Bounce back/ free dinning 2008

[connie1042]

We will be in Disney the right time to do the bounce back with free dinning. What are they going to have to know when I make the reservation? Can I just say 4 adults. Do we all have to buy park tickets. I know you have to at least buy a 1 day ticket for each person. Does that all have to be done then? I think we are going to do it, but I need to know what we have to rigure out before we get there.

[Seahunt]

You just make the reservation based on what you plan to do (1 room, 4 adults, 1 day base ticket for each, etc.), and put down a $200 deposit - no need to actually buy any tickets now, etc. I know they will have to have the name of the person holding the res, but I'm not sure that they will need the names of the others then (maybe just ages?). Any DISers know for sure on these Bounceback deal res? :confused3

[kristen7e]

Just got back yesterday and a flier was left in our room for the bounce back for free dining 2008. The dates are 8/30/08-9/27/08. Seems alot shorter than this year.

[TeenaS]

Just remember though that the free dining isn't so free anymore .... check out the 2008 dining plan ... tips and other things not included anymore. Plus it seems the list of participating restaurants (especially in Epcot) have decreased.

[disneydaveb]

We just got back yesterday, 9/3. I booked the bounceback offer as soon as I saw it on the Resort TV channel. They looked up our info and confirmed names and ages. I booked with park hoppers, no waterparks, but was told I can change my tickets later if I needed to.

[queenofhartz]

Boo. We stayed at the Boardwalk 2 weeks ago, but I never turned on the TV, so I didn't see the Free Dining advertisement. And, they didn't leave any flyer in our room. I don't even know if i would be eligible b/c I don't know much about how free dining is offered. Is there a way for me to still reserve this for next year? :confused:

[mjhd]

This makes me sad as well :( - we checked out Sunday and never seen this on the resort channel or advertised in our room (I even watched that stupid channel while I was waiting for everyone to get their stuff around Sunday). I called today and they said there was absolutely nothing they could do for me - pretty much "sorry about your luck." After thinking it through though, it is probably better to wait and see if they will eventually include values since the mods are priced much more and the free dining is no longer as good of a deal...thanks for the heads up though to the op - wish we could have taken advantage...

[Seahunt]

Boo. We stayed at the Boardwalk 2 weeks ago, but I never turned on the TV, so I didn't see the Free Dining advertisement. And, they didn't leave any flyer in our room. Is there a way for me to still reserve this for next year? :confused:

It just started on 8/30 - and you have to book before you check out.
Sorry it doesn't look like you can get it :guilty::

Bounceback Free Dining Promotion
This offer is available ONLY to guests staying at one of the official Walt Disney World resorts between 8/31/07-9/28/07. Reservation for 2008 must be made before you check out and no later than September 28 to qualify.

[disneydaveb]

I think I saw the add on the resort channel starting on 8/30 or 8/31. It included all resorts including values.

[queenofhartz]

Oh well. I guess it wasn't meant to be. But, thank you for the replies! :)

[Palendat]

Is it just me, or does anyone else feel that no other company tries to alienate some of their customers the way Disney does? We checked out on Aug 28, and now find out about the bounceback program. I realize that many companies target market, but with internet discussion boards so prevalent, I really feel that Disney is shooting themselves in the foot. I'm really ticked that I missed out on this by 3 days. I know Disney is doing great business NOW, but there is a recession coming (who knows when, but one IS coming, it always is) and to market in this way is not smart in my opinion. Can anyone give me an example of another company that markets this way!!!??? Really, I would like to know!

[Seahunt]

Palendat I agree with you - I don't know why their marketing department makes these strange decisions :confused3 (though jmho I also think their website stinks sometimes! For such a huge company you'd think it would be very user friendly :rotfl: )

Even if they wanted to control the offer just to dates that guests were there on the free dining offer this year they would have had to start the Bounceback on 8/5 for guests that prebooked in Nov/Dec last year, or 8/12 for UK res, or at least 8/26 for the rest instead of 8/30. If you would have checked in on 8/26 for 3 days and checked out on 8/29 you would have missed it by one day grrrr.....:scared:

It sucks missing it by 3 days, but I guess if you want free dining for next year, the only thing to do in your case is to watch around April to see if they offer another free dining offer for next summer like they have in the past years. Not much help, I know :cutie:

[Princess April]

My heart is all a flutter to find this out!!!! This is our second time with the free dining and it looks like we will be enjoying a third trip with free dining!!! P.S. I just joined today because I could keep silent no longer....FREE DINING 2008!!!! Hello to all!:banana: :woohoo: :goodvibes

[Seahunt]

P.S. I just joined today because I could keep silent no longer....FREE DINING 2008!!!! Hello to all!:banana: :woohoo: :goodvibes

:wave2: Welcome to the DIS Princess April! :dance3:
:welcome:

[a1tinkfans]

My heart is all a flutter to find this out!!!! This is our second time with the free dining and it looks like we will be enjoying a third trip with free dining!!! P.S. I just joined today because I could keep silent no longer....FREE DINING 2008!!!! Hello to all!:banana: :woohoo: :goodvibes

WELCOME :welcome:

GREAT FOR YOU!!! :cool1:

[dreamn_Disney]

My heart is all a flutter to find this out!!!! This is our second time with the free dining and it looks like we will be enjoying a third trip with free dining!!! P.S. I just joined today because I could keep silent no longer....FREE DINING 2008!!!! Hello to all!:banana: :boohoo: :goodvibes
Welcome and glad you joined.


I checked out on Sept 3 and my resort acted like they never heard of the deal. I only got it because I asked several people about it. I only new of it from a lady waiting for the ME bus. She heard about it on this board. I also called back when I got home to tweak my ressie and got the deluxe meal plan instead for $32 a night per person.

[#1Disfann]

I was just there also, August 21-28th (so I missed the free dining then) now I get home and read this! LUCKILY, I'm going back tomorrow morning (Free dining for this one and less than 12 hours till my flight takes off!) and will book for next September! I know how you feel...had I not been going back to take advantage I, too, would have missed it by 3 days and been very disappointed! Looks like the Disney fairies were looking out for me this time!;) I'm happy for those who can make it work and feel for the others who couldn't!

[OHIOVACATIONER]

This is really a dumb question but what is bounceback? We went last Dec and paid for our dining, did we mess up?

[septbaby]

Bounceback is actually a generic marketing term, not just at Disney. Its when a company gives you a coupon, discount, special offer to get you to return or make another purchase. A restaurant or grocery store might put a coupon on your reciept, a clothing store might give a % discount for buying again in two weeks or Disney gives you free dining to return to a resort if you book before you check out.

No matter when an offer starts or ends someone is excluded. Not sure why specific dates were selected or particular resorts are being promoted, but its not unique to Disney. Companies issue coupons and they expire. An offer like this is really the same thing.

Yes, we got the offer and acted on it. I'm happy and would have been disappointed if we had just missed it.

[Princess April]

So, I have heard of people upgrading for the deluxe dining for $30.00+ per day. I am fully aware of the changes for the 2008 dining plans (Thanks to the DIS board :woohoo: ) so with that being said, why does everyone so happy about "paying" for free dining (and yes I understnd that you are paying to upgrade) Also, if you are staying for 5 nights 2 aduts 1 child (4 y/o) and upgrade the dining plan how much am I looking at paying? (we would love to stay at a moderate but probabaly can only afford a value). If anyone has booked this (or something like this I would love to know the $$$$ amounts)
Thanks :surfweb:

[jwboucher]

Just got back yesterday and a flier was left in our room for the bounce back for free dining 2008. The dates are 8/30/08-9/27/08. Seems alot shorter than this year.

Oh....I was there from 8/26 to 9/1. I didn't see it on TV or get a flyer. I don't think I would have went for it though...I don't like the dates. My daughter would have to miss a lot of school. I heard they were offering free dining in the UK starting 8/10. I would go for that.

[bell.of.the.ball]

I dont know if I would have booked it but this is the second time I was ther during Bounceback and heard nothing about it. It is really begining to bug me. I was there during Tday at the CBR when the offered free dining to guests staying at the resorts and no word of it. Lucky I was able to book the free dining with the visa code but I liked the bounce back dates better. Now again I was at SSR and no word of it , no flyer, no word on the bottom of my dining recipts( I checked) I dont think I will go but I would have liked the chance to decide that for myself.

[jwboucher]

I dont know if I would have booked it but this is the second time I was ther during Bounceback and heard nothing about it. It is really begining to bug me. I was there during Tday at the CBR when the offered free dining to guests staying at the resorts and no word of it. Lucky I was able to book the free dining with the visa code but I liked the bounce back dates better. Now again I was at SSR and no word of it , no flyer, no word on the bottom of my dining recipts( I checked) I dont think I will go but I would have liked the chance to decide that for myself.

I was at SSR too. :idea: Maybe they figured that they already gave us enough.:confused3

[cdrn1]

We checked out yesterday from Pop and the offer was on a flier that we got at check in. We didn't book it but now I am sorry we didn't. We check in again on the 27th so I am hoping that we will get the flier again since it's prior to the 28th.

[LisaY]

It was in the folder they give you when you check in. Since some of you missed it, maybe they didn't give it out until Sept. 1? Just a guess. I booked it, but wasn't given the option to upgrade to the deluxe plan. Didn't even think to ask, either.

[jwboucher]

It was in the folder they give you when you check in. Since some of you missed it, maybe they didn't give it out until Sept. 1? Just a guess. I booked it, but wasn't given the option to upgrade to the deluxe plan. Didn't even think to ask, either.

We checked in on 8/26. That is probably why we didn't get it/

[dclfun]

We're at Pop right now and got the flyer, plus it's advertised on the in-room TV channel for Pop. I spoke with someone last night at Ohanas who is currently at CBR and had heard nothing about the promo. When I called the # listed it mentioned only that you must currently be s/a a Disney owned and operated resort ( hence no Swan/Dolphin) but it didn't exclude any resort guest from booking. My guess is once again it's being marketted at only select resorts. I gave the flyer to the other guests who planned to book it also.---Kathy

[dclfun]

I forgot to add....it's now up to 14 days for a ressie vs. the bounceback promo last year which was a max of 10 days. I was first told only 10 nights then the CM checked and was surprised to see it can be now booked for the longer timeframe. This CM said she'd booked about 15 ressies yesterday afternoon with the promo!---Kathy

[4greatboys]

I booked yesterday for 9/27-10/2.



FYI--if you tried to book on Saturday they were down for a system upgrade all day so Im sure you can still call now and book.

[thunderbird1]

This is really a dumb question but what is bounceback? We went last Dec and paid for our dining, did we mess up?

No. Free DDP was not available in December. The "December bounceback" refers to folks who were there in December having the opportunity to book a return trip with free DDP for the following August and September. No one else who was there with you December got the DDP for free.

[skw444]

We just got back from staying at POFQ from 9/3 - 9/8 and we had the flier in our room and booked our trip for 9/08.

[blallred]

I booked yesterday for 9/27-10/2.

Is this for the 2008 Bounceback dates? If so, I thought that you had to book between 8/30-9/27/2008 to get the offer. From what I understand we can no longer book the last day of a promo and carry it over through the rest of our vacation. Wouldn't that mean that 9/27 would be the only day eligible for free dining? Someone please correct me if I am wrong. I would LOVE to be wrong. I wanted to originally book 9/26-10/4/2008 but it would suck to only get 2 days with free dining.

[Madformickey]

it is good up to 10 days as long as you check in by the 27th, we passed as we would rather go in december next year for the christmas party, but did we ever eat like never before. I think i had a total of 7 or 8 rootbeer floats in 9 days,lol, but i didnt pay for it, so all is good.

[4greatboys]

Is this for the 2008 Bounceback dates? If so, I thought that you had to book between 8/30-9/27/2008 to get the offer. From what I understand we can no longer book the last day of a promo and carry it over through the rest of our vacation. Wouldn't that mean that 9/27 would be the only day eligible for free dining? Someone please correct me if I am wrong. I would LOVE to be wrong. I wanted to originally book 9/26-10/4/2008 but it would suck to only get 2 days with free dining.


The girl I booked with said you could and when I got my conf emailed it showed free dining on the ressie.

[blallred]

The girl I booked with said you could and when I got my conf emailed it showed free dining on the ressie.

Oh YAYYYYY!!! I am so glad to hear that. Thanks for the replies and I will be sure to book the later dates then.:goodvibes

[Princess April]

I am totally going to check into this when we check in (9/22) !!!!!:banana:
I want to do basically what we did again this year... 5 days 6 nights with free food!!!!! Also, I know I asked this before but as of yet I have gotten no answer... how much $$$ are we looking at for next years vacation?? Anyone have any ideas?:rolleyes1

[thunderbird1]

it is good up to 10 days as long as you check in by the 27th, we passed as we would rather go in december next year for the christmas party, but did we ever eat like never before. I think i had a total of 7 or 8 rootbeer floats in 9 days,lol, but i didnt pay for it, so all is good.

Mmm. . . root beer floats. (Where's the drooling smiley?)

Actually it's been reported that the maximum package for next year is 14 days. The max length for packages increased from 10 days to 14 on January 1, 2007, which meant those who booked through the bounceback last Nov/Dec were only able to book 10 days, while those of us who waited (not so) patiently until April were able to book 14 days. Good things come to those who wait!

I am totally going to check into this when we check in (9/22) !!!!!:banana:
I want to do basically what we did again this year... 5 days 6 nights with free food!!!!! Also, I know I asked this before but as of yet I have gotten no answer... how much $$$ are we looking at for next years vacation?? Anyone have any ideas?:rolleyes1

Value season at value and moderate resorts runs through 10/1. If you check out by 10/2, your entire stay would be in value season, for $82/night at value resorts or $149/night at moderate resorts. If your stay extends beyond 10/2, you will be in regular season, and your nightly rate will jump up to $99 (weekdays)/$109 (Fri-Sat) for values or $165 (weekdays)/$175 (Fri-Sat) for moderates. It's a little more for preferred rooms, and add 12.5% room tax (13.5% for the all-stars). Found this info here on the DIS:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/disney-rates-2008.htm

Then add in whatever ticket types you'll need (#A/#C; parkhopper or not; wpf&m or not; no expiration or not) and you'll come up with your package price. I'd do it for you but there are too many variables. Ticket prices are here on the DIS:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/tickets.htm#tickettypes

It's getting more and more complicated to calculate this stuff, isn't it? If you just want the bottom line, try pricing a trip on the WDW web site for a room/ticket package without dining. (Afterthought--can you check 2008 online rates yet?) The free DDP packages are the same price as a room/ticket package at rack rates.

[bell.of.the.ball]

We checked in on 8/26. That is probably why we didn't get it/

Our GG of 4 rooms checked in on the 27 and heard nothing or was given anthing about it either. I have my check in pack nothing in there either. and who has time to watch TV at disney?

[LBKMAMA]

ok....we get there on the 27th of this month and I want to book something right away so I don't lose out.
9/24 to 10/1 for 7 nights......we hope to do Universal and SeaWorld this time too, but I'll worry about that later.

???'s - if I book 2 rooms and want to change it to one will that be a problem?
if i need to shorten the days will that be a problem?
Can you just book it with a 1 day ticket and add days or PH to pkg after we finalize details and check out other options?

Thanks for you help.....:)

[lkneller]

didn't know anything about this. We actually agreed before we left home that we would book again if they had another promo. I am very disappointed that we were not told about this while we were there and able to book.

Last December we had no intention of returning to Disney for 2007, but when they offered the promo we were swayed into committing to Disney for yet another vacation. It is really good marketing because once you have that reservation you stop looking at other alternative vacations.

We surely would have committed our vacation again for 2008 if we would have known.

They always say things happen for a reason. So I guess we just weren't meant to return to Disney in 2008.

[Dreaming~of~Disney]

We weren't told about bounceback free dining either, no flyer and we did watch tv and didn't see anything about it there. On the day we checked out I met up with a friend at her resort and she told me about it, they had a flyer in their room. She did not mention anything about having to book before you check out though. I called my travel agent yesterday to have her book it and she called me back today telling me we had to have booked before we checked out. We are bummed. We would have booked and paid it in full had we known. Oh well, I guess we have to wait for them to offer free dining again.

[magicmouse2]

I wasnt told about bounceback but saw the promo on WDW resort TV channel. It didnt specify what the offer was but I guessed and rang the number and booked for next year - All Star Music Family Suite (this wasnt available this year)

[Disneynut4ever]

Just remember though that the free dining isn't so free anymore .... check out the 2008 dining plan ... tips and other things not included anymore. Plus it seems the list of participating restaurants (especially in Epcot) have decreased.

I know, stupid question, but where can I find this info.?

[lgaston]

well... Le Cellier, Arkeshus, Chef de France they're all still there. I think to a certain extent it can still be worth it for families.

[thunderbird1]

ok....we get there on the 27th of this month and I want to book something right away so I don't lose out.
9/24 to 10/1 for 7 nights......we hope to do Universal and SeaWorld this time too, but I'll worry about that later.

???'s - if I book 2 rooms and want to change it to one will that be a problem?
if i need to shorten the days will that be a problem?
Can you just book it with a 1 day ticket and add days or PH to pkg after we finalize details and check out other options?

Thanks for you help.....:)

Assuming this offer is like those of years past, no problem booking 2 rooms as long as you have 2 adults in the (current) room. You'd need to put down a deposit on each room. You can cancel or make changes (longer (depends on availability) or shorter) up to 45 days before check-in. You can book with just 1 day base tickets now, and change it later or even upgrade after checking in. Really, the only big restriction on making changes is anything that reduces the price of package under 45 days from check-in is subject to a fee, something like $50. Of course, all changes are subject to availability.

We plan on booking the maximum # of days with the one day base tickets, as we'll likely have AP's. Still not even sure whether the trip will work for us, or how long we'd be able to stay, but I'd rather have it booked and need to cancel than not book it and wish we did, kwim?

[lauraf]

Just got back from Pop and had free dining for the first time. One hour before check out time I booked 12 nights with free dining next year. I might of had a flyer in my packet but I think I found out on the boards right before I left. I booked because I didn't think they were going to offer it staying at a value, so I jumped on it right away. It wasn't the regular reservation line I got transfered a couple of times to a "special" reservation line. But I think they will offer it again before free dining starts again next year.

[lgaston]

Last year there was an onsite reservation boot for the bounceback. Do u know if it still the case this year? Will it is possible to book with cash instead of a credit card?

[lauraf]

I don't know, but I bet if you called the reservation number they could direct you to someone who knows. While I was there, no booth, only over the phone with credit card.

[hjohnson6]

We checked out of All Star Music on 9/11 and didn't hear hide nor hair about the Bounce Back Promotion.

[WeLuvTink!]

We found about the Bounce Back offer the morning we flew out (9/1) and there was a flyer in our welcome packet at POP. Yeah! :thumbsup2 Of course we jumped at the offer and now have our 2008 vacation booked. They confirmed I was currently staying at POP before they let me book anything.

A few notes that I didn't know before:

1. You can add the travel insurance anytime up until your final payment is due. Can't see why you'd add it earlier....

2. I was advised there would be a $50 "change fee" if I did anything that decreased the value of my package. Might keep that in mind going forward.

P.S. I agree it isn't fair if all guests weren't given the welcome packet while they were there. Think we got it because we were already there on Free Dining?

[Princess April]

Here is my concern, DH and husband and I have decided that we really want to ldo the "bounce back 2008". What happens if I don't get info on it at check in, or a flyer in my room? Should I go to the front desk and ask about it or is it offered to only selected people staying in selected resorts? I would like to upgrade next year, as this year we are staying in a value resort again, but the only way this would be feasable is if we got the "free dining"...... Any suggestions?????:upsidedow

[lauraf]

Here is my concern, DH and husband and I have decided that we really want to ldo the "bounce back 2008". What happens if I don't get info on it at check in, or a flyer in my room? Should I go to the front desk and ask about it or is it offered to only selected people staying in selected resorts? I would like to upgrade next year, as this year we are staying in a value resort again, but the only way this would be feasable is if we got the "free dining"...... Any suggestions?????:upsidedow

I didn't see the flyer until I got home, but I heard about it on this board. I called the front desk from my room, they transfered me to reservations, and then reservations transfered me to a "special department that was handling the bounce back. I have reservations at Pop but would like to upgrade and probably will at a later date.

[kidsister]

I check in on Sept 28 at the Pop....does anyone have a number I could call to see if that qualifies me to book (the same day) a bounceback for 2008?

[LindaOwl1]

Dial 8844 from your hotel room

[KatMark]

Could someone please bell me what the Bounce back/free dining is? I have never heard of it until reading it here the last two days. Thanks.

[4greatboys]

Could someone please bell me what the Bounce back/free dining is? I have never heard of it until reading it here the last two days. Thanks.


Its an offer for those staying onsite this Sept (through the 28th) to book now for next Sept and get free dining (the cheaper plan).

[KatMark]

Thanks. We were there last week and heard nothing about it. Do you think if I call now that we will be able to get the bounce back?

[4greatboys]

Thanks. We were there last week and heard nothing about it. Do you think if I call now that we will be able to get the bounce back?

I would give it a try. It says you have to book before you check out but I also know they had the system down last Saturday for upgrades so if you were leaving on Saturday and tried to call you would not have been able to make the ressie.

Plus they keep all your info in the system they should just be able to glance at it to see you were there.

[missmun52]

Its an offer for those staying onsite this Sept (through the 28th) to book now for next Sept and get free dining (the cheaper plan).

You can also get the more expensive plan but you have to pay the diff b/t the two. I was offered this and I did not think that we could possibly eat that much food so paying the diff of about $35 per person per night to have 3meals and two snacks would not be worth it. Its like paying for the cheaper plan but getting the deluxe. I figure if we wanted more meals it would be BK and if we want another snack it would be around $3, eating at a sit down BK would be about $20 so it would run me $23 extra plus tip which is not included anyway with either plan.

If you want to do this remember its an option and ask if they dont offer. it was priced out for me and everything but i had to decline:goodvibes

[4greatboys]

You can also get the more expensive plan but you have to pay the diff b/t the two. I was offered this and I did not think that we could possibly eat that much food so paying the diff of about $35 per person per night to have 3meals and two snacks would not be worth it. Its like paying for the cheaper plan but getting the deluxe. I figure if we wanted more meals it would be BK and if we want another snack it would be around $3, eating at a sit down BK would be about $20 so it would run me $23 extra plus tip which is not included anyway with either plan.

If you want to do this remember its an option and ask if they dont offer. it was priced out for me and everything but i chose to decline:goodvibes

It wasnt offered to us even though I asked the girl at booking if the plan was the cheaper one. I dont want to pay more to upgrade though especially if Im still paying the tip on both plans.

[wirki]

Welcome and glad you joined.


I checked out on Sept 3 and my resort acted like they never heard of the deal. I only got it because I asked several people about it. I only new of it from a lady waiting for the ME bus. She heard about it on this board. I also called back when I got home to tweak my ressie and got the deluxe meal plan instead for $32 a night per person.

Oh my Gosh I think this was me. Where were you staying. I was at SSR and told everyone outside they should run in and book before the bus came.

That would be so cool if it was. I have never met up with anyone from the boards before.

Glad you got it
Debbie

[Simbee3]

I know this a little off topic, but has anyone heard if they are going to have the Pirates and Princess Pary again during August? I booked the bounce back while we were there and I know my kids would love to go back to the party once or twice.

Thanks

[dreamn_Disney]

Oh my Gosh I think this was me. Where were you staying. I was at SSR and told everyone outside they should run in and book before the bus came.

That would be so cool if it was. I have never met up with anyone from the boards before.

Glad you got it
Debbie

If you were waiting for the 4:30 bus that was so late and it took the 5:00 people also then yes it was me. I was with my dd(16) and ds(3). I left them and ran in for the info.