Free Dining Announcement by April 12

[MickeyMaz]

The rumour mill is churning and per Lou Mongello's podcast, Free Dining in August and September is coming back. There might be an anouncement as early as April 12.

Maz:3dglasses

[kentear]

The rumour mill is churning and per Lou Mongello's podcast, Free Dining in August and September is coming back. There might be an anouncement as early as April 12.

Maz:3dglasses

Who is Lou Mongello?

[MickeyMaz]

I am sorry, I thought in the World of Disney it went from God to Walt to Mickey to Lou.

Lou Mongello is the author of the Disney World Trivia Books and the host of the WDW Radio Podcast. http://www.wdwradio.com/

Lou is a very dedicated All Things Disney fan and is usually right with his news. If you have a chance, check out his podcast show and if you have notheard any of the Disney Fan Podcasts you don't know what you are missing.

Maz:3dglasses

[hannah03]

Why oh why can't it be for July :(

[bicker]

I suspect that they have no problem getting folks to visit WDW in July, without offering free dining. ;)

[hannah03]

True.. but I'd still love a deal too :) I wouldn't be going in July if it wasn't for my husband's company closing down for the week to give everyone a vacation ;)
I suspect that they have no problem getting folks to visit WDW in July, without offering free dining. ;)

[bicker]

... my husband's company closing down for the week to give everyone a vacation ;)Sweet! :cool1:

[hannah03]

I thought so too!!:thumbsup2

Sweet! :cool1:

[keliblue]

Before everyone gets to excited, Rumor has it the date are from August 26 thru Sept 22

[TravelinGal]

Before everyone gets to excited, Rumor has it the date are from August 26 thru Sept 22


which really bites if that's accurate - that's 3 entire weeks shaved off from last years dates! (13 days less in August and 8 days less in September)

We'll still go when planned (29 Sep) and we'll still have a great time, it just would have been nice to have a less expensive package (which for us would mean a resort upgrade - so Disney would still get the same amount of money from us)

[Matthews4Disney]

Wow, it is good to hear the news from yet another official "unofficial" source! April 12 can't come soon enough!

Also, thanks to the OP for posting about the podcast. My sister had mentioned wdwradio to me before, but I'd never visited. It is awesome!!!!

[DiszyDean]

which really bites if that's accurate - that's 3 entire weeks shaved off from last years dates! (13 days less in August and 8 days less in September)

We'll still go when planned (29 Sep) and we'll still have a great time, it just would have been nice to have a less expensive package (which for us would mean a resort upgrade - so Disney would still get the same amount of money from us)

If the rumor is true (and typically when you hear it from several sources, there is some merit to it), I suspect that Disney was already expecting increased bookings for the Sept. time frame ( especially with the 40% room code offer) and therefore had a few choices:

1. They could have done away with the free dining offer altogether.
2. They could limit availability but keep the same time period intact from last year.
3. The could keep similar availability but limit the time period.

If the rumor is true, it appears that they took option #3 and in my opinion, probably the best choice. Probably the best way to avoid mass cancellations for those people that booked expecting to get in on the free dining.

Just my 2 cents.

[dlpcarden]

I have read on several posts that Disney offers the free dining plan usually the same time each year. During what times do they usually offer it?

Also, if I book a package with the dining plan and then later find out that the dining plan is offered free during my stay how would I get the free plan. Do I need to cancel and rebook? Or will they automatically deduct the amount I paid for dining and give me the free dining.

Really hope that it will be offered when I am going. It would save me like $900.00

Thanks
Dottie

[SlightlyGoofy]

My current plan, if FD is announced, is to check in on September 8th for 14 nites and then book another 14 days starting the 22nd and then start hoping that next year they do not cut the days back further so that we can book in for FD again next year using the same AP. 41 days of Free Dining between 2007-8 plus 10 days at Xmas 2007 and 10 days plus for F&G in 2008. About 61 plus days with my AP's costing about $500 (after taking off my credit card rewards and turning in 2 of my one day tickets) not too bad. :thumbsup2

Not that I am greedy or anything. :lmao:

Slightly Goofy

[lustergirl]

My current plan, if FD is announced, is to check in on September 8th for 14 nites and then book another 14 days starting the 22nd and then start hoping that next year they do not cut the days back further so that we can book in for FD again next year using the same AP. 41 days of Free Dining between 2007-8 plus 10 days at Xmas 2007 and 10 days plus for F&G in 2008. About 61 plus days with my AP's costing about $500 (after taking off my credit card rewards and turning in 2 of my one day tickets) not too bad. :thumbsup2

Not that I am greedy or anything. :lmao:

Slightly Goofy


Hey Slightly,

No time no post? How you been- I haven't seen you the disboards or maybe I am just missing you. Are you staying in the touchdown section again- AS Sports. We are going 9/16-9/23 and staying in one of the surf's up building- which ever preferred they put us in. We will have to get together this year.

[MickeyMaz]

Wow, it is good to hear the news from yet another official "unofficial" source! April 12 can't come soon enough!

Also, thanks to the OP for posting about the podcast. My sister had mentioned wdwradio to me before, but I'd never visited. It is awesome!!!!

Since last July, I have been hooked on podcasts. WDWRADIO is just getting back to my top 5. But if you like Lou's podcast, try
1. WDW Today
2. Trapped on Vacation
3. Mouseguest
4. inside the Magic

I actually listen to about 10-12 different Disney Podcasts a week. Mostly while driving or doing repetitive work. They all have their different good qualities.

Maz :3dglasses

[keliblue]

[/URL] My current plan, if FD is announced, is to check in on September 8th for 14 nites and then book another 14 days starting the 22nd and then start hoping that next year they do not cut the days back further so that we can book in for FD again next year using the same AP. 41 days of Free Dining between 2007-8 plus 10 days at Xmas 2007 and 10 days plus for F&G in 2008. About 61 plus days with my AP's costing about $500 (after taking off my credit card rewards and turning in 2 of my one day tickets) not too bad. :thumbsup2

Not that I am greedy or anything. :lmao:

Slightly Goofy

you are going to need my treadmill [URL="*******************************************ZSzeb00 1_ZSYYYYYYYYUS"]http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_5_141.gif (*******************************************ZSzeb0 01_ZSYYYYYYYYUS)when your done :rotfl:







http://www.smileycentral.com/sig.jsp?pc=ZSzeb096&pp=ZSYYYYYYYYUS (http://smiley.smileycentral.com/download/index.jhtml?partner=ZSzeb096_ZSYYYYYYYYUS&utm_id=7924)

[KatelynnsAuntie]

Before everyone gets to excited, Rumor has it the date are from August 26 thru Sept 22

Forgive me if this has been asked and answered, but say I checked on say, Sept 20 for 7 nights...would I get free dining my entire stay? :confused3

[monami7]

The CM said when I booked this morning that they should hear about a "DEAL" in the next week or so. As soon as they say they are doing free dining he said I should call back and tell them to apply it to my ressies. I am really excited. I hope it is true.

[keliblue]

Forgive me if this has been asked and answered, but say I checked on say, Sept 20 for 7 nights...would I get free dining my entire stay? :confused3

YES..:cool1: at least that is how it worked last year and the year before

[DisneyMom&Fan]

Do you think they will announce and/or offer any earlier to Disney Visa holders? I heard they did that last year. :confused3

[ZIPBAGS]

My current plan, if FD is announced, is to check in on September 8th for 14 nites and then book another 14 days starting the 22nd and then start hoping that next year they do not cut the days back further so that we can book in for FD again next year using the same AP. 41 days of Free Dining between 2007-8 plus 10 days at Xmas 2007 and 10 days plus for F&G in 2008. About 61 plus days with my AP's costing about $500 (after taking off my credit card rewards and turning in 2 of my one day tickets) not too bad. :thumbsup2

Not that I am greedy or anything. :lmao:

Slightly Goofy

j/c How long are you planning on going for in Sept..14 or 28 nights? I am lucky to go for 6 nights once a year. Not to mention your other 20 days your planning to go. :lmao:

[cmwade77]

True.. but I'd still love a deal too :) I wouldn't be going in July if it wasn't for my husband's company closing down for the week to give everyone a vacation ;)
I would love for my company to do this!

[2BusyPlanning]

<rolling the dice here>

I arrive on Sept. 21. Come on free dining!!!

[LurrrvtheDuck]

Before everyone gets to excited, Rumor has it the date are from August 26 thru Sept 22


Of course that's when Florida schools (including colleges) should all be back in session.

Hmmm I just might have to plan trips for a few days to get the FD and eat at all the places I haven't eaten by then.


No my question is, is the FD offered only for the Travel dates that it would be offered or is that time in which you have to Book a ressie to get the FD during the dates they'll be offering?

I'm just trying to figure out how Slightly is planning on getting all those days of FD so I can get it too with my AP. ;)

[SlightlyGoofy]

ZIPBAGS, I am thinking 28 days this September and then however many days I can fit in IF they have free dining again next year BEFORE our AP runs out.:thumbsup2

I remember the bad old days when we could only afford to go 3 or 4 days at a time. It was BEFORE we retired and BEFORE I found the DIS boards and learned the tricks of the trade from the experts.:teacher:

Thank you!!!!:love:

One day you TOO will be long timers!! :cheer2:

Slightly Goofy

[DznyLvr2005]

Who is Lou Mongello?

Funny thing... I got both his trivia books and inside it says he's from Scotch Plains, NJ. I used to live in Garwood, NJ, the town over. (now I live in Staten Island) So I thought that was cool... Anyway, last year we flew Jet Blue out of Newark Airport on Sept 19th and we're standing in line ready to board the plane and who's standing in front of me?? Lou! He was wearing a disney trivia t-shirt. I said hi and we talked for a few minutes. He's really nice.

[annie1995]

:banana: :banana: September 14-24 here! Yay!

[SlightlyGoofy]

lustergirl, goodie, goodie!! There is a very good chance that we shall be at DW when you are. If you need an old person to hold parade seats for you some night let me know. I have already made a promise for another person but I have a feeling, if things work out, we shall see more than ONE parade. :lmao: If I am going to sit there for two hours for my favorite seats I insist on seeing TWO parades. Told ya, I 'm greedy.

keliblue, thanks for the offer. We stayed for 3 weeks last time and I came home 4 pounds lighter. I have lost 90 pounds so far and am down about 7.5 for this year so far. It is very hard for me to lose weight. I cannot wait until I make that 100 pound mark. I refuse to think of how many more pounds I have to go. At least Barnum and Bailey has stopped sending employment applications. :rotfl2:

I love the Disney Diet, between the walking and distractions as well as the heat in the summer I can eat what I want (not that much) and still lose weight. Just gotta win the lottery and spend a full year there to get BEE U TA FULL!!!

Slightly Goofy

[Mnchknbrat1982]

I hope this is true. I will be checking in on the 22nd! And would love to have free dining so I can upgrade from Pop Century to POFQ!

[dlpcarden]

If I book by trip and arrive the last day the FD is offered will I get the FD for my entire stay or just that one day?

[sandybobandy]

Entire stay

(sorry for the short answer...this question is asked over and over!) :)

[pierresgirl]

What are the qualifications for free dining? Do you just have to be staying in one of their resorts or is there a minimum tix purchase? We are at CSR for 3 nights 9/20-23 but are only doing 1 or 2 park days, not a package. We aren't signed up for the dining plan.

[Ilovemyprincesses]

You have to stay at a Disney resort and book a package.

[bonzarella]

Mannnnnn, I've been away for two days & look at all I've missed:confused3
SGoofy. are those "nameless Sept people ME:banana: ?
You also might get the chance to meet KelliBlue in Dec with us if my DH bales out:rotfl: We met on the boards last year & at the Pop party. We took a short trip in Nov, that allowed us to book bounceback. She is the best:love: You are soooooo gonna have the greatest time for 28 days:banana: BTW - I didn't loose weight, what's your secret?????
xoxo
Bonzi

[bicker]

If the rumor is true, it appears that they took option #3I suspect they did both #2 and #3, in the right measure. What I read into that aspect of the rumor is that Disney did have a lot of success with the targeted offerings of free dining, and with the 40% off codes, for the early part and the late part of hurricane season, and only had trouble filling rooms in the deepest part of the heart of hurricane season.

[NHmomof2boys]

Oh I am so excited!!!!! I just got done saying to a friend that I might actually be able to convince DH to go if they offer free dining this summer. Unfortunately, he just isn't the Disney nut that I am, and needs a "deal" to get him to go.

Can't wait for the announcement:cool1:

[DznyLvr2005]

I called Disney last night because our friends wanted to book a trip the same time as us at the same place.. AKL...
Anyway, I asked the CM about free dining and was totally shot down, he didn't seem too thrilled and he said they had no idea! :confused3

[kaddjr]

True.. but I'd still love a deal too :) I wouldn't be going in July if it wasn't for my husband's company closing down for the week to give everyone a vacation ;)

I feel your pain- the company DH works for does the same thing. It's two weeks with us- week of July 4th and week of Christmas. We did manage to do the free dining the first year it was offered. We were going to go in Dec of that year, but since he was looking at changing jobs, we moved the trip up and then the second round of free dining was offered, so we jumped on it. Let me tell ya, it was nice! Anyhow, some sort of discount would be nice, but we are just happy to be going rather than staying at home.:)

[MickeyMaz]

I called Disney last night because our friends wanted to book a trip the same time as us at the same place.. AKL...
Anyway, I asked the CM about free dining and was totally shot down, he didn't seem too thrilled and he said they had no idea! :confused3

I dealt with this last year when waiting for Candlelight Processional tickets to go on sale. There was a new restaurant policy and everyone that had called a CM earlier for the straight info kept getting different answers depending who you talked too. I would almost trust a non-disney travel agent before believing what a CM on the phone says.

Maz :3dglasses

[keliblue]

lustergirl, goodie, goodie!! There is a very good chance that we shall be at DW when you are. If you need an old person to hold parade seats for you some night let me know. I have already made a promise for another person but I have a feeling, if things work out, we shall see more than ONE parade. :lmao: If I am going to sit there for two hours for my favorite seats I insist on seeing TWO parades. Told ya, I 'm greedy.

keliblue, thanks for the offer. We stayed for 3 weeks last time and I came home 4 pounds lighter. I have lost 90 pounds so far and am down about 7.5 for this year so far. It is very hard for me to lose weight. I cannot wait until I make that 100 pound mark. I refuse to think of how many more pounds I have to go. At least Barnum and Bailey has stopped sending employment applications. :rotfl2:

I love the Disney Diet, between the walking and distractions as well as the heat in the summer I can eat what I want (not that much) and still lose weight. Just gotta win the lottery and spend a full year there to get BEE U TA FULL!!!

Slightly Goofy

SG... you ARE my hero !! I must be doing something wrong because I manage to gain about 4 pounds every trip :sad2: and I can't afford to gain any:rolleyes:

[keliblue]

Mannnnnn, I've been away for two days & look at all I've missed:confused3
SGoofy. are those "nameless Sept people ME:banana: ?
You also might get the chance to meet KelliBlue in Dec with us if my DH bales out:rotfl: We met on the boards last year & at the Pop party. We took a short trip in Nov, that allowed us to book bounceback. She is the best:love: You are soooooo gonna have the greatest time for 28 days:banana: BTW - I didn't loose weight, what's your secret?????
xoxo
Bonzi

Bonzi !!! Where have you been ?:mad: I have missed you GF :hug: December with Bonzi and the boys would be awesome :cloud9: COME ON JEFF :rotfl: i promise, I won't hold my breath :rolleyes:

[dolly-dawne]

I think another option would be to only offer free dining to the deluxe resorts. I know that may sound unfair but I think people may spend the extra for resorts to get free dining. AS a family of 5 I know I would becuase with 3 growing boys and my husband food is very important(and lots of it). Seems kind of crazy that they offer the same free dining deal on a package regardless of if the room is $100.00 or $400.00. Good Luck to us all.

[C50T]

Okay, now I'm feeling confident about the free dining, BUT - I'm not convinced anybody has the dates right yet.
Call me a ****-eyed optimist, but I'm still holding out hope for the deal extending to the end of Sept.
Please??

[HayGan]

I am currently booked at POFQ for Sept 24 -30 with the dining plan (and the 40% off) WHEN (got to think positive) free dining comes out, I will change our dates to Sept 22 - 29th. If it doesn't come out then I will keep our current ressie and add on 2 days of hotel only at the begining of the trip. With free dinign I might even try to upgrade our resort to AKL.

I should say I already have all my ADRs for Sept 22 - 30. I din't have any problems getting anything even though I called a day late! I even was able to get a peak dining time for LeCellier (and they had quite a few times available) so something tells me that the total number of hotel/dining reservations for that week isn't that high!

[bicker]

I think another option would be to only offer free dining to the deluxe resorts. I know that may sound unfair but I think people may spend the extra for resorts to get free dining. AS a family of 5 I know I would becuase with 3 growing boys and my husband food is very important(and lots of it). Seems kind of crazy that they offer the same free dining deal on a package regardless of if the room is $100.00 or $400.00.Makes sense... Just thinking about the 40% discount PIN codes that have been around recently: 40% off a deluxe resort room is a lot more money off than 40% off a value resort room.

[Hollybh]

I was hoping Free dining would be offered at the start of value season (August 5th) :(

[Ilovemyprincesses]

I think another option would be to only offer free dining to the deluxe resorts. I know that may sound unfair but I think people may spend the extra for resorts to get free dining. AS a family of 5 I know I would becuase with 3 growing boys and my husband food is very important(and lots of it). Seems kind of crazy that they offer the same free dining deal on a package regardless of if the room is $100.00 or $400.00. Good Luck to us all.

You choose to stay at a deluxe and I choose a value. Why should you get free dining and not me? You are not being forced to pay that extra money. It is your choice. I choose to spend my money on other things than an overpriced room.

[TravelinGal]

I think the best option is to have it just like last year. At least there's no - "well last year they did this" going on. Why reinvent the wheel. last year worked just fine.

(can you tell I'm really hoping and praying it goes until the end of September instead of the 22nd like the rumor says ;) :lmao: )

[TravelinGal]

I think another option would be to only offer free dining to the deluxe resorts. I know that may sound unfair but I think people may spend the extra for resorts to get free dining. AS a family of 5 I know I would becuase with 3 growing boys and my husband food is very important(and lots of it). Seems kind of crazy that they offer the same free dining deal on a package regardless of if the room is $100.00 or $400.00. Good Luck to us all.


One has a choice on where to stay based on cost and theming desired. One has a choice to add the dining plan. The dining plan costs the same regardless of what resort you call home for your vacation.

If it cost more at a deluxe, then maybe - just maybe... (but probably not)

And, I'd be more likely to upgrade to a deluxe from my moderate if the free DDP works with our dates - so WDTC will still get as much money from us! LOL

[TheDisneyBunch]

Well I have it all planned and even made my ticker so as soon as it is announced I will be on the phone booking for Sept 9-19! WOOHOO!! :banana: :banana:

[Debbie6221]

Hi,
First...I love the Disney diet too. I always eat what I want and lose weight from all the running around...
and TWO I heard a rumor they might extend the FD into October??? Is that laughable?

We always go in October.
Debbie

[nbodyhome]

I have read on several posts that Disney offers the free dining plan usually the same time each year. During what times do they usually offer it?

Dottie

They've only offered it twice at this point -- and I'd not guess it will be a yearly thing unless very restricted. It has gone from mid-August - Sept, though two years ago it went into early October as well. I'd not be surprised, if they do it, if dates are restricted to just the one month.

[nbodyhome]

I suspect they did both #2 and #3, in the right measure. What I read into that aspect of the rumor is that Disney did have a lot of success with the targeted offerings of free dining, and with the 40% off codes, for the early part and the late part of hurricane season, and only had trouble filling rooms in the deepest part of the heart of hurricane season.

Mid August to September has always been a slow time (well, 20 years ago late August was busier), due to kids going back to school. We haven't had a lot of hurricane issues in central Florida, except 2004 since I've lived here.

October is hurricane season, but busier due to the Food and Wine Festival and conventions.

[TravelinGal]

Hi,
First...I love the Disney diet too. I always eat what I want and lose weight from all the running around...
and TWO I heard a rumor they might extend the FD into October??? Is that laughable?

We always go in October.
Debbie

It was into October last year - kind of. If you checked in by 30 SEP then you could get the free DDP through your stay (up to 10 nights)

I doubt they will actually extend arrival dates into October. Especially with the rumored final arrival date being 22 Sep.

[nbodyhome]

Hi,
First...I love the Disney diet too. I always eat what I want and lose weight from all the running around...
and TWO I heard a rumor they might extend the FD into October??? Is that laughable?

We always go in October.
Debbie

I can't see that Disney would ever do that (past the first few days). When they do offer discounts, the pickings in October are very slim, the resorts are VERY busy at that time at full price (or with a AAA discount).

[srgibbs]

Is there any chance Free dining will start on value season Aug.5th Anyone? We got to go the past 2 years under free dining, but DS is going into the 1st grade and don't want to pull him out of school for a week so have to start trip on Aug. 5th. Just Hoping!!

[DisneyBound2007]

I know the announcement is happening on the 12, as to what it will entail i do not know. However is this April 12th the public announcement. I am a Disney Visa holder and was wondering how much earlier the announcement will get to us and by what means. On the Chase site, or in an email, etc....any help?

[disneyfanUSA]

The rumour mill is churning and per Lou Mongello's podcast, Free Dining in August and September is coming back. There might be an anouncement as early as April 12.

Maz:3dglasses

[COLOR="Magenta"]WHAT NUMBER PODCAST DID U LISTEN 2 I REALLY WANNA HEAR WAT DEY SAID BOUT THE DINNING PLAN?!?! :confused:

:cutie: XOXO_ALLIE_XOXO

[Michelle2]

You choose to stay at a deluxe and I choose a value. Why should you get free dining and not me? You are not being forced to pay that extra money. It is your choice. I choose to spend my money on other things than an overpriced room.

I think its unfair to label the rooms (and the people who choose them) like that. Just because you see certain benefits in the value resorts, doesn't mean we all do. I know I don't. What may seem an overpriced room (deluxes) to you, is "you get what you pay for" to me....

[skater]

I think its unfair to label the rooms (and the people who choose them) like that. Just because you see certain benefits in the value resorts, doesn't mean we all do. I know I don't. What may seem an overpriced room (deluxes) to you, is "you get what you pay for" to me....


And what is "you get what you pay for" to you is "way out of my budget" for me LOL! Not begrudging you though - we all have different size bank accounts! :laughing: However, I'm still hoping for liberty, justice and free dining for all ;)

[TravelinGal]

However, I'm still hoping for liberty, justice and free dining for all ;)

One never knows where inspiration will come from... ;)

http://www.tourguidemike.com/forums/upfiles.aspx/12882/2A48C137715348DF950EB1F29E4A3947.jpg

[Matthews4Disney]

[COLOR="Plum"][COLOR="Magenta"]WHAT NUMBER PODCAST DID U LISTEN 2 I REALLY WANNA HEAR WAT DEY SAID BOUT THE DINNING PLAN?!?! :confused:

It was the newest podcast of his on wdwradio. I think maybe it said #7 and I think the date was March 25. I hadn't heard of those podcasts until it was mentioned here about free dining. It is really cool! You can subscribe to them (for free) and the new ones supposedly go right into your iTunes.

Hope this helps!

[annie1995]

I will feel so much better when it's announced, and I have my package re-done. I just wanna know If I am going to get it or not so I can pay it off and be done with the stress

[keliblue]

[/URL] I will feel so much better when it's announced, and I have my package re-done. I just wanna know If I am going to get it or not so I can pay it off and be done with the stress

Amen Sister !!! [URL="*******************************************ZSzeb00 1_ZSYYYYYYYYUS"]http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_1_32v.gif (*******************************************ZSzeb0 01_ZSYYYYYYYYUS)







http://www.smileycentral.com/sig.jsp?pc=ZSzeb112&pp=ZSYYYYYYYYUS (http://smiley.smileycentral.com/download/index.jhtml?partner=ZSzeb112_ZSYYYYYYYYUS&utm_id=7920)

[Ilovemyprincesses]

I think its unfair to label the rooms (and the people who choose them) like that. Just because you see certain benefits in the value resorts, doesn't mean we all do. I know I don't. What may seem an overpriced room (deluxes) to you, is "you get what you pay for" to me....

That is fine but to say Deluxe hotels should get free dining because they cost more doesn't exactly make more sense. You choose to spend more.

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Before everyone gets to excited, Rumor has it the date are from August 26 thru Sept 22

Well I'm not surprised at all. They did trim a bit off from the first to the second year. They realized that a lot of people (like us) get out of school and can get there by the last weekend in September. So that they're trimming a week off there doesn't surprise me. People that went the first week or two of it last year reported it brisk. So I'm not surprised at a cut on that end either.
Keep in mind Disney isn't doing this just to please us. It's to get us down when we ordinarily wouldn't go. And now that more schools get off such that they can get there that last weekend in September and then stay through Columbus Day weekend, that's not a when we ordinarily wouldn't go time any more.

We cannot take advantage of those new dates. A big have fun to everyone that can.

[SlightlyGoofy]

bonzarella, you are down on my December list for right now. I do not make promises I am not pretty sure I cannot keep and since we have not actually booked in September I am loathe to promise anything BUT I will not forget you and yours IF our dream comes true!! My secret to the Disney weight loss is that I have such a boring life in real life and at Disney I have so many people to talk to and so many places to walk to AND the heat kills my appetite. :goodvibes

Keliblue, I would be delighted to meet you. I met a lot of DISers in Sept/Oct last year and will have to dig out my list to see if any of them are coming this time too.

Someone had a thread last year of where everyone was going to be eating on certain days. I printed it out in hopes of meeting some DISers that way and did not meet nary a one. I met a few people outside but none inside and trust me, with my bright lime green "Slightly Goofy" shirt parading through a restaurant - I am not an easy to sight to miss. :rotfl2:

PLEASE if any of you see me this time do not be put off by the fact that I am not quite as talkative in person as I am hearing impaired and can only converse one on one, sometimes. :confused:

Slightly Goofy/Linda

[wvdislover]

Hoping the Free Dining goes through! I've booked AKL for Sept 7-15, in hopes of the free dining. AKL will be a struggle financially if we have to pay for our food. Bummer is that DD9 will be turning 10 this summer and have to pay for everything, including food, as an adult. :scared1: Unfortunately, she doesn't eat enough to eat an entire kids meal, let alone an adult meal! I won't mind so much if I don't have to actually pay for all the food she doesn't eat!

[TravelinGal]

Hoping the Free Dining goes through! I've booked AKL for Sept 7-15, in hopes of the free dining. AKL will be a struggle financially if we have to pay for our food. Bummer is that DD9 will be turning 10 this summer and have to pay for everything, including food, as an adult. :scared1: Unfortunately, she doesn't eat enough to eat an entire kids meal, let alone an adult meal! I won't mind so much if I don't have to actually pay for all the food she doesn't eat!


Booking something you won't use UNLESS the DDP is free is not fair to those who are trying to book space they know they will use regardless of if the plan is free or not. It also gives a false inventory to WDTC and, like others have posted, if they have a lot of bookings, then they might not offer the free DDP at all since it's purpose is to bring in more guests.

[coltink]

Per the previous posts the dining plan is through September 22nd. We will be staying through September 25th. Could I benefit from the free dining plan? Would they extend it through our stay as long as our start date is in the free dining period?

[Mnchknbrat1982]

They will extend it throughout your stay as long as you check in by the last day of the promotion.

[TravelinGal]

Per the previous posts the dining plan is through September 22nd. We will be staying through September 25th. Could I benefit from the free dining plan? Would they extend it through our stay as long as our start date is in the free dining period?

They will extend it throughout your stay as long as you check in by the last day of the promotion.

As long as the rules are the same this year as they were last year. ;)

[monami7]

Booking something you won't use UNLESS the DDP is free is not fair to those who are trying to book space they know they will use regardless of if the plan is free or not. It also gives a false inventory to WDTC and, like others have posted, if they have a lot of bookings, then they might not offer the free DDP at all since it's purpose is to bring in more guests.

I don't think she said she would cancel it. just that she hoped dining was free so she could justify the DD cost for food.:confused3
I think we are all hoping for free food!

[Flametamr]

We had an August trip planned but when the free DDP rumor kicked in we decided to wait and see. We will stay in a moderate resort like last time and just take more advantage of the many places to eat. Hopefully it will all work out for us all.

[gwcollins71]

We are still going whether we get free dining or not. Either way it will be wonderful! We went during free dining last year and it was very crowded that first week. If we get it, it will be great. If we don't, it should be a little less crowded.

I can't wait either way.

Gretchen

[coltink]

We will be going in September. We will be using my parents DVC points to stay at Boardwalk. Do they or rather did they last year offer the free dining plan to those staying onsite with DVC points?

[kimberh]

We will be going in September. We will be using my parents DVC points to stay at Boardwalk. Do they or rather did they last year offer the free dining plan to those staying onsite with DVC points?

No, You will have to buy the dining plan. If you get the 'Free Dining' you pay rack rates for the room and have to have a ticket purchase. Boardwalk is a Deluxe Resort, so if you were to pay cash for the room, you are using for points it would be considerably more. I did the math on the "free dining" last year, if you stayed in a Value resort, it really was a great deal, in a Moderate, it was still a ok deal, in a deluxe, it was not a good deal, The room was at full price. This was for us, 2 adults. Just my 2 cents.

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

We will be going in September. We will be using my parents DVC points to stay at Boardwalk. Do they or rather did they last year offer the free dining plan to those staying onsite with DVC points?

Nope. But they do offer the dining plan for DVC point stays if you pay for it.
Think about it this way. It's an incentive to get people to come down there and spend money on their hotels. But if you're staying on DVC points, Mickey already has that money in his pocket.

[bicker]

Mid August to September has always been a slow time (well, 20 years ago late August was busier)I think the point is that the trend is for late August becoming busier again. A lot of schools that had switched to an August start years ago are returning to an after-Labor Day start.

[bicker]

And what is "you get what you pay for" to you is "way out of my budget" for me LOL! All that really matters, though, is how popular the rooms are. If a lot of people will book value resort rooms without the free dining promotion, and not-so-many people will book deluxe resort rooms without the free dining promotion, then it makes sense that the promotion will be more heavily aimed at filling the rooms that need to be filled -- the ones that won't be filled otherwise.

[alldiz]

Ok....I'm gettin excited...
My travel agent said they might announce the
free dining on april 11...with a shorter time frame...

I think we will get the free dining....too many people
are hearing the same story:cool1:
Kerri

[WAHMto5]

We are still going whether we get free dining or not. Either way it will be wonderful! We went during free dining last year and it was very crowded that first week. If we get it, it will be great. If we don't, it should be a little less crowded.

I can't wait either way.

Gretchen

We feel the exact same way, just an added bonus if they do it!

[disneyfan551]

I met a lot of DISers in Sept/Oct last year and will have to dig out my list to see if any of them are coming this time too. I met a few people outside but none inside and trust me, with my bright lime green "Slightly Goofy" shirt parading through a restaurant - I am not an easy to sight to miss. :rotfl2:

Slightly Goofy/Linda


:yay: I'm one of those people that noticed a bright lime green "Slightly Goofy" shirt, and came up to talk to you one morning in POP's food court! I was with my best friend, and our 2 5yo's princess: :mickeyjum . They were driving us :crazy: and you were kind enough to give them a surprise! We will be back at POP this year, from the 14th-22nd when we board the Mickey boat! :woohoo: Maybe we'll see you again!

[cinderkelli]

I am sorry, I thought in the World of Disney it went from God to Walt to Mickey to Lou.


:rotfl2:
That is so true! Lou is right up there. I heard him say that on his podcast, and since I consider him all knowing, I am sure he is right! :yay:

[d23cndrela]

The rumour mill is churning and per Lou Mongello's podcast, Free Dining in August and September is coming back. There might be an anouncement as early as April 12.

Maz:3dglasses

April 12th now? I really don't think i can wait that long. I really don't know what to do anymore. I myself, my brother, and cousin are going to the world no matter what August 25- Sept 1st, but my parents are only going if there is free dining. I don't wait to make ressis or ADRs unless I know exactly what is going on, and all this speculation and waiting is making me crazy. I am checking every thread i can and the Disney Visa site at least every hour!!! Disney normally makes me very very very happy and right now it's making me nuts!!! I really hope we know something soon!!!!!

[Sally]

I have stayed in all 3 levels of the resorts, and as long as there is a bed and a bathroom it doesn't matter if it has free dining or not.. we are in the parks all day the whole time we are at WDW...we only see the room to sleep in.
Still hoping for free dining to just make this trip alittle more special for my daughter since it will be her graduation present from me.

[minnieandme]

We will be there just in time: Sept 14-22. We may even add an extra day. We was planning this trip regardless of the FD, but this makes it even better :cool1:

[tdkurten]

I wish they would run this in June. We can't go at that time. I sure do wish we could though.

[Disney's Fab 4]

:) subscribing!:)

[SlightlyGoofy]

disneyfan551, I remember you guys. I never forget people with such adorable kids. I am a bit worried about how I am going to fit my treats in my new Disney purse though. I meet so many kids celebrating birthdays and such and hate to not have something to give them. :wizard:

I keep a collection of all the DISers I meet in my photo files and since I use them as my screen saver your pictures pop up from time to time. :)

Maybe we will see each other again in September as we really enjoyed the POP food court. I do not like cheesecake but that tied dyed one was quite good. Tom fell for the Asian noodle bowl. popcorn::

Slightly Goofy

[lmazzafe]

Is anyone else's head spinning from all this, orit is because I'm new to this?!?!:sad2: I never even thought about hurricane season. Going Sept 8 - 16, should I be worried about weather? And where's the best place to find when the free dining is offered - will wdw put it on their website?:confused3 :confused3

[rae662000]

Okay so I am making my final decisions and will be making ADR's for sept 3rd-11th.

[LPZ_Stitch!]

I never even thought about hurricane season. Going Sept 8 - 16, should I be worried about weather?

Unfortunately, August and September are, historically, the worst months for hurricanes in FL.

However, we've been to WDW *during* a hurricane (Charley in '04!) and it didn't ruin our vacation at all. Disney has an incredible system for bracing for a hurricane and cleaning up afterwards.

When Charley blew through, they shut the parks early, 11AM, on the day it was supposed to arrive. They asked everyone to go back to their resorts and wait ... movies were playing non-stop on about 6 Disney resort channels to make sure there was *something* to do in the rooms. The actually hurricane arrived a 8PM and had passed over by midnight (Charley was fast-moving and that was actually good for us tourists!).

The next morning, the parks opened on time (except for AK, which suffered a LOT of tree damage and opened the following day). Inside the parks, you could have sworn the hurricane just did a little detour around!

As far as hurricanes go, I think Disney's got to be one of the safest places in the world to have to deal with one. The poor folks out in Orlando had no power for a couple days and the roof of the airport collapsed, but inside DisneyWorld everything was normal.

[LurrrvtheDuck]

I never even thought about hurricane season. Going Sept 8 - 16, should I be worried about weather?


Not really, central FL rarely gets hit by hurricanes. I think 2004 when they got hit with the 3 or 4 hurricanes was just a freak of nature. I'm not saying it can't happen, but it doesn't happen very often. The only weather worries is the rain really.

[lovesdumbo]

We are still going whether we get free dining or not. Either way it will be wonderful! We went during free dining last year and it was very crowded that first week. If we get it, it will be great. If we don't, it should be a little less crowded.

I can't wait either way.

Gretchen

Me too! It looks like I will just miss out (8/20 to 8/30) but I'm hoping to at least have lower crowds until the 26th if free dining doesn't start until then.

[macraven]

slightly goofy.....:wave:

if you are in the same room as last time when i was there, i'll leave another lgmh for you !

[Goofy4Disney!]

I'm considering switching to the week after I had planned on going, to take advantage of the supposed rumored free dining. I spoke with a CM....because I'm also considering maybe getting a room at the CR rather than two rooms at the CBR (seems cheaper). We are a family of myself, DD 22 DD 20 DD 18 and DS 14. First, she laughed when I mentioned the rumors going around of the free dining and said she knew nothing about it (not surprised about that part) but...........I had no idea that it costs an extra 25 dollars a night for more than two adults in a room. So I'd be paying an extra 350 dollars for myself and my kids to all stay in one room. It actually works out cheaper to keep two rooms at CBR! Glad I called first.

And I'm so upset with myself for not booking when I was there in December, during the bounce back program. I didn't even pay attention to the notice in my room because I thought we wouldn't be going back until October :( .

[Flagondry]

I sure hope they decide to offer free DDP and that these dates are right. We had planned to go in the last week in June, but we can do the last week in Aug instead. The free DDP would allow me inner budget queen to extended our stay by a few days.:yay:

[patches07]

We will be there just in time: Sept 14-22. We may even add an extra day. We was planning this trip regardless of the FD, but this makes it even better :cool1:
Hi Minnieandme,
My DH and i will WDW the same dates as you the 14th through the 22nd staying at the POR what resourt will you be staying at ?

[MissMichelle]

I am already booked (8/24-9/2) for POR and paying for the DDP but if it turns out free or some discount and my dates are effected then I will do room only for a few days (assuming the rumor of 8/26 DDP start) and then move to a package...I still need to make my ADR's....headed to call now ;)

[TheDisneyBunch]

I am so excited! We called and booked some of our first few adr's today. :) We have been working on them for the past 2 days. We always love doing that. We spend hours planning meals..lol

We will be at POR too! We are going Sept 9-Sept 19. WOOHOO! I am sooo happy! :banana: :banana: :banana:

[dolly-dawne]

Thanks bicker...I am glad someone understands what I meant. Disney could potentially fill deluxe resorts that cost more if they offered dining free. I beleive during the summer seasons it is not hard to fill value resorts. I have to say that yes your all right a bed and a bath are just fine for me but my DH prefers ther larger rooms and the close proximity to the parks, (PLUS a pool that keeps the water moving and is not 95 degrees at 3pm)that you get from some deluxe resort. When your DH is 6'2 and your DS (13 yrs old) is
6' --plus two other small boys you tend to prefer the bigger rooms.Are the rooms overpriced...absolutly but again its all relative to the perks that you want. You want to live in a three bedroom ranch on the ocean for
$350 thousand or the same house in the woods for $250 thousand. The choice is yours.

[dolly-dawne]

By the way bicker...you are everywhere on the dis boards. I see you are a New England-er as well. I am from Halifax MA.

[dlpcarden]

Do Disney offer the DDP every year? Is it usually around the same time each year?

[bicker]

The Dining Plan itself is offered all year, and has been since 2005. The free dining promotion was offered during the heart of hurricane season 2005 and 2006, and in a limited way for hurricane season 2007.

[wvdislover]

Booking something you won't use UNLESS the DDP is free is not fair to those who are trying to book space they know they will use regardless of if the plan is free or not. It also gives a false inventory to WDTC and, like others have posted, if they have a lot of bookings, then they might not offer the free DDP at all since it's purpose is to bring in more guests.

I never said I wasn't going to go if free dining didn't come through. I only said it would be a struggle, financially. Please get your facts straight before you start flaming on me :mad:

[ruthma]

By the way bicker...you are everywhere on the dis boards. I see you are a New England-er as well. I am from Halifax MA.

Dolly

I live in East Bridgewater

[TravelinGal]

I never said I wasn't going to go if free dining didn't come through. I only said it would be a struggle, financially. Please get your facts straight before you start flaming on me :mad:


Well, somebody is getting their knickers in a knot over nothing. I wasn't "flaming" you. Jeesh. People are SO sensitive over here.

[WDW1st-timers]

Okay everyone...it was probably an honest mistake. No one I'm sure didn't mean harm. Let's all just smile :teeth: and get along. Remember Disney is a happy place. Let's put that thought in our heads.

[fla4fun]

Is anyone else's head spinning from all this, orit is because I'm new to this?!?!:sad2: I never even thought about hurricane season. Going Sept 8 - 16, should I be worried about weather? And where's the best place to find when the free dining is offered - will wdw put it on their website?:confused3 :confused3

The best place to find out about the free dining is right here! Within seconds, there will be discussions flying in every direction! Of course, Disney's site is a good place for that info too!

The only concession I make to hurricane season is I always book a DVC unit so I have the kitchenette/kitchen in case of a storm, and I pack a few extra batteries, a weather radio, and a flashlight. Sometimes cast members have trouble getting to work the first day or two after a storm, and Disney tries to focus on getting the parks up and running so sometimes housekeeping and other resort positions run a little short for a day or two. I'll be there for 17 days in September, rain or shine and free DDP or not.

[lovesdumbo]

I'm considering switching to the week after I had planned on going, to take advantage of the supposed rumored free dining. I spoke with a CM....because I'm also considering maybe getting a room at the CR rather than two rooms at the CBR (seems cheaper). We are a family of myself, DD 22 DD 20 DD 18 and DS 14. First, she laughed when I mentioned the rumors going around of the free dining and said she knew nothing about it (not surprised about that part) but...........I had no idea that it costs an extra 25 dollars a night for more than two adults in a room. So I'd be paying an extra 350 dollars for myself and my kids to all stay in one room. It actually works out cheaper to keep two rooms at CBR! Glad I called first.

And I'm so upset with myself for not booking when I was there in December, during the bounce back program. I didn't even pay attention to the notice in my room because I thought we wouldn't be going back until October :( .
The extra adult fee is for only on guests over 18 and starts at the 3rd over 18 adult so it would "only" be $50 plus 12.5% sales tax.

[zurgswife]

I didn't read all the pages but last year as a Disney Visa member I was allowed to make my ressies on April 2, 2006. So, maybe it will be the monday after easter again this year.

[monami7]

Were at POR Sept. 15-22nd. I hope to see some disers there. We asked for the Oak Manor. We are really excited.
Heidi

[minnieandme]

Hi Minnieandme,
My DH and i will WDW the same dates as you the 14th through the 22nd staying at the POR what resourt will you be staying at ?

We'll be at Pop. I hope the weather will be perfect and the crowds will be minimal.

[JuneChickie]

subscribing

[patches07]

Were at POR Sept. 15-22nd. I hope to see some disers there. We asked for the Oak Manor. We are really excited.
Heidi
My DH and I will also be at POR also Sept 14th through the 22nd hope to see you there .

Domenica from Chicago

[winniethepoohsmom]

Is anyone planning to go labor day weekend? If those dates are right for free dining that would be the only time we could go. But I'm afraid between the holiday weekend and free dining it might be packed and not worth it.

[blondimom]

We will be at POR from August 20-24...I sure hope we can get in on the free Dining!!!

[monami7]

Domenica,
We live in Utah now but I am a chicago girl! I grew up in Lagrange area. Small world. My entire family is still there. DH is hoping for a transfer from work to move home soon.
I requested the mansions specifically oak manor. We'll see if it works. We just added on a day and we are flying 1st class home (FF MILES) This trip has me really excited. If they do free dining it really will be our dream year!
Heidi

[Goofy4Disney!]

The extra adult fee is for only on guests over 18 and starts at the 3rd over 18 adult so it would "only" be $50 plus 12.5% sales tax.

Correct per DAY.

[divi2000]

Saw this from a poster on the Intercot site, which kind of disputes other rumors about the Free Dining. Here's the post I saw:

From mikeb1967 (Intercot poster)
Hello, good news, we just booked our trip to DW from 9-14-07 to 9-22-07 because the FREE DDP will be offered at that time. We received a AAA newsletter in the mail today and it advertises the Stay, play and Dine promotion from Aug. 5 to Oct. 3 2007. Our DW reservationist told us that if we booked today we would be eligible for the FREE dining promo, we just have to call back and have it added because it is not in their system yet. He told us it will be coming up in a few days to a week. We booked the Pop Century/ 9 days/ 8 nights/ Standard room/ All tickets with park hopper option and water park and more option for 2 adults and 2 children( age 9 and 12) and FREE DDP and free magical express for $1955.80. WOW what a deal!

Has any one received this newsletter?:confused3

[Goofy4Disney!]

I threw my AAA newsletter away!!! Ugh! ::::runs to the trash::::

[angwill]

I got the AAA newsletter about a week ago and it had nothing at all about free dining in it. Believe me I checked that thing over really good looking for something pertaining to free dining. They usually only send out a newsletter about once a month or so. Who knows maybe there is some new special news letter they are sending and I only one person recieved it so far. We can dream can't we. I did call my AAA agent last week and she hadn't heard anything then but I could always bug her about it again next week. Will let you know if she knows anything then. All these rumors are crazy aren't they?

Ang

[Goofy4Disney!]

I got the AAA newsletter about a week ago and it had nothing at all about free dining in it. Believe me I checked that thing over really good looking for something pertaining to free dining. They usually only send out a newsletter about once a month or so. Who knows maybe there is some new special news letter they are sending and I only one person recieved it so far. We can dream can't we. I did call my AAA agent last week and she hadn't heard anything then but I could always bug her about it again next week. Will let you know if she knows anything then. All these rumors are crazy aren't they?Ang


way too crazy. And I feel like a crazy woman!!! :rotfl: and the checking in every hour :surfweb: is driving me nuts. And I'm starting to SOUND crazy when I call to readjust ressies etc. with Disney...and strategically mention the idea of a free dining package....and they laugh!!!:rotfl: :confused3

[angwill]

Domenica,
We live in Utah now but I am a chicago girl! I grew up in Lagrange area. Small world. My entire family is still there. DH is hoping for a transfer from work to move home soon.
I requested the mansions specifically oak manor. We'll see if it works. We just added on a day and we are flying 1st class home (FF MILES) This trip has me really excited. If they do free dining it really will be our dream year!
Heidi

Hey Heidi,
It is a small world I grew up in Westchester a town over from you. We were originally planning to go to WDW in August but changed it to September 13-23 now staying at Pop. I would think Utah would be prettier than Illinois but I have only driven through the lower edge of Utah. I am sure you get homesick though.

Take care,
Ang

[monami7]

Hey Heidi,
It is a small world I grew up in Westchester a town over from you. We were originally planning to go to WDW in August but changed it to September 13-23 now staying at Pop. I would think Utah would be prettier than Illinois but I have only driven through the lower edge of Utah. I am sure you get homesick though.

Take care,
Ang

Utah is pretty, but it is not a good place for us. We are just not part of the culture here. And, yes I am a little homesick. We will be at wdw at the same time though. Just not at the same resort. Maybe we will run into each other.
Heidi

[TiffandJeff]

This is my first post, so I hope I'm doing this right. I have a question about the FDP. I planned on making a reservation from 8/31 - 9/7 and was going to get the DP. So, if I go ahead and make my reservation tomorrow and buy the DP, will I get reimbursed if they do actually offer FD? Or, should I make a reservation now and not add the DP? Then, if they don't offer FD, I can call and add it to my package, right?

[calster21]

Can anyone tell me how quickly the free DP got booked in the last two years.

Just wanna know how close do I have to keep my ear to the ground when the promo hopefully becomes available. I know the promotion was offered over several weeks, but does everything get booked sooner than that?

Are there certain resorts that get booked up faster than the others?

[Disneyfamfan]

Just adding myself to this thread. Got our trip for August and hoping hoping for Free dining/:thumbsup2

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I am way too lazy to cut and paste from the previous posts, but these are a few items I know:

In 2005, the free dining offer time period went from early August through October 4. We arrived on October 1 and had free dining. It was announced in June, I believe, and the offer had to be booked by a certain date in July. July 12th?

In 2006, the free dining offer time period was shortened to include dates between early August through September 30. The offer was announced in April and had to be booked by June 4, at which point the offer was extended several more weeks. The offer was out for nearly 3 months and people had no problem getting rooms. If I recall correctly, during the extended offer period, they eliminated the first week of August for booking. This may or may not be correct, but I seem to recall this being the case.

This year, it appears they offered the plan early to a couple of select groups. Again, it appears the offer will be out to the general public in a week or so, with a shortened time period for check-ins.

All in all, it appears Disney is just trying to be as effective as they can in filling a slow period. Clearly it's working... as this year we plan to vacation a week early :rotfl:

[ExPirateShopGirl]

oh... and Podcasts are a great way to get updated on all things WDW. Or anything, for that matter. I add a dozen or so podcasts each week to a memory card that plugs into my car and listen while I commute.

There is a podcasts for every conceivable topic. Foreign language lessons, paranormal discussions, college lectures, and of course, us Disney freaks.

This week I added some astronomy podcasts, too, but I found myself going back to the WDW variety after a few minutes.

They are free, in MP3 format, and yours for the downloading. Probably a better deal than free dining... :rotfl2:

[bicker]

This is my first post, so I hope I'm doing this right. I have a question about the FDP. I planned on making a reservation from 8/31 - 9/7 and was going to get the DP. So, if I go ahead and make my reservation tomorrow and buy the DP, will I get reimbursed if they do actually offer FD?No. Free dining is a special promotion. If it is offered, you will have to call back to have your reservation switched over to take advantage of it. It will be capacity limited, and will be available for booking only for a limited time, so if you don't call back in time, you'll be out of luck.

[bicker]

Can anyone tell me how quickly the free DP got booked in the last two years.That likely doesn't matter, because this year, the free dining promotion was offered to two targeted groups before being offered to the public (if it is eventually offered to the public), and also because this year, there was a very substantial number of 40% PIN codes made available for that time of year. Neither of those things happened in 2005 or 2006, so it would be impossible to gauge (without proprietary information) just how much impact they will have on limiting the capacity left.

[Cookie Princess]

Saw this from a poster on the Intercot site, which kind of disputes other rumors about the Free Dining. Here's the post I saw:

From mikeb1967 (Intercot poster)
Hello, good news, we just booked our trip to DW from 9-14-07 to 9-22-07 because the FREE DDP will be offered at that time. We received a AAA newsletter in the mail today and it advertises the Stay, play and Dine promotion from Aug. 5 to Oct. 3 2007.
Has any one received this newsletter?:confused3

I am so hoping and praying that these dates are correct. If the free dining doesn't start until Aug 26th, we are out. That is the date we need to return to come home.

[bicker]

The broader period, August 5 through October 3, is the period for value season. I believe we can rest assured that the free dining promotion does not extend that far.

[beroh2253]

With the 2 kids to the left now both away at college. Me and DH need the free DDP or we won't be able to make it this year. Not that we are not going to spend alot on the resort, park tickets and many other things. :cool1:

Dad:sad2: Mom :coffee: Bobbypirate: Kim popcorn::

1995 Port Orleans
1996 Dixie Landings
1997 Caribbean Beach
1998 Dixie Landings
1999 Dixie Landings
2000 Dixie Landings
2001 Dixie Landings
2002 Animal Kingdom Lodge
2003 Dixie Landings
2006 All Stars Music
2007 Maybe Pop Late Sept

[disneypartyof4]

What is the 40% code? We are going down aug. 18-25 if we can't get dining can I get 40% off of my room? That would help. Thanks

[Crazy4Disney06]

What is the 40% code? We are going down aug. 18-25 if we can't get dining can I get 40% off of my room? That would help. Thanks

The 40% code that came out expired on March 15th.:guilty:

[MouseTriper]

:goodvibes subscribing

[TDC Nala]

I was hoping Free dining would be offered at the start of value season (August 5th) :(

The Bounce Back offer was given for those dates. I suppose they had enough bookings from that, and the fact that Florida schools are starting late this year, to fill rooms for the first part of the month.

The resorts are very busy in October, and more so over the Columbus Day weekend, which is early this year. The Bounce Back dates were August 5-September 29. Maybe they also got enough bookings from this to take up most of the rooms that would have been empty the last week of value season.

[TDC Nala]

That is fine but to say Deluxe hotels should get free dining because they cost more doesn't exactly make more sense. You choose to spend more.

IF Disney only needed to fill rooms in its deluxe hotels, then no doubt they would only offer free dining for the deluxe hotels. That wouldn't mean they have anything against value resorts or the people who stay there, only that Disney didn't need an extra enticement to fill the rooms.

Generally when they make discount offers, they make them across the board for the entire property, so it seems they are looking to help fill all resort rooms they can over hurricane season with the dining offer.

[TDC Nala]

We will be going in September. We will be using my parents DVC points to stay at Boardwalk. Do they or rather did they last year offer the free dining plan to those staying onsite with DVC points?

"Free" dining has never been offered to DVC members. It's only offered for those booking room/ticket packages in Disney resorts.

DVC, as I usually say when answering this question, does not need to offer its members an extra incentive to book. We're lucky that we're now allowed to purchase the plan.

[TDC Nala]

Unfortunately, August and September are, historically, the worst months for hurricanes in FL.

However, we've been to WDW *during* a hurricane (Charley in '04!) and it didn't ruin our vacation at all. Disney has an incredible system for bracing for a hurricane and cleaning up afterwards.

When Charley blew through, they shut the parks early, 11AM, on the day it was supposed to arrive. They asked everyone to go back to their resorts and wait ... movies were playing non-stop on about 6 Disney resort channels to make sure there was *something* to do in the rooms. The actually hurricane arrived a 8PM and had passed over by midnight (Charley was fast-moving and that was actually good for us tourists!).

They have a good system. But I was there for Frances. She was extraordinarily slow moving and kept the parks closed for 2 days. They didn't want you to leave your resort room for that entire time (I was at Pop Century; in a deluxe you could probably leave the room but not the hotel). They gave you notice that Frances was coming and you had plenty of time to buy supplies at the food court, which was shut down entirely during the storm. I had two days of cereal, some bread, peanut butter, 2 liters of Diet Coke and a couple of little wine bottles.

Pop doesn't have refrigerators so you had to leave the room if you wanted ice...but you weren't supposed to. Housekeeping left extra towels.

[DznyLvr2005]

I hear people saying that they might not come out with free dining if too many people book already.. but...
last year there was free dining... and we arrived end of September... The parks (to me) were quite empty, even with all these free dining bookers! So it looks good that they'll announce again this year. I hope they do, I got the 40% off, but our friends just booked and they are hoping for free dining...

[kbmoo]

I heard a rumor that they are going to start the presale on April 7th for Disney Visa customers. I booked Aug 30-Sept 4 at POP. But I was planning to go again the end of Sept. Hopefully they will extend the time. It is so funny how crazy we get about the free dinning. I already booked LeCelliar for Sept 1st. I am excited.

[5DisneyNuts]

I heard a rumor that they are going to start the presale on April 7th for Disney Visa customers. I booked Aug 30-Sept 4 at POP. But I was planning to go again the end of Sept. Hopefully they will extend the time. It is so funny how crazy we get about the free dinning. I already booked LeCelliar for Sept 1st. I am excited.


The WDW TA site is now showing Sept MYW Pkg Plus Dining under special offers. The default arrival date is 8/26.
Might be coming sooner than we thought!
However, you get an error message when trying to book.

[5DisneyNuts]

The WDW TA site now includes an option to book the Sept MYW PKg with Dining, however when you attempt to book it an error appears.

The default arrival date is coming up as 8/26.

Might be coming sooner than everyone thought! I would check back Monday...Good Luck

Also confirmed on the Codes Threads:
Originally Posted by kutchyone (Thanks Cheryl!)
"Playing around on the TA site and came across this:

September Magic Your Way Package plus Dining

Enjoy this special Magic Your Way Package offer, available most dates between 8/26/07 - 9/22/07. This ticket-inclusive package provides complimentary dining at select locations during your stay!

A three night minimum stay is required, and tickets must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply.
What are you shopping for today?

When I click on continue it says:

September Magic Your Way Package plus Dining

Enjoy this special Magic Your Way Package offer, available most dates between 8/26/07 - 9/22/07. This ticket-inclusive package provides complimentary dining at select locations during your stay!

A three night minimum stay is required, and tickets must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply.

* We are unable to process your reservation; please try again or contact The Disney Reservation Center at (407) 939-6244.

What are you shopping for today?

So I called them and they still don't show the package offer in their system."
__________________

[lady_hlh]

:banana: :banana: I'm so excited, if this is true then we'll be going to WDW right before my DD starts first grade.

[Alisha's mom Sarah]

:banana: :banana: :banana: Can't wait.. I'm ready and waiting to get free dining!!!!!

[JSDisneyMommy]

I really don't want to ask a stupid question, but I am new to the boards and am wondering what the WDW TA site is. Thanks!

[lady_hlh]

I really don't want to ask a stupid question, but I am new to the boards and am wondering what the WDW TA site is. Thanks!

I think that TA stands for travel agent site which is why I got so excited by this post.

[LIBLULA]

I booked a WDW trip Sept. 22- 29. Does that mean I can still qualify for the free dining if and when it comes out?

[DisneyBound2007]

When and if the Free DDP is announced, I'm sure there will be news of it on here within minutes or seconds for that matter, but where would it ultimately be announced first....Will they put it on the disneyworld main site, or will it show up only on the disney visa site under special offers. I just see how pumped everyone is about it being announced and do not want to miss out, as this would make financing DGF and my trip so much easier. I do hold the visa card, so I'm hoping they find out first. I just called WDW a few minutes ago and the person I spoke too said they are usually the last ones to know and that the guests usually tell them.
I'm assuming some kind of code will be needed when you call, some promotion code that when entered into their system will show Free Dining is available? Anybody know how this works???

[disneyfanUSA]

Well, last yearwe found it on intercot.com! We didn't need any code we just had to book a hotel on Disney Property for certain number of nights! Things may be different this year though will just have to wait and see i guess!

[cslittle999]

I booked a WDW trip Sept. 22- 29. Does that mean I can still qualify for the free dining if and when it comes out?
If there is a room available at your resort and that room category when you call to change your reservation. Disney allows you to use discounts that are active on your check-in day for your entire stay.

[5DisneyNuts]

I really don't want to ask a stupid question, but I am new to the boards and am wondering what the WDW TA site is. Thanks!

Not stupid at all - my mistake...Sorry about that...lady hlh is correct - that stands for the Walt Disney World Travel Agent site.

[5DisneyNuts]

I booked a WDW trip Sept. 22- 29. Does that mean I can still qualify for the free dining if and when it comes out?

Just as cslittle999 said, if the rules are the same as last year, yes you will qualify for free dining for the length of your stay. In 2006 we checked in the last day free dining was offered and received it for the full length of our stay.
Originally we were booked at the WL woods view. When I called to switch to free dining (which was the first day Disney Visa holders were allowed to book), no woods view rooms were available for the promotion. We had to upgrade to a courtyard view. Still saved us a ton though. Wish we could do it this year for those dates, but with the kid's school schedules it isn't an option

[divi2000]

Would the free dining for the UK bounceback program be for Euro Disney and not for Disney in the USA? Should this be true the parks might not be as crowed in August.:confused3

[WDW1st-timers]

Would the free dining for the UK bounceback program be for Euro Disney and not for Disney in the USA? Should this be true the parks might not be as crowed in August.:confused3

From what I heard it's for the US Disney and I'm sure the parks will be a tad bit busier for that time of year.

[Allison]

Would the free dining for the UK bounceback program be for Euro Disney and not for Disney in the USA? Should this be true the parks might not be as crowed in August.:confused3

No, it's for Disney World.

[DisneyBound2007]

Anyone out there who got free dining in the past 2 years who took advantage of getting first dibs by having the disney visa?????I have it now and would like to know how you first found out.....was there a promotion code or something that you needed when you called to add it to your vacation package???

[tamman]

We'll be there Aug 22-30, so would we be eligible for free dining?:confused3

[d23cndrela]

We'll be there Aug 22-30, so would we be eligible for free dining?:confused3

if it works the same as last year you would have to make too ressie s one for before the 26th , and one from the 26th on. You would only recieve free dining from the 26th on.

[scrapperjill]

This is sounding good to me :thumbsup2 We purchased the DDP the last time we went to WDW but have never had the oppurtunity to go to WDW during the free ddp offer. Anyone know how it works if you already have a package or room booked? We currently have a reservation booked for late Sept through AAA that we made a few months back. We were trying for the 40% room code when we booked...but I'm not really sure if that's what we ended up doing. We have a good sized group so we qualifyed for the Grand Gatherings.....and the TA at AAA said that by booking the grand gatherings we did get a slight discount. Anyways we also purchased 2 day base tickets (oh...and we booked the resort for 4 nights). Anyways I'm wondering what "I" need to to if the free DDP offer comes out.

I want to be prepaired and know what steps to take. I mean...do I just leave the whole thing up to our TA at AAA...or do I call WDW myself? And do I need to cancel the reservation I already have or can the (free)DDP be added to what I already have?

[Mickey&Donald]

:banana: OMG! :cheer2: This is so exciting. I'm going to be refreshing my browser endlessly starting at midnight Monday morning!:woohoo:

[Mickey&Donald]

I'd love to know this too -- we recently got the Disney Visa, and it would be so great to be able to book ASAP if there's a special offer.

[MickeyT]

Wondering how many people will be hitting all these sources today. Then tomorrow, then the next day, then the next.........if it is NOT announced in the near future. Got to be fun to watch for the people in control.

I myself will just keep looking and be ready when and if!

[kaytieeldr]

Not me, MickeyT! First, my AAA Agent has already said I don't have to call to get my package converted IF free dining is offered :banana: , and second, I strongly believe the recent "somebody who works for an ad agency has seen the ad that's going out (in the newspaper) April 7" RUMOR.

[caresy]

I take it that only travel agents can access the WDW TA site??:confused3

[Luv2Roam]

Before the question gets asked... ;) Changing to free dining will be a different package, not just crediting or adding free dining to an existing package or room only res.
If the free dining packages are released, and a guests switched over to one of those packages, whatever room discount you had will be gone and fall under the new package room rates.
I don't want people to think they have a 40% off room rate package (or some other discount) and think they just get credited for their dining.

[GinaGrumpyDwarf]

we have done Free Dining for the last 2 years, and i thought it was well worth it. This year though we have decided to forgo the Free Dining so we can go in December again for the Christmas Season. :) To all of you who have not yet taken advantage of this offer, take it if you can. We have eaten in some great places that we normally would not have! It's a great experience, although like all things, there are good points and bad. Take it for what it is, enjoy yourself and all the food. :yay:

[lovesdumbo]

We'll be there Aug 22-30, so would we be eligible for free dining?:confused3

If the dates are right you'd have to make a second reservation with the 26th to the 30th and purchase another set of base tickets for that reservation. So for each adult you would have to spend about $71 to purchase another 1 day base ticket but save $156 with 4 nights of free dining. For a child you would spend $60 for the ticket to save $44. It would depend on your family wether it would be worth it. The extra base tickets wouldn't expire if you don't use so you could save them for some other trip.

[5DisneyNuts]

This is sounding good to me :thumbsup2 We purchased the DDP the last time we went to WDW but have never had the oppurtunity to go to WDW during the free ddp offer. Anyone know how it works if you already have a package or room booked? We currently have a reservation booked for late Sept through AAA that we made a few months back. We were trying for the 40% room code when we booked...but I'm not really sure if that's what we ended up doing. We have a good sized group so we qualifyed for the Grand Gatherings.....and the TA at AAA said that by booking the grand gatherings we did get a slight discount. Anyways we also purchased 2 day base tickets (oh...and we booked the resort for 4 nights). Anyways I'm wondering what "I" need to to if the free DDP offer comes out.

I want to be prepaired and know what steps to take. I mean...do I just leave the whole thing up to our TA at AAA...or do I call WDW myself? And do I need to cancel the reservation I already have or can the (free)DDP be added to what I already have?

Last year I was on the phone with my AAA at 9AM the first day free dining was offered to Disney Visa holders (she probably thought I was nuts :dance3: ). She handled switching my resv over to free dining which resulted in changing my room categories (we were grand gathering too) to courtyard view rack-rate from AAA discounted woods view, but it was more than worth it for what we saved.

[MickeyT]

Not me, MickeyT! First, my AAA Agent has already said I don't have to call to get my package converted IF free dining is offered :banana: , and second, I strongly believe the recent "somebody who works for an ad agency has seen the ad that's going out (in the newspaper) April 7" RUMOR.

As it should be!!!! Wanna know my sad story. We stayed at POR andpaid for DDP last December. Could have signed up for BounceBack but all three of us got sick. Could not enjoy our meals at all. All we could think about was getting home. We are determined not to let our Disney 'memories' end like this. (Gotta get back on the horse that threw us!)

[MickeyMaz]

I hear people saying that they might not come out with free dining if too many people book already.. but...
last year there was free dining... and we arrived end of September... The parks (to me) were quite empty, even with all these free dining bookers! So it looks good that they'll announce again this year. I hope they do, I got the 40% off, but our friends just booked and they are hoping for free dining...

Here's a thought. The DDP only extends to people staying on property. Even if they filled all of their rooms, which they won't, that is still a limited number of extra people going to the parks. Not enough to make a large dent in four parks.

Maz:3dglasses

[disneyfanUSA]

We are Visa holders and we got to book before everyone else because of it and there was NO code! You don't find out before anyone else you just get to book first! Thats how it worked for me at least! I don't know if it will be the same or not this year im hoping it is good luck to everyone!

[Mickey&Donald]

disneyfanUSA, how were you able to find out about booking first? Did you see it online somewhere? TV commercial? I'm just so afraid of missing out..

[lady_hlh]

We had the Disney Visa last year and we got an e-mail announcing free dining on April 1st. :banana: We were then allowed to book ressies before everyone else. I was hoping to wake up to an e-mail this AM from Chase about free dining but there has been nothing in my inbox yet.:sad2: Someone else posted that they had heard that free dining would be announced to Disney Visa cardholders on April 7th this year for us to book it.

[Mickey&Donald]

Awesome! Thanks lady_hlh!

[Dizneydaz]

We had the Disney Visa last year and we got an e-mail announcing free dining on April 1st. :banana: We were then allowed to book ressies before everyone else. I was hoping to wake up to an e-mail this AM from Chase about free dining but there has been nothing in my inbox yet.:sad2: Someone else posted that they had heard that free dining would be announced to Disney Visa cardholders on April 7th this year for us to book it.

I too booked free DDP last year during the VISA early period. I'm crossing my fingers for April 7th! :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

[CHRISP1027]

I am so wishing that the Free Dining Plan will be available this year again. We have been promising our grandchildren to take them to Disneyworld after our daughter passed away from a brain tumor and this will be the only way we can afford it. Please if anyone hears about the free dining plan can you email me to let me know. I am not familiar to the message board and I'm afraid I may not be able to find the proper response to my message.
Thank you
Chris
chrisp1027@aol.com

[stoudt6]

I had to change a couple of my ADR's because MK is closing early for Pirate/princess party on Labor Day . When I called I got a real nice Cm who I was able to joke with. Told her I was doing it today becuase rumor is rampant that free dining is coming out in a few weeks and worried I wouldn't get times I wanted (was changing days and time for O'hana, Le Cellier, and Sci-fi). She got me the days and times with little problem, but told me its good I did it now becuase Free Dining is coming out soon and to change them after that would be very hard. I told her I wouldn't be able to do dining plan becuase of staying at the Swan(got $125 special rate). Told her was at WDW last year( at Dolphin-last week of sept) during the free dining and only really heard of your very popular spots (epcot,Chef Mickey's, o'hana) as being booked solid. She laughed and then told me something very intresting. because they have has a good deal of success of doing the UK , 40% Pin code, and re-book while at wDW promotion; Free Dining will be for a shorter time and the number available packages will be less then the year before. Also here's the biggie DELUXE Resorts will be getting/ will have the most available and the Values the least. She didn't go into specifics but she made it sound like Deluxes will have twice as many available as Mods or Values--OR another words - 50% Deuxe 25%mods. 25% values. I told her sounds like it will be a very busy day whan that breaks, she then told me with a laugh "well I'm off on Thursday's.". (april 12 is a thursday! -HMMM!). Anyways I thanked her helping me and giving the heads up. I guess the time around April 12 should be real interesting on here!:hourglass

[Simbee3]

Well thanks so much for the information. I think that I will have to start making all of our ADR's sometime today or tomorrow. I really want to get everything that we want and for when we want it for that matter.

It's looking really good for the free dining. And I need it because it is a make a break for my husband. :cool1: :thumbsup2

[dlpcarden]

To me making 2 different reservations for one visit just to get the free dining sounds really confusing. Don't get me wrong if that's what I have to do in order to take advantage of the free dining I will do it. :thumbsup2

[firemanx]

if they announce it will be awsome. Im planning our labor day weekend trip very soon.

[macraven]

To me making 2 different reservations for one visit just to get the free dining sounds really confusing. Don't get me wrong if that's what I have to do in order to take advantage of the free dining I will do it. :thumbsup2



it is not hard to do.
make two separate ressies but you will have to pay a deposit on both of them.
when you check in, tell the cm you do not want to switch rooms at the end of the first ressie, you want to stay in the same room for the entire time.

you go to the lobby in the morning to check out on paper only.
then you sign the same papers again for your second ressie.

it takes less than 6 minutes to do it all.
i have done it before.

if i come in late to check in after 6 in the evening, i don't do the parks, just stay at the resort. too tired and just want to unpack and relax to get ready for the next day.
so i make the ressie for one night, the second ressie for the rest of the stay.

[srgibbs]

Did she give any dates for the free dining to you?

[kaytieeldr]

You will not need to re-find "your" post. If/when free dining is announced, it will be EVERYWHERE on these boards!

But I'm still going to buy next Sunday's paper as soon as I can talk a convenience store into selling me one.

[disneyfanUSA]

disneyfanUSA, how were you able to find out about booking first? Did you see it online somewhere? TV commercial? I'm just so afraid of missing out..

I saw it on intercot.com.It said if you're a Disney Visa holder you could book before everyone else! Last year cardholders started on April 1st others could begin on April 4th.

[2forMe]

Wow that sounds promising.. I think I will finally do my ADR's tomorrow

[disneyfanUSA]

Yeah did she give any dates in agust when it might be out!?!?!

[Dizneydaz]

April 12 should be real interesting on here!:hourglass


What about April 5th? Wasn't the free dining promotion last year announced around April 1st, with Disney Visa members being able to book first? I know I booked early in April last year using the Disney Visa offer.

Luckily I booked one ADR today, for LTT on 9-14. :goodvibes Haven't decided on others yet as I don't know our exact dates yet. Last year I was able to make the hard-to-get ADRs in April with no problem and I made the rest of mine in June. Then, when we were at WDW, I was even able to change a few, last minute. The only one I had to check a few dates on was Narcoossee's. Couldn't get Sat, or Sun., but got Monday, which turned out great since it was our last night. The harder 2 that we definitely kept were LTT on MNSSHP and CG. All others were subject to change. :rotfl2: Sadly, I had made ADRs for Rose and Crown within the perfect time frame to see Illuminations but we didn't go to the parks that day, so we didn't get to use that one :confused:

Once the free DDP is announced, I will book our room but I know that I may have to change the dates, depending on what days I can get the best airfare on. Last year I did this around June and didn't have a problem. I had to change our dates by about 3 days to take advantage of the better air fares. :goodvibes So, this year my window of dates we can go is 9-4 to 9-17. My DD7 will be off track then and this year she wants to be home for her birthday. (19th). She has spent her last 2 at WDW. Last year we actually flew home on her :bday:

[Zooey72]

My aunt reserved a bunch of rooms for our grand gatherings vacation in Sept. Would those rooms (port orleans) be able to auto upgrade to free dining?

[HayGan]

My aunt reserved a bunch of rooms for our grand gatherings vacation in Sept. Would those rooms (port orleans) be able to auto upgrade to free dining?

You (or your aunt) would have to call and rebook. In order to get the free dining you have to book a package which must include tickets (at least a 1 day base park pass) for every person staying in each room.

[Zooey72]

You (or your aunt) would have to call and rebook. In order to get the free dining you have to book a package which must include tickets (at least a 1 day base park pass) for every person staying in each room.

That 25/25/50 split with the value/moderate/deluxe... does that mean that they only have so many free dining they are going to give out, or that if you have their package while you are there it is free as long as you can get a room? Or in other words do I have to call the day it comes out to be sure that I get it because they will run out of "free" spaces, or is it enough to have the package with the room and you auto get it as long as you ask for it.

[ekball]

Couple of questions about free dining....just in case!!!

1. Where's the best place to find out about free dining for Disney visa holders? I have the Disney visa and did free dining last year - but didn't book until June - so I wasn't in on it during the early days. Should I be checking chase.com? disneyrewards.com? Where did those of you with disney visa's find out about it last year???

2. I am already booked during the speculative free dining time, with the 40% deal. I will not change that as the 40% deal is better than free dining for us. BUT - if they do have free dining again, I want to book a trip for my sister-in-law while we are there. Question- Can I book her trip, making the ressie under her name, with my Disney visa?? I'd pay it off for her and she'd pay us back. But is that allowed? Ressie under one name, credit card under a different?

Thanks in advance for the info. And, oh, by the way......COME ON FREE DINING!!! :cheer2: We want to take our (little) sister-in-law with us!!

[Flagondry]

Can you book ADR's before making hotel reservations?

[ekball]

Can you book ADR's before making hotel reservations?

yes, at 180 days out from the date you would like to make the ressie for.

[Jenna319]

Any chance there will be free dining in October? We will be there from the 10th-17th..... however, I already booked our room through DVC and mentioned we wanted the DDP so if it does end up being free, would I still qualify and how do I go about getting it? Thanks

[since71]

I had to change a couple of my ADR's because MK is closing early for Pirate/princess party on Labor Day . When I called I got a real nice Cm who I was able to joke with. Told her I was doing it today becuase rumor is rampant that free dining is coming out in a few weeks and worried I wouldn't get times I wanted (was changing days and time for O'hana, Le Cellier, and Sci-fi). She got me the days and times with little problem, but told me its good I did it now becuase Free Dining is coming out soon and to change them after that would be very hard. I told her I wouldn't be able to do dining plan becuase of staying at the Swan(got $125 special rate). Told her was at WDW last year( at Dolphin-last week of sept) during the free dining and only really heard of your very popular spots (epcot,Chef Mickey's, o'hana) as being booked solid. She laughed and then told me something very intresting. because they have has a good deal of success of doing the UK , 40% Pin code, and re-book while at wDW promotion; Free Dining will be for a shorter time and the number available packages will be less then the year before. Also here's the biggie DELUXE Resorts will be getting/ will have the most available and the Values the least. She didn't go into specifics but she made it sound like Deluxes will have twice as many available as Mods or Values--OR another words - 50% Deuxe 25%mods. 25% values. I told her sounds like it will be a very busy day whan that breaks, she then told me with a laugh "well I'm off on Thursday's.". (april 12 is a thursday! -HMMM!). Anyways I thanked her helping me and giving the heads up. I guess the time around April 12 should be real interesting on here!:hourglass

I was told something very similar by a CM yesterday. The CM said that they had an advisory to address the free DDP rumor and that there was one going to be offered in August/September with limitations. The way I took it was there would be less free DDP offers available than last year because of the bounceback last November. She told me to keep an eye on the WDW site, so maybe the Visa is irrelevant for this offer. September 12th seems to be the date that everyone is mentioning...until then...

[twinspluscade]

Any chance there will be free dining in October? We will be there from the 10th-17th..... however, I already booked our room through DVC and mentioned we wanted the DDP so if it does end up being free, would I still qualify and how do I go about getting it? Thanks

Rumor is free dining will be offered Aug 26-Sept 22.

I would be extremely surprised if it went as far as October 10, but, hey, you never know! I think in October things start to pick up a bit, so there's no need to offer free dining as an incentive to get people to come.

Kelly

[monami7]

There is no free DDP for DVC guests

[Flametamr]

Any chance there will be free dining in October? We will be there from the 10th-17th..... however, I already booked our room through DVC and mentioned we wanted the DDP so if it does end up being free, would I still qualify and how do I go about getting it? Thanks

From what I read DVCers did not get free dining in the past but who knows now until the actual offer is released. Good Luck

[donnajz]

Our vacation is 8/12-8/22 so if Free Dining is offered, we'll definitely miss it.:sad1: Someone mentioned getting 40% of rack room price. Am I missing something? How do you get that offer?

[Albertan mom]

If free dining starts Aug 26th, and we go Aug 23rd, can we get free dining?

Or would it just start on the 26th? Or could we get it for the whole time?

Thanks

[n2mm]

If free dining starts Aug 26th, and we go Aug 23rd, can we get free dining?

Or would it just start on the 26th? Or could we get it for the whole time?

Thanks

You would have to book 2 reservations. One for Aug. 23-26 and the other one would be the discount package of free ddp starting on Aug. 26 to your check out date. Of course that gets tricky with tickets, since you have to purchase a ticket for the package on Aug. 26. So you have to buy 2 tickets each.

[n2mm]

Our vacation is 8/12-8/22 so if Free Dining is offered, we'll definitely miss it.:sad1: Someone mentioned getting 40% of rack room price. Am I missing something? How do you get that offer?

This was a promotion for select folks. It ended on March 15th, but not to worry because your dates did not qualify. It was for checkins starting August 22. (I missed it too since my check in is Aug. 15).

[kjgy]

I hope the offer starts earlier than 8/26. I have the BCV booked starting 8/21.

Kim:banana:

[dalt01]

subscribing

[MinnieTink]

:banana: I am just trying to send good vibes for the free dining plan!:banana:

I just got off the phone after making an ADR, and asked the CM if he had heard any info about free dining.
What he said was that 'there are a lot of unofficial websites already saying that we will be offering free dining, but at this time, there are no plans for it." He also said free dining had been offered in the past to familiarize people with the plan, and that there was really no more need to do that.

I hope he was just having a cranky day.

Come on Free dining!!!!:cheer2:

[MissMichelle]

Right now I am booked for 8/24-9/2....will do room only for 2 nights room only (AAA discount) then start the package if these datea are accurate...How nice it would be to have the 9 nights of free dining though....sigh, I can only wish.

[mirthmaiden]

Our vacation is 8/12-8/22 so if Free Dining is offered, we'll definitely miss it.:sad1: Someone mentioned getting 40% of rack room price. Am I missing something? How do you get that offer?

It was a code that was connected to a pin# mailed in a postcard to only certain people. If you didn't get a postcard or e-mail, you don't qualify for it. I didn't get it either.

[buzz2400]

I called last night to ask something and I threw in the question about dining and was told there wasn't going to be any free dining offered.

[Kellyscrapbooks]

I was also told that due to the number of rooms already booked that they (the CMs) were doubtful that it would be offered because there would be no need. She did say that if it were to be offered, she would expect it to be announced soon, but (Yes, this is an actual quote) "I think that there are going to be a lot of disappointed people that are hoping for this"

[dlpcarden]

Maybe since you called last night it was just an "April Fools" joke....:rotfl2:

I sure do hope it was just a joke.....lol

Dottie

[cmwade77]

Pert of me is hoping that the statement is right, we are planning on going no matter what and getting the DDP, and so many have said they will cancel if it is not offered that it would make it a lot less crowded, which would be great.

[IMALOVNDISNEY]

:tinker:

[patman2011]

Pert of me is hoping that the statement is right, we are planning on going no matter what and getting the DDP, and so many have said they will cancel if it is not offered that it would make it a lot less crowded, which would be great.

we have the same idea, we have been planning this trip for over a year and will go even if dining plan is not offered. but it would be nice if it is, we could do something else with the money ;) either way will be a magic trip for us all:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[annie1995]

we have the same idea, we have been planning this trip for over a year and will go even if dining plan is not offered. but it would be nice if it is, we could do something else with the money ;) either way will be a magic trip for us all:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Right with ya on that thought! We're going no matter what! Smaller crowds would be a little nice though:rolleyes:

[dlpcarden]

We are planning on going in September 2008. We would like the "free" dining plan but we will go either way.

Dottie

[Mickey&Donald]

Grrrr... these CMs are making me sad! :( But you know, there is so much conflicting information, even from CMs.. I'm not going to worry about it until there's something to worry about.

[lisaanddenny]

I did get a brochure today, stay play and dine promotion, no mention of free dining though, I called TA and waiting return call, see if price total is cheaper with this promotion, its a full page ad, 9/5-10/3

[Mickey&Donald]

I did get a brochure today, stay play and dine promotion, no mention of free dining though, I called TA and waiting return call, see if price total is cheaper with this promotion, its a full page ad, 9/5-10/3

Can you tell me more about this promotion? We're AAA members... if free dining doesn't pan out, maybe this would work for us. The dates are right for what we're looking at. Thanks!

[MissMichelle]

9/5-10/3 now that is different from the rumored dates....a full week and a half on each end....I am still not holding my breath on any free dining, since we haven't had official word yet---but the sources are fairly reliable especially the screen shots shown from TA's(posted on another site that I can't link to) that there is an offering for September Dining Package.

[Mickey&Donald]

Where are these screenshots from TA sites??

[macraven]

i'm doing my trip no matter what promo comes out.
i made some adr's for the 10 nights i will be there.

even if the free dpp comes out, i would have to switch to a package but then i will lose my AAA discount on the room. i bought the hopper passes already from undercover tourist as they were cheaper there.

i still keep looking for any promo on ddp. it would be a hard decision for me to switch if it did come out. i'm going solo so it might not be cost efficient. if i went with a family then it would be worth it though

[cslittle999]

From what I read DVCers did not get free dining in the past but who knows now until the actual offer is released. Good Luck
I doubt DVC will ever get free dining. The goal of free dining is to fill rooms during a low season and that isn't a problem at DVC resorts. My understanding is that DVC resort have a significantly higher occupancy rate than the other hotels. Even so every room not filled by a DVC member is then available to Disney to rent our for cash.

[lisaanddenny]

I have the brochure right here, Stay, Play and dine. Three kinds of magic, one fantastic price. Its a full page ad. Rates valid most nights 8/5-10/3, and 11/25-12/19.....6 nights/ 7 day package, Select Disney Value resort ONLY.$252 per child 3-9
$459 per junior 10-17, adult $737 per person

6 nights accomodations
magic your way base ticket for 7 days
luggage tag
dining plan

if you have a fax number, I can fax for free from work, I am here all night, until Tues A.m.

[tinaluis]

I have the brochure right here, Stay, Play and dine. Three kinds of magic, one fantastic price. Its a full page ad. Rates valid most nights 8/5-10/3, and 11/25-12/19.....6 nights/ 7 day package, Select Disney Value resort ONLY.$252 per child 3-9
$459 per junior 10-17, adult $737 per person

6 nights accomodations
magic your way base ticket for 7 days
luggage tag
dining plan

if you have a fax number, I can fax for free from work, I am here all night, until Tues A.m.

Those price quotes do not inclue free dining. They simply include the dining plan. On another thread, someone else confirmed that they called WDW and asked about this and WDW said it was just a catchy way of trying to get people to book but was not, in fact, free dining.

[hinodis]

I have the brochure right here, Stay, Play and dine. Three kinds of magic, one fantastic price. Its a full page ad. Rates valid most nights 8/5-10/3, and 11/25-12/19.....6 nights/ 7 day package, Select Disney Value resort ONLY.$252 per child 3-9
$459 per junior 10-17, adult $737 per person

6 nights accomodations
magic your way base ticket for 7 days
luggage tag
dining plan

if you have a fax number, I can fax for free from work, I am here all night, until Tues A.m.


THANK YOU I got my fax. It specifically states that you get the disney dining plan in this package. It lists the what the DDP includes and says over 100 restaurants to choose from. No mistake here the DDP is included in this package,:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[macraven]

I have the brochure right here, Stay, Play and dine. Three kinds of magic, one fantastic price. Its a full page ad. Rates valid most nights 8/5-10/3, and 11/25-12/19.....6 nights/ 7 day package, Select Disney Value resort ONLY.$252 per child 3-9
$459 per junior 10-17, adult $737 per person

6 nights accomodations
magic your way base ticket for 7 days
luggage tag
dining plan

if you have a fax number, I can fax for free from work, I am here all night, until Tues A.m.


those figures are based on double occupancy for the room. right?
two adults would make that $1474. for 6 nights. you would have to upgrade and pay for hoppers from the base tickets besides that price if you wanted to hop in the parks.

breaking it down if you booked separately would be $444 for the room only/AAA discount value season (1 night @65 plus tax), can get tickets for $211 from other disney ticket sellers, which for 2 adults would be $422

room and tickets for 2 adults would then be $866 total plus ddp.
$38 per day = $228 x 2 = $456.

$444 + $422 + $456 = $1322 if you booked it all separate.

$1474 - 1322 = $152 more with a package.

i rushed on the figures, watch me be wrong on them now.....lol

i go solo most of the time so the package is never to my advantage.
the package that is being advertised looks like it is not a sweet deal if my figures are correct.
i based it on what i am paying for value season this fall.

[angwill]

Sure it includes the dining plan but it also charges you for it. With this plan two adults in a value room with 7 day tix and dining would pay $1474. With free dining it would be approx $1003 for 2 adults in a value room with 7 day tix and free dining.

Ang

[mirthmaiden]

those figures are based on double occupancy for the room. right?
two adults would make that $1474. for 6 nights. you would have to upgrade and pay for hoppers from the base tickets besides that price if you wanted to hop in the parks.

breaking it down if you booked separately would be $444 for the room only/AAA discount value season (1 night @65 plus tax), can get tickets for $211 from other disney ticket sellers, which for 2 adults would be $422

room and tickets for 2 adults would then be $866 total plus ddp.
$38 per day = $228 x 2 = $456.

$444 + $422 + $456 = $1322 if you booked it all separate.

$1474 - 1322 = $152 more with a package.

i rushed on the figures, watch me be wrong on them now.....lol

i go solo most of the time so the package is never to my advantage.
the package that is being advertised looks like it is not a sweet deal if my figures are correct.
i based it on what i am paying for value season this fall.

Wow... I was about to get excited since we're arriving in early August, then I saw your post. Thanks for making this more clear for us. One question though - don't you HAVE to have a package in order to get the DDP? How could you book it all separately, or were you just saying that in theory to show the price difference? I would think in order to acurately assess which is the better route, you'd have to factor that in and then figure out how much more food is going to cost w/o the DDP because you can't get the DDP without buying a package. Am I way off here?

[Donold_Fan]

[QUOTE=lisaanddenny;17895571]I have the brochure right here, Stay, Play and dine. Three kinds of magic, one fantastic price. Its a full page ad. Rates valid most nights 8/5-10/3, and 11/25-12/19.....6 nights/ 7 day package, Select Disney Value resort ONLY.$252 per child 3-9
$459 per junior 10-17, adult $737 per person

6 nights accomodations
magic your way base ticket for 7 days
luggage tag
dining plan

[QUOTE]

Definitely doesn't seem to be "free" dining. Last year, 2adults + 1 junior was just over $1600 ($1624 I think) for 10 days at ASMu with hopper + water park tickets. Even the commercial says 6ni/7day for a family of 4 (2A, 1J, 1C) is 1600. So they are charging for dining in this.

[KCMiller]

And you always get luggage tags. Which is pretty cool.

KC :) (keeping her fingers crossed for free dining!)

[macraven]

Wow... I was about to get excited since we're arriving in early August, then I saw your post. Thanks for making this more clear for us. One question though - don't you HAVE to have a package in order to get the DDP? How could you book it all separately, or were you just saying that in theory to show the price difference? I would think in order to acurately assess which is the better route, you'd have to factor that in and then figure out how much more food is going to cost w/o the DDP because you can't get the DDP without buying a package. Am I way off here?


yes
you have to have a package in order to include the dining.
what i did was show if you broke down the costs, you could book separately and still save $152 over their listed price. they say dining included in their package. i listed it in the figures if it was possible to get dining in a room only.
think of it this way i calculated the cost for dining as $456. for the 6 nights/7 days. you would have to pay for dining w/cash if you did the room only booking.
if you booked separate, you would have to spend over $456 + $152 = $600 to make it more advantageous not to go with the ddp.

we couldn't eat that much in just less than a week.

when i went solo and did the ddp, i could have eaten cheaper w/out it. i lost my aaa discount when i switch to a pkg (and had to go rack rate on the pkg to get "FREE" dining,
which ended up costing me $375 more)

for a family, the ddp is a good thing, especially if it is free.

when you see a package advertised, break it down to see if you will benefit more or less if you went with it.

[ExPirateShopGirl]

And you always get luggage tags. Which is pretty cool.

KC :) (keeping her fingers crossed for free dining!)

I have luggage tags coming out the wazoo!! If only I could trade luggage tags for snack credits !! :lmao:

[keliblue]

"Magic Your Way Plus Free Dining" promotion. Which will allow guests who book at least a four night / five day WDW vacation package (That must start sometime between August 26 to September 22) to then dine for free during the length of their stay on property. FYI: The domestic booking window for these WDW dine-for-free vacation packages will be April 12 through June 24th. So plan accordingly, people.

This is from his article today and this guy usually knows what he is talking about.

:banana:

[storzo]

Sorry if this was covered already....my reservations are made for Aug 20 to Aug 27. If the free DDP comes out, can I cancel and rebook to get it with these same dates? If it starts on the 26th, do I count because I will already be there or do you have to arrive on the 26th or later?

[mirthmaiden]

Sorry if this was covered already....my reservations are made for Aug 20 to Aug 27. If the free DDP comes out, can I cancel and rebook to get it with these same dates? If it starts on the 26th, do I count because I will already be there or do you have to arrive on the 26th or later?

You would have to book 2 packages: Aug 20-25th and Aug 26-27th. Free dining would only apply to the second package. Your check-in date has to fall within the range of the offer. Unless you are flexible with your dates, you'd have to crunch the numbers to see if it's worthwhile to do. For only two days of free dining, I'm thinking it probably wouldn't make much difference for you since you'd have to get 1-day base tickets for both packages.

[kaytieeldr]

It's also likely there'll be a three-night minimum stay required... IF Free Dining even exists :teeth:

[CHRISP1027]

Who is Jim Hill?

I am praying that the free dining is offered or there is NO WAY we can take our 4 grandchildren and their Father with us. But if it is offered and the times are Aug. 26 - Sept 22 it looks like they would have to be taken out of school and I don't know if their Dad will let them do that. So looks like I have to double up on my prayers.

Chris

[keliblue]

It's also likely there'll be a three-night minimum stay required... IF Free Dining even exists :teeth:

Looks like they might be bumping it to a 4 night min. this year

[maples123]

Who is Jim Hill?

I am praying that the free dining is offered or there is NO WAY we can take our 4 grandchildren and their Father with us. But if it is offered and the times are Aug. 26 - Sept 22 it looks like they would have to be taken out of school and I don't know if their Dad will let them do that. So looks like I have to double up on my prayers.

Chris
I found this site...was wondering the same thing. jimhillmedia.com

[n2mm]

Looks like they might be bumping it to a 4 night min. this year

I also heard 4 night minimum this year. Last year I think it was a 3 night minimum.

[MARY-IN-OH]

Hi
I know rack rate would have to be paid for free dining, so no discount codes and such. But my in-laws live in FL - if there is FD, does that mean they also cannot apply Florida resident discount to the package? They asked about that, and I told her they probably can't use the FL resident discount, but I'd ask my Dis to be sure!
thanks!
-mary

[GoofyTraci]

i am so sad. I hope the rumors are not true about the dates. I booked my trip for aug 12-18 with the hope of free dinning. I can't take my son out of school to go aug 26-sept. So sad:sad:

So i will keep praying for my dates too. good luck to all.

[Bete]

I was hoping that Disney Visa card members would get the first opportunity to book the free dining promo.

Is there any news on this, yet? TIA

[Crazy4Disney06]

i am so sad. I hope the rumors are not true about the dates. I booked my trip for aug 12-18 with the hope of free dinning. I can't take my son out of school to go aug 26-sept. So sad:sad:

So i will keep praying for my dates too. good luck to all.


I'm not mad, but I did book my trip back in July of last year in hopes of free dining during our travel dates (8/21 to 8/27) , we are going no matter what , but it would have been really nice to have free dining. I paid for the dining plan already, but I had to skip on the hopper passes to do so.:sad2: :headache: