Free DP and booking questions- pls help : )

[ThisIsTheYear]

Hello, I'm new here! I had a few questions that hopefully you wonderful people could answer. :)
We were thinking of booking for Oct. 31st-Nov 5th. When the free meal plans are available, are they usually available around that time?
There is no point in me booking right away, right? I think I read something about 180 days. Should I book within 180 days?
Also, how is the vacation insurance? They may be having layoff's at my job.
THanks for your help!

[kaytieeldr]

Usually? No. In 2009? Yes, with the restriction that Guests at the Value resorts got the Quick Service Dining Plan free, and could upgrade to the other plans by paying the price difference.

If you're only going if free dining is offered, there's no point in booking until/unless free dining is offered - until the booking period starts, specifically. The 180 days is for dining reservations, so if you know where you'll want to eat if you go, sure, go ahead and make your dining reservations. Just be SURE to cancel them if you change your plans.

Consumer Reports recommends against travel insurance. If you opt to ignore that advice, read any policy coverage carefully. Generally, job loss is NOT covered.

[emmysmommy]

If you think you'll go maybe you could go ahead and book with just the deposit that way you will at least have the hotel of your choice reserved. I was told by the CM when I recently booked my pkg that I should go ahead and add the dining plan that I wanted now and they would modify my booking if/when an offer was released for which I was eligible (ie: free dining.) I'm not sure if this is the best way to do it since I'm new to it but that's where I'm at.

Good luck with the job situation and I hope you can have your magical trip this fall!