2013 Free Dining Watch

[dakotix]

Well I called last week about FD in January and the person I talked to plainly stated it was way too early for anything to be released for January. They're obviously approaching the timing of discounts differently this year. She said not to expect any kind of special offer for January until November/December.

But I have a purely scientific way of looking at this! If you look at the example of how FD was offered this Fall in July: Seasonally January is the same as October (Both months follow the change in season). They released the FD mid July which is 2 1/2 months prior to October. If you subtract 2 1/2 months from January it may happen that Scrooge McDuck will release FD for winter in mid -October! They then will extend the FD dates by November. And by the end of November they will release the the Room discounts.

[CandiceH]

I don't want to have to be paid in full -before- any FD offers. . . .so I hope they mean early november. Because I will alter our dates based on if/when FD is offered. and our PiF date is just after thanksgiving. The FD offer for January of this year was released in august of last year. . . so I don't buy that it 's 'way too early'.

[dakotix]

I agree but if you look at the trend their business model going forward seems to dictate they are offering their promotions a little more conservatively this year vs last. A big part of that may be the opening of AOA and the fantasyland expansion. Like it or not they know how to make the most money.

[Just*the*ten*of*us]

I'm not gonna lie, I'm disappointed it hasnt been offered yet. We, too, heard Nov/Dec from a CM. Luckily, its still outside our 45 days, but its just many more months of being on pins and needles.

[dakotix]

Don't forget they also send out pin codes as well a few weeks before they release a big offer like the FD so i am fairly confident the offer will come in time.

Ive heard airfare is best dealt with 2-3 months before so more than likely it will be a gamble with the dates we've decided since we will probably have to secure our airfare before any offer comes out. We're going Jan 9-15 which is right before the marathon.

Yes, it's frustrating not having your ducks in a neat row as far as all the offers but hey, we're all still going to Disney World! There's only two of us so if we miss the dining offer its only an extra $500 for a food budget we have to come up with. no biggie.

[CandiceH]

Originally Posted by dakotix

Don't forget they also send out pin codes as well a few weeks before they release a big offer like the FD so i am fairly confident the offer will come in time.

Ive heard airfare is best dealt with 2-3 months before so more than likely it will be a gamble with the dates we've decided since we will probably have to secure our airfare before any offer comes out. We're going Jan 9-15 which is right before the marathon.

Yes, it's frustrating not having your ducks in a neat row as far as all the offers but hey, we're all still going to Disney World! There's only two of us so if we miss the dining offer its only an extra $500 for a food budget we have to come up with. no biggie.

we'll be there the same time frame. . .jan 10 - 20. But to us, a family of four, it's a much bigger deal. . . it would be a tremendous help for us.

[redoschi]

Originally Posted by Just*the*ten*of*us

I'm not gonna lie, I'm disappointed it hasnt been offered yet. We, too, heard Nov/Dec from a CM. Luckily, its still outside our 45 days, but its just many more months of being on pins and needles.

Our 45-day window closes on December 8th (we're planning on checking in on January 22nd), so I guess I should make the reservation anyway and pray for FD before that!

[redoschi]

Originally Posted by CandiceH

we'll be there the same time frame. . .jan 10 - 20. But to us, a family of four, it's a much bigger deal. . . it would be a tremendous help for us.

Same here! 4 people in 1 value room (Pop) so the cost of QSDP is more than just the room! We won't get it if there is no Free Dining offer, but it would certainly help a LOT!

[DWMan]

I too, am waiting with baited breath for FD in Jan. We've often gone in Sept/Oct but wanted to try Jan this (next) year. Im worried though. If everyone books for the new year with the hope of adding FD if/when it becomes available, won't this cause WDW to not offer it because they don't have any rooms that they need to fill?

Just wondering.

[redoschi]

Originally Posted by DWMan

I too, am waiting with baited breath for FD in Jan. We've often gone in Sept/Oct but wanted to try Jan this (next) year. Im worried though. If everyone books for the new year with the hope of adding FD if/when it becomes available, won't this cause WDW to not offer it because they don't have any rooms that they need to fill?

Just wondering.

I believe that January usually doesn't fill up completely, but I'm doing my part. No hotel reservations yet!

[Muddypaws]

Originally Posted by redoschi

I believe that January usually doesn't fill up completely, but I'm doing my part. No hotel reservations yet!

I am thinking the same thing. I am not going to make any reservations without a discount either.

[maggies_mom]

I will cancel my reservation if they don't offer free dining and we will stay off property and go to Universal/Sea World instead. I wonder how many people will do the same???

[smitch425]

Originally Posted by maggies_mom

I will cancel my reservation if they don't offer free dining and we will stay off property and go to Universal/Sea World instead. I wonder how many people will do the same???

Honestly, probably not that many people would do what you are suggesting. Truth is, Universal is pretty expensive, and not all Disney lovers are a fan of Universal. Many people go to Disney discount or not. A lot of people book with hopes of getting a discount, but that is not wise unless they plan to keep their trip without one. If you (general you, not you specifically) book a room with no intention of keeping it unless you get a discount, you are doing yourself no favors. Disney offers discounts to fill rooms. If the rooms are already booked, there is no reason to offer anything.

Bottom line, don't book anything usless you are going regardless of a discount or not. If you won't go without a discount, wait until the discount is released and then book it.

[maggies_mom]

I will talk to my DH when he gets home and cancel my package reservation and keep my ADRS in case they do offer a discount. If not then it will be 3 days in orlando and 7 at the beach for this family. Being from Alaska we need our dose of winter sunshine, but not at crazy prices.

[Hordes]

unless there are good deals on rooms in January 13-28 timeframe we will most likely be staying off resort if no free DDP...so am waiting