2016 Free Dining Watch

[SJSloan]

I have seen some ask about alternative phone numbers, and I have these from last year and a few tips to get to a real person sooner.

Phone Numbers to book: 407-W-DISNEY (407-934-7639) - 407-939-7639 * / (407) 939-7709 /

407-939-7675 / 407 939 4357 * Say “New Reservation” “Agent” to get through quicker on the phone

Thank you for posting these! I have seen several people mention other phone numbers but was never able to find them. I am hoping to make a reservation first thing but if I can I will have 3 phones going with these different numbers.

 

[sharonabe]

I'm sure the answer to this question is somewhere but I just can't find it. Would the US dates for free dining in 2017 match what the UK offer will be next week?

Highly unlikely. UK offers are more generous because they need to entice them to spend the bucks just to get here instead of going anywhere else in the world.

We won't know US 2017 FD offers until next year this time, and they will base ANY offers next year on what happens this year. Most people are saying Disney is trying to wean guests off the FD, so it will probably be even more restrictive next year than whatever they come up with this year.

 

[Jellybass]

Thanks Sharonabe.

 

[Landslide305]

If I already have a trip booked with a pin code and free dining becomes available, do I change the existing or just a book a new one to get locked in? I know time is of the essence.

 

[CandiceF]

If you are pricing out the difference between paying to upgrade your QS dining plan at a Value or just going for a Moderate resort take into account the price difference for all room categories. Last year it was very difficult to find any Standard rooms at a MOD for some dates. It's good to know the price difference for all categories so you can see if a more expensive room at a Mod would still work for you.

 

[vrajewski10513]

If you are pricing out the difference between paying to upgrade your QS dining plan at a Value or just going for a Moderate resort take into account the price difference for all room categories. Last year it was very difficult to find any Standard rooms at a MOD for some dates. It's good to know the price difference for all categories so you can see if a more expensive room at a Mod would still work for you.

DH and I have agreed that even if we have to book preferred the extra $250-$500 is worth it to stick with a mod. Plus, we're splitting a room, so its really only a $125-250 increase for each couple.

 

[alopez926]

Oh I get the savings, we're looking at saving over $2500 for our party and when our trip is already costing over $25K we kinda NEED free dining or it'll be instant noodles in the room for dinner every night Not to mention we're firmly locked in with our dates since airfares have been booked for months. But from what I understand of previous releases, although the first day is crazy, there is usually some FD openings in most room categories in at least some resorts in the days following the release as people move their bookings around - or at least that's what I've been reading here. I've enjoyed following along in here but losing sleep would take a whole lot of shine off my holiday planning.

If you are not picky about where you stay, have flexible dates, and/or don't have specific needs (like a room that accommodates 5 people), this is true. I did not book until second week in May last year and was able to get 4 rooms at POP with Free Dining. We wound up staying offsite to accommodate our larger party, but it was not hard to book these rooms in early May. ASMu was also available. CBR had availability as well-- I think I was able to book 2 rooms and not 4, so that wasn't an option for us. So, at least last year, all hope was not lost if you did not get FD on the first day it was offered and you were looking to stay at a value hotel. But it is probably wise to stalk and lose sleep if booking a specific hotel in the moderate or deluxe range is of major importance to you.

 

[CandiceF]

DH and I have agreed that even if we have to book preferred the extra $250-$500 is worth it to stick with a mod. Plus, we're splitting a room, so its really only a $125-250 increase for each couple.

I think you will love CBR! We stayed there last year and it was very quiet and feels very tropical! My kids loved watching all the little lizards running across the paths!

 

[Disneylover99]

But from what I understand of previous releases, although the first day is crazy, there is usually some FD openings in most room categories in at least some resorts in the days following the release as people move their bookings around - or at least that's what I've been reading here. I've enjoyed following along in here but losing sleep would take a whole lot of shine off my holiday planning.

Nobody really knows what availability will be like this year. If you're flexible with dates, resorts, and room categories, then you should probably be able to book free dining, no problem. But some people are tied to their dates and not as flexible with their resorts. So since the early bird gets the worm, I'm going to be up early everyday cause ya never really know when it will be offered.

 

[Confederate Scott]

Nobody really knows what availability will be like this year. If you're flexible with dates, resorts, and room categories, then you should probably be able to book free dining, no problem. But some people are tied to their dates and not as flexible with their resorts. So since the early bird gets the worm, I'm going to be up early everyday cause ya never really know when it will be offered.

Completely agree with you. I'd rather lose a little sleep and know I am making a valiant effort to get what I want.

 

[Disneylover99]

Completely agree with you. I'd rather lose a little sleep and know I am making a valiant effort to get what I want.

Plus, it's fun! I know, I know. That's kind of weird. But it's true!

 

[Confederate Scott]

Plus, it's fun! I know, I know. That's kind of weird. But it's true!

It is fun. When it comes to Disney just about everything is fun, including the obsessive planning.

 

[John Byers]

It is fun. When it comes to Disney just about everything is fun, including the obsessive planning.

My DW LOVES the planning almost as much as she does our vacations at WDW! She has planned three friends trips just this year

 

[Disneylover99]

My DW LOVES the planning almost as much as she does our vacations at WDW! She has planned three friends trips just this year

Once I get my own plans nailed down, I will be helping others book as well.

 

[Lisa J]

Have any of you got FD through a TA?

 

[Confederate Scott]

Have any of you got FD through a TA?

I do not use a TA. To me part of the thrill of a Disney vacation is the planning.

 

[shap39]

I agree with SunnieRN. We actually did the math and it was less than $100 difference to stay at CBR and get free DDP, than to stay at Pop and upgrade from QS to DDP. if you stay at the mod you get a larger room, and the beds are Queen sized instead of Double.

We are staying at a family suite at AoA I wonder what would be cheaper

 

[shap39]

So is the FD made public yet

 

[vrajewski10513]

We are staying at a family suite at AoA I wonder what would be cheaper

Family suite vs. one room at a mod or two rooms at a mod?

 

[vrajewski10513]

So is the FD made public yet

Nope.