Current free dining offer expires May 18. What's next? (Looking for rumors!)

[I<3theMouse]

I called last week and had no pin under my name. After reading all the info on this thread I called back this morning and there was a code there. The code was for free QS dining on all value and moderate resorts. Anything above that would have the Table service included. I was also told that this was good for the remainder of 2012, up until Dec. 20th. And the only blackout dates were Nov. 17-23. She also said that all resorts are included (I was questioning the new AoA value resort).

Something struck me as strange though, when I asked her if I had a pin code, she asked me if I have stayed at WDW before and when was the last time I was there. I have never had a CM ask me that prior to answering my question before, although I have only called them a few times. Also, when she said there was a pin under my name (in kinda talking to herself) she was trying to find out what code it was. It sounded like she said there were three different types of codes, all seemed to have different letters assigned to each. Anyway, it turns out my code letter was "L". Maybe some other of the Disney Vets on the boards may know what this means. It almost seemed liek she was seeing what I qualified for. At least thats what came to my mind. Regardless, I hope this answers some of the questions already posted on this thread.

I had practically this same conversation with a CM about 15 minutes ago. I received an email with PIN in it on May 11th. Since we were planning on a Disney Cruise in March, I didn't really think about another WDW trip this year (our last trip was Thanksgiving 2011). Now, I am reconsidering!
The CM I spoke to said our PIN was good for free QS, but that we could upgrade (which we will as I like to do the character meals with the kids) She also told me the same dates as steveo99 described- all dates now through Nov 16th (blackout dates Nov 17th- 23rd), then Nov 24th- Dec 20th! I was pretty amazed at this offer with so many dates open. I asked to make sure- as long as we check in on one of the dates listed, we'll get FD the entire time we are there (so hello Free dining for the week of Thankgiving!) I did neglect to ask about AoA during the conversation, so I'll have to call about that again.
Now, going home to sprinkle pixie dust on my hubby and tell him I want a WDW vacation for my Nov birthday.... lol

 

[TheRatPack]

They are. These are the dates told to me...I cn't say for sure they are 100% right.

Well these are black out dates

Oct 5-18, Nov 2-8, Nov 16-22, Nov 30-Dec 9

Wow, really? I'd not seen the October dates blocked out in previous post That leaves us out...we're checking in on the 13th. Strange since the Gartner Symposium doesn't start until the 21st of October and those dates will now be included in the FDing promotion. Usually those dates were blocked out.

Oh well....if these dates are correct it looks like we'll miss out by a few days I've already made my ADRs too.

 

[GMU MOM]

Does anyone know if Disney ever offers pins for something specific (room discount or free dining) and then DOES NOT offer it later as a GP offer? Curious if the fact that they released pins for FD means they will release it for GP eventually - or are the two not always connected?

The CM I spoke with this morning to check if I have a pin (which I didn't) said that within the next month they will be sending out the pins and then they will release the discount to the general public. Of course there's nothing 100%sure but that's what he said and I sure hope it's true.

 

[TheRatPack]

Well I called to check and no free dining code for us They just asked for my zip code, street address and name. He also said that usually in October the Free Dining was something that Disney just sent out as random PIN codes and that Disney had ways to fill their resorts during this time...etc.

So...as we all know, that's not true...October has seen General Public free dining for years. Guess I'll sit back and wait...maybe it'll be released again, fingers crossed.

 

[WeLoveToyStory]

My family and I already have vacation plans for Oct. when are kids are on fall break. However, everyone has voted they would much rather return to Disney even though we were just there for spring break. The only way we can financially is with a Free Dining pin code. So, I just called to see if we were lucky enough to have one. No luck. But, the CM did ask me if I have ever received one in the past, which I have. We have been fortunate to have free dining for our past 2 trips. She also wanted to verify my email address and told me they are in the process of getting pins together to send out and to keep watch. So, there is hope!!

 

[sunnysideup3]

On a whim, I checked my spam folder, and I found a PIN code. I excitedly called, but it was only through August 14th and was for % off rooms.... the wait continues....

 

[sjs314]

I just called CRO to see if maybe I had a pin#

Spoke with Emma Jean she asked for last name, zip code, address, and phone number

Unfortunately she said she did not see anything

 

[I<3theMouse]

So, after talking to the CM a little earlier, I got on the WDW vacation site to check out pricing for different resorts (checked out value, moderate, and deluxe). Then, I pulled up my PIN code email... noticed a link "Book Now", so I clicked on it.
It brought up a screen that asked me to verify my last name and zip code. Then, it asked me to confirm a few other details (address, email address, etc). This sounds a lot like what some of the CM are asking others that have called on the phone... (hmmm perhaps the rumors of moving to more PIN codes are true? not sure but it does make you wonder)
Anyway, once I confirmed the information, I was brought to the regular site to search for accomodations. I went to value resorts and AoA wasn't listed. My guess- it is exluded from this PIN offer.
Next, I tested some reservations at values, moderate, and deluxe. I wanted to see if the FD offer changed when chosing a moderate or deluxe resort (in the past, those resorts have gotten the regular dining plan instead of the QS dining plan). Well, this particular PIN is apparently only for free QS dining. That was what popped up for each room category. It did appear (can't confirm as I didn't finish the reservation to see...) that I could go in and upgrade for the difference though.
Just wanted to give everyone a little info as I know we all want to get to WDW for the best value!
FYI- this is my 2nd time to receive a PIN. I routinely go on the WDW site and save potential vacation packages. And finally started getting PINs this year (after a 2011 and 2010 trip with no pins)...

 

[tpimental]

I just called to check and was told nothing on my account and nothing until Aug for my travel dates, Dec 8-14. Booo.

 

[Koz]

I just called to check and was told nothing on my account and nothing until Aug for my travel dates, Dec 8-14. Booo.

Were you able to at least get the 30% off?

 

[sienk1mh]

I called and had a pin too!!!!!!!!

I had Free Dining, with QS at values and DDP at Mods and Deluxe. My inital checking showed little availablity at the Mods, but AoA was available! I think I am looking closely at AoA. Now decisions to make.

Here are the dates for my pin directly off of the Disney website.

For check in dates

September 30 - October 4, 2012, October 19 - November 1, 2012, November 9 - November 15, 2012, November 23 - November 29, 2012, and December 10 - December 13, 2012.

Hope this helps!

 

[ekatiel]

I just called. Apparently, I have this PIN code, too:

On a whim, I checked my spam folder, and I found a PIN code. I excitedly called, but it was only through August 14th and was for % off rooms.... the wait continues....

What I WANT is THIS pin code!!! We're arriving on 11/15, and free dining would be PERFECT!!! Crossing fingers and toes and calling every day!

I called and had a pin too!!!!!!!!

I had Free Dining, with QS at values and DDP at Mods and Deluxe. My inital checking showed little availablity at the Mods, but AoA was available! I think I am looking closely at AoA. Now decisions to make.

Here are the dates for my pin directly off of the Disney website.

For check in dates

September 30 - October 4, 2012, October 19 - November 1, 2012, November 9 - November 15, 2012, November 23 - November 29, 2012, and December 10 - December 13, 2012.

Hope this helps!

 

[Yvie]

hi all so my DBF and I are heading to WDW in Dec (all the way from Australia) for our first trip/my 21st Bday . What are the chances if they release this free dining offer to the public that there will be a slight change of dates?
We arrive 30th Nov and check out 10th Dec.
We fall exactly in the blackout period

 

[LorensMomma]

Is the free dining for guests who visted before a Pin the people are getting? Or can I call tomorrow because we have visited previously in June 2009 and May 2010 and try to have this added to my Nov vacation? I cannot find it on the Disney website, but it would be awesome if I could add it!!

Thanks!!

 

[maryj11]

So I hear that people are finding pin codes under their spouses name. Each time I call, they just always check our email address. Should I specifically ask them to check names??

I called today and they said let me check your household. I know my daughter has a pin for 10% off and she lives in our house. They said no there are no pins for your household I was hoping for one in my name since my daughter's is only 10 %.

 

[maryj11]

My family and I already have vacation plans for Oct. when are kids are on fall break. However, everyone has voted they would much rather return to Disney even though we were just there for spring break. The only way we can financially is with a Free Dining pin code. So, I just called to see if we were lucky enough to have one. No luck. But, the CM did ask me if I have ever received one in the past, which I have. We have been fortunate to have free dining for our past 2 trips. She also wanted to verify my email address and told me they are in the process of getting pins together to send out and to keep watch. So, there is hope!!

OOOOOOO I hope they send me one it would save me 800.00 !

 

[maryj11]

Wow, really? I'd not seen the October dates blocked out in previous post That leaves us out...we're checking in on the 13th. Strange since the Gartner Symposium doesn't start until the 21st of October and those dates will now be included in the FDing promotion. Usually those dates were blocked out.

Oh well....if these dates are correct it looks like we'll miss out by a few days I've already made my ADRs too.

Same here we are going to arrive October 14 th. I thought since the Gartner would be there on the 21st that they would not black out the week we wanted to go ?

 

[chrisw127]

Does anyone know if Disney ever offers pins for something specific (room discount or free dining) and then DOES NOT offer it later as a GP offer? Curious if the fact that they released pins for FD means they will release it for GP eventually - or are the two not always connected?

They'll offer free dining for the fall, but I would guess that there will be broader black out dates, specifically Thanksgiving weekend. These dates closely match the bouceback offer that came out late last fall.

I would imagine that when they come out with the general public offer (which will likely be sometime after packages are released for 2013) you'll also see dates through March (again, with black out dates). Of course, it's always hard to predict what Disney is going to do--maybe they'll release it sooner without 2013 rates included.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

They'll offer free dining for the fall, but I would guess that there will be broader black out dates, specifically Thanksgiving weekend. These dates closely match the bouceback offer that came out late last fall.

I would imagine that when they come out with the general public offer (which will likely be sometime after packages are released for 2013) you'll also see dates through March (again, with black out dates). Of course, it's always hard to predict what Disney is going to do--maybe they'll release it sooner without 2013 rates included.

I am hoping the weekend after Thanksgiving isnt blacked out! We arrive on the 25th!

 

[sjs314]

I am hoping the weekend after Thanksgiving isnt blacked out! We arrive on the 25th!

I am thinking when a GP FD offer is released the dates will be slightly different than the pin people are recieving

In 2010 it was offered Sat to Thurs 11/27 - 12/2 and in 2011 Sun to Sat 11/27 to 12/3 (later changed to Sat to Fri dates)

My guess is we will see Sat 11/24 to Thur 11/29 or Fri 11/30

Or

Sun 11/25 to Sat 12/1