Adding a day to a Free Dining Package

[Woodmnky]

I'm fairly sure that I've read that you cannot add an extra day to a free dining package after the package has ended, can anyone confirm this?

If not, is the only option to book a day separately and put in a request to have the reservations linked in order to (hopefully) not have to switch rooms after the first night?

Are there any options to access the benefits of the dining package (such as refillable mugs) early, or does everything start on the day of check in for the package?

We realized that we are supposed to drive from NC to WDW the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend and I'm considering adding on a extra day to avoid some of the extra traffic.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I don't think they'll let you add a day after the promo ends, and even before that it is based on availability which can be weak.

Yes, the major option is to book a day separately and try to link them. Has to be the same resort/room type.

Refillable mugs and etc. start the day the package starts, and you can't get access to DDP benefits before the check-in date for the package with DDP.

 

[mickeynut1]

I'm fairly sure that I've read that you cannot add an extra day to a free dining package after the package has ended, can anyone confirm this?

If not, is the only option to book a day separately and put in a request to have the reservations linked in order to (hopefully) not have to switch rooms after the first night?

Are there any options to access the benefits of the dining package (such as refillable mugs) early, or does everything start on the day of check in for the package?

We realized that we are supposed to drive from NC to WDW the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend and I'm considering adding on a extra day to avoid some of the extra traffic.

Unless things have recently changed, you can add a night/s after a promo has ended, provided it's available. With that said, you will have to talk to someone in guest services. CRO doesn't usually have the authority to check availability/modify an existing reservation under an expired promo, but guest services can help. Provided the extra night is available under FD, guest services will be able to add that onto your existing resevation.

If that night isn't available under FD, you are correct that you can book a RO reservation at the same resort/room type and have the 2 reservation linked, with a request to keep the same room. When you check in for the first reservation, tell the CM you have a continuing reservation and would like to stay in the same room if possible. It's not guaranteed you won't have to move, but the CM will do everything he/she can to accommodate you. As far as accessing the dining components prior to the start of your package, you won't be able to do that until the following day when your package officially starts.

HTH