Adding Free Dining Midway Through Trip

[Christine]

Someone I know is going to Disney on 8/12/08. Free dining starts on 8/16. She was told she can't have free dining for the last 5 days of her trip (8/16 through 8/21). Is this truly the case? Must your hotel reservation coincide with the start of free dining?

[Peapicker]

She would need to make 2 different reservations. One starting on the first day of free dining.

[Christine]

Thanks! She has no problem doing that in order to get several days worth of free food.

[Bete]

You need to buy at least one day of park tickets for everyone in the room on a second reservation to comply with getting free dining. Those tickets go for like $75 a piece per adult.

Also, you may not be guaranteed to stay in your same room with a second reservation.

[cheap traveler]

I haven't actually used pen and paper to figure this out, but I'm pretty sure it's true.

The best bet would probably be to buy tickets for all their days except one together, and only a one day pass on the other reservsation.

Ex: reservation from 8/12-8/15 with 9 day passes, other reservation from 8/16-8/21 with one day passes and free dining

The passes are cheaper with more days on them, so this usually works out better.

Also, it is true that they can't guarantee the same room for the second reservation, but if they mention it at check-in the chances are better.

[DISNEYNY]

I have done split reservations for free dining and have not had to change rooms. Have it noted on the first reservation and they will try to accomodate you. Also, double check at check in...they should be able to tell you then.