Applying the Free Dining Promotion after booking questions.

[mjallemand]

Okay, so after much debate, the girlfriend and I have more or less settled on our Fall trip dates: 11/14-11/21.

Historically we've never taken advantage of any of Disney's special promotions. On the first trip in 2010, I wasn't seasoned enough of a Disney trip budgeter to know about the promotions, and in 2012 we booked early enough that I didn't think we would qualify for said promotions.

Well, I've asked around on various Facebook groups and I've learned that you can indeed call Disney's customer service line and have them attach a free dining promotion to an existing reservation. Historically it seems that the free dining offer starts on May 1st and our trip days are part of the covered block of time.

So here's the question: When we get around to booking in a few weeks, what avenue should I take?

Option A: Add the Disney Dining Plan to our reservation as if we were booking normally, and then call customer service the plan's value credited back to me when the promotion starts.

Option B: Leave the Disney Dining Plan off the reservation and simply have the customer service rep add the plan to my reservation by calling during the promotional period.

We're staying at a Value Resort, so I'm aware of the upgrade fee to go from the Basic Dining Plan to the Standard Dining Plan.

Another question: I'm honestly considering signing up for the Disney Rewards Visa Card since it seems that cardholders get a week early crack at the Free Dining Offer. If I don't have the card and thus can't get in on the first week, should I be concerned about potentially missing out on the promo, or does it usually last a few days (or longer)?

I only have one major credit card, another Visa card, and I pay off my statement in full every month, so I'm not concerned about being declined should I attempt to sign up for it, but I'm just wondering if its worthwhile signing up for a credit card just to get the perk of signing up for the Dining Plan early.

 

[Marionnette]

Okay, so after much debate, the girlfriend and I have more or less settled on our Fall trip dates: 11/14-11/21.

Historically we've never taken advantage of any of Disney's special promotions. On the first trip in 2010, I wasn't seasoned enough of a Disney trip budgeter to know about the promotions, and in 2012 we booked early enough that I didn't think we would qualify for said promotions.

Well, I've asked around on various Facebook groups and I've learned that you can indeed call Disney's customer service line and have them attach a free dining promotion to an existing reservation. Historically it seems that the free dining offer starts on May 1st and our trip days are part of the covered block of time.

So here's the question: When we get around to booking in a few weeks, what avenue should I take?

Option A: Add the Disney Dining Plan to our reservation as if we were booking normally, and then call customer service the plan's value credited back to me when the promotion starts.

Option B: Leave the Disney Dining Plan off the reservation and simply have the customer service rep add the plan to my reservation by calling during the promotional period.

We're staying at a Value Resort, so I'm aware of the upgrade fee to go from the Basic Dining Plan to the Standard Dining Plan.

Another question: I'm honestly considering signing up for the Disney Rewards Visa Card since it seems that cardholders get a week early crack at the Free Dining Offer. If I don't have the card and thus can't get in on the first week, should I be concerned about potentially missing out on the promo, or does it usually last a few days (or longer)?

I only have one major credit card, another Visa card, and I pay off my statement in full every month, so I'm not concerned about being declined should I attempt to sign up for it, but I'm just wondering if its worthwhile signing up for a credit card just to get the perk of signing up for the Dining Plan early.

The block of rooms set aside for the Disney Visa card members is a different set of rooms from the pool that is set aside for the general public. So, it's possible that rooms which are sold out to the general public will remain available to Disney Visa card members (and visa versa). Get the credit card if you think you will use it and take advantage of its perks. Otherwise, don't get too worried about it.

It won't matter if you add the dining plan now or later. When you call to change your reservation, you can ask for the *free* dining offer and your reservation will be changed to show that. There is no advantage to adding the dining plan in advance. There is not a finite number of dining packages that will sell out. However, there are a limited number of *free* dining packages at each resort and room level within the resort. In fact, some resorts and/or rooms will be excluded from the offer completely. You will not be "attaching" *free* dining to your reservation, you will actually be changing your reservation to include the promotion.

 

[*pixie*dust*]

I agree with the above poster. You may not be able to simply "attach" free dining to an existing value reservation. If there is no availability at the resort where you are booked or in the category of room you booked, you will have to change resorts to take advantage of the free dining plan.

 

[mjallemand]

So should I perhaps just wait for the free dining promotion to start and then book, to make things easier for myself?

 

[rinnythepooh]

I think it is worth it to get the Disney Visa. I was glad I had it last May when we booked Free Dining. We had a room reserved and was able to add the promo on to it. By the end of the first day of the promo the standard view rooms at our resort were gone. When I looked the day that it opened to the public, there were no standard view or garden view promo rooms available at our resort.
Some other perks you get with the card are:
-Discounts at some of Disney's restaurants
-Discount at Disney Store
-Free 5x7 photo
-Chase lounge during Food and Wine Fest which includes wristbands for special seating at eat to the beat concerts and illumination viewing for select days. ( they did this in 2014, don't know if they will continue)
-Disney rewards dollars that can be used at anything Disney or any airline tkt

 

[Marionnette]

So should I perhaps just wait for the free dining promotion to start and then book, to make things easier for myself?

Let's put it this way: There's no advantage to booking now if you have every intention of changing to *free* dining later. Booking now does one thing and one thing only. It guarantees you a room at the resort of your choice for your expected dates of travel, and tickets at the prevailing rate at the time of booking.

 

[mjallemand]

Well, then I guess I'm waiting for the free dining offer to pop up and hopefully I can get in in time.

 

[MissMaryQC]

In the previous FD threads it has been suggested to NOT book a package or room until the promotion is announced; if everyone books hoping for FD Disney will see no need to offer the promotion as it is intended to fill un-booked rooms.

That being said, if you don't book, you lose the ability to book ADRs at 180 days out, so if you want the "big ticket" restaurants (BoG, CRT, etc) you may not get those ADRs. Also, there is no guarantee that FD will even be offered (although I doubt they will stop the promotion all together).

As for the Disney Visa. I got the Disney Debit cause my credit isn't great from student loans, and it works the same as the Visa in reference to early access to the FD promotions. Keep in mind that if you do use the Visa early access you have to pay for the trip with your Visa.

Hope that is helpful!

 

[mjallemand]

I was under the impression that you could book Advance Dining Reservations even without a package or rooms booked.

 

[Marionnette]

I was under the impression that you could book Advance Dining Reservations even without a package or rooms booked.

You can. People who have a room reservation can book 180+10 days out, which gives them an advantage for prime meal times at the HTG restaurants. People with no onsite room reservation can only book 180 days out.

 

[msmama]

There was no early notification of the recent room only promotion for card holders so I wouldn't guarantee that you'd get early notice with the Visa card.

Are you going to go no matter what? With or without free dining? If so then there is really no reason to not book now. It'll make sure you get what you want.

It's quite easy to call and "add" free dining. Technically it's a new reservation (though often with the same Res number). And the phone CMs will work with you to find the best prices for your dates if there is more than one discount available at the time.

 

[Marionnette]

There was no early notification of the recent room only promotion for card holders so I wouldn't guarantee that you'd get early notice with the Visa card.

Are you going to go no matter what? With or without free dining? If so then there is really no reason to not book now. It'll make sure you get what you want.

It's quite easy to call and "add" free dining. Technically it's a new reservation (though often with the same Res number). And the phone CMs will work with you to find the best prices for your dates if there is more than one discount available at the time.

CRO telephone lines are often jammed on the morning that *free* dining opens up. Wait times can exceed an hour! It's easier to book a new package online than it is to call and change an existing reservation.

 

[mjallemand]

There was no early notification of the recent room only promotion for card holders so I wouldn't guarantee that you'd get early notice with the Visa card.

Are you going to go no matter what? With or without free dining? If so then there is really no reason to not book now. It'll make sure you get what you want.

We're definitely going, with or without free dining, but free dining saves us about $600 off our trip, so I definitely want to get my hands on that if I can, and I'm trying to figure out the gameplan to do so.

From what I can tell, historically Free Dining goes up on May 1st for the fall season for Disney Card Holders and then a week later on May 8th for the "general public".

So best bet to getting free dining is to sign up for a Disney Rewards card and keep on eye on the Disney website every morning starting about mid-April, and as soon as I see a Free Dining offer listed on the booking page jump on and get my room, park tickets, magical express, and (possibly, still deciding) photopass set up and raring to go.

Is there a blog of website that would have the scoop on promotions coming up as soon as they're announced, or is it usually a "Disney announces it when they feel like with little fanfare" kind of thing?

Please point out the flaws in my plan.

 

[Marionnette]

We're definitely going, with or without free dining, but free dining saves us about $600 off our trip, so I definitely want to get my hands on that if I can, and I'm trying to figure out the gameplan to do so.

From what I can tell, historically Free Dining goes up on May 1st for the fall season for Disney Card Holders and then a week later on May 8th for the "general public".

So best bet to getting free dining is to sign up for a Disney Rewards card and keep on eye on the Disney website every morning starting about mid-April, and as soon as I see a Free Dining offer listed on the booking page jump on and get my room, park tickets, magical express, and (possibly, still deciding) photopass set up and raring to go.

Is there a blog of website that would have the scoop on promotions coming up as soon as they're announced, or is it usually a "Disney announces it when they feel like with little fanfare" kind of thing?

Please point out the flaws in my plan.

Check the Codes and Rates subforum of the Resorts Board here on the disboards. Someone will post the deal ahead of time. You should also sign up to monitor you card online and supply Chase with your email. Most Chase Visa offers are sent via email. It's better than stalking the Disney website. Disney's website will not give any forewarning.

The only flaw that I see in your plan is that you are assuming that there will be a *free* dining offer this year. While I'm pretty confident that there probably be one, there are no guarantees that there will be one for your dates of travel or the resort at which you plan to stay.

 

[mjallemand]

You can. People who have a room reservation can book 180+10 days out, which gives them an advantage for prime meal times at the HTG restaurants. People with no onsite room reservation can only book 180 days out.

It looks like I might just be able to squeeze by as 180+10 before my trip would be May 8th. Assuming the promotion goes up on May 1st I'll be fitting in with a few days to spare.

 

[mjallemand]

The only flaw that I see in your plan is that you are assuming that there will be a *free* dining offer this year. While I'm pretty confident that there probably be one, there are no guarantees that there will be one for your dates of travel or the resort at which you plan to stay.

This is absolutely correct. Hmm.

What's the latest you think I should hold out for a free dining offer?

 

[donp]

We're definitely going, with or without free dining, but free dining saves us about $600 off our trip, so I definitely want to get my hands on that if I can, and I'm trying to figure out the gameplan to do so.

From what I can tell, historically Free Dining goes up on May 1st for the fall season for Disney Card Holders and then a week later on May 8th for the "general public".

So best bet to getting free dining is to sign up for a Disney Rewards card and keep on eye on the Disney website every morning starting about mid-April, and as soon as I see a Free Dining offer listed on the booking page jump on and get my room, park tickets, magical express, and (possibly, still deciding) photopass set up and raring to go.

Is there a blog of website that would have the scoop on promotions coming up as soon as they're announced, or is it usually a "Disney announces it when they feel like with little fanfare" kind of thing?

Please point out the flaws in my plan.

I'll chime in . . .

There is a historical list of when promotions have been announced, and, yes, May is usually when the Free Dining (FD) promotion comes out. I believe it was around the 9th or so last year. It has been as early as February one year, but that seemed like an outlier. The Disney Visa folks get about a four day booking advantage classically in the past. However, more commonly, the May booking window opened up for the September FD promotion, and the later fall (like your dates) did not come out until July-August timeframe. Last year, however, that trend was bucked and they released from late August-late December FD all at once. Let me tell you---there was a LOGJAM on the phones. Multiple hour waits.

For those that claim to be in the know, they state booking early in anticipation is not a good plan and will only decrease the amount of resorts that are offered for FD. We saw that last year with POR not being included, as well as All-Star Movies. I think that if your primary goal is to get FD and you are flexible as to what resort you are choosing, I would wait until the FD dates are released and try and grab then. If you have a specific resort that you want, and NOT having FD is not a huge deal, I would go ahead and book.

As far as trying to be "in the know," I have gotten all the information I have ever needed here. Unfortunately, the fellow that offered the most and consistent accurate information was lambasted the past couple years, and I don't think that he is going to be back this year to play along with the rest of us in anticipation. There is another thread already in play for the FD watch--if you click on my posts, you should be able to find it.

Hope that helps.

 

[mjallemand]

Well, let me share my super-preliminary budget numbers to show you guys and gals what I'm working with here.

These are five sample budgets I worked up on our dates and with the number of tickets we're looking to purchase. The only cost not included in these numbers is the Photo Memories what-cha-ma-dinkie and airline tickets, which I would be booking outside of Disney anyway.

Disney's All-Star Sports or All-Star Music Resort
5-Day Ticket w/Park Hopper Option
$1,600.78
Disney Dining Plan Upgrade Fee $261.10
$1,600.78 + $261.10
$1,861.88

Disney's Pop Century Resort
5-Day Ticket w/Park Hopper Option
$1678.10
Disney Dining Plan Upgrade Fee $261.10
$1,678.10 + $261.10
$1,939.20

Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Not Eligble for Free Dining Offer
5-Day Ticket w/Park Hopper Option
Disney Dining Plan
$2,666.64

Disney's Coronado Springs or Caribbean Beach Resort
5-Day Ticket w/Park Hopper Option
Disney Dining Plan (FREE)
$3,097.52

To begin with, Coronado Springs is just too expensive. After airfare, possible photo memories and other incidental required purchases, we'd be looking at close to $4,000 for the trip after taxes. That's $2,000 for person and frankly way more than I was looking to spend on the trip.

The $1,800 All-Star resorts are looking great, especially in comparison to Pop Century's "non-free dining" price. $800 is a large chunk of money, and that $800 saved would cover airfare, the photo package, and a handful of other things. After seeing a $800 difference, I'm more or less determined to try to get it.

Though now I'm frankly more confused than ever. Do I book now and pay the extra money for the privilege to get the rooms we want, or do I wait it out and potentially miss the room rates I like and not get free dining in the process.

Holy shlamoley is this stressful.

 

[aaarcher86]

The room rates aren't changing, so there's no worry with that. It'd just be the availability.

It's not as stressful as you're making it. Book where you want with a price that works for you and if a promotion comes out count it as a bonus.

 

[Marionnette]

Well, let me share my super-preliminary budget numbers to show you guys and gals what I'm working with here.

These are five sample budgets I worked up on our dates and with the number of tickets we're looking to purchase. The only cost not included in these numbers is the Photo Memories what-cha-ma-dinkie and airline tickets, which I would be booking outside of Disney anyway.

Disney's All-Star Sports or All-Star Music Resort
5-Day Ticket w/Park Hopper Option
$1,600.78
Disney Dining Plan Upgrade Fee $261.10
$1,600.78 + $261.10
$1,861.88

Disney's Pop Century Resort
5-Day Ticket w/Park Hopper Option
$1678.10
Disney Dining Plan Upgrade Fee $261.10
$1,678.10 + $261.10
$1,939.20

Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Not Eligble for Free Dining Offer
5-Day Ticket w/Park Hopper Option
Disney Dining Plan
$2,666.64

Disney's Coronado Springs or Caribbean Beach Resort
5-Day Ticket w/Park Hopper Option
Disney Dining Plan (FREE)
$3,097.52

To begin with, Coronado Springs is just too expensive. After airfare, possible photo memories and other incidental required purchases, we'd be looking at close to $4,000 for the trip after taxes. That's $2,000 for person and frankly way more than I was looking to spend on the trip.

The $1,800 All-Star resorts are looking great, especially in comparison to Pop Century's "non-free dining" price. $800 is a large chunk of money, and that $800 saved would cover airfare, the photo package, and a handful of other things. After seeing a $800 difference, I'm more or less determined to try to get it.

Though now I'm frankly more confused than ever. Do I book now and pay the extra money for the privilege to get the rooms we want, or do I wait it out and potentially miss the room rates I like and not get free dining in the process.

Holy shlamoley is this stressful.

My advice is not to create budgets based on an offer that may not come to fruition. You will drive yourself crazy with the "what if's". Go with the assumption that there won't be any discounts and when (if) you qualify for one, you can upgrade some of your plans like adding hopping, moving up a resort category or upgrading dining plans.