Dining Plan/Free Dining question

[shoppgirl]

We are hoping to use my magical PIN code to book another Disney vacation next August! I did not use the DDP this year, but after looking at all our expenses, we would have been better off using the plan. Thus, for our next trip I would definitely want to have the DDP.

These last few years, Disney has offered free Dining at the end of Aug-Oct. Does anyone know when they usually announce that offer? When we go to book our trip, should I book assuming there is NO free dining and add the DDP to our reservation? Then IF they announce free dining and my dates match, do I just call and ask them to take the charges off and switch me to FREE dining?

WHen booking Cinderella's Round Table they ask if you will be using the dining plan or pay out of pocket. What other details are needed if you are booking using DDP? When paying OOP you have to give them a CC and they charge you right away. They can't do that when you're using TS credits. Do they just take your word for it that you will have the DDP and remove the credits the day of your meal at CRT?

Thanks so much for any advice you can offer.

 

[wdwluver]

I can answer your first question. If you know you want to use the dining plan, then add it to your reservation when you book. If a code for free dining later comes out, you can then call and add the code to your reservation to receive the discount.

For Cinderella's Royal Table (CRT), if you have already booked with the dining plan and make your reservation, they will ask for your credit card as a guarantee. They will not charge your card if you are on the Dining Plan, but they will charge you if you are a no show or if you need to cancel and don't cancel 48 hours prior to your reserved time. I booked the Luau and they told me that normally you have to pay in full, but since I had the dining plan, they would just use my credit card as a guarantee. I'm sure the same thing applies to the CRT.

 

[squirrel]

Usually Free Dining is anounced in April for Aug and Sept.

 

[docgrumpy]

For Cinderella's Royal Table (CRT), if you have already booked with the dining plan and make your reservation, they will ask for your credit card as a guarantee. They will not charge your card if you are on the Dining Plan, but they will charge you if you are a no show or if you need to cancel and don't cancel 48 hours prior to your reserved time. I booked the Luau and they told me that normally you have to pay in full, but since I had the dining plan, they would just use my credit card as a guarantee. I'm sure the same thing applies to the CRT.



EXACTLY!!