CM just told me possibly no free dining this year

[grimley1968]

They actually started FD in 2005 I cant remember the RO codes then can you John? What were they like before 2005? I think 2010 was the first time I used RO but that's b/c it was my first Deluxe as well. I was originally on FD bounceback at CSR and wanted to stay Poly so someone messaged me here and told me the RO code would save me considerably more money and it did! So much so we stayed CL!

I don't think I ever did a RO only reservation until much more recently than 2005. I tended to go for the package discounts (room + tix), which is where I regularly found 40% off. We did FD the first year it was offered, and kind of enjoyed it. Of course, then it included appetizers for all, dessert and tip. A better deal, I thought, though I still didn't care for having to make all the ADRs to maximize the value of the plan. In the back of my mind, though, I still felt weird about paying rack rate for the room.

In 2001, right after 9/11, we stayed at the Poly for at least 40% (it may have even been a higher discount, but I can't be sure) off, and the tickets were all park hoppers then. But this was kind of a desperate move for WDW, as the parks and resorts were largely empty that early fall. I'd be willing to bet others saved more than we did. I wasn't a Disboard lurker then, so I didn't know the latest and greatest on discounts.

 

[aaarcher86]

Even if they don't bring out FD they won't raise the room rates back up to where they used to be.

If they offer both I imagine it would be the same room discount percentages that they would offer if they didn't also put out FD.

 

[bookgirl]

Personally I hope there is no "free dining", in favor of room-only or package discounts. With the declining value of FD, combined with having to pay rack rate for rooms to get it, I feel a straight discount on rooms or packages, and then paying for meals out of pocket saves us more.

Usually when there is FD, other discounts on rooms or packages tend to be not very generous. Before FD, you could regularly find discounts of 40% off a package, including tickets. Not so much since FD has been offered. I don't mind the dining plan itself, as it can be not a bad deal for people who like to eat in the way WDW sets the plan up, but I feel FD has been offered in the last several years at the expense of other discounts.

I feel bad for those who count on that FD offer but I'm like you in a way. I do not use FD or the DDP at all. I would rather see piecemeal discounts so that people can get the discounts that work best for them in the combination that works best as well.

 

[KELLY]

I figured it out for our December trip. If they offer only room it saves us about $145 if it's free dining we save $265 per person which is over $500 for my room. I want free dining!!!

FD saves us 1445.00 this year and that is for QSDP. Last year the percentage of pop century was 5%.

 

[KELLY]

I don't think I ever did a RO only reservation until much more recently than 2005. I tended to go for the package discounts (room + tix), which is where I regularly found 40% off. We did FD the first year it was offered, and kind of enjoyed it. Of course, then it included appetizers for all, dessert and tip. A better deal, I thought, though I still didn't care for having to make all the ADRs to maximize the value of the plan. In the back of my mind, though, I still felt weird about paying rack rate for the room.

In 2001, right after 9/11, we stayed at the Poly for at least 40% (it may have even been a higher discount, but I can't be sure) off, and the tickets were all park hoppers then. But this was kind of a desperate move for WDW, as the parks and resorts were largely empty that early fall. I'd be willing to bet others saved more than we did. I wasn't a Disboard lurker then, so I didn't know the latest and greatest on discounts.

I think in 2002 we stayed at WL for 94.00 a night during September. Oh have times changed.

 

[bluejasmine]

Got 40% off at the Poly 2010&2011 & upgraded to club level & NOW I'm paying almost the same for a MOD... I understand everything goes up but geez... This is sad.. I'm HOOKED but DH said after this trip if better discounts don't come out we will vacation else where..

ASMU/POR Dec 16-22, 2012 & POFQ Sept 8-15, 2013

 

[nkereina]

Anyone know how past free dining offers compare to this stay/play/dine offer? If the discount is comparable, it might be six of one half a dozen of the other. I do realize it would vary based on resort, so maybe some would come out ahead rather than free dining?

 

[Sue M]

I think the S/P/D worked out to only a little more then free dining.

I think the last time I got the 40% discount was Jan 2012 at WL. AP discount. Now sometimes they aren't even offering AP, and when the do, it's not much more or the same ad GP discount .

For us, I think the room only is cheaper then free dining, at mod or deluxe. We are only 2. And I've tracked my dining costs, and always come in under what the DDP cost. I don't drink pop, so water is fine, and don't have dessert after each meal. Instead of dessert for lunch, I may go somewhere later for a snack, and at dinner, we often share a dessert.

 

[xbonnie38]

I dont think this will be true. I was on the phone the other day with a CM about our upcoming trip in Sept and she asked me if I wanted to apply a room discount that is available to our trip and I declined and told her I was stalking the Dis Boards for the free dining so when it opens we can take advantage of this instead. And she said good idea alot of people wait for that. And if you think about it that is a bid draw for large families and a good marketing promo for Disney to fill rooms during a slow period for them.

 

[si-am]

I think in 2002 we stayed at WL for 94.00 a night during September. Oh have times changed.

I remember getting a code for a $65 mod back in June '04 or thereabouts. We stayed at POR. Such a good deal!

 

[LovinPooh]

The stp offer cost me $400 more than if i had gotten free dining. I was there for 10days akl reg dining plan. I also got it the day it came out. Days later an error was found and rates changed.
I wouldnt mind this deal again if i couldnt get free dining.

 

[scrapperjill]

I dont think this will be true. I was on the phone the other day with a CM about our upcoming trip in Sept and she asked me if I wanted to apply a room discount that is available to our trip and I declined and told her I was stalking the Dis Boards for the free dining so when it opens we can take advantage of this instead. And she said good idea alot of people wait for that. And if you think about it that is a bid draw for large families and a good marketing promo for Disney to fill rooms during a slow period for them.

I haven't been on here for some time now... But am I missing something with this logic? Why would u not go ahead and apply the current discount... Still hope free ddp is offered and apply that if and when it's released. I know you can't do both discounts... But at least applying the one will insure u do get a discount of some sort. Plus... Booking your room ahead of time doesn't automatically mean it will even qualify for the free ddp offer does it??

Another thought of mine is all these people who hope for free ddp offer and will only go if its offered but go ahead and book their vacation just hoping its offered and willing to cancel if its not... Doesn't Disney look at how resorts are filling up during periods through out the year and base what if any discounts or offers should b available based on how resorts are filling up? Meaning if everyone books now at a rack rate... And resorts are filling up.... Why would Disney offer anything.

 

[bluejasmine]

I haven't been on here for some time now... But am I missing something with this logic? Why would u not go ahead and apply the current discount... Still hope free ddp is offered and apply that if and when it's released. I know you can't do both discounts... But at least applying the one will insure u do get a discount of some sort. Plus... Booking your room ahead of time doesn't automatically mean it will even qualify for the free ddp offer does it??

Another thought of mine is all these people who hope for free ddp offer and will only go if its offered but go ahead and book their vacation just hoping its offered and willing to cancel if its not... Doesn't Disney look at how resorts are filling up during periods through out the year and base what if any discounts or offers should b available based on how resorts are filling up? Meaning if everyone books now at a rack rate... And resorts are filling up.... Why would Disney offer anything.

I agree PIN codes expire I would call back & add that PIN fast then if FD comes out ( praying it does) you can change the code.. If a lesser code comes out later than your PIN & it's expired your SOL

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[bluejasmine]

I am betting Free Dining will be released, but I do bet it will be a CS for all resort levels. I am not going with Free Dining this year as I am using a discount at the Yacht Club with a TA.

In the future we will look into renting DVC points for our discount, unless I can continue to get some oh so fab deals like I have gotten this year with certain TAs.

Disney thinks that Fantsyland will draw in the crowds, and it will, for some time. But even though I have yet to lay eyes on it, I bet it is not all that. And in the future they will have to bump it up more and more to draw people in without many discounts.

We visited Fantasyland in Dec & ( pls don't flame me). I was disappointed. Beasts Castle is great & I loved lunch in it, food was good & interior beautiful. The little mermaid ride was " cute" & the lines for tales with belle were ridiculous so we didn't do that, had the Lafrou brew & looked in the tiny gift shop & said " this is it?"

Wasn't impressed with the new Dumbo.. I thought they were going to be inside now?

I agree the fantasyland craze will die as soon as the majority ppl take the half hour to walk through it..

GAredhead you know that makes a lot of sense.. As a TA tho I always tell ppl to book & add discounts as they come out. Now I did notice there was either a room or ticket increase or both since I booked our trip bank in early Oct b/c when I price it out now as a new booking its $200 more! So in my case it did help me save.. Then again when I add the code (RO or FD) it will revert to current prices... Now my head is spinning! Lol

I did notice with the summer room only offer you also get a small break on your tickets & DDP when you add them..

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[scard192]

Another thought of mine is all these people who hope for free ddp offer and will only go if its offered but go ahead and book their vacation just hoping its offered and willing to cancel if its not... Doesn't Disney look at how resorts are filling up during periods through out the year and base what if any discounts or offers should b available based on how resorts are filling up? Meaning if everyone books now at a rack rate... And resorts are filling up.... Why would Disney offer anything.

Agree 100%. My family is planning a trip for October 19-26, will stay at a Mod but I haven't booked anything yet. Hoping for a discount, does not sound hopeful for FD when we are there.

If there is still no Fall discount out 60 days from now, I may consider and go ahead and book as we are going.

 

[TDC Nala]

There's also rumors that it will be offered, but not at value resorts, and quick service at mods AND deluxes. There's no telling right now what the fall offers will look like.

 

[luvthemouse71]

I think the fact that they ever offered free dining at all was a bonus. I do admit to not caring for the dining plan in general and I think free dining brings out the crowds.

So, no mourning on my part,lol.

Regarding the new Fantasyland- Fantasyland has always been more geared to younger kids. If you approach it that way, it's pretty cool. Adults are not the target audience for that,IMO.

 

[Dallas_Lady]

I think in 2002 we stayed at WL for 94.00 a night during September. Oh have times changed.

Yes that was right. I remember it well because we got $79 a night at POR and DH said the extra $15 was too much to upgrade.

I wonder how much places like the DIS 'ruin' the discounts. You used to have to hunt for a code but now people expect them.

 

[tinksgilrs251520]

any discount is a discount i candle 20% off rooms its doable but would like FD or S/P/D deal is good to.....