2013 Free Dining Watch

[figmentswife]

Found the right one! Thanks!!!

I should have said....

Disney Resorts page, then sub page of Disney Discount Codes and Rates.

That is were he will post when there IS a real update.

 

[plutospalforever]

Your post was the perfect response! Thank you for the information. I think you have sold me I was kind of sad that I was going to downgrade to a Value but now I am totally excited for the savings instead!! I don't think I have ever been so excited for a trip!! I am still holding out hope for free dining but we are Disney Bound no matter what!!

Hey, no problem. Just glad to help. Don't think of it as a downgrade; just different. Great option when you have kids! Nothing like a great deal to get ya pumped! I love that feeling!

 

[JSJR514]

Does anyone know if they offer free dining in the early part of Nov? Trying to price out different options. I know it is early but that's how I plan. Tks.

 

[bluejasmine]

Ahh! I see! I have never noticed two promos running at the same time or overlapping. Guess I need to pay closer attention. Thanks!

Yes we have seen RO & FD out at the same time for fall many times! We go with what will save us the most $

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

 

[Tanyabeth8]

Does anyone know if they offer free dining in the early part of Nov? Trying to price out different options. I know it is early but that's how I plan. Tks.

Last year the offered free dining in most of November excluding Columbus Day week.

 

[TheDisney411]

Does anyone know if they offer free dining in the early part of Nov? Trying to price out different options. I know it is early but that's how I plan. Tks.

Jersey week in early November each year, is typically blacked out. Historic Free Dining Dates and Promo Release Dates:

Free Dining Promos/Discounts Released Spring of the Year Offered:
August 21 – October 4, 2005
August 13 – September 30, 2006
August 26 – September 22, 2007
August 30 – September 27, 2008
August 16 – October 3, 2009

July 27, 2009(First Time for quick service at values, free Disney Dining at moderate and deluxe resorts)
Free Dining released for travel from October 4 – December 17, 2009

May 3, 2010:
Free Dining released for travel from August 15 – October 2, 2010.

July 6, 2010:
Disney extended the Free Dining offer for travel through early fall 2011. Many dates were blacked out:

August 15 – October 7, 2010
October 22 – Octocber 28, 2010
November 12 – November 18, 2010
November 27 – December 2, 2010
December 10 – December 21, 2010

January 1 - 5, 2011
January 9 - 13, 2011
January 21 - February 3, 2011
February 11 - 17, 2011
February 25 - March 3, 2011
May 27 - June 2, 2011
August 19 - September 29, 2011

March 2011:
Free Dining Discount released for August 28 - September 24, 2011

August 3, 2011:
Free Dining Discounts released for dates through early Spring 2012
October 1 – October 6, 2011
October 22 – November 3, 2011
November 12 – November 17, 2011
November 26 – December 1, 2011
December 10 – December 15, 2011
January 8 – January 12, 2012
January 21 – February 2, 2012
February 11 – February 16, 2012
March 3 – March 8, 2012
March 24 – March 29, 2012

March 3, 2012:
August 25 - September 29, 2012

July 11, 2012:
September 30 - October 4, 2012
October 19 - November 1, 2012
November 9 - November 15, 2012
November 23 - November 29, 2012
December 10 - December 13, 2012

 

[JSJR514]

Last year the offered free dining in most of November excluding Columbus Day week.

Thanks!

 

[TheDisney411]

Last year the offered free dining in most of November excluding Columbus Day week.

Columbus Day is in October

 

[FlyingElephant]

Jersey week in early November each year, is typically blacked out. Historic Free Dining Dates and Promo Release Dates:

Free Dining Promos/Discounts Released Spring of the Year Offered:
August 21 – October 4, 2005
August 13 – September 30, 2006
August 26 – September 22, 2007
August 30 – September 27, 2008
August 16 – October 3, 2009

July 27, 2009(First Time for quick service at values, free Disney Dining at moderate and deluxe resorts)
Free Dining released for travel from October 4 – December 17, 2009

May 3, 2010:
Free Dining released for travel from August 15 – October 2, 2010.

July 6, 2010:
Disney extended the Free Dining offer for travel through early fall 2011. Many dates were blacked out:

August 15 – October 7, 2010
October 22 – Octocber 28, 2010
November 12 – November 18, 2010
November 27 – December 2, 2010
December 10 – December 21, 2010

January 1 - 5, 2011
January 9 - 13, 2011
January 21 - February 3, 2011
February 11 - 17, 2011
February 25 - March 3, 2011
May 27 - June 2, 2011
August 19 - September 29, 2011

March 2011:
Free Dining Discount released for August 28 - September 24, 2011

August 3, 2011:
Free Dining Discounts released for dates through early Spring 2012
October 1 – October 6, 2011
October 22 – November 3, 2011
November 12 – November 17, 2011
November 26 – December 1, 2011
December 10 – December 15, 2011
January 8 – January 12, 2012
January 21 – February 2, 2012
February 11 – February 16, 2012
March 3 – March 8, 2012
March 24 – March 29, 2012

March 3, 2012:
August 25 - September 29, 2012

July 11, 2012:
September 30 - October 4, 2012
October 19 - November 1, 2012
November 9 - November 15, 2012
November 23 - November 29, 2012
December 10 - December 13, 2012

So it seems that it is not uncommon for Disney to release FD for late summer/ early fall in May...that's good to remember.

 

[JennyMP03]

I am planning a trip for mid-October and the suspense is KILLING me. Free dining is crucial to us (two adults, no kids). We can shift dates to catch free dining if necessary, but whew, the anxiety of waiting for an announcement...!

 

[mickey2000]

 

[mcurran]

My wife told our 2 yr old daughter that we were going to see Cinderellas home this fall (Sept 8-14). To a 2 year old, "this fall" means tomorrow - so she was sad yesterday that we weren't leaving yet.

I'm sharing since like everyone else I'm anxious about finding out about fall discounts (and hopefully FD), but I don't think there are more people more excited or anxious then the little children!

 

[bluejasmine]

My wife told our 2 yr old daughter that we were going to see Cinderellas home this fall (Sept 8-14). To a 2 year old, "this fall" means tomorrow - so she was sad yesterday that we weren't leaving yet.

I'm sharing since like everyone else I'm anxious about finding out about fall discounts (and hopefully FD), but I don't think there are more people more excited or anxious then the little children!

Awww!! I remember those days!! My daughter use to ask "Is tomorrow in the morning?" Lol

Maybe making a chain calendar with her where you tell her when you pull the last chain link off is when you go, that helped when my kids were small!

So now they are saying it may be May before we hear anything I'm still holding out hope till May but I'm seriously disappointed Disney is letting everyone wait. I know that discounts are never guaranteed but what's the harm in announcing whether they are going to have them or not? What about ppl who need to book flights? Just doesn't seem right...

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

 

[black562]

So it seems that it is not uncommon for Disney to release FD for late summer/ early fall in May...that's good to remember.

No it's not, and at this point the April 25th date is out the window. This year Disney seems to be playing their cards closer to the chest and waiting a bit longer to release promos. It likely gives them a better idea of how their bookings look. I think May will reveal all without a doubt. I only hope they stick with the last week in August to begin and don't push the start date into September. I still feel like August 24 is the strongest and most likely begin date but I do think the cut off will be around the end of September.

 

[FlyingElephant]

No it's not, and at this point the April 25th date is out the window. This year Disney seems to be playing their cards closer to the chest and waiting a bit longer to release promos. It likely gives them a better idea of how their bookings look. I think May will reveal all without a doubt. I only hope they stick with the last week in August to begin and don't push the start date into September. I still feel like August 24 is the strongest and most likely begin date but I do think the cut off will be around the end of September.

My point was that it at least gives hope to the people who thought that there would be no FD if it was not announced in April.

 

[black562]

My point was that it at least gives hope to the people who thought that there would be no FD if it was not announced in April.

Oh it's not an indicator at all of anything other than Disney playing the waiting game. I have little doubt they will offer it for September. The rest of the year however may be dry but September is always the tough sell for Disney and they have to offer more than other periods to fill the rooms.

Will we see it, yes. It will just be a bit longer. Remember the Thursday rule for visa holders and you're down to just a few days to look at. I'm focusing on the 9th and 16th at this point.

 

[jska482]

Oh it's not an indicator at all of anything other than Disney playing the waiting game. I have little doubt they will offer it for September. The rest of the year however may be dry but September is always the tough sell for Disney and they have to offer more than other periods to fill the rooms.

Will we see it, yes. It will just be a bit longer. Remember the Thursday rule for visa holders and you're down to just a few days to look at. I'm focusing on the 9th and 16th at this point.

Can you remind me about the Thursday rule for visa holders? We just applied and got approved, but we're waiting on our card. I was hoping I would get it before any FD promo releases so we could choose our room early!

 

[smitch425]

Can you remind me about the Thursday rule for visa holders? We just applied and got approved, but we're waiting on our card. I was hoping I would get it before any FD promo releases so we could choose our room early!

Basically, DV holders are offered most deals on Thursdays with the GP getting the same offer the following Monday or Tuesday. We just get a head start on most deals before the public.

 

[black562]

Can you remind me about the Thursday rule for visa holders? We just applied and got approved, but we're waiting on our card. I was hoping I would get it before any FD promo releases so we could choose our room early!

The majority of the times in the past, Disney seems to LOVE releasing promos for Disney Visa holders on a Thursday. Generally this is two-three days before the public offer. Before this trend, they used to release to Visa holders on a Monday, but I guess they found Thursday to be a better day to start...hence the trend. Note the recent Summer promo released to Disney Visa holders on March 28 (Thursday) and went public the following Tuesday.

Some further insight:

Here's prior dates of free dining releases...

2005 - Booking started June 2
2006 - Booking started April 1
2007 - Booking started April 9
2008 - Booking started April 7
2009 - Booking started March 30
2010 - Booking started April 29
2011 - Booking started April 28
2012 - Booking started March 1

I know what you're thinking, the June 2 date would just kill most folks here wouldn't it?

 

[black562]

I should also point out that TAs usually get info between 10-14 days out, which is when Danny will know for sure. Outside of that, we hear mumblings of dates and small bits of information as well as looking at historical trends.

I will note however that in 2010 when I nailed the date, final word came only THREE DAYS prior to release. It nearly drove us all crazy and I was sure I had missed my mark. I don't think they wait that close now, but who knows at this point what those sneaky folks may pull. Also note, I'm not saying this to advocate the April 25 date in any way, as I feel sure that this date is dead.

Happy thoughts everyone!!!!