Free Dining Plan for U.S. Citizens

[MJ6987]

Hi,
Here in the UK we are occasionally able to get free Disney Dining Plan - in August I think. But I read somewhere that U.S. Citizens can get this offered at any time. Is this true? If so, would there be anyway of booking from the UK, via the U.S. to get this?
Thanks,
Matthew;)

[RMulieri]

NO.US citizens actually get it less time than people in the UK.This year,Ours starts the end of August and runs until SEpt 20th,and we had to book by June 22.We usually get it offered for less time than you guys do and only in August or Sept.Sorry

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Dates and availability of free dining for US residents is much more limited than for UK residents. The offer is usually released on shorter notice for US residents, too.

[Allison]

That is definitely not true.

[Seahunt]

No, it's not offered all the time. :goodvibes If you look at the last 2 years Free Dining history you can see how the UK Res were offered it much earlier than US Res (practically one year ahead, instead of April=4 months ahead like US Res) along with longer range of stay dates- I think because of the international travel involved (to make it easier for UK Res to book international flights, etc.):

For check ins between 8/12/07-9/29/07 package discounts ("free dining") for UK residents became available on 8/25/06, exp 11/6/06

For check ins between 8/26/07-9/22/07 package discounts ("free dining") for Disney Rewards® Visa® Cardholders became available on 4/9/07, exp 6/24/07

For check ins between 8/26/07-9/22/07 package discounts ("free dining") for general public became available on 4/12/07, exp 6/24/07

For check ins between 8/10/08-9/27/08 package discount ("free dining") for UK residents became available on 8/23/07, exp 11/6/07

For check ins between 8/24/08-9/20/08 package discounts ("free dining") for Disney Rewards® Visa® Cardholders became available on 4/7/08, exp 6/22/08

For check ins between 8/24/08-9/20/08 package discounts ("free dining") for general public became available on 4/10/08, exp 6/22/08

For check ins between 8/30/08-9/27/08 "Bounceback" package discount ("free dining") only for guests staying at WDW Resorts and willing to prebook their next vacation for selected dates in 2008 became available on 8/31/07, exp 9/28/07, extended through 10/12/07
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I have seen posts here on the DIS where UK Res had used WDW directly and US TA's to book vacations (maybe try the sponsor on here "Dreams Unlimited Travel" to see if they work with UK Res? Although it would be better to book during the UK Res booking period since it's so much further ahead date-wise than the US) ;)

BTW - I have also seen posts where US Res wanted to use UK TA's to be able to book Free Dining during the UK Res booking period, so you're not the only one who has considered this! :laughing:

[comingtodisney]

i booked trough a uk ta, you could not book a value resort and you had to get your tickets off them also