Dining help

[cmaelltt1]

Hello, I haven't posted here in years, since we haven't been able to take any Disney trips in quite a while. We are finally planning or first trip back to WDW since 2006 for this January.
We are only able to take my younger two children ages 10 and 12, since my oldest will be in college.

Lately, I have been rethinking January, going instead right after Thanksgiving We would be there 9 days if you count our arrival and check out days. But since we don't do anything those days, we will have 7 days. We also need to go to IOA to see HP one day and to Legoland another. That gives us 5 days of Disney time.

Our Jan plans had us booking a little mermaid room and buying 5 day park hoppers.

If I book a package after Thanksgiving to get free dining, will I have to buy the tickets for our entire stay to qualify, or can I still just buy 5 days? Would the dining be for as long as the tickets are for or as long as the room is booked?

Because of my son's numerous food allergies, we really need to have some table service meals. And I would like to do at least 2 character meals, if I can get ADR. I'm thinking of booking at CBR to get the regular Dining plan. Possibly in a pirate room if I can get one. The second resort choice is Pop Century. But we would only get quick service dining. Can we upgrade to the regular dining plan? Does anyone know how much it would cost?

Lastly, when might Disney announce 2013 free dining, if they were to offer it? Do they typically offer it in early January? In case I can't get off work to go this year. Working in retail, it is asking a lot to take 9 days off the week after Thanksgiving.

I very much appreciate your knowledgable opinions and help, if you can share them with me.

Carrie

 

[vicki_c]

You only have to book a 2 day ticket to participate in the free dining package, not 5 or length-of-stay, for the current offer. Dining goes by nights booked in the resort, not ticket length. You would get credits for every night of your reservation.

Yes, you can upgrade your dining plan. Don't know the cost.

Try the dining boards / DDP boards for more specifics on the DDP.

 

[rachel09985]

It is 16 per day to upgrade to table service for adult. Also if you want to stay for free dining you will have to stay at a different hotel. Art of animation little mermaid rooms are not included in the fall free dining offer.

Oops sorry just read you were rethinking hotels for the fall trip

 

[cmaelltt1]

Thanks. You've been a huge help. I guess I shouldn't post at 1:00 am, I thought I was on the dining boards. Was wondering why I couldn't find it again. Now to see if I can get off work.