07 Depart 10/07/07 and has quick service meals, snack, and table service meals one per night (along with 1 Day MYW tickets, miniature golf voucher, Planet Hollywood $15 meal voucher, and sea raycer offer voucher). I called to make sure and yes we do have free dining for Sept 29th-Oct 7th.

One thing to keep in mind though, is that even though free dining was offered for both the Bounce Back Program and the UK offer, the requirements were different. The Bounce Back offer only required 1 day MYW tickets, but the UK offer required length of stay tickets. If Disney chooses to offer free dining to everyone who knows what the ticket requirements might be? The CM who booked the Bounce Back Program for me in Dec made a point of saying that Disney was 'seriously limiting the number of pkgs available for 2007 due to complaints from both the restaraunts and visitors'. He seemed really surprised that so many people were booking the Bounce Back program, because they had purposely not promoted it that much.

[natalielongstaff]

He seemed really surprised that so many people were booking the Bounce Back program, because they had purposely not promoted it that much.

:rotfl2: they had obviously not counted on the power of the disboards:rotfl2:

[scrapperjill]

I'm sorry to have scared you:goodvibes I sure didn't mean to...but I'm glad that's not the case for you and your family.... And like you said..."IF" they do offer it again who knows what the requiremnts will be. (that's pertty much what I was saying also);)

It's hard to even guess if they'll do it or not. Yes they probably did get alot of complaints reguarding the whole thing...BUT lots of complaints did mean they got what they wanted...and that's more people to visit Disney during the down time. SO with that said I'm still holding my breath that they will open it up again and offer the ddp for free. I for one think it totally SUCKED that they did the bounce back offer....simpley because there is NO way for our family to have even tryed to pull off going in Dec just to book Aug/Sept....I would have loved to have tryed...but it's just not possable. We've been planning our trip for over a year now (and we still have 8 months to go..what really sucks is...if they don't offer the DDP for free we more than likely won't be doing the time at WDW that I've hoped we would be doing.)...I guess with that whole thing...I don't understand why they did the UK offer either. I mean why not just open it up to eveyone at one time, limit the number of bookings on the 'special' and be done with it. :confused3 Anywho....I'm sticking with the thought that with the increased complaints...came more guests at WDW/resorts = more $$ for Disney...which in turn is what they wanted. So hopefully that's what they'll want again this year.

I guess if it wasn't for the fact that we'll be going to WDW area during Sept (no other time) I wouldn't be to concerned with it.... It's just the fact that we are going duing the time in which I KNOW they have and are offering the ddp for free to select guests...so I want it to :rolleyes1

[ruthma]

I'm sorry to have scared you:goodvibes I sure didn't mean to...but I'm glad that's not the case for you and your family.... And like you said..."IF" they do offer it again who knows what the requiremnts will be. (that's pertty much what I was saying also);)

It's hard to even guess if they'll do it or not. Yes they probably did get alot of complaints reguarding the whole thing...BUT lots of complaints did mean they got what they wanted...and that's more people to visit Disney during the down time. SO with that said I'm still holding my breath that they will open it up again and offer the ddp for free. I for one think it totally SUCKED that they did the bounce back offer....simpley because there is NO way for our family to have even tryed to pull off going in Dec just to book Aug/Sept....I would have loved to have tryed...but it's just not possable. We've been planning our trip for over a year now (and we still have 8 months to go..what really sucks is...if they don't offer the DDP for free we more than likely won't be doing the time at WDW that I've hoped we would be doing.)...I guess with that whole thing...I don't understand why they did the UK offer either. I mean why not just open it up to eveyone at one time, limit the number of bookings on the 'special' and be done with it. :confused3 Anywho....I'm sticking with the thought that with the increased complaints...came more guests at WDW/resorts = more $$ for Disney...which in turn is what they wanted. So hopefully that's what they'll want again this year.

I guess if it wasn't for the fact that we'll be going to WDW area during Sept (no other time) I wouldn't be to concerned with it.... It's just the fact that we are going duing the time in which I KNOW they have and are offering the ddp for free to select guests...so I want it to :rolleyes1

When I called to see if I had a code . and I didn't, I di ask i8f he thought they would offer free ding. He said he didn't know, he didn't say no...so hopefully they will. I am going anyway, but it would be nice to have it. I loved it last year...:cheer2:

[scrapperjill]

In 2005 we ended up going to the world just after the Free dinning promotion...so we ended up paying for the plan :goodvibes and loved it. So "if" we do go and they don't offer the free plan we'll pay for it...but that'll cut down on our days at the world over all (from a week to a max of three nights). So I'm hopeing they'll offer it.:goodvibes since we will be at WDW during the time they've offered it to the UK and Bounce back folks. '

I guess in a way I'd be sorta ticked off...to be at Disney during that time, pay for the dinning plan...while so many other people just get if for fee....and just know that because I couldn't afford to fly out to Orlando in Dec to book a bounce back trip for free dinning...I didn't qualify. :confused3 Just a little vent:laughing: And I guess if that happens...it happens.

[Lewisc]

Does anyone happen to know the dates for the free DDP for November/December?
We would like to really take advantage of this "if" they do it again. DH has to book off dates for work though ahead of time and I want to make sure we book it within these dates in case Disney does it again.
thanks!
Jen

November/December 2005 Disney had a code program. The code extended the value season rates, discounted the room rate and let you add (paid)dining. I didn't do the math but some posters who were able to take advantage of the extended value season said the package almost gave them free dining.

[warriorboy648]

I was told at AAA that if free dining comes out then I will have to give up my room discount. I was able to save $1200 on my rooom (2) discounts. I have to figure out if it would be better to buy 1 AP and get a DDE and keep my room discount.

[thunderbird1]

November/December 2005 Disney had a code program. The code extended the value season rates, discounted the room rate and let you add (paid)dining. I didn't do the math but some posters who were able to take advantage of the extended value season said the package almost gave them free dining.

Thanks Lewisc! This would likely be our backup plan if free dining is not offered to the general public this year.

Do you (or anyone who used it) recall how you found out about the code? Was it here, on the code board? Mousesavers? Just want to know where to keep my eyes open to watch for these type of specials.

[american pie]

Can anyone tell me what the requirements were for last years free dining offer? Specifically, I'm interested in knowing how many nights stay was the minimum?

TIA.

[Cinderumbrella]

Thanks Lewisc! This would likely be our backup plan if free dining is not offered to the general public this year.

Do you (or anyone who used it) recall how you found out about the code? Was it here, on the code board? Mousesavers? Just want to know where to keep my eyes open to watch for these type of specials.

I found out about it here on the code board. We got $400 off at POR for 2 adults and DS2.5 (who was free anyway) for 7 nights- so it was like free dining for us. HTH!

[pamouselover]

In 2005 you had to purchase a magic your way package. I believe it was four or more nights stay. We had heard on this board that a code was coming out in May, in June the free dinning code was put up on many disney web sites but not the offical site. Last year it was put on the disney site. My travel agent was un aware of the code in 2005, and had to call disney directly.

Can anyone tell me what the requirements were for last years free dining offer? Specifically, I'm interested in knowing how many nights stay was the minimum?

TIA.

[ThinkTink75]

Anyone still subscribing here? Any free DDP updates? I have a friend dying to return and I would love to tell her that I found out the free dining will be open to the public again before she goes back to college. I saw on other forums that it would be Sept-Oct this year. Is that true? Will it be back at all? What would be the requirements?

[MassMom94]

Anyone still subscribing here? Any free DDP updates? I have a friend dying to return and I would love to tell her that I found out the free dining will be open to the public again before she goes back to college. I saw on other forums that it would be Sept-Oct this year. Is that true? Will it be back at all? What would be the requirements?

Go over to the resorts board. Yes, there is free dining starting at the end of August and going through most if not all of September. (I don't recall the dates offhand.) There is a sticky there under "Codes and Rates" that has all the info.

[scrapperjill]

Anyone still subscribing here? Any free DDP updates? I have a friend dying to return and I would love to tell her that I found out the free dining will be open to the public again before she goes back to college. I saw on other forums that it would be Sept-Oct this year. Is that true? Will it be back at all? What would be the requirements?

Booking for the Free dinning started at the begining of the month (around April 9th). The last day of the free dinning is Sept 22....I think it starts in August.

[bicker]

Booking for the Free dinning started at the begining of the month (around April 9th). The last day of the free dinning is Sept 22....I think it starts in August.
When in doubt, consult the FAQ! :)

For the UK/European residents offer, the free dining promotion had to be booked between August 25 and November 6, 2006. The free dining promotion has also been offered to guests while on-site at WDW if staying at Disney resort hotels during December 2006. The free dining promotion applies for arrivals starting August 5 (for the bounce-back offer) or August 12 (for the UK/European offer), through September 29, 2007.

There is a third offering of free dining for this year, this one open to the general public. Disney VISA cardholders had the first chance at the available spots for the promotion, starting on April 9 (Code ZHQ), with the rest of the general public able to book on April 12. Reservations are limited to those with check-in from August 26 to September 22. There is a three night minimum required; the maximum number of nights for MYW packages is 14. This offer expires on June 24, 2007.http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=16079998