Dining plan requirements?

[justthe6ofus]

We are considering a trip in Feburary 2012. It would be great if we could get a dining plan during that time! Do the dining plans require a minimum stay? We're looking at five nights, possibly at POR, for a family of five + toddler.

I don't mind if it's quick service. Free is free.

 

[TDC Nala]

No minimum stay on a regular package. For free dining (if offered) the minimum stay is 3 nights. You can get a paid dining plan in February 2012, but if you are looking for free dining, no 2012 offers are out yet outside those for UK residents. The end of February is considered peak season (peak charges officially begin February 16) and free dining offers are not likely then.

 

[justthe6ofus]

Thank you! We are looking at the first week of February. I have a few more questions if anyone could help...

If a free dining plan is announced for our travel dates, do I need to have a Disney Visa or anything to qualify?

Are there a limited number of free dining packages? Can they "run out"?

If my package is already booked, WITHOUT a dining plan - can I call and add it if my dates qualify?

THANK YOU guys so much!

 

[TDC Nala]

1) If you have a Disney Visa you may be able to book a few days ahead of the general public, but that's usually the only advantage.

2) The rooms offered at each resort on the promotion are limited and may sell out.

3) Yes, if there is a promotional room available at the same resort on the same dates. Already having a reservation will not guarantee you the promotion - there must be availability.

 

[justthe6ofus]

Great! Thanks, TDC Nala. Now I'm nervous though.

Is there any advantage here to booking through a travel agent? Places like Small World Vacations say they'll monitor your reservation and try to apply any announced deals/discounts. Are they any more able to upgrade my package than I am? Do they have an inside track here?

I know I'm putting the cart before the horse. Just weighing options.

 

[nkereina]

Great! Thanks, TDC Nala. Now I'm nervous though.

Is there any advantage here to booking through a travel agent? Places like Small World Vacations say they'll monitor your reservation and try to apply any announced deals/discounts. Are they any more able to upgrade my package than I am? Do they have an inside track here?

I know I'm putting the cart before the horse. Just weighing options.

Any travel agency that is a good one will monitor for free dining for all their clients. The travel agents usually receive memos and may know a few days prior to the public. They still cannot have the reservation changed until the public can though and they have no more of a chance than you would. In fact, I would trust myself over the TA because I know I'd be on the phone the first day at 8am making changes whereas the TA probably won't be. Although, the availability of FD rooms probably won't diminish within hours so I think you'd still be safe. If you watch for FD yourself, there's no difference whether you book your package or the TA does. But if a TA does, he or she has to make the changes and you can't.

 

[justthe6ofus]

Very good point! I could be on the phone first thing, and a TA would have other clients to look out for too.

Thanks!