Dining Plan Now Free?

[SlapShot]

Hey all,

I've read through various posts here that state the Disney Dining Plan is now being offered for free, although I can't seem to find any firm evidence of that (even when calling WDW reservations). Does it depend on the # of days staying, etc?

Let me start by saying, we previously booked a 8 night MYW package (including dining) about two months ago. It will be our first real "family" vaction, with our 8 year old twin boys, and 7 year old daughter. We have saved for a long time for this, and more than likely, will not be able to afford it again. So the reason I am asking is, if we can save a few $$ on booking the trip, it would afford us a little extra to "throw around" while we are down there.

Either way we are ALL looking forward to our trip in October, and I've really enjoyed (most of) what I've read here. Great site!

Thanks for any insight,
Slappy

 

[triplefigs]

Here's a link to the offer. MYW Package plus Free Dining

 

[TeresaMc]

The free dining offer is for packages that begin on October 4 or before. You must buy a package which includes room plus park admission together. Not sure when you are planning on traveling in October it might be worth it to adjust your dates a bit if you can. The dining plan is $35 per day for adults and $10 for kids so it would be $100 per day savings for your family for the 8 nights if you could do it. Good Luck!!

 

[skyhawk]

Not sure exactly, but I believe that there was a deadline to get this, and it has already past. I found out about the plan in May after reading about it here, had already booked our trip, went to our TA, and had to cancel and re-book everything in order to get it - but I figured we are proabbaly saving about $1,400.

 

[angel's momma]

skyhawk, you're right that there was a deadline & that it is past, But they're offering it again, for the same check in dates as before.

 

[skbasnett]

Actually, you have to travel by october 4. That is the last day for it to be offered this time around.

 

[SlapShot]

Thanks for the responses.

Strangely enough, we are already booked from 10/1-10/9 at POR. My wife called yesterday and today, and both times she was told it was unavailable.

I just went on the Dis website and tried to go through the booking process, just like we did a few month back, and lo and behold, the same package offering came up, at about $800 less! So what gives? We have already made a deposit on the previous trip, but obviously I would like to get the $800 off. Seems they should just be able to crdit it or something, instead of having to cancel/rebook?

That $800 would certainly go a loooong way!

Slappy

 

[Anewman]

Thanks for the responses.

Strangely enough, we are already booked from 10/1-10/9 at POR. My wife called yesterday and today, and both times she was told it was unavailable.

I just went on the Dis website and tried to go through the booking process, just like we did a few month back, and lo and behold, the same package offering came up, at about $800 less! So what gives? We have already made a deposit on the previous trip, but obviously I would like to get the $800 off. Seems they should just be able to crdit it or something, instead of having to cancel/rebook?

That $800 would certainly go a loooong way!

Slappy

They only have a certain amount of "free dining" packages at some of the resorts, so there may be rooms but none with the free dining. But if reservations slow down they may add more free dining rooms in order to fill up the resort.

I Would call to see if they can get you in on the "free dining" at that resort and have them check one of the other moderates. If they tell you it is not available CANCEL the reservation, you are still outside of the 45 day mark so it should be a FULL REFUND. After you cancel see if the website will let you book the package you need and/or keep calling until you get what you want.

$800 is not a little bit of money and is very much worth fighting for IMO

 

[twoeeyy]

If you don't mind changing hotels you should check and see if another hotel has it.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Thanks for the responses.

Strangely enough, we are already booked from 10/1-10/9 at POR. My wife called yesterday and today, and both times she was told it was unavailable.

I just went on the Dis website and tried to go through the booking process, just like we did a few month back, and lo and behold, the same package offering came up, at about $800 less! So what gives? We have already made a deposit on the previous trip, but obviously I would like to get the $800 off. Seems they should just be able to crdit it or something, instead of having to cancel/rebook?

That $800 would certainly go a loooong way!

Slappy

They may be beyond their target bookings at por, hence no more are available to give you. That doesn't mean the hotel is full, just that they've now met their target for the promotion.

Try seeing if it's available at another moderate hotel or even a value. Hey, for $800 of free food, it might be worth your while to switch.

Just ask the CM to check other moderate and the value resorts for you. They can only do what you tell em. Disney doesn't like em to just blurt out HEY YOU CAN GET FREE FOOD OVER HERE JUST SWITCH!!! You have to ask.

 

[SlapShot]

Went back on line, and it was no longer available, nor were our dates at ANY of the moderates. However, I checked availability by shortening the stay by one day, and voila, it WAS available, for around $1000 cheaper. To me, it didn't make sense to penalize someone $1000 for staying an extra day??? Sooooo........

My wife called back, and this time, luckiliy she happened to get the right person on the phone. She originally asked if we could get credited for the first 8 days, and we would be willing to pay full price for the last day (since that DID show availability on the web page). The girl on the other end saw the irony in this, and after she questioned someone else (a manager maybe), she came back and informed the missus that we would receive a new bill reflecting the free dining package for the full 9 days, no problem!

Bottom line is, I guess it all depends on who you talk to on the phone. I would like to give her a shout here, but don't know if it's appropriate mentioning names or not. It doesn't hurt to ask, and be patient.

Anyhow, thanks to Disney for doing (IMO) the right thing! It will help us out TREMENDOUSLY!

Slappy

 

[Luv2Roam]

 

[ChrisLei]

Congrats to you and the family for getting the free dining and saving $800!!! That is awesome! We miss the free dining option by a month unfortumately