Can you add Free dinning to an existing reservation if it comes available for fall?

[CanadianWDWfan]

Hi, I was wondering if I should book now or just wait until April when they may release a 'Free Dining' package? Any help would be apreciated. Thanks.

 

[winterman]

According to posts here, lots of people have done that in the past. I actually find myself in that position as well. We just booked our flights for mid Sept. That wasn't my first choice of time but the price was right. So if Disney ever comes on the phone I'll make my reservation for ASMu. And if Free Dining is offered again, I will try to add it.

 

[DisneySherpa]

Yes... this can easily be done. When the package is officially released, simply call CRO (or your TA) and ask them to apply the discount code to your reservation.

One misconception is that if you've already booked a certain room category/resort... you'll automatically be able to apply free dinning with no issues... and this isn't always the case.

With every promotion, Disney offers a certain number of rooms and room categories... meaning that when you call CRO... your room category/resort choice may not be available with the promotion.

Not to mention that due to the poularity of this promotion, it's not unlikely to see resorts sell out for certain dates. In 2007 rooms at Pop were "sold out" for certain dates around 11am on the day the promotion was released to Disney Visa Card holders (3 days earlier then the general public).

My one suggestion would be to have a back up "just in case" you can't apply the discount to your reservation/room category (it's not a common issue, but possible, so just be prepared so your not put on the spot!) and to act fast! The sooner you call, the better your chances, especially if your dates are more popular... such as the last week of August/Labor Day compared to the middle of September.

We prefer to book when the package comes out as our resort choice is very flexible... but if I wasn't going to budge on my room choice... then I'd book now... and try and apply any discounts that are valid for my vacation dates.

 

[RMulieri]

I echo the pp.@ yrs ago I booked Pop thinking I would add the free dining, well I called later in the day free dining was announced, and there was nothing for my dates at POp available for free dining.it does happen sometimes.Last year many were able to just add it on, but there were a few forced to change resorts or dates because their original choice was sold out.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Correct that it is not an add-on, esp for a room only. A room only res is just for that -- a room only. Nothing more. And room only is not WDTC.
Free dining is a separate WDTC package.
As mentioned, depending on availability, you may or may not be able to rebook with the same resort and view you already have.

 

[CanadianWDWfan]

Thanks for the advice, I just knew someone would know the answer here on the DIS.

 

[bytheblood]

Yes, you can! If there is availability at that resort, it can be modified. It may require you moving resorts, however.

 

[CanadianWDWfan]

Thanks for your comments, I wouldn't mind switching resorts if it meant free dining!

 

[Baltazar]

Every year the free food has been out we've added it to an existing reservation.

Most of the time we also had to move the trip a few days later because the free food started later than our trip but never had to change resorts.

Disney Visa holders usually get first crack at it, a few days head start.

 

[CanadianWDWfan]

Thanks, I'm going to book now and try (fingers crossed) to add the free dining in April. I wish they had the Disney Visa for Canadians too!