free dining rumor!

[mygr8kdz]

************ now is listing that the start date is april 10 - stay tuned for details!

[Va-bear]

they didnt list the dates covered though??! ACK! Inquiring minds need to know!:)

[mickey2000]

************ now is listing that the start date is april 10 - stay tuned for details!

Do you have a link ???

[mygr8kdz]

i think when we post the links there, it gets bleeped out - ***************** and go to the recent news section.

[glitzybabes]

Yeah!!! I have been checking ************ for the past week!!! So glad to hear something from a reliable source. :goodvibes

[goinback]

ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SOME HOPE!!!!! I am so excited I could wee wee!:cheer2: :banana: :yay:

[Gymbomom]

Very Exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mickey2000]

Good news for everyone waiting !!
Good Luck to All !

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/diz/su.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/diz/Police-04-june.gif

[n2mm]

popcorn::

[Mom2AAA's]

I'm hoping for around the 19th of August!!! Maybe because UK is so early, they will bump up the dates!!:flower3: pixiedust:

[jerseygal]

I assume "free dining" will be on the Basic Dining Plan!

Anyone's guess how Deluxe Dining Plan will be handled? I think they will give credit up to the Basic Dining Plan for those on the Deluxe!!!

Lets wait and see!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tflood]

Oh Please, Please, Please, Please :worship: :worship: :worship:

Come on September 13-19 :dance3:

[torian]

i'm guessing that the chances of it covering the 1st 2 weeks in dec are slim...sob

[mickey2000]

i'm guessing that the chances of it covering the 1st 2 weeks in dec are slim...sob

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[skater]

I'm so happy for everybody. I booked the bounceback and am still checking here every day for my DIS friends :goodvibes .

[n2mm]

I just happened to glance at my calendar and saw that April 10th is a Thursday. I wonder if the 10th will be the booking date for the general public and Visa holders will be on the 7th??? Or if the 10th will be the Visa holder booking day.

[mickey'sbud]

Does April 10 mean they will start booking free-dining for Aug-Sept or does that mean they will offer free-dining in April? Yes I would like April free-dining. Any chance?

[n2mm]

Does April 10 mean they will start booking free-dining for Aug-Sept or does that mean they will offer free-dining in April? Yes I would like April free-dining. Any chance?

Sorry, I would like free dining in April. But this promotion would mean starting in April we can book free dining for dates in September (maybe August). There is no need to offer free dining in April because Disney doesn't have to offer incentives to fill the resorts, since they are already filled.

[*disgal*]

Does April 10 mean they will start booking free-dining for Aug-Sept or does that mean they will offer free-dining in April? Yes I would like April free-dining. Any chance?

Sorry, I'm pretty sure it's not for April. In fact, I'm hoping it's not just September because we want the end of August.

It was end of Aug. and into all of September, I think, last year. the dates are somewhere on this thread, I believe. But last year's dates were less than the year before so I hope that doesn't happen again.

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I think the absolute earliest it would start is August 23. We'll be there Aug. 1-17 so I don't expect it to help us in the least, but I'll keep watching. We have a 30% bounce back rate for Aug. 10-17, but if we gave that up for free dining we would switch resorts because rack rate is too high. We'll see what happens. :confused3

[mickey2000]

Sorry, I'm pretty sure it's not for April. In fact, I'm hoping it's not just September because we want the end of August.

It was end of Aug. and into all of September, I think, last year. the dates are somewhere on this thread, I believe. But last year's dates were less than the year before so I hope that doesn't happen again.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/diz/TuesdaySeptember112007.jpg

[*disgal*]

Oh, Mickey2000. I was talking about the public code, the one that we are all waiting for, not the bounceback promotion or whatever they call it. That's what your brochure was, right? The one some got at the WDW hotels?

Last year the dates started on Aug. 26th. In 2006 the date was Aug. 13th and in 2005 it was Aug. 21st. I'm hoping this year it won't start later than Aug. 24th, but we'll see.

[stephgles]

Keeping my fingers and toes crossed.

If the bounce back program is offered when we go, I will book then so I dont have to worry about it. But than again, I wasnt planning on going this year either.

[wdwmaw]

Dreams do come true:wizard: or at least the rumors seem to do so. Thanks for posting the info. I too think the 10th would be the general public codes.So the 8th for Visa.

Let the waiting beginpopcorn::

[*disgal*]

Keeping my fingers and toes crossed.

If the bounce back program is offered when we go, I will book then so I dont have to worry about it. But than again, I wasnt planning on going this year either.

That's the exact thing I am thinking. If we go this year, it's an unscheduled trip and if we're offered the bounceback, I'll take it. I can always cancel it later if we decide to have a year without Disney. .........that almost sounds depressing, doesn't it? :laughing:

[disneydad123]

I just spoke to a CM and the told me it looks like the first week or April they will release the code... we are coming Sept 9-16 keep your fingers crossed. :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[MightyMom]

My boys eat like lumberjacks! ALMOST free food sounds great! (isn't completely free if I have to leave a tip!)
We're set to arrive September 20th!

[christa112]

Come on free dining for Sept!!! We are booked for 9/19 - 9/27

[Dreisewerd]

So if free dining is offered starting August 24th and we wanted to go from August 15 to the 30th. In order to take advantage of it we would have to make two reservations from August 15 to the 24th with AAA or AP rate or something. Then a new reservation from the 24th through the 30th?

Or can I take advantage of free dining from August 15th through the 30th because my stay either includes free dining at the begining or end of my reservation?
Thanks for your help.

:teacher: popcorn::

[n2mm]

So if free dining is offered starting August 24th and we wanted to go from August 15 to the 30th. In order to take advantage of it we would have to make two reservations from August 15 to the 24th with AAA or AP rate or something. Then a new reservation from the 24th through the 30th? This part is correct.
Or can I take advantage of free dining from August 15th through the 30th because my stay either includes free dining at the begining or end of my reservation? Nope, you can't do it this way
Thanks for your help.

:teacher: popcorn::

Hope this helps.

[utkscvol1]

Could it be to good to be true?!!! I can't wait!!!! I am seriously hoping for free dining.It would save us $1000!!!!

[Victoria'sMom]

:wizard: I am sure our dates are out. Since I am in Graduate school now it makes it impossible to miss several days. Maybe a four day over labor day....but one can hope.

[pinkerbell]

Does anyone recall if we knew the dates of the promo for last year before we started dialing?? All I remember is calling first day for Visa holders. I don't remember if I knew the exact dates or just went with what was offered...
but after 88 minutes on hold I got my ressie! We did bouncback this year. but are hoping and waiting for others to join us..

we want Sept 21 - 26!!!

[hmhs]

We defintiely want to go is Sept...even if they don't offer free dining. Can I go ahead and book now and still the free dining later or do I have to wait until free dining is officially offered to get it??

thanks!

[d23cndrela]

Does anyone recall if we knew the dates of the promo for last year before we started dialing?? All I remember is calling first day for Visa holders. I don't remember if I knew the exact dates or just went with what was offered...
but after 88 minutes on hold I got my ressie! We did bouncback this year. but are hoping and waiting for others to join us..

we want Sept 21 - 26!!!


We Pretty much knew the dates the friday before. Some one leaked them. We Got the code for visa member on the night before. Some one called the number on the back of their disney visa and the person they spoke to gave them it. So we shall see.

[jerseygal]

What is the mechanism for Disney Reward Members to get notified??????????????????

Thx.

[Bibbidi]

I assume "free dining" will be on the Basic Dining Plan!

Anyone's guess how Deluxe Dining Plan will be handled? I think they will give credit up to the Basic Dining Plan for those on the Deluxe!!!

Lets wait and see!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My guess is that you'd pay the difference in price between the "free basic plan" and the deluxe dining plan cost.

[pinkerbell]

We Pretty much knew the dates the friday before. Some one leaked them. We Got the code for visa member on the night before. Some one called the number on the back of their disney visa and the person they spoke to gave them it. So we shall see.

Thanks!! I just called because of the boards & didn't have the code... but I told her I had a disney visa and she booked it for me with my card... I am sure she had used the code a few times at that point ;) I will look for it this time... better to have it I'm sure!

What is the mechanism for Disney Reward Members to get notified??????????????????

Thx.

uhh.. that would be THE DIS BOARDS!!! seriously.. I never got anything I called because I had been watching the boards.... :lmao:

[d23cndrela]

What is the mechanism for Disney Reward Members to get notified??????????????????

Thx.


You get an email, but last year it did not arrive in my inbox until around 7pm and i had already booked using it at 7am, so just keep checking the DIS.

[lpberg]

So from what I can gather, the phones at CRO get pretty jammed with everyone trying to call at the same time to book Free Dining reservations.... with that said, what number does everyone use? The regular 407-WDISNEY number or is there an 800 number? (so you don't burn *all* your minutes on your cell!) With my being in the midwest, getting up at 5:00 a.m. to hold for an hour and a half could get interesting..... :scared1:

[d23cndrela]

So from what I can gather, the phones at CRO get pretty jammed with everyone trying to call at the same time to book Free Dining reservations.... with that said, what number does everyone use? The regular 407-WDISNEY number or is there an 800 number? (so you don't burn *all* your minutes on your cell!) With my being in the midwest, getting up at 5:00 a.m. to hold for an hour and a half could get interesting..... :scared1:

Well Let me start By Saying :yay: Yay 200th Post!:yay: Ok i'm better now.

Last year at 7am i started calling the 407wdisney number. after being on hold for 20 min I made my brother call the 1800 # . While we both waited another 20 min or so they did pick up on my brothers line first. So I guess it does not always go inorder that the calls were made! I' m sorry but i dont have the 1800 # with me here at work. If no one else posts it before i get home i will PM it to you. Hope that helps.

[JLKennedy]

I log on to my visa rewards once a week, just to monitor things. So I knew of the free dining as soon as it was released. We've booked WL with Dxddp so I'm hoping for a credit of the difference if it is free basic. We'll be there the 6-13 of Sept.

[brad3640]

SO hoping for free dining so we will be able to go!! :cool1: :cool1:

[tinkerdee]

This is my first post. My family, me, DH, DD 13 and DD 12 are going 8/21-8/31/08 and are staying at the Contemporary. We are hoping for free dining but what if they offer it after the 21st, can we still use it for the remainder of our vacation? Thanks....:dance3:

[AlexWyattMommy]

You will have to make two reservations. One for the time before and one for the time after. You will need at least a one day park ticket for the free DDP part of your reservations. And you'll need park tickets for the first part of your vacation too.

[tinkerdee]

Thanks, that's what I thought. Do a lot of people really cancel and rebook? This is all so new to us, we have been to Disney, but never with a code or free dining or anything. I am still hopeful, are they still sending out pin codes for discounts? :yay:

[AlexWyattMommy]

They are still sending postcards & email as some have reported still getting them.

Yes, many of us have rebooked to get the free dining. In 2006 we had reservation made in January for WL, when free dining was announced our TA had to give us a new reservation number. But our ADRs were attached to our phone number, so those did not need to be changed.

[Lil'DisneyMom]

Crap... I just thought of something.. IF I need to rebook and they can't just adjust my current reservation, will I loose all of my ADRs??

[Tine731]

Crap... I just thought of something.. IF I need to rebook and they can't just adjust my current reservation, will I loose all of my ADRs??

No. Your ADR's will be fine.

[sammi6]

Hoping for Free Dining, I have the bounce back, but I have family and friends that are hoping to go.:worship:

[Mick00]

If free dining is offered and i need to rebook do I lose my deposit I have already paid?

[jerseygal]

If for those of us that have exisiting reservations, "if" free dining is offered AND Disney makes us cancel original reservation and rebook, original deposit will be credited, new reservation will be set up with new credit card deposit...It would be so much easier if the rate is applicable to the exisiting reservation, to Disney to credit the folks that already have an exisiting dining plan INSTEAD OF REQUIRING A NEW RESERVATION.

Thats my thought on the free dining option. All of this is IFS DEPENDING UPON WHEN AND IF FREE DINING IS OFFERED...I called twice this morning..one reservation person said free dining will definately not be offered this yr and the other said they don't have any advance infor until the morning that they come in and "all lines are going crazy".:goodvibes

[gwtw428]

Since Free Dining is offered to Disney Visa Card Holders first, is there a possibility that it will "sell out" by the time it is offered to the public?
Is there a set amount of free dining offers?

[n2mm]

Since Free Dining is offered to Disney Visa Card Holders first, is there a possibility that it will "sell out" by the time it is offered to the public?
Is there a set amount of free dining offers?

It never has. There will be alot of cancelling of reservations, moving, upgrading and after the dust settles, there will be different availability, so if you don't get what you want, you should still keep trying.

[sammi6]

Since Free Dining is offered to Disney Visa Card Holders first, is there a possibility that it will "sell out" by the time it is offered to the public?
Is there a set amount of free dining offers?

It is my understanding that a certain amount of rooms are set aside at each resort for the promotion. Not every resort will be available either, it is not known which resorts are available until the promotion starts.

[d23cndrela]

Since Free Dining is offered to Disney Visa Card Holders first, is there a possibility that it will "sell out" by the time it is offered to the public?
Is there a set amount of free dining offers?


It has yet to sell out to the Via holders. Sometimes you have to change your first choice to a different hotel. I hope that helps.

[stoudt6]

Hopefully this turns out to be wrong, but I was told by CM that Free Dining will only be offered for Deluxe Resorts. We went last year during Free Dining , but DW just got a new job starting Mid-May so are Squeezing a trip in Apr 30-May 7th. Due to it being last minute and regular season I booked Pop Century. When i told CM will miss going in September(when we usually go) and that we got Free dining she said " you wouldn't be able to get it in a Value resort". i asked her to elaborate and she said the response from the bounce back and UK Free dining was so good that they are only doing it for Deluxe Resorts because they are at least capacity during September value season.Guess we'll see:confused3

[n2mm]

Hopefully this turns out to be wrong, but I was told by CM that Free Dining will only be offered for Deluxe Resorts. We went last year during Free Dining , but DW just got a new job starting Mid-May so are Squeezing a trip in Apr 30-May 7th. Due to it being last minute and regular season I booked Pop Century. When i told CM will miss going in September(when we usually go) and that we got Free dining she said " you wouldn't be able to get it in a Value resort". i asked her to elaborate and she said the response from the bounce back and UK Free dining was so good that they are only doing it for Deluxe Resorts because they are at least capacity during September value season.Guess we'll see:confused3

Thanks for posting. I love to hear the CMs thoughts on some of the promotions. One thing about Disney is that they always keep us guessing. The next couple of weeks will be filled with these scenarios. At least it's entertaining while the wait is on. But nothing surprises me anymore.

[pinkerbell]

yes it is entertaining.. popcorn::

so I was left wondering this from the cm's comment...
How could the bounceback from the UK on values have been so good, my understanding is it wasn't even offered to them. :scared1:

I also don't think the response was that great during the bounceback... I was there when they extended the offer past the original date, :woohoo:

I can't imagine they would have done that with a poor response?? Especially since so many peole post they didn't even know the promotion was going on :confused3

ahhh... only time will tell...popcorn::

[esdras]

Hopefully this turns out to be wrong, but I was told by CM that Free Dining will only be offered for Deluxe Resorts. We went last year during Free Dining , but DW just got a new job starting Mid-May so are Squeezing a trip in Apr 30-May 7th. Due to it being last minute and regular season I booked Pop Century. When i told CM will miss going in September(when we usually go) and that we got Free dining she said " you wouldn't be able to get it in a Value resort". i asked her to elaborate and she said the response from the bounce back and UK Free dining was so good that they are only doing it for Deluxe Resorts because they are at least capacity during September value season.Guess we'll see:confused3

Sorry, but I'm suspecting that the CM was mistaken - or worse.

I have just been to the Disney online reservations, and have done a six night stay for every week (with Saturday arrival dates) in August and September. A relatively good way to measure just how busy the Value resorts are is to see if you can get a Family Suite - as there are only a couple of hundred of those total, and they are still very popular.

The first two Saturdays in August have no available Family Suites - not surprising since almost all the schools in the U.S. and Canada are still on summer vacation.

Starting on Saturday August 16, and EVERY Saturday in September right up to when Free Dining would likely end, the Family Suites were available for a six night stay on every one of my inquiries. Of course, a very large number of schools in the U.S. start back on August 18.

Now, I can't know this for certain, but if the Family Suites are easily available (apparently - I think this has been mentioned in some threads, some people are still getting AAA or using PIN code discounts on them for September) then I highly doubt that the Values are at capacity for late August and September.

Remember the great words of wisdom soothingly written upon the cover of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

DON'T PANIC

[mickey2000]

Remember that these rooms are like airline seats for a cheap airfare. Only so many are for free DDP. If your reasoning is true, then why last September, when I was at POP (first week). did I have trouble finding a bounce back for 10 nights in a row for two rooms ??? Maybe the CM was not familiar with his own system as some dates for September 2008 according to him were "sold out" . Maybe they have added more ? Or could it be what my neighbor was told last week. Moderates and above if the program is announced ?
I was able to book a second room for someone not even staying there provided I paid the deposit.
Too many CM's give mis information. The only fact I know is that last September 2007 some date were gone ......for POP..

[mickey2000]

Hopefully this turns out to be wrong, but I was told by CM that Free Dining will only be offered for Deluxe Resorts. We went last year during Free Dining , but DW just got a new job starting Mid-May so are Squeezing a trip in Apr 30-May 7th. Due to it being last minute and regular season I booked Pop Century. When i told CM will miss going in September(when we usually go) and that we got Free dining she said " you wouldn't be able to get it in a Value resort". i asked her to elaborate and she said the response from the bounce back and UK Free dining was so good that they are only doing it for Deluxe Resorts because they are at least capacity during September value season.Guess we'll see:confused3


What your saying makes sense as I had trouble last September for bounce back 2008 for POP. I was told several dates I picked were sold out !

[esdras]

What your saying makes sense as I had trouble last September for bounce back 2008 for POP. I was told several dates I picked were sold out !

This is entirely possible - POP (from what I gather) has seemed to be the most popular Value Resort for a while - and there are good reasons for this. It's the newest value, has its own bus, and is a little more centrally located.

When you wanted those rooms - you wanted BOUNCEBACK rooms. I'm sure that there were rooms at POP, some likely eligible for AAA or PIN Code discounts - but not Bounceback. Disney assigns x number of rooms for EACH code, promo, rack rate - etc.

I simply disagreed with the post saying that the values were at capacity for September. Obviously, some rooms (even the elusive Family Suites) are available, and some (including Family Suites) can even still be had with certain promos. As I mentioned, I believe that some have recently booked Family Suites in September at least on AAA rate. Of course, this doesn't mean that there will be ANY Suites available for Free Dining. For that matter, POP might not be available for Free Dining. I just can't fathom how the Values are so booked that there are no rooms available to be assigned to the Free Dining offer.

Once this gets announced, it will be the first truly public (for North Americans) discount for that time period. Yes, UK was public, but they always get offers earlier for logistical reasons. All those PIN codes from 20% to 40% are not public - and we can't begin to figure their impact on occupancy. And Bounceback cannot be considered a public discount either - you had to be on site at the time it was offered.

Sure, availability will be limited one way or another - but it shouldn't be to such an extent that you can't get a Value resort. I can see not getting a Family Suite, or perhaps not even getting your choice of Value - but if you act within the first day or so of the offer, and you want a Value, I'm pretty sure that you could pull that off.

The is speculation, of course, and I fully admit that I might be wrong. However, I can see no strong evidence to suggest that Value resorts will be excluded from the Public Free Dining in '08.

Don't Panic

[stoudt6]

Like I said hopefully what the CM told me turns out to be wrong. I know CM's are well known for telling "tall tales", but thinking about it makes sense. Disney always seems to be ahead of the rest when it comes to Economic predictions and indicators. With the dollar going down each day against the Euro , I can see why they are going after people from the UK to visit especially during Disney's slowest months. Also they already offered Free Dining for the Bouncebacks last year. It maybe that most of the Value and moderate rooms offered for free dining were taken by those 2 promotions , and what's really left is the Deluxe. If you look at a few of the Room discounts they did this year it was for Saratoga Springs and Old Key West -2 of the deluxe resorts they have trouble filling. Just my thoughts, and wish my fellow Disers Pixie Dust that Free Dining is for all Resorts.:wizard:

[esdras]

Like I said hopefully what the CM told me turns out to be wrong. I know CM's are well known for telling "tall tales", but thinking about it makes sense. Disney always seems to be ahead of the rest when it comes to Economic predictions and indicators. With the dollar going down each day against the Euro , I can see why they are going after people from the UK to visit especially during Disney's slowest months. Also they already offered Free Dining for the Bouncebacks last year. It maybe that most of the Value and moderate rooms offered for free dining were taken by those 2 promotions , and what's really left is the Deluxe. If you look at a few of the Room discounts they did this year it was for Saratoga Springs and Old Key West -2 of the deluxe resorts they have trouble filling. Just my thoughts, and wish my fellow Disers Pixie Dust that Free Dining is for all Resorts.:wizard:

What you say about the UK makes some sense, and even somewhat a few of the Canadian offers - not different, but coming out on the same day as Disney VISA holders - could be related to the USD.

The only problem I see with your reasoning is by mentioning the OKW/SS discounts. They were never public discounts.

Looking at mousesavers for all those "limited resort" discounts, they were:

1/6/08-2/2/08 "Bounceback" room-only offer only for guests staying at WDW Resorts and willing to prebook their next vacation for selected dates in 2008 (at selected resorts only, and dates available vary by resort)


1/6/08-2/2/08 package discount for Disney Rewards® Visa® Cardholders for OKW and SSR only

1/6/08-2/2/08 room-only discount for Disney Rewards® Visa® Cardholders for OKW and SSR only

2/24/08-3/1/08 "Bounceback" room-only offer only for guests staying at WDW Resorts and willing to prebook their next vacation for selected dates in 2008 (at selected resorts only, and dates available vary by resort)

3/30/08-4/12/08 room-only discount for Disney Rewards® Visa® Cardholders for Moderate resorts, OKW and SSR only

3/30/08-4/21/08 "Bounceback" room-only offer only for guests staying at WDW Resorts and willing to prebook their next vacation for selected dates in 2008 (at selected resorts only, and dates available vary by resort)

8/10/08-9/27/08 "Bounceback" room-only offer only for guests staying at WDW Resorts and willing to prebook their next vacation for selected dates in 2008 (at selected resorts only, and dates available vary by resort)

Every one of those limited to "selected resorts" or OKW/SS only were either to Bouncebackers (which is not public, you actually had to be onsite to get the offer), or Disney VISA holders (which is also not public).

Those two groups are a much smaller group (of course) than the entire populace of North America. When making an offer to a limited group, you will logically release a smaller number of rooms to be available under that promotion. It leaves a larger number of rooms available for future PUBLIC promotions.

Also, there is an advantage to public promotions that aren't available to the VISA or Bounceback promos. Public promotions often become well advertised - such as in Sunday newspaper travel sections - not so for bounceback, and (usually) not so for VISA offers either.

Marketing savvy would suggest keeping a good number of rooms open for any promo open to the public which will be advertised. These marketing promos will attract repeat business (like DISers), but it is also designed to get people to Disney for the first time - and hopefully that will be enough to make them want to come again.

Further, in all of 2008, there have only been two discounts available to the general public in North America (this means NO restrictions by residency, VISA membership, or luck of the draw on a code). They have been the two ticket upgrade packages - Jan. 1 to Mar. 15 and Mar. 30 to May 21. The Public is due for a good offer in the next Value Season.

That's my take on the situation.

[Wendy5055]

To be on the safe side for those of us who are waiting to make our ressies, would it be recommended to select from more than just the value resort catagories. To have a backup selection ready??? :confused3

I have my dh convinced that if free dining occurs, we will be going to Disney!!! I am on the edge of my seat waiting...:surfweb: popcorn::

[esdras]

To be on the safe side for those of us who are waiting to make our ressies, would it be recommended to select from more than just the value resort catagories. To have a backup selection ready??? :confused3

I have my dh convinced that if free dining occurs, we will be going to Disney!!! I am on the edge of my seat waiting...:surfweb: popcorn::
If you aren't booked already, I wouldn't bother making a ressie that you will probably have to adjust (to add the dining) anyway. Wait until the offer is announced, and then call - asking for your first choice, but be prepared to alter your plans somewhat. Have two or three choices in mind before you call.

I still think you can stay in a Value if you want - but you might not get your absolute first pick of which one - but I kind of expect rooms to be open at all four of them - remember, they account for almost half of all non-DVC rooms at Disney!

[utkscvol1]

I didn't know the pop had its on busses. Interesting. We are staying at Movies maybe we should switch. Hummm.

[mickey2000]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/diz/crystalballdd.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/diz/chicken.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/diz/chicken.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/diz/chicken.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/diz/chicken.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/diz/chicken.gif

[The Brain]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/diz/crystalballdd.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/diz/chicken.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/diz/chicken.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/diz/chicken.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/diz/chicken.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/diz/chicken.gifStill betting on mods or is this everything now?

[mickey2000]

Still betting on mods or is this everything now?

Not sure? Just going by what a few others said and what my neighbor was told !
CM's are known to be wrong at times .................

[pinkerbell]

I know that when I called at the end of the bounceback, I could not get the exact room I requested.. However, they did extend the promotion just a few days later. There are a lot of things to consider.. people booked just to get the bounceback, but then may have had to cancel as well as they probably only offered X number of rooms to "test the water" so to speak... as the months go on.. and they get a better picture of availability.. resorts that may have been full/booked for free dining, can now have availability.. a discounted room is usually better than an empty one.. I think most of the money is made in the parks.. Free dining gets you there an keeps you there.. $$$$$ ;)

[CanadianGuy]

Free dining theories are like bellybuttons ... everybody's got one but.. they're pretty much useless. :)

Seriously - for those wanting to book Free Dining .. the best of all possible worlds is that you can be flexible on resort OR on your dates... OR ideally -- BOTH!

The more flexibility you can figure into your plans, the more likely you'll be able to book something that you are excited to experience.

Just a little tip I learned from watching this all unfold last year... and the year before...

Hope it helps someone.

:)

Knox

[CastleChick]

I called this morning to do my ADR's and the CM said he had never heard of free dining promotions LMAO! so, he switched me to someone at the resorts and that CM also said he'd never heard of the free dining promo...ever. lol.

I just said "Oh, ok. I'll check back later cause I know it was offered as a bounceback offer last year and that the UK was able to book it" lol.

He did tell me though to call back in a few days for the MNSSHP tickets ;)

[sandybobandy]

I called this morning to do my ADR's and the CM said he had never heard of free dining promotions LMAO! so, he switched me to someone at the resorts and that CM also said he'd never heard of the free dining promo...ever. lol.

I just said "Oh, ok. I'll check back later cause I know it was offered as a bounceback offer last year and that the UK was able to book it" lol.

He did tell me though to call back in a few days for the MNSSHP tickets ;)

Haha! That cracks me up :)

[mousiemom]

you get on these boards and you get so excited and now i want to go during free dining!! we had ressies at the end of aug. last yr. at pop and then the free dining came out so we called back and applied that to our ressie. then the 1st of june, we received an email from disney offering us a free upgrade to saratoga or old key west cause they overbooked pop century. well, i said, of course i would like a 1br villa condo at saratoga for no extra chg!!!!! we had a ball and the free dining was so nice!! we were able to make all of our adr and get the dinners we wanted. the only thing we had to pay for on this trip was the gas, and souvenirs. so, i look to see about pop for the same time this yr and nothing is available there. to get the free dining we will stay at any of the value resorts!!!!
mousiemom

[sammi6]

you get on these boards and you get so excited and now i want to go during free dining!! we had ressies at the end of aug. last yr. at pop and then the free dining came out so we called back and applied that to our ressie. then the 1st of june, we received an email from disney offering us a free upgrade to saratoga or old key west cause they overbooked pop century. well, i said, of course i would like a 1br villa condo at saratoga for no extra chg!!!!! we had a ball and the free dining was so nice!! we were able to make all of our adr and get the dinners we wanted. the only thing we had to pay for on this trip was the gas, and souvenirs. so, i look to see about pop for the same time this yr and nothing is available there. to get the free dining we will stay at any of the value resorts!!!!
mousiemom


I know what you mean, we were at Disney in October of last year, it was near the middle and we didn't think that they would be offering the bounceback offer that late in the month, so we had decided that we were probably not going to vacation in 2008 to save money for our cruise in 09 and our vowel renewal at disney in 2010; well as soon as we saw the flyer in our room, we were on phone making reservations.

[couldbeme]

I know what you mean, we were at Disney in October of last year, it was near the middle and we didn't think that they would be offering the bounceback offer that late in the month, so we had decided that we were probably not going to vacation in 2008 to save money for our cruise in 09 and our vowel renewal at disney in 2010; well as soon as we saw the flyer in our room, we were on phone making reservations.


I'll take an E please!!!


Sorry I just had visions of Vanna White when I read this!!!:headache:

[mousiemom]

you were smart to go ahead and do the bounceback! they offered it to us when we were there at the end of aug. and in sept. but we didn't plan on coming back the same time next yr. if it comes out, i think i've convinced my dh to go and we would only have to take our dd out of school for 2 days. we went during labor day last yr and it wasn't bad. it was hot but we were indoors eating our free food!!!!
mousiemom

[disgram]

Just got off the phone with DH, after telling him that Free Dining MIGHT be annouced the 8th for Disney Visa Card Holders. We already have our reservations at POFQ for the 19th thru the 27th of August. IF, free dining is offered to start on the 23rd, do you think that there will be space available for us to move our vacation ahead a few days to take advantage of it?

Last year, we stayed at the ASMu and was able to get free dining for 5 out of the 9 days because there were no space for us to move the dates. Our DS and his family were in the Family Suites and were not able to get the free dining. Will this happen again this year, do you think?

[danx2plus3more]

MY MOTHER IN LAW IS A VISA HOLDER..AND WERE WAITING..WE BOOKED OUR ROOMS AND PACKAGE (MINUS DINING OF COURSE). AND WE PAID DEPOSIT WITH VISA. ALL ADRS ARE MADE, NOW IM WAITING FOR IT TO BECOME OFFICIAL.*****PIXIE DUST TO ALL*******:goodvibes

WE WILL BE DOING THE:banana: DANCE SOON!!!:cheer2:

[mousiemom]

i'm a disney visa cardholder and i think i will go ahead and book our room only and make my adrs and then when the offer comes out modify my ressie. just to be on the safe side.
mousiemom

[DaParkers]

I just called my agent at AAA and he told me that they had a meeting last night and that they believe Free Dining will be offered between April 10th-12th! I know that doesn't guarantee anything but I am optimistic and excited. We've had free dining the last 2 years and don't want to break the streak, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[The Brain]

Here's my question. If I go ahead and book now do I have to include the dining plan or leave it off?

For example if I leave it off and free dining comes along can I add dining free or will I have to have included dining in my initial booking to be considered eligible?

[The Brain]

I just called my agent at AAA and he told me that they had a meeting last night and that they believe Free Dining will be offered between April 10th-12th! I know that doesn't guarantee anything but I am optimistic and excited. We've had free dining the last 2 years and don't want to break the streak, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.3 days??

[sammi6]

Here's my question. If I go ahead and book now do I have to include the dining plan or leave it off?

For example if I leave it off and free dining comes along can I add dining free or will I have to have included dining in my initial booking to be considered eligible?


Leave it off, my friend just booked the room last year and then when the free dining offer became available she just called and re-booked/modified her ressie, that way she only had to do a one night deposit instead of the $200 for the package. Just a word of caution though, Pop is very hard to get.

[CarolA]

A few thoughts....

1. Remember booking a room now does NOT gurantee you will be able to get Free Dining. So, don't assume that "if I have a DDP now" or "I have a room" you can just get Free Dining. There have to be "free dining" rooms open at YOUR resort on YOUR dates. (Flexiblity helps!) So I don't know why folks encourage you to "book now" It's not really related.

2. I think the 10-12th rumor probably means opening to Disney Visa on the 10th and everyone else on the 12th. Booking period will be longer then three days.


3. Book your ADRs now. But be nice. If you don't get Free Dining and don't plan to use them, please cancel. It's only polite.

My thoughts still are that it MAY not be offered for values or will be very limited for values. I expect it will be offered however. I have this sneaky feeling it MAKES Disney money. You buy a FULL price room (which I wouldn't pay FULL Price for most Disney resorts... LOL!) And I bet other purchases go up. "Sure honey we can afford the $200 Big Fig, after all we got FREE DINING" Do that a few times and you probably spent just as much if not more then you would have on dining before LOL!

[sammi6]

I completely agree with CarolA. There is no guarantee and booking now really doesn't help you. Like I said, my friend had to rebook/modify her ressie. She was originally suppose to stay in POP but when the free dining came out, that promotion was full at POP so she had to re-book with ASMu. The arguement she made was that she had a ressie at POP so why couldn't they apply the dining to her room and they said that all the rooms that were available at POP for that promotion were sold out.

[DaParkers]

3 days??

The first day it's offered would be April 10th, April 11th, or April 12th and would be offered until sold out.

[danx2plus3more]

im not booked at pop..im at por and how i think it helps is my room is already reserved, if i dont get the free dining( i think i will) then i will use another code that comes along and maybe not save as much. the positive is when i call in i dont have to book my room first all i do is give them a ressie # and they apply the free dining code if avaliable and riverside is pretty big im sure they have a good chunk of rooms to go around. if i was planning on staying at a value then i would be concerned but with a mod i feel my chances are better.


i also will be calling first thing using 5 different phone lines..first one to get through is the one i will use on top of that figure in the fact that we will get the chance to book b4 general public and i really think my chances are great.

anyone stay at riverside in the past during dining?..i love thier create your own pasta place. its to die for

[pinkerbell]

A few thoughts....

I have this sneaky feeling it MAKES Disney money. You buy a FULL price room (which I wouldn't pay FULL Price for most Disney resorts... LOL!) And I bet other purchases go up. "Sure honey we can afford the $200 Big Fig, after all we got FREE DINING" Do that a few times and you probably spent just as much if not more then you would have on dining before LOL!

I hear that Loud and Clear!!! :thumbsup2

[eam]

MY MOTHER IN LAW IS A VISA HOLDER..AND WERE WAITING..WE BOOKED OUR ROOMS AND PACKAGE (MINUS DINING OF COURSE). AND WE PAID DEPOSIT WITH VISA. ALL ADRS ARE MADE, NOW IM WAITING FOR IT TO BECOME OFFICIAL.*****PIXIE DUST TO ALL*******:goodvibes

WE WILL BE DOING THE:banana: DANCE SOON!!!:cheer2:

We have all our ADRs for the middle of Sept. If free dining does come out, is anyone positive that we will retain our ADRs - if we add free dining? I am just afraid we will lose our current ADRs -- don't want to do that! :scared:

[d23cndrela]

you wont... ADR's have nothing to do with Free dining , except if you have free dining you better make so adr's

[The Brain]

Only problem is I'm trying not to make ADRs until I and 100% sure one the dates. I'd PREFER to go the last week of September, but If I can't I'll go the 2nd week.

That's leads me to another question. I'm wanting to stay the 20th till the 28th. If they cut it off on the 27th will I get free dining for the last day? I know in the past they allowed that.

[DznyDreams]

A few thoughts....

1. Remember booking a room now does NOT gurantee you will be able to get Free Dining. So, don't assume that "if I have a DDP now" or "I have a room" you can just get Free Dining. There have to be "free dining" rooms open at YOUR resort on YOUR dates. (Flexiblity helps!) So I don't know why folks encourage you to "book now" It's not really related. . . .

ITA with CarolA's entire post! I just quoted her on the first point because I'd like to add my own simple-minded thoughts on the subject of booking now vs. waiting. . .

IF you do not plan to go to WDW unless free dining or another discount is offered, then by all means, don't book until the offer is available. However, if you're going anyway, and you know that you'll save money by using the dining plan (even if you pay for it), then by all means, book now. More so if your heart's desire is to stay at a particular resort, and especially if it's a resort that is often booked to capacity almost year round (i.e., WL). At least you'll have the security of knowing that, in the event no offers are available for your dates or resort choice, you will have the resort and plan you either desire or can afford (which ever the case may be).
:hippie:

[wdwmaw]

Only problem is I'm trying not to make ADRs until I and 100% sure one the dates. I'd PREFER to go the last week of September, but If I can't I'll go the 2nd week.

That's leads me to another question. I'm wanting to stay the 20th till the 28th. If they cut it off on the 27th will I get free dining for the last day? I know in the past they allowed that.

No, I don't think dinsy will allow this. This will be all new but there has been some hints to this allready.
Disney has changed pricing at the end of an offer back to rack.
The tickets were allowed to continue but that is a one time flat fee on the tickets anyway and not priced out day to day.Dining would be something added on a day by day basis and disney is now pricing day by day. We will all see. Free dining was allowed to flow into later dates for the bounceback but disney changed there policy after the fact.

[eam]

We booked in Jan. or Feb. for the middle of September in hopes of a slow time of the year at WDW. Free Dining or not -- we are going to WDW!!!!! :thumbsup2

[cdel73]

I called today to see if I had a discount attatched to my name and got an awesome cm who checked for me. Unfortunately, I had none.:sad1: However, he told me to check the website frequently starting in April as a great promotion will be announced (better than a pin code were his words). He said he wouldn't know the dates until closer, but it has been offered the past few years. I told him we have had free dining the last two years and he told me that I knew what he was talking about then. We are arriving August 10th and he said that may be a bit early, but you never know.

I have called Disney many times in the past few years about free dining and never had one cm tell me it was coming like this guy did. Hopefully, he is right.

[DznyDreams]

pluto: I love it when a nice CM throws us a bone! :dogdance:

These tidbits are rolling in at a :snail: pace, so every little report helps! :goodvibes Thanks for sharing! :thumbsup2

[MinnieVanMom]

I am still sticking to my Dave Rasmey plan. I will not go to Disney, I will not go to Disney.....ummm....

[mousiemom]

after reading on these boards, i decided to go ahead and book @ Pop. i went ahead and made all of my adrs so here's hoping for the disney visa offer to come on out!!:yay:
mousiemom

[Goof-abulous]

Bring on the bones. I too am waiting for FD for August. I went in September of last year and got a room at the BC with FD. I want ot push it back though. We have family who are vacationing in the beginning of August and although I would go twice I don't know that I can do it.

[Step]

I have this sneaky feeling it MAKES Disney money.

You buy a FULL price room (which I wouldn't pay FULL Price for most Disney resorts... LOL!) And I bet other purchases go up. "Sure honey we can afford the $200 Big Fig, after all we got FREE DINING" Do that a few times and you probably spent just as much if not more then you would have on dining before LOL!

I get what you are trying to say, however...

Ticket and airfare costs are the same cost regardless of which room discount type you get. Lets say $2000 for 4 adults (in my case).

Free dining for 4 adults for 7 nights is a flat discount of $38x4x7 = $1054

Possible room discounts available:
value 20% off
moderate 30% off
deluxe 40% off

2008 standard rates (value season):
value $82
moderate $149
deluxe $225-$385

Results from 7 nights in 2 rooms:

Value ($82x2x7 = $1148)

20% off room
+$1148(room)
-$229(savings)
+$1054(dining)
+$2000(air/tickets)
=$3973(total)

free dining
+$1148(room)
-$1054(savings)
+$1054(dining)
+$2000(air/tickets)
=$3148(total)

Moderate ($149x2x7 = $2086)

30% off room
+$2086(room)
-$625(savings)
+$1054(dining)
+$2000(air/tickets)
=$4515(total)

free dining
+$2086(room)
-$1054(savings)
+$1054(dining)
+$2000(air/tickets)
=$4086(total)

Deluxe ($225x2x7 = $3150)

40% off room
+$3150(room)
-$1260(savings)
+$1054(dining)
+$2000(air/tickets)
=$6044(total)

free dining
+$3150(room)
-$1054(savings)
+$1054(dining)
+$2000(air/tickets)
=$5150(total)

Deluxe ($385x2x7 = $5390)

40% off room
+$5390(room)
-$2516(savings)
+$1054(dining)
+$2000(air/tickets)
=$5928(total)

free dining
+$5390(room)
-$1054(savings)
+$1054(dining)
+$2000(air/tickets)
=$7390(total)

Free dining clearly beats out room discounts until you stay at the most expensive deluxe resorts.

Hope these calculations help someone out.

( I got my data from mouse savers.com and from memory, correct me if I have something wrong)

[Nicole786]

i'm hoping for FD for 2 reasons:

1) for all of you guys! It truly was the most awesome thing about last years trip!

2) low crowds and room discounts the week before! LOL (thats when i go!)

[n2mm]

i'm hoping for FD for 2 reasons:

1) for all of you guys! It truly was the most awesome thing about last years trip!

2) low crowds and room discounts the week before! LOL (thats when i go!)

My dates are Aug. 10-20 and pretty sure my dates are not included. Your number 2 makes me feel OK about not getting the free ddp.

[jerseygal]

Step, in your deluxe calculation..you I believe are using $375..You must use "value season rates"...In value season, the deluxe at YC, BC, BWI, is $325...I think Poly is $340...AK and WL is less expensive.If you re-do calculations, I would agree, 40% at Deluxe will be better even with the room change amount. Free Dining vs 20% at Deluxe I believe will be better...

Here's hoping for Free Dining!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:thumbsup2 :cheer2:

[The Brain]

How is it low crowds before free dining?? That's when school is still out, and the park is FULL. Actually its the last few weeks before school goes back in so parents try to all get in one last vacaton... so like I said FULL.

[CarolA]

I get what you are trying to say, however...

Ticket and airfare costs are the same cost regardless of which room discount type you get. Lets say $2000 for 4 adults (in my case).

)


No I don't think you get what I am saying...

So you saved $800 at a moderate.

You and your family now have a "psycholoigical" feeling of "savings" So instead of the $200 budget you might have had without Free Dining for souvieners and the $1000 budget you had to buy meals out of pocket you spend $1,400 on "special" souvieners..... Mark up on souviners is a lot more then on food and costs to sell are lower then food. (fewer employees required to run a cash register then a resutrant)

So.... Disney just made MORE money LOL!

And I bet it's true. I bet folks wind up spending MORE on "special" treats then the saved or would have spent without the deal. I hear it on here enough to feel it's true. People come back with trip reports of "since we we were saving so much we bought the XYZ we always wanted" LOL!

[CarolA]

How is it low crowds before free dining?? That's when school is still out, and the park is FULL. Actually its the last few weeks before school goes back in so parents try to all get in one last vacaton... so like I said FULL.


All of the schools in the South are BACK in session by then. I have gone the week before Labor Day with my friends from Boston and it was not "FULL" It was less crowded then mid July or Christmas. That's FULL! LOL!

[Step]

No I don't think you get what I am saying...

So you saved $800 at a moderate.

You and your family now have a "psycholoigical" feeling of "savings" So instead of the $200 budget you might have had without Free Dining for souvieners and the $1000 budget you had to buy meals out of pocket you spend $1,400 on "special" souvieners..... Mark up on souviners is a lot more then on food and costs to sell are lower then food. (fewer employees required to run a cash register then a resutrant)

So.... Disney just made MORE money LOL!

And I bet it's true. I bet folks wind up spending MORE on "special" treats then the saved or would have spent without the deal. I hear it on here enough to feel it's true. People come back with trip reports of "since we we were saving so much we bought the XYZ we always wanted" LOL!

I didn't mean to be rude or anything with my post. I realized you were talking about the psychological effect. I was addressing the part of your comment about full price rooms. I would certainly pay full price for a room if I would have $800 more to spend on souvenirs.

Why on earth would I want to pay $800 more and not have that extra $800 for souvenirs or savings instead?

I guess the difference between me and most folks is that I don't spend money I don't have. If I have $200 I'll spend $200 on souvenirs. If I have $1000, I'll spend anywhere from $200 to $1000 on souvenirs. I won't spend $1400 if I can't afford it.

Secondly, if people want to spend more money because they are happy with their discount and enjoy their trip AND they can afford it, all the power to them. Doesn't effect my calculations in anyway.

[Step]

Step, in your deluxe calculation..you I believe are using $375..You must use "value season rates"...In value season, the deluxe at YC, BC, BWI, is $325...I think Poly is $340...AK and WL is less expensive.If you re-do calculations, I would agree, 40% at Deluxe will be better even with the room change amount. Free Dining vs 20% at Deluxe I believe will be better...

Here's hoping for Free Dining!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:thumbsup2 :cheer2:

Grand Floridian is the most expensive at a rate of $385 during value season.
Animal Kingdom / Wilderness Lodge are cheapest at a rate of $225 during value season.

That's why I used both those values. You'll see I have two deluxe calculations.

[lovesdumbo]

How is it low crowds before free dining?? That's when school is still out, and the park is FULL. Actually its the last few weeks before school goes back in so parents try to all get in one last vacaton... so like I said FULL.

I've been to WDW in late Aug 05,06, & 07. While Aug 07 was busier than 05 & 06 it wasn't as busy as a lot of other times of the year-I think WDW is busier a lot of the year now. I'm sure September is still relatively quiet-who wants to take their kids out of school just as it is starting? I think a lot of families who aren't already in school are busy getting ready for school in late Aug. Folks have limited vacation time and I think a lot choose to go closer to when school gets out. A lot of kids who participate in sports have to start the sports up before the school year starts.

[DaParkers]

How is it low crowds before free dining?? That's when school is still out, and the park is FULL. Actually its the last few weeks before school goes back in so parents try to all get in one last vacaton... so like I said FULL.

Not true. Do you notice the malls the last few weeks before school? They're crowded, because people are getting ready for school. Most Summer vacations hapen in June or July. I would never go to WDW at a FULL time. I've been there right before school starts and the parks are not FULL. That's why Disney calls it Value Season and lowers their prices. Why lower prices if you're FULL?

[Nicole786]

My dates are Aug. 10-20 and pretty sure my dates are not included. Your number 2 makes me feel OK about not getting the free ddp.

From what I heard last year, the week before the promotion started it was super low crowds! I think I heard the last week in August was bad, but I went the first-second week in september and it was heaven! Even the restaurants were less mobbed than usual lol

[Maliki2]

Here I was thinking I would skip out on Disney this year due to the expense. Well I did some numbers and with that "rumor" of free dining again, I think my family is going to "splurge" for another trip this year. The airline prices I checked last night made me :dance3: Vermont to Orlando and back for 2 adults and one child...$567 (including taxes) in Sept...that just can't be beat right now.

[TarzansKat]

Here I was thinking I would skip out on Disney this year due to the expense. Well I did some numbers and with that "rumor" of free dining again, I think my family is going to "splurge" for another trip this year. The airline prices I checked last night made me :dance3: Vermont to Orlando and back for 2 adults and one child...$567 (including taxes) in Sept...that just can't be beat right now.

May I ask where you found such great airfare? :)

[Ms.Grumpy]

So crossing my fingers, toes, and eyes for free dining! We are going in Aug and we had such a wondeful time with free dining last Sept. that I want to relive the magic again!
:cheer2:

[Maliki2]

May I ask where you found such great airfare? :)

Jetblue....roughly the dates that we will be going....tried some different dates and kind of flexible with same deal....Sept 9-Sept 17 in this example..

Going Out

Airfare / Adult $ 78.14 USD
Taxes / Adult ( details) $ 16.36 USD
Subtotal / $ 94.50 USD
X 2 Adults $ 189.00 USD

Airfare / Child $ 78.14 USD
Taxes / Child ( details) $ 16.36 USD
Subtotal / $ 94.50 USD
X 1 Child $ 94.50 USD

Coming Back

Airfare / Adult $ 78.14 USD
Taxes / Adult ( details) $ 16.36 USD
Subtotal / $ 94.50 USD
X 2 Adults $ 189.00 USD

Airfare / Child $ 78.14 USD
Taxes / Child ( details) $ 16.36 USD
Subtotal / $ 94.50 USD
X 1 Child $ 94.50 USD


Total Cost of Flight $ 567.00 USD

[goinback]

May I ask where you found such great airfare? :)

I also found a GREAT JetBlue fare. $645 total RT for my family of 5 from Dulles to MCO!

[mickey2000]

That sounds about right for Jet Blue Great fares....
I got 5 tickets, PHL MCO,nonstop, not midweek, Friday to Sunday, September, USair
with all fees and taxes for $217 each........

[TarzansKat]

We actually don't have Jet Blue at the airport closest to us. Our best bet, I think would be Southwest, but I know they don't release their really good Sept airfare until beginning to mid July. Also there's DING, but I find that to be very hard to book on unless you're on top of it as soon as it becomes available. I work part time, but since I'm not allowed to download that at work, I'd miss those days. Ah well, thanks for the info! :)

[The Brain]

Try AirTran. I checked and they beat JetBlue in the Charlotte NC area as far as rates go.

[danx2plus3more]

another site is posting the same rumor...7th for cardholder and 10th for public

[howdyfrtx]

Could you tell what site?

[sandybobandy]

Just off the phone with a dining CM..... :)

When she asked if we were on the dining plan, I responded "Nope, not unless it's free!" And she replied, "well it's not going to be free this year."

I take it with a grain of salt but thought I'd share :)

[jerseygal]

Okay, we'll see......Monday, April 7th is just a week away!!!!!!!!!!!
Fingers and toes crossed!!!!!!!!!!!:wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard:

[JLKennedy]

We booked our air with Spirit Airlines (less crowded than PHL) in Atlantic City. For the 4 of us (2 adults & 2 kids ....same price), we're leaving Sat. 9-6 at 7 am non-stop to MCO, returning on 9-13 at 5pm non-stop to ACY and with all taxes we've paid $796.00.

Airfare portion: 662.32/4 =$165.58 per person/2 (each way) $82.79 each way.
Taxes & fees: $105.68

Not bad IMO. We refuse to fly from PHL, just too much of a hassle with 2 young kids.

[scgustin]

Posted this in "official" thread:

Hate to deliver more bad news... but I spoke with a CM today, and she also said that FD wasn't going to be offered this year. She was aware it was offered in the past, and also was familiar with the bounceback promotion...

She was reluctant to tell me it that FD was a 'no go', but she seemed fairly certain.

I know this might be bad news for many, but just remember... it was just a CM. Although, I would trust her more than the other rumors we've heard. :confused3

[danx2plus3more]

mousemiser is listing same dates now for free dining

[danx2plus3more]

and i dint really check the site out but someone said it (mousemiser) is a travel agency. i dunno but it sounds like its going to happen..maybe they are just doing a good job of keeping a lid on it. i hoping to hear somthing from visa tomorrow

[esdras]

and i dint really check the site out but someone said it (mousemiser) is a travel agency. i dunno but it sounds like its going to happen..maybe they are just doing a good job of keeping a lid on it. i hoping to hear somthing from visa tomorrow

My wife spoke last week to a friend at church who works as a travel agent and mentioned the mousemiser info that I had shown her. Her friend's reply was that in general, travel agencies can get some advance notice on upcoming discounts, but not all the details. In fact, she admitted that her office was aware of Disney likely offering a Public Free Dining package again with booking dates starting in early April - BUT, they were not given any details about the offer, such as travel dates or resort restrictions - something my wife asked her directly. When my wife mentioned that this website included the travel dates, her friend wondered how they would have that info - when my wife told her the dates matched the Disney Bounceback offer (yes, I keep her filled in regarding the details), her friend thought that mousemisers simply predicted the dates based on that factor. While she said that there is the possibility of that being accurate, it isn't a guarantee that they are right.

Essentially, my wife was told that when there are similar offers in the travel industry geared towards different groups (in this case: UK, Bounceback and Public), there are often slight - and sometimes major - differences in the offer details. She's not expecting to know for certain the travel dates or resort limitations (if any) until it opens to the VISA holders. At best, she admitted that in the past she has had the official info a day or two ahead of the advance VISA offer - but promo details have been harder to come by this year.

[The Brain]

My wife spoke last week to a friend at church who works as a travel agent and mentioned the mousemiser info that I had shown her. Her friend's reply was that in general, travel agencies can get some advance notice on upcoming discounts, but not all the details. In fact, she admitted that her office was aware of Disney likely offering a Public Free Dining package again with booking dates starting in early April - BUT, they were not given any details about the offer, such as travel dates or resort restrictions - something my wife asked her directly. When my wife mentioned that this website included the travel dates, her friend wondered how they would have that info - when my wife told her the dates matched the Disney Bounceback offer (yes, I keep her filled in regarding the details), her friend thought that mousemisers simply predicted the dates based on that factor. While she said that there is the possibility of that being accurate, it isn't a guarantee that they are right.

Essentially, my wife was told that when there are similar offers in the travel industry geared towards different groups (in this case: UK, Bounceback and Public), there are often slight - and sometimes major - differences in the offer details. She's not expecting to know for certain the travel dates or resort limitations (if any) until it opens to the VISA holders. At best, she admitted that in the past she has had the official info a day or two ahead of the advance VISA offer - but promo details have been harder to come by this year.
It could be possible that Disney is being more tight lipped this year, in hopes of pushing the bounceback program more.

[housemouse]

Posted this in "official" thread:

Hate to deliver more bad news... but I spoke with a CM today, and she also said that FD wasn't going to be offered this year. She was aware it was offered in the past, and also was familiar with the bounceback promotion...

She was reluctant to tell me it that FD was a 'no go', but she seemed fairly certain.

I know this might be bad news for many, but just remember... it was just a CM. Although, I would trust her more than the other rumors we've heard. :confused3

Don't take it to heart right now. When I was making my dining reservations(already had a booked a room) the CM told me I couldn't book any further than the day I had just booked. I asked her what about the 180+10 day rule for resort guests? She hadn' heard of that before.:confused3 She looked it up, agreed I was right and went on booking my ADRs. They don't always know everything. And I'll keep telling myself that.:)

[DaParkers]

My wife spoke last week to a friend at church who works as a travel agent and mentioned the mousemiser info that I had shown her. Her friend's reply was that in general, travel agencies can get some advance notice on upcoming discounts, but not all the details. In fact, she admitted that her office was aware of Disney likely offering a Public Free Dining package again with booking dates starting in early April - BUT, they were not given any details about the offer, such as travel dates or resort restrictions - something my wife asked her directly. When my wife mentioned that this website included the travel dates, her friend wondered how they would have that info - when my wife told her the dates matched the Disney Bounceback offer (yes, I keep her filled in regarding the details), her friend thought that mousemisers simply predicted the dates based on that factor. While she said that there is the possibility of that being accurate, it isn't a guarantee that they are right.

Essentially, my wife was told that when there are similar offers in the travel industry geared towards different groups (in this case: UK, Bounceback and Public), there are often slight - and sometimes major - differences in the offer details. She's not expecting to know for certain the travel dates or resort limitations (if any) until it opens to the VISA holders. At best, she admitted that in the past she has had the official info a day or two ahead of the advance VISA offer - but promo details have been harder to come by this year.

My AAA agent gave me similar info. He was quite sure that it would be offered based on an office meeting they had last Thurs. He couldn't guarantee it, but told me to have my deposit ready around the 10th. No offense to any CM's here on the boards, but a bunch of them are clueless.

[wendylovesdisney]

Spoke to a cm today on the phone who said "something big" was happening in the next week or 2 because they were scheduling extra people for the increase in calls to be supposedly coming in.

[bettyann29]

Just curious..

I currently have a few days booked in September as we were going to go on a 3 day Disney cruise and then head over to WDW for a few days, but I decided to just make it a WDW trip and we can take it easy and just enjoy DisneyWorld, as we are usually rushing to get it all in..

My question is this...l would love to get in on the free dining if they offer it.. Is it best for me to go ahead and call tomorrow and rebook our package for the entire time we plan to be there or is it best to just wait now until something is announced on the free dining?? Just wondered if it is best to get the room entirely booked and then worry about adding the free dining later...

Im thinking maybe I should call tomorrow and just get the package so we at least have a room for the entire time rather than wait and possible not get it.. and then worry about the fd when its announced..