Free Dining Update from my CM

[hollieplus2]

I just called to see if there were any codes attached to my name or if there were any promotions coming up. She said not right now but be on the look out the end of this month to early April. She said last year they did free dining. Just to see what she would say I said I would rather have the room discount than free dining as the resturants won't be as packed. She said, "I'm sorry but I really think that will be the promotion this year. I would make sure you make your ADR's 180 days out since they will be filling up for that time." Looks good.:thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

[teslaaunt]

ok, thats good news. Lets hope it's right. Here's my question...I have included the dining plan in my reservation, will they deduct those charges from my balance due? Oh yeah, we are talking September right?

[hollieplus2]

I asked her about that. She said that when you call they will redo your reservation. If your resort doesn't have any rooms left for free dining they will tell you what resorts are available. It's not automatic, you have to call to get the promotion and there are only a certain amount of rooms per resort that will be available for it. Hope that helps.

[disneymom06]

:goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

[katiebsmom]

Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[hollieplus2]

I know. I'm really hoping. I am also hoping that POFQ will be available since we have our hearts set on it. I really don't want another mod but I will for free dining.:cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[n2mm]

I know the anticipation is going to kill us all. I went on the chase/disney website this morning and recently when I check disney offers, nothing shows up except a message telling there are no offers. Today the picture categories are all back and it looks like maybe they are getting ready to start adding some offers. OK, I'm overly optimistic here, but I'm grasping for signs. The last CM I talked to also told me to keep a look out during the beginning of April for a promotion (and she mentioned the free dining).

[Crazy4Disney06]

Boy I really hope so!! This would save us $600!! :cool1: :cool1: :thumbsup2

[chatty]

What Month? Thank You..
chatty

[hollieplus2]

I think last year it was August and September. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong. I'm not 100% sure about the exact dates.:confused3

[tacomaranch]

I know it ended Sept. 30th but we checked in on the 26th and stayed thru October and our free dining did stay the entire time we were at WDW.

[CarolA]

Remember CMs do NOT have any real inside information. They are going based on thier "gossip" which can be just as "reliable" as the gossip on here.

[hollieplus2]

:rockband: I'm not listening... I can't hear you... We WILL have free dining. I just know it. We have to. I must have free dining. I will wish it so.:jumping1:

[nurse.darcy]

We are 5 "adults" according to Disney so this will save us nearly $1,400 for our 7 night/8 day vacation. YAY. . .I hope its for real. . .doesn't really matter because we are going anyway but I sure hope we can save the money. . .we will be upgrading if we do. . .

[MariaEllerºoº]

Sounds good!! Let's keep wishing for Free Dining Pixie Dust!!!

[ktink]

I posted on here somewhere about a conversation I had this weekend w/ a CM. It was along the same lines to look for a promotion over the next month or so.


Here's hoping BABY!pixiedust:

[scrappinmom]

I hope so too !!!! The only way we're going again this year is if dining is free! Here's hoping for loads of pixie dust!

[djm99]

Well, I guess its about who you talk to. I talked to a CM today (I changed a room only rate to a package) anywho, she told me that the rooms are booking like crazy - All Stars Movies is almost booked for August 2007 - and she doesn't think that Disney will have the need to add FREE Dining. I hope she's wrong, but from one CM to another, you get a different story.

[djm99]

I know the anticipation is going to kill us all. I went on the chase/disney website this morning and recently when I check disney offers, nothing shows up except a message telling there are no offers. Today the picture categories are all back and it looks like maybe they are getting ready to start adding some offers. OK, I'm overly optimistic here, but I'm grasping for signs. The last CM I talked to also told me to keep a look out during the beginning of April for a promotion (and she mentioned the free dining).

What is the chase/disney website?

[larkles]

:goodvibes Keep wishing, keep wishing :goodvibes

Maybe there is a CM with the power to give us all free dining and our postcards or e-mails are on their way:cool1:

This is the year of a million dreams right?::yes::

[calypso*a*go-go]

I went on the chase/disney website this morning and recently when I check disney offers, nothing shows up except a message telling there are no offers. Today the picture categories are all back and it looks like maybe they are getting ready to start adding some offers.

I check my Disney Visa account activity every couple of days and noticed the same thing! Let's all cross our fingers and hope for the best. :goodvibes

[Experiment523]

Ive heard the same thing from AAA agents that I know and several CMs I ve talked to in the last 2 weeks, i needed to call about ADRs and birthday ressies @ BBB for DD5, and inquired about a cake too.:goodvibes only 165 days till I go back to WDW pixiedust: :cool1:

[MickeyT]

What is the chase/disney website?

You have to have the Chase-Disney credit card and then you log in and it shows any offers available.

[annieb727]

I sure hope they offer it...we're going regardless...BUT we'll be there for 14 nights - two adults, two kiddos - it would be about $1100 cheaper than our 20% off AAA Package.

Our plan is ASMo, as we think the boys will really enjoy it, but for FREE dining, I'd be willing to move - heck even if it cut our savings a bit and we moved up to a Moderate - as long as it's still cheaper than our current price

pixiedust:

[TheRatPack]

So for those of you hoping for Free dining (me included), are you making your dining reservations now? I don't have a reservation yet, but I don't want to wait if the discount comes out later....you can make ADR's 6 months in advance right? Then if free dining wasn't offered, I could always still use the ADR's, as we only make ADR's at places we normally eat anyway, the dining plan just makes it easier one us as far as planning and having it all paid up front.

[scrappinmom]

So for those of you hoping for Free dining (me included), are you making your dining reservations now? I don't have a reservation yet, but I don't want to wait if the discount comes out later....you can make ADR's 6 months in advance right? Then if free dining wasn't offered, I could always still use the ADR's, as we only make ADR's at places we normally eat anyway, the dining plan just makes it easier one us as far as planning and having it all paid up front.

I'm not....we won't be going back until 2008, unless there's free dining or some other good deal.

[disneyfan551]

I'm afraid that people who are booking JIC there is free dining, may ruin the chance to have free dining. If Disney thinks their occupancy rates are fine, then there will be no need to offer the deal! I'm hoping they do, as I will book a week at Disney before our 7 nt. DCL cruise! :)

[wic0721]

Whoo hoo! :woohoo:

I've actually been holding off booking my September stay, because I was waiting to see if the free dining was coming out again this year! :thumbsup2

[MickeyT]

Whoo hoo! :woohoo:

I've actually been holding off booking my September stay, because I was waiting to see if the free dining was coming out again this year! :thumbsup2

Same boat. Don't know if we could book w/o the free dining. There's five of us (adults) so we need 2 rooms which become a much bigger expense. Will just bide my time until.......

[wic0721]

Same boat. Don't know if we could book w/o the free dining. There's five of us (adults) so we need 2 rooms which become a much bigger expense. Will just bide my time until.......

Did you check to see if it would be cheaper to book one of the suites at ASMU, instead of 2 rooms????

[jenr812]

Did you check to see if it would be cheaper to book one of the suites at ASMU, instead of 2 rooms????

I may be wrong but I don't think that free dining could be added if they were in the ASMO suites. IIRC, they aren't eligible for any discounts. Someone correct me if I'm making this up :)

[wic0721]

I may be wrong but I don't think that free dining could be added if they were in the ASMO suites. IIRC, they aren't eligible for any discounts. Someone correct me if I'm making this up :)

Really, I didn't know that....bummer!

[laurasmom]

YEA!!! I hope, hope, hope that it is true! I am going with dining regardless either but if we get it maybe I can stay a day or two longer! Hooray!:yay: :cheer2: :dance3:

[disneymarathoner07]

Same boat. Don't know if we could book w/o the free dining. There's five of us (adults) so we need 2 rooms which become a much bigger expense. Will just bide my time until.......

I have read somewhere that the suites were available to UK guests when they were offered free dining but then I read somewhere else that they were not offered for the bounceback program. So I don't know if either or both of those were true or not. If they are available and Free Dining is offered that is what we are going to try for!

[Reese]

:banana: :banana: :banana: I hope so. I talked Dh into going if we recieved the 40% off code but we didn't:sad1: . Now if they have free dining we can afford to go for 10 days:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: .

[LakeAriel]

So for those of you hoping for Free dining (me included), are you making your dining reservations now? I don't have a reservation yet, but I don't want to wait if the discount comes out later....you can make ADR's 6 months in advance right? Then if free dining wasn't offered, I could always still use the ADR's, as we only make ADR's at places we normally eat anyway, the dining plan just makes it easier one us as far as planning and having it all paid up front.

You have to tell them what resort you are staying at when you make your ADR's, don't you?

[Rustysmom]

Thanks for letting us know to look on the Chase Visa website. I'll be watching it like a hawk from now on.

[u2bapeacock]

called a week ago about getting code didn't have under my name asked cm if there was any other offers coming for the time of year we are going Aug-Sept. like free dining she told me she knew it was offered the past 2 years but said not to count on it this year because the restaurants were not to please with it last year hopefully shes wrong

[Grendalynn]

Ok, so tell me this, all knowing Disney Fanatics.... :goodvibes

Is the "Possible"/"Alleged" Free Dining for every month or just sekected months? We are looking into booking a March 08 Trip once the new packages, deals and rates come out in August, so what should I know or look for leading up to that point? :confused:

These "codes" you all speak of - where do I get them and are they good for all Disney Hotels or just selected ones? We want to stay at a Deluxeon the Monorail - any helpful hints to pass along? :surfweb:


Thanks so much and sorry if this is a Thread-Jack... Hopefully it will be helpful info to others as well...

[stacy347]

You have to tell them what resort you are staying at when you make your ADR's, don't you?


Actually, anyone (even offsite guests) can make ADRs so you don't have to tell them where you are staying ~ except when you want to do 180+10 ADRs in which case you do have to be staying on-site. :)

I am going to be making our ADRs next week but I'm not booking our rooms until April in hopes of getting Free Dining or at least some type of discount...we need 4 rooms total and I want to do my part not to fill up the resorts, LOL!

[harleyquinn]

Ok, so tell me this, all knowing Disney Fanatics.... :goodvibes

Is the "Possible"/"Alleged" Free Dining for every month or just sekected months? We are looking into booking a March 08 Trip once the new packages, deals and rates come out in August, so what should I know or look for leading up to that point? :confused:

These "codes" you all speak of - where do I get them and are they good for all Disney Hotels or just selected ones? We want to stay at a Deluxeon the Monorail - any helpful hints to pass along? :surfweb:


Thanks so much and sorry if this is a Thread-Jack... Hopefully it will be helpful info to others as well...

It has only historically been offered in August/September.

March discounts are always few and far between as its Spring Break season. Codes are typically for all the resorts, but at limited quantities.

Go to www.mousesavers.com for lots more info!

[2mickeys1minnie]

Ughhhh..... I just got off the phone w/ a CM. I was pricing out stays at either POR or ASM Suites. I casually asked if free dining will be offered this year and he said it definitely will NOT be offered. I said do you know this 100%? He said Yes - Disney has decided not to offer it this year. I HOPE he is wrong. It is the only way we can afford to go:( I have to admit - he was pretty snotty. First time I ever dealt w/ an unfriendly CM.

[LakeAriel]

Actually, anyone (even offsite guests) can make ADRs so you don't have to tell them where you are staying ~ except when you want to do 180+10 ADRs in which case you do have to be staying on-site. :)

I am going to be making our ADRs next week but I'm not booking our rooms until April in hopes of getting Free Dining or at least some type of discount...we need 4 rooms total and I want to do my part not to fill up the resorts, LOL!

They always asked me, I assumed it was required. Thanks.

[MickeyT]

Did you check to see if it would be cheaper to book one of the suites at ASMU, instead of 2 rooms????

It is actually about $100 more for the suites than 2 AS rooms. But dining for the six days would save us a little over $1000 so that is our trigger point for going or not going.

I may be wrong but I don't think that free dining could be added if they were in the ASMO suites. IIRC, they aren't eligible for any discounts. Someone correct me if I'm making this up :)

I heard that. Figured that would be something I negotiate or consider when booking. Not a deal breaker.

[Sxofus]

I'm afraid that people who are booking JIC there is free dining, may ruin the chance to have free dining. If Disney thinks their occupancy rates are fine, then there will be no need to offer the deal! If those people who are booking just in case free dining is offered end up cancelling when it's not, then Disney will no doubt offer the deal once the cancellations start rolling in.

[ktink]

Ughhhh..... I just got off the phone w/ a CM. I was pricing out stays at either POR or ASM Suites. I casually asked if free dining will be offered this year and he said it definitely will NOT be offered. I said do you know this 100%? He said Yes - Disney has decided not to offer it this year. I HOPE he is wrong. It is the only way we can afford to go:( I have to admit - he was pretty snotty. First time I ever dealt w/ an unfriendly CM.

Again it's all in who you talk to. I talked to a CM and it was a man and I asked if he would see if we had a PIN attached to our name, mind you I had been mailed the value PIN w/ travel dates of Feb and March and he told me no we did not. Called back a few minutes later and magically the PIN was there.

I think that there are people everywhere who have bad days and don't enjoy their job. There are alot of people here on the boards who call and question the free dining promo. I'm guilty as charged. And some CMs are probably sick and tired of all of us.:laughing:

I believe in free dining 2007:thumbsup2

[mom-mom2three]

I don't know if this is where I should ask this question but I need to know if you can have two reservations in the same name for the same time period. I booked a room last December for Coronado Springs on the bounceback program with free dining, myself, three of my adult children, and a two year old. I don't know what I was thinking,:lmao: while I know the room will allow that many people it is going to be CROWDED. I called this afternoon to add a room and was told I could not. So I said I would make a seperate reservation, rack rate, in my name (so I could have two rooms) I was then told I could not do that:confused3 . Is this correct? What would one reservation have to do with the other?

[jamounger]

Can you put the reservation in your husbands name or is the problem that the names in both rooms are the same?

[mom-mom2three]

I tried to put it in in one of my adult childrens name but was told that if I did they would no longer be on the free dining plan. I don't understand because if I keep the reservations I have now we have 4 adults on the free dining plan . If I add a room we still have 4 adults on the free dining plan but I am paying full price for another room, which is fine with me, but the CM said I could not.:confused:

[brooke1]

two statements about free dining.....from your mouth to Disney's ear.

Now we know that Disney is not stupid and have been doing some type of discount for many many years, dont you think they know alot of people make ressies hoping for free dining or whatever discount for aug and sept which are slow months and then for no reason at all All Star music or whatever is almost full........


Please, Disney knows whats going on.........

Brooke

[Grendalynn]

two statements about free dining.....from your mouth to Disney's ear.

Now we know that Disney is not stupid and have been doing some type of discount for many many years, dont you think they know alot of people make ressies hoping for free dining or whatever discount for aug and sept which are slow months and then for no reason at all All Star music or whatever is almost full........


Please, Disney knows whats going on.........

Brooke


Well, I don't - so clue me in..... popcorn::

[aubriee]

If those people who are booking just in case free dining is offered end up cancelling when it's not, then Disney will no doubt offer the deal once the cancellations start rolling in.

After I booked free dining via the Bounce Back Program in Dec I told the CM that I had a friend who might be interested in the free dining, but couldn't make it down before Dec 31st. He said he would not be getting free dining then as the WDW was severely limiting the number of free dining pkgs available for 2007 due to both guest and restaurant complaints. He said the only way to get free dining was going to be through the UK program or the Bounce Back Program. He also mentioned that they were all shocked at how many people knew about the Bounce Back Program, because they had intentionally not promoted it that much and it may have bitten Disney in the foot because they were already over their quota and it wasn't even Dec 31st yet. They were surprised at how many people came down for just a one night stay in order to be able to book the Bounce Back Program. I asked him again about free dining in Sept and he again said no. I then told him 'you know alot of people are going to be booking resorts and making ADRs hoping that free dining is going to be offered'. He said Disney was aware of that too. I said 'and you know alot of people will cancel those same resorts and ADRs if free dining is not offered'. He then laughed, wriggled his eyebrows, and said "Yes, but alot more will keep them anyway, after planning all that time to come. They just may eat more CS, but they will come and Disney knows that too".

It looks like he was right. If you look over on the thread 'Where are you staying if free dining is offered', almost everyone on that thread says they are going even if free dining is not offered and most have already booked their resorts.

[jdd]

I know the anticipation is going to kill us all. I went on the chase/disney website this morning and recently when I check disney offers, nothing shows up except a message telling there are no offers. Today the picture categories are all back and it looks like maybe they are getting ready to start adding some offers. OK, I'm overly optimistic here, but I'm grasping for signs. The last CM I talked to also told me to keep a look out during the beginning of April for a promotion (and she mentioned the free dining).

That's so funny - I thought the exact same thing. My husband thinks I'm nuts...we're already going in April, but I'm always on the lookout for a good deal ;)

[kribit]

We took advantage of the free dining promotion last year in September, but does anyone know when it started? Was it the end of August???? I can't remember.

[HM]

We took advantage of the free dining promotion last year in September, but does anyone know when it started? Was it the end of August???? I can't remember.

August 13

[disneyfreak2]

Sooooo, what month are we talking about?? Will it go into October??? PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!!:yay: :yay:

[jenr812]

I believe last time it lasted thru check in dates of Sept 30

[Fionasmommy]

We took advantage of the free dining promotion last year in September, but does anyone know when it started? Was it the end of August???? I can't remember.
IIRC, it was 8/16 - 9/30, booked by 6/2.

[ExPirateShopGirl]

The free dining promotion was offered to the entire US to book for nearly 3 months last year. In fact, when the promotion was due to end on June 4, they extended it by 3 more weeks.

So far this year they have marketed it to 2 very select groups; uk folks willing to book a long stay with tickets, and those already vacationing at WDW.

While they may very well have had a quota to meet for packages booked, it's a mere fraction of the number they booked in 2005 and 2006. The fact remains that the uk residents and the bouncebackers will not get them to their goal of filling up WDW during hurrican season.

They will undoubtedly have some sort of incentive to book for the general population. I wouldn't place a great deal of stock in the fact a phone CM who probably doesn't even work near WDW tells you it won't be offered. They aren't generally informed of promotions too far in adance.

[Longsx3]

Just a few notes:

**The Allstar Suites were not eligible for free dinning on the bounceback program


**If the bounce back program met or exceeded Disney's expectations I would be surprised if they offer free dinning to the General Public this year because I do not see the the 2 promotions working together. While we are at WDW in August on the Bouncback program, I would not be inclined to rebook the bounce back (if offered) program again if the general public is given free dinning. I think that if Disney does not offer free dinning to the general public this year but offers the bouncback to guest late fall it would be very successful. I think even more people would take a trip in order to take advantage of the bounce back program.

**If as others have said the occupancy for Aug/Sept is inflated with people hoping for free dinning, I think Disney realizes this but is also counting on ultimately many guests will keep their reservations because they have gone through the work of planning the trip. As we all know Disney vacations (unlike most) carry a strong emotional attachment.

[kribit]

I also got a cm yesterday who said they weren't offering free dining because they offrered it in December (I presume this is the bounceback). I'm sure they will offer something though. Maybe they will do a shorter promotion period (like only September?) Just an idea.

[my3squeals]

I don't know if this is where I should ask this question but I need to know if you can have two reservations in the same name for the same time period. I booked a room last December for Coronado Springs on the bounceback program with free dining, myself, three of my adult children, and a two year old. I don't know what I was thinking,:lmao: while I know the room will allow that many people it is going to be CROWDED. I called this afternoon to add a room and was told I could not. So I said I would make a seperate reservation, rack rate, in my name (so I could have two rooms) I was then told I could not do that:confused3 . Is this correct? What would one reservation have to do with the other?

I don't know exactly how different the BB incentive is to the original free dining, but, we booked the the very first year (2005) the free dining was offered. After finding out what a great deal it was, grandparents decided to go along too, therefore we need a 2nd room. Disney booked it on fine and because it was attatched to the original ressie, the 2nd room came with "free dining". Nevertheless I had to stay on top of this, but it could be done then....... As always hang up and try again!!!!

[Longsx3]

The only Modifications that can be made to a "BB" reservation is to shorten your original reservation (you maybe able to lengthen as well), you may NOT add people or change resorts.

OP whenever we have booked a second room in the past it had to be a different adults name (when we book and pay for MIL it is in her name) your name can only be tied to one reservation because WDW policy is that the name on the reservation is an occupant of said room.

[sunny_stace]

:cool1: oh!! Free Dining would be the best birthday present in september!! Then I could actually afford to go for more than a couple of days!!

[my3squeals]

OP whenever we have booked a second room in the past it had to be a different adults name (when we book and pay for MIL it is in her name) your name can only be tied to one reservation because WDW policy is that the name on the reservation is an occupant of said room.

2nd room did have grandparents names, but I added it under my original ressie, maybe that could be the difference :confused: The ressie was still under my name, it was listed though just as I had booked 2 rooms for our trip, which I did. Therefore everyone in my "party" received the free DDP.

[Simbee3]

Just subscribing. my kids and I are really looking forward to doing Disney this year. But, my husband is not. I know that if they do have a free dining promotion we will be able to cox him into going.

[tiggrsbride]

hoping for free dining too!

[beachgrl001]

I know it ended Sept. 30th but we checked in on the 26th and stayed thru October and our free dining did stay the entire time we were at WDW.

that is what I am hoping they will let me do this year. I want to check in on sept.25 and leave on oct.3 I was thinking that if they wouldn't extend our free dining(assuming that its offered) I would be pushing back my dates.

[everest]

I made a reservation for my room but wasn’t able to get my mothers room booked because of the lack of info at the time. I asked him if he thought they would have the free dinning promo going on this year and he said

I don’t think they will offer it as early as they did last year but they still might come late May or June when they are closer to that time and they will be able to see how full they really are going to be.
I just thought that was an odd remark and made me think maybe Disney will hold off from the announcing the free DDP to see if a lot of guests will cancel their trips or hold onto them if they don’t announce until later in the spring. Then Disney will see a lot of cancellations and offer it or see that those who reserved keep their plans anyway then offer a lesser discount.

[BillSears]

The only Modifications that can be made to a "BB" reservation is to shorten your original reservation (you maybe able to lengthen as well), you may NOT add people or change resorts.

I have the BB offer and I did change my dates from late September to the beginning of September and I added a couple days. I was also told I could add more people to my reservation and/or change resorts. But I couldn't add an extra room. Currently I'm the only one booked for the room so adding more people won't exceed the room limitations.

[tcp0421]

I just called the other day to pay off my vacation Sept 10-17. I asked my cm about the free dining. She said absolutly keep checking the web site within the next few weeks. This was the nicest cm I ever talked to I was on the phone with her for a little over an hour. I really hope she knows something that some of the other cms dont know about.:cool1:

[D,L and K's Mom]

When I called I had the nicest CM ever. We were not able to fix the problem I had with the Bounce Back Program but he sort of gave me the idea that there WILL NOT be free dining offered. HI asked and he said, the parks are so full this year....so full. I have not seen the parks this full in a long time. They are so full. I said are you trying to say no free dining. He said the parks and hotels are so full. hmmmm I don't know why he just coul dnot say NOPE but I would bet it is a no. I am so bummed.

[Hollybh]

I already have a package booked at AKL, if they offer free dining, will I need to rush to get a code for it or does everyone get free dining if they book during that time.

[warriorboy648]

It sounds like it wasn't that hard to get free dining last year. Can anyone share their experience? Do you just call and get it or is there a code??
The wait is killing me. :headache:

[disneytraceyl]

I am hoping for free dining :hippie: Haven't tried it yet. We would love to do the cruise along with it.....

[HotMama]

I am also hoping for free dining! It is making me nuts how different CM's say different things. I don't know if I want to cry or cheer!:)