Disney Visa & Free Dining

[Jill Schwartz]

We have Disney Visa, but couldn't go the last times Free Dining was offered, so I didn't pay too much attention.
Both years, did they off it to DVisa holders first? How difficult was it to get the resort you wanted? Did some resorts sell out very quickly, or appear to never even have rooms available for the Free Dining?
How difficult was it to get through on the Disney Visa holder days? Managable or hours on the phone??
THanks,
Jill

 

[LakeAriel]

We have Disney Visa, but couldn't go the last times Free Dining was offered, so I didn't pay too much attention.
Both years, did they off it to DVisa holders first? How difficult was it to get the resort you wanted? Did some resorts sell out very quickly, or appear to never even have rooms available for the Free Dining?
How difficult was it to get through on the Disney Visa holder days? Managable or hours on the phone??
THanks,
Jill

Last year they offered it first to cardholders. I think you had to have used the card and received a bill? Someone else could verify that. I don't think there was such a promotion the year before. I had no problem booking!

 

[gigi1313]

yes, it was offered to cardholders for about 3 days before it went public...

we did the free dining the last two years and changed our minds re: resorts repeatedly during the planning process and my TA had no trouble getting what we wanted each time we switched... although once the ASMo pool announced it's renovation, some of the values were sold out as people changed their ressie away from ASMo (us included)...

it is typically a slower time of year, which is why they offer the program...

 

[Jill Schwartz]

Great! Reading these boards makes a person think everyone in the world is going to Disney and is ready to jump on the phone!
We are actually hoping for a Deluxe monorail resort (would love to get Poly) as the Free Dining puts in more within budget.
Jill

 

[gigi1313]

Great! Reading these boards makes a person think everyone in the world is going to Disney and is ready to jump on the phone!
We are actually hoping for a Deluxe monorail resort (would love to get Poly) as the Free Dining puts in more within budget.
Jill

jill... just for fun, i'd check those numbers... typically the free dining is a "bargain" for stays at value and moderate resorts... but once you give up any chance of a discount on room rate, free dining does not become that great a perk ('cause you will have to pay rack rate in order to get the free dining, and the cost of the dining plan is often less than the discount you are giving up)... so while FREE anything sounds good, i advise you to do the math