DDP vs Free Dining?

[Luv2Diz]

I've been doing some reading and am getting really confused about the dining plans. We are going in early September and staying at POR for a week.

I phoned Disney reservations yesterday and made a tentative reservation for POR, using the 40% military discount, and the basic DDP. The cost he gave us is $1,266 for 2 people.

But if Disney offers free dining again in September, it is my understanding that you pay full price for the room, which is $149 per night and works out to $1,173 for the week (almost $100 cheaper than the rate above). Is the "free dining" identical to the basic DDP at truly no extra charge?

If I go ahead and confirm the reservation we currently have on a courtesy hold, how much hassle is it to change the reservation to a full price room with free dining if Disney announces they are doing free dining in Sept.?

Thanks for your help!

 

[abc999]

Yes, free dining is the basic DDP for free. You can also upgrade to the Deluxe plan for the price difference, which I believe is around $27 per person.

You can book now and when the code for free dining comes out, you can call and have it added on to your reservation. Making changes are pretty hassle free. You call and just tell them the code and they make the change right away.

Worse comes to worse, you can always cancel the reservation you currently have up to 45 days before your trip without penalty.

 

[RMulieri]

If free dining becomes available, you can call and try to have it added on.Occasinally they can not accomodate you.Why? because there are a limited number of rooms per resort tper period of time that are free dining eligible.Once that number is met, there are no more rooms availble for free dining.At really popular resorts during more popular times( like the values during labor day week) there have been instances where people have had to change their resort choice.

 

[Leajess99]

Worse comes to worse, you can always cancel the reservation you currently have up to 45 days before your trip without penalty.

I am kind of confused on this because my reservation has the cancellation policy stating that I can cancel 5 days prior and get my deposit back. "CANCELLATION POLICY: In order to receive a refund of your deposit, including credit card deposit transactions, notification of cancellation must be received 5 days prior to your arrival date. To cancel a reservation, call (407)-W-DISNEY(934-7639). Additionally, if you are holding any other reservations, they will not be cancelled unless you advise us. The cancellation and refund policy are subject to change." I was also told that my balance will be charged when I check in. Could this just be because I am doing it on the Military special??

 

[adventure_woman]

I think with cancelling - if you have a vacation pkg you have 45 days (you also have to have a $200 deposit down and full payment is due at 45 days). If you have a room only reservation, I know it is only a couple of days and you can pay the balance when you arrive.

 

[pandv_2000]

Just be aware that free dining changed when it was offered in the UK for 2009 and there was no free dining for values, QS plan for mods and basic dining plan for deluxe so it may not be as good value if they give the same offer in the states

 

[goin2themouse]

Don't forget to also factor in the cost for a minimum one day ticket into your cost (presuming that you're using the complimentary/companion tickets).

 

[kaytieeldr]

Could this just be because I am doing it on the Military special??

Nope. It could and would be - is, in fact - because you have a room-only reservation.

Room-only reservation requires the payment of one night's room cost in advance, including taxes, with the balance due on arrival. Reservations canceled more than five days prior to arrival are fully refundable; reservations canceled closer to arrival are assessed a cancellation fee; there is no refund for no-shows.

Package reservations (mandatory* for Guests choosing to include a Dining Plan with their reservation) require a $200 per room deposit with the balance due at least 45 days in advance; reservations canceled 45 days or more prior to arrival are fully refundable; reservations canceled six to 44 days in advance are assessed a $100 cancellation fee; reservations canceled less than five days in advance are charged a $200 cancellation fee; no refund for no-shows.


*Except Guests staying at Disney Vacation Club properties paying for their reservations with DVC points - but then, they're not eligible for promotions like Free Dining, either.

 

[tinkandonaldfans]

now i do not know if this will apply to what is offered to americans but when the UK were offered the free dining promotion they were only giving the quick service dining plan for those who booked moderate resorts and the basic dining plan for those staying at the deluxes!

that might make a difference for you as you would only be eating at counter service locations but then again if its free!