Will there be no free dining for 2013?

[black562]

Deep discounts like free dining play a huge part in why WDW is thriving in this terrible economy. Disney isn't going to shoot themselves in the foot. They have been offering FD discounts since 2005, so going on 9 years. The fall free ding offers we're first created to fill the parks during the previously dead hurricane season. August and September is still the height of hurricane season. Do you think if they stop offering huge promotions like free dining during this time frame that the crowd levels would remain as high as they have the last few years? No way. They may cut down on some of the various weeks they offer free dining but they aren't getting rid of it just yet. Those marketing geniuses know what they are doing and anytime they need to fill resorts or the parks they will roll out an FD offer.

You are the first one I've seen that is saying the same thing I've been trying to say. This is such a slow time and free dining is a good way to fill rooms. Though the window of available dates may shrink a bit, I don't think free dining will go away, nor do I think it will exclude values. The bounceback didn't explicitly show values, but if you called they let you book them. I think when they talk about cutting back on free dining, they mean the other dates in the year that were traditionally not offered.

Just wait til the end of April...and they like to release the offers for Disney Visa holders on a Thursday for free dining promos, for whatever reason. So let's say around April 25th.....but not to worry, you'll hear many mumblings here long before that date.

 

[wdwmom3]

There was no free dining offered in January even though it had been for years before. Disney has had no problems filling rooms and the crowds have increased this year. Of course they will offer some kind of discount but I would not count on it being free dining. More likely the stay, play, dine like they did this winter.

 

[black562]

There was no free dining offered in January even though it had been for years before. Disney has had no problems filling rooms and the crowds have increased this year. Of course they will offer some kind of discount but I would not count on it being free dining. More likely the stay, play, dine like they did this winter.

Yes but free dining for those dates have only been offered for the past couple years. Fall free dining has been around since 2005 and has been quite popular. One thing is clear, the fall promotion has to be better than the others since those dates are hardest to fill.

 

[shell8558]

Free dining was offered in January through a pin. We received one by email .

 

[black562]

Free dining was offered in January through a pin. We received one by email .

I never get a pin but I heard it was offered sometime but didn't know when. That's good to know though.

 

[shannon006]

Free dining was offered in January through a pin. We received one by email .

Is there any chance you remember when that pin was given to you?

 

[shell8558]

It was sent in October , because I booked the same day I got the pin.

 

[Marsheliz]

I posted in Rumors and News but my sister called today inquiring about a future trip and she said that the lady in reservations told her to expect dining to be released in July... I didnt think it would be that long bc that doesnt give much planning time if you want to go in the fall...

 

[black562]

I posted in Rumors and News but my sister called today inquiring about a future trip and she said that the lady in reservations told her to expect dining to be released in July... I didnt think it would be that long bc that doesnt give much planning time if you want to go in the fall...

That does seen quite long since it would totally be inside the 45 day payment window, which means you'd have to pay in full immediately. Others have had CMs tell them it was being announced soon. End of April is the latest that fall discounts are usually announced. It also falls in line with summer discounts announced at the beginning of April this year, similar to the past.

We shall see.

 

[KELLY]

From past experience end of April 1st of May. I have just learned my lesson and book BB before we leave saves me all the ugh moments.

 

[black562]

From past experience end of April 1st of May. I have just learned my lesson and book BB before we leave saves me all the ugh moments.

My dining is already booked. No need to worry about the resort yet, since they basically have to rebook you anyway if you change to a promotion.

 

[Marsheliz]

That is kind of my thinking too... It doesnt give you much time to pay off the trip.. I was surprised when she called and said July?

 

[Don Disney]

Deep discounts like free dining play a huge part in why WDW is thriving in this terrible economy. Disney isn't going to shoot themselves in the foot. They have been offering FD discounts since 2005, so going on 9 years. The fall free ding offers we're first created to fill the parks during the previously dead hurricane season. August and September is still the height of hurricane season. Do you think if they stop offering huge promotions like free dining during this time frame that the crowd levels would remain as high as they have the last few years? No way. They may cut down on some of the various weeks they offer free dining but they aren't getting rid of it just yet. Those marketing geniuses know what they are doing and anytime they need to fill resorts or the parks they will roll out an FD offer.

I am inclined to agree,although,I think they will *maybe* start pushing QS to mod resorts along with value. That would stink BIG TIME! FD has made it soooo much more affordable for our family of 4-we've had regular DP X3,and upgraded from QS X2.The upgrade cost has risen significantly this year,and I really have to wonder if we will be able to make it(on property)with prices at WDW skyrocketing like they have been in the last 5 years or so....really gonna have to consider some other vacation options.

 

[ptmmg]

I have already booked BC for the last week of August if there is no free dining I will switch to a value resort. No Need to be close to most of the places I have ADRs at because I will cancel most!!!

 

[Goofy127]

What are these pins people are talking about for dining or discounts? How do you get them? Anyone think that there will be free dining in the beginning of August?

 

[black562]

What are these pins people are talking about for dining or discounts? How do you get them? Anyone think that there will be free dining in the beginning of August?

You get them by luck of the draw. Sometimes they mail them, sometimes they email. There's no rhyme or reason on how to get them either.

 

[TheDisney411]

What are these pins people are talking about for dining or discounts? How do you get them? Anyone think that there will be free dining in the beginning of August?

There definitely will NOT be any free dining dates at the beginning of August. The late summer/early fall free dining might begin on August 18, but most likely August 24.

 

[malacajo]

There definitely will NOT be any free dining dates at the beginning of August. The late summer/early fall free dining might begin on August 18, but most likely August 24.

Definitely agree with this-beginning of Aug, so many kids still out for summer and crowds are still decent.....

 

[black562]

Definitely agree with this-beginning of Aug, so many kids still out for summer and crowds are still decent.....

Yeah count me in as well. Nothing in early August. It will be after the 18th.

 

[masim]

I don't know what to do. I got a great rate at Windsor Hills for a 2 bedroom for $600 for 9 nights in September for 4 adults and 1 child. I figured in car rental, parking, and purchasing tickets from my son's job which are nicely discounted and there is a difference of $1299 between that and POR. If free dining is given I think it will be less costly to stay at POR, especially since we like to do a lot of character dining but it must be the DDP because the upgrade puts us over, and if the mods get quick service we will definitely stay offsite. My problem is what do I do about this great rate at Windsor Hills? I would hate to lose this option.
Please disney, announce the discount, whatever it will be.