Free dining eligible resorts

[chirodoc78]

Does anyone have, or know where I can get, a list of free dining plan eligible resorts from seasons past (I know which ones are included this year)? I'm curious to see which resorts are most always included and which are sometimes not. Planning a trip for October 2015 and weighing my options and planning my strategy.

Many thanks!

 

[aaarcher86]

I don't think there is a list, but you can google 'Disney free dining 2013' or whatever year and usually some kind of announcement comes up on a blog.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

There is no list that I think anybody ever compiled of which resorts are always included and always excluded. It keeps changing. Even the dates of the offer keep changing. Fort Wilderness campsites were never included. These turn up on Google searching.

For my own curiosity, 2014 exclusions are Fort Wilderness campsites, AOA Little Mermaid, Port Orleans (both FQ and Riverside), All Star Movies, all three-bedroom villas and Villas at Grand Floridian.

Last year for the late fall offer (this year there was no late fall offer, all dates for September - December were released at once) the exclusions were Fort Wilderness campsites, AOA (apparently all of it), All Star Movies, POFQ, all three-bedroom villas, and Villas at Grand Floridian (which had just opened).

September offer 2013 - excluded were Fort Wilderness campsites, AOA Little Mermaid and 3-bedroom villas.

2012 late fall offer - Fort Wilderness campsites and AOA Little Mermaid were excluded. There's not anything written for 2012 or prior about the 3 bedroom villas.

2012 September offer and all offers before that - only Fort Wilderness campsites were excluded.

This was just for the general public offer - I believe free dining access to everything except Little Mermaid, Fort Wilderness campsites and 3 bedroom villas has been offered to selected guests via PIN code even though they were excluded from the general public offer.

 

[scard192]

Does anyone have, or know where I can get, a list of free dining plan eligible resorts from seasons past (I know which ones are included this year)? I'm curious to see which resorts are most always included and which are sometimes not. Planning a trip for October 2015 and weighing my options and planning my strategy.

Many thanks!

it has gotten even more restrictive this year over the dates and resorts that have been excluded. POFQ, All Star Movies, and LM rooms have been excluded the last few years from the GP FD offer and this year POR was added to the excluded list and most of the month of October was blacked outin 2014.

October 2015 could be a tough month to "guess" which resorts and dates will be excluded/blacked out.

 

[chirodoc78]

I know. I'm debating between reserving a package for POR or for Coronado Springs. I would think my better bet would be Coronado Springs as it seems like it has been included in free dining every time. We are going with extended family and their pick is POR...but I'm worried it will be excluded again and upon trying to switch a reservation package the morning after free dining has been announced, I'm afraid we won't get it. I guess that's the chance you take. I'm thinking it'll be easier to reserve a package at Coronado Springs and then call to update our package with the free dining offer after the announcement is made rather than changing the whole reservation.

 

[kaytieeldr]

No. Just wait. Booking rooms or packages on speculation of any promotion being offered reduces the need to offer any kind of discount to increase occupancy at that resort.

 

[chirodoc78]

No. Just wait. Booking rooms or packages on speculation of any promotion being offered reduces the need to offer any kind of discount to increase occupancy at that resort.

However, I want to book something at least 190 days out so I can make dining reservations. Free dining offers haven't typically been announced that far out from when we will be going...close, but not quite that far out typically.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Then go ahead and reserve. Just be aware that the higher the projected occupancy (based on actual reservations), the less likely a given promotion will be available at a specific resort. Don't be upset if your chosen resort ultimately doesn't offer the promotion, or if rooms are extremely limited.

 

[pinkle]

I have POR booked maybe I should switch to Car Resort......has it ever been excluded?

 

[aaarcher86]

No. Suites were excluded when they first opened, and then were added in pretty quickly. I'd expect it to be included.

 

[purple figment]

I'm thinking it'll be easier to reserve a package at Coronado Springs and then call to update our package with the free dining offer after the announcement is made rather than changing the whole reservation.

Even having a package at a resort & room category that is included will not insure that you will get free dining. You still have to call to make the modification while there is availability so don't wait too long after the announcement is made.

However, I want to book something at least 190 days out so I can make dining reservations.

Just a heads up since you mentioned 190 days. Dining reservations can be made starting 180 days before your arrival date and on that day for the first 10 days of your trip.

 

[pinkle]

No. Suites were excluded when they first opened, and then were added in pretty quickly. I'd expect it to be included.

just making sure I understand You believe POR was included last year We have 2 rooms of 5 booked

 

[MakiraMarlena]

POR was not included in the 2014 general public offer. The previous poster is talking about Art of Animation suites.

I would expect to see the Polynesian Villas and Bungalows excluded this year.

 

[aaarcher86]

just making sure I understand You believe POR was included last year We have 2 rooms of 5 booked

POR was not included in the 2014 general public offer. The previous poster is talking about Art of Animation suites.

I would expect to see the Polynesian Villas and Bungalows excluded this year.

This ^^^. POR was NOT included for the first time to the public. Suites = Art of Animation (you mentioned a cars room, which is a suite at AoA).

I really no idea what they're going to do with POR this year since CBR will now also have rooms for 5 people during FD time. They're exclusion of POR last year really worked in their favor.

 

[pinkle]

This ^^^. POR was NOT included for the first time to the public. Suites = Art of Animation (you mentioned a cars room, which is a suite at AoA).

I really no idea what they're going to do with POR this year since CBR will now also have rooms for 5 people during FD time. They're exclusion of POR last year really worked in their favor.

How do you think it worked in their favour? Because it was booked? If FD isn't offered do you think (or has there been) another discount?
Thanks

 

[aaarcher86]

How do you think it worked in their favour? Because it was booked? If FD isn't offered do you think (or has there been) another discount?
Thanks

It worked out in their favor because families of five either had to book 2 rooms, head to a family suite, or go deluxe - so more money on a full price room.

They did offer a room only discount for POR and made it eligible for FD via pin codes.

I definitely think FD will be offered, just curious about what they'll do with POR and CBR this time.