I have been to Disney several times and know about the Disney dinning plan, but I am not very familar with the FREE dinning plan. So, here are the questions:
1. Is it really free or is there some type of catch? You know, it is Disney so I want to make sure. Plus, it almost sounds too good to be true.
2. Do I have to wait UNTIL the free dinning plan dates are released to book my trip or can I go ahead and book now and THEN add the free dinning plan later when the dates are released?
3. Where and when will the dates be released?
1. Is is free, and it is true. The "catch," or the thing to know, is that you have to pay rack rates for the resort room in order to get
free dining package. So, you have to do the math for your group, resort, etc. to be sure the total price works for you. Depending on what other offers are out there, a room discount may save you more money. I know for me free dining always wins, but it depends on each situation. Also, tips are not included, so while all your meal and snack credits are included, you will have to pay out-of-pocket for any tips.
2. You don't have to wait to book, however, if you book now you will have to call back and update your reservation to add/switch to the free dining package. Personally if it were me and I wanted free dining, I would wait until a free dining package for my dates are announced. If you will travel without free dining, you can book now.
3. No one knows for sure when (or if) free dining for Sept 2012 will be announced, but if they are doing it the expectation is it will be available soon, like in the next month or so. There is rumor of another package announcement on March 1 and it may be free dining for more dates in 2012. As for where it will be announced, really your best resource are fan sites like here at the DIS. These boards, and this thread in particular, will light up with the news and details when/if a new free dining package is available.