No Free Dining for General Public?

[rosiep]

I received a pin code for free dining. When I called I asked if the free dining would be open to the general public and she said no. Do you think this is true? On the one hand, the "pin" would be a useless perk if it does eventually open to the GP, but on the other hand I thought Disney has offered free dining to the GP for the last few years.

[Lynne M]

There's no way to predict when or if free dining will be open to anyone. The execs in the resorts division make that decision. Anyone else (including that CM) is just guessing.

They only offer free dining (or any discount) when and if they need to. If resorts aren't booking up to their expectations, they'll offer free dining. Or some other incentive. If the bookings look good, they won't offer it.

If you're looking for FD in August/September, they've made that announcement sometime in April.

[rosiep]

There's no way to predict when or if free dining will be open to anyone. The execs in the resorts division make that decision. Anyone else (including that CM) is just guessing.

They only offer free dining (or any discount) when and if they need to. If resorts aren't booking up to their expectations, they'll offer free dining. Or some other incentive. If the bookings look good, they won't offer it.

If you're looking for FD in August/September, they've made that announcement sometime in April.

Do you know how many times in the past it has been offered? Has it happened for the last three years for instance?
The pin was for August and September.

[RMulieri]

The general public promo has been since 2005 I believe.The fact that disney sent out these person specific pins is a little weird.That does not mean they won't offer it to everyone.I booked the bounceback promotion last Sept fpr this Sept, and this new pincode has slightly earlier and different dates.So maybe if they do offer it it will be different dates as well, or they may not offer it this year.

[septbaby]

If Disney feels they'll need to offer that promotion to fill the parks they will expand the program. The last 2yrs the general public announcement came out in April with a Disney Visa card announcement slightly sooner.

The 4/3 program may be a better option for Disney. Still gives a price break, fills the parks/resorts for longer visits thus gives them a greater chance to take even more money from guests.

[catne]

the CM was probably referring to what's available right now...and no general public free dining promo now.

What will happen in April undoubtedly depends on how the 4/3 bookings go...and they might just extend that into Sept/Oct instead of offering the Free Dining to the gen public...it's probably less costly to Disney.

[sugabutt]

OP - how did you get the PIN? Did it come with your Disney Visa statement? or was it in an email or a postcard? I'm keeping an eye out for mine, hopefully it will come.

Thanks,
Heather

[TDC Nala]

There isn't any way to know for sure until WDW releases a general public promotion. If they adhere to tradition from past years, it will be announced next month for booking in the first week of April for August-September trip dates.

Not everyone will get a PIN - I haven't ever gotten a free dining PIN.

[rosiep]

OP - how did you get the PIN? Did it come with your Disney Visa statement? or was it in an email or a postcard? I'm keeping an eye out for mine, hopefully it will come.

Thanks,
Heather

My pin came in an email. Hope one comes for you too!

[n2mm]

I received a pin code for free dining. When I called I asked if the free dining would be open to the general public and she said no. Do you think this is true? On the one hand, the "pin" would be a useless perk if it does eventually open to the GP, but on the other hand I thought Disney has offered free dining to the GP for the last few years.

Often we hear this each year and every year it has still been offered to the public. However, you (like me) received this offer with certain dates. Once the offer is released to the public it will be for whatever dates are leftover. So your pin is special in terms that it gives you a shot at more desireable dates and better availability than the public. So even if FD is announced to the public (which I think it will), the dates available may be slightly different and some resorts will not be available. Please note that the email offer has to be booked by 2/26!

[rosiep]

Often we hear this each year and every year it has still been offered to the public. However, you (like me) received this offer with certain dates. Once the offer is released to the public it will be for whatever dates are leftover. So your pin is special in terms that it gives you a shot at more desireable dates and better availability than the public. So even if FD is announced to the public (which I think it will), the dates available may be slightly different and some resorts will not be available. Please note that the email offer has to be booked by 2/26!

Thank you, I appreciate the information. I did book a trip but have never gone in September before and I am hoping the FD doesn't create tremendous crowds.

[squirrel]

It's not too busy in September. The restaurants are very busy!

[aubriee]

Thank you, I appreciate the information. I did book a trip but have never gone in September before and I am hoping the FD doesn't create tremendous crowds.


I've gone during free dining every year since they've been offering it. Sept is a great time to go. It is hot and rains sometimes, but crowds are minimal. Alot of rides are walk on. I usually go every May, Sept, Dec, and sometimes in Jan. Sept always has the lightest crowds. I was able to get bounceback free dining when I was there last Sept, so will be there this Sept 26-Oct 4th for free dining again. Can't wait!:cool1: So far we've always managed to be there between hurricanes, so it's been great. Last year there were two hurricanes hovering around the Carribean when we were there, so alot of people canceled. It was great. There was a nice breeze and no people. One word of warning though: restaurants are packed, even though the parks may be empty because people who would normally be eating off site or at CS restaurants are all eating TS. Make your ADRs at 90 days out.

[kaytieeldr]

The general public promo has been since 2005 I believe. And the Disney Dining Plan was introduced in 2005, so - Free Dining has been offered as a promotion to the general public every year that the DDP has been in existence :)

While sop is to state "but there's no way to know if it will be offered this year or not", one can reasonably expect that it will be - to the general public, I mean.

[RMulieri]

The parks are not very light crowds.The restaurants are CRAZY BUSY.This is definitely not the time to try and wing it without Adrs.

[Princess_Jo]

On the one hand, the "pin" would be a useless perk if it does eventually open to the GP, but on the other hand I thought Disney has offered free dining to the GP for the last few years.

If you think about it, "free dining" has not become available until April the past few years. Since you received a pin code in February, this gives you a two month advantage on booking your hotel. So even if Disney does release "free dining" to the general public, the pin is not a useless perk because you would already be guaranteed your room.

[catne]

we were there for free dining starting Labor Day weekend in 2008. We usually go in May before most schools get out. September crowds were much smaller than May...Free dining makes the restaurants busy, not so much the parks.

[rosiep]

we were there for free dining starting Labor Day weekend in 2008. We usually go in May before most schools get out. September crowds were much smaller than May...Free dining makes the restaurants busy, not so much the parks.

Thanks...that's really comforting to know.

[rosiep]

If you think about it, "free dining" has not become available until April the past few years. Since you received a pin code in February, this gives you a two month advantage on booking your hotel. So even if Disney does release "free dining" to the general public, the pin is not a useless perk because you would already be guaranteed your room.

Does anyone know what percentage of rooms are set aside for such an offer?

[kaytieeldr]

Nope. It isn't a percentage of rooms so much as it's a occupancy level goal - and it's not necessarily the same goal for each resort.

[rosiep]

Nope. It isn't a percentage of rooms so much as it's a occupancy level goal - and it's not necessarily the same goal for each resort.

Thanks that's great information. :thumbsup2

[mma800]

Are the resort restaurants busy too, or just the parks? Should be both as guests using DDP are staying on property- but are they eating on site as well?:dance3: TIA

[rosiep]

Are the resort restaurants busy too, or just the parks? Should be both as guests using DDP are staying on property- but are they eating on site as well?:dance3: TIA

I eat at least three of my meals ( for a weeks stay) at TS Resort Restaurants, just as a reference.
How about everyone else? Are you eating in the parks and or utilizing the resort restaurants?

[TDC Nala]

Are the resort restaurants busy too, or just the parks? Should be both as guests using DDP are staying on property- but are they eating on site as well?:dance3: TIA

Almost all restaurants (that accept DDP) are very busy. It's recommended that during free dining you have ADRs for every TS meal whether you are on the dining plan or not (that's how it's been in the past).

[iloveeeyore]

I eat at least three of my meals ( for a weeks stay) at TS Resort Restaurants, just as a reference.
How about everyone else? Are you eating in the parks and or utilizing the resort restaurants?

We dine at the resorts because we like the restaurants better, in general (except on Epcot days).

[skater]

I agree with previous posters about the retaurants. All of my top choice restaurants were turning people away during free dining, however there was some availability. One day we walked into guest services at Epcot, and they had a sign up that listed several restaurants as still available for lunch and dinner. But I definately wouldn't count on it, and what a bummer it would be to have the dining plan and not find an available place!

I do think that the Sept. crowds have been steadily rising, but its still not too bad. We just got back from a short Feb. trip, and we found it to be more crowded than Sept. Still, its important to go first thing in the morning if you don't like crowds.

[rosiep]

I always make ADR's so I'm used to that. Since this trip I'll be with my husband rather than my daughter I'm thinking that I may do the ole early to the parks, back to the resort for a nap, and then back out again.

I'm staying positive and I'm coming up with a PLAN! :lmao: