Free DDP in 2007 speculation

[Oceana]

we just got back from our free DDP vacation and LOVED it, we had a value vacation that felt like it was a million dollar vacation. So I plan to start getting ready now...

when do they typically have it? When do they typically announce it? I need to start socking away money now.

Thanks
julie

 

[momof2disprincesses]

We've been able to enjoy the free dining twice now. It's been offered in 2005 and 2006, both times in mid/late August-late Sept./early Oct. - HURRICANE season. With this year's season being mild (at least so far), who knows.

I do know if they offer it again, I'll plan another trip just to enjoy it ... AGAIN!

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Glad you had a great trip! We loved the Free DDP offer last year and we are looking forward to it this year, as well!

Last year we had already booked our package when the Free offer was announced sometime towards the end of March or the beginning of April. The offer had to be booked by early June. This year I didn't pay attention to the start date of the promotion because I was too busy planning our memorial day weekend trip. 4 days after our Memorial Day Weekend trip was over I booked free dining again (can you say sucker?)

I know the free dining was offered to UK residents for 2007 already. Their packages had some extra restrictions, but it's for the same time late summer/early fall time period. Looks good that they will offer it again.

Start saving those pennies!

 

[bicker]

The extra restrictions were that guests had to purchase admission for all members of the party, for the entire duration of their visit. It's not clear whether or not that requirement will be applied to US reservations, but folks hoping to take advantage of free dining in 2007 should avoid purchasing their admission for 2007 until after the restrictions for the promotion are announced next Spring.

 

[goofydad621]

The extra restrictions were that guests had to purchase admission for all members of the party, for the entire duration of their visit. It's not clear whether or not that requirement will be applied to US reservations, but folks hoping to take advantage of free dining in 2007 should avoid purchasing their admission for 2007 until after the restrictions for the promotion are announced next Spring.

Bicker
not to take exception with what you said but, we did not have to buty tickets for everyday of our vacation. I was told that we had to buy a 1 day base ticket for each member of our party but that was it.
That is all we bought and we have been given credits for our whole stay.

Maybe they changed it after we booked??? Not sure but that is what happened with us.

 

[bicker]

You'll want to read ExPirateShopGirl's message (the one above mine) to understand the distinction:

I know the free dining was offered to UK residents for 2007 already. Their packages had some extra restrictions ...

 

[hniki234]

Where do you go to find out when the free dining is offered? Is this on the WDW website or do you have to call and ask? Also, how long before the free dining plan starts is it announced? Thanks!

 

[ReneeA]

Where do you go to find out when the free dining is offered? Is this on the WDW website or do you have to call and ask? Also, how long before the free dining plan starts is it announced? Thanks!

It's usually not announced until early April, and you have to book by a certain date (usually June). I think they wait awhile to announce it...kind a "wait and see" plan. That way if bookings are up and they can fill the resorts without offering it, they don't have to. It's usually announced here on the DIS right away.

 

[annie1995]

We just booked September 14-24 at POP for 2007. We are going with the 7 day park hopper pass, that way with an infant, we have plenty of down time, and time to just explore. All we are waiting on is to see if they offer free dining. Man, I hope they do! I'm going crazy waiting .

 

[annie1995]

We just booked September 14-24 at POP for 2007. We are going with the 7 day park hopper pass, that way with an infant, we have plenty of down time, and time to just explore. All we are waiting on is to see if they offer free dining. Man, I hope they do! I'm going crazy waiting . Oh yeah, why do UK residents get in on it first for 2007??

 

[kevin75]

we are looking at going in may 2007. if we book a trip and then later they offer free dining, is it possible to get an adjustment or are we out of luck?

 

[honeymo78]

Generally your reservation can be modified if there is still availability at your resort for that package (sometimes only a certain number of rooms are available at each resort for the offers). However since you a going in May, not a time of the year Disney typically has trouble filling rooms, I would be hesitant to hope for free dining then. I'm pretty sure free dining has only been offered in late summer/early fall "hurricane season" to help keep the resorts full.

 

[lustergirl]

I have already booked my september 2007 trip including the dining plan as well. If the free dining promo comes out next spring that would be great as well!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[lmountford]

Oh yeah, why do UK residents get in on it first for 2007??

I'm from the UK. I can't be certain but I think it may be that 1. UK visitor figures may be down due to the possible threat of transatlantic terrorism. 2. Due to additional time / cost requirements a higher proportion of UK visitors often need to book a loooong time in advance. 3. Free DDP wasn't offered to us at all in 2005 or 2006.

I will be at POP 15th to 29th September 2007 wth one DD , one DH , two grandads and free dining I feel confident that the free dining will also be offered to US visitors in 2007 Have fun

 

[bicker]

Disney has never offered free dining during regular season -- only during the heart of hurricane season. I wouldn't count on seeing the free dining promotion any other time of year. If anything, they'd offer it in January (which is still rather unlikely) before May. Sorry.

 

[WeLoveNemo]

That would justify making our trip an annual affair!

 

[cnids00]

We already have no expiration tickets, 6 days left. So if we book room only for September 2007 and later sometime next year they again do the free dining plan, will we be able to get it or is it for packages only?

We didn't use DDP this trip but should have It can be pretty expensive without it

If anyone had room only or knows the answer to my question, please let me know, I don't know if we should book the package and keep our no exp tickets for some other time, or book room only.

Just got back and need to book for next year to keep us going through the year, something to look forward to!

 

[bicker]

We already have no expiration tickets, 6 days left. So if we book room only for September 2007 and later sometime next year they again do the free dining plan, will we be able to get it or is it for packages only?

It is for packages only (unless you're a DVC member staying at a DVC resort on DVC points. You'd have to purchase more admission. We're not sure whether there will or will not be a requirement for minimum number of days of admission you'll have to buy next year.

Keep in mind that you can just use your non-expiring ticket the next year -- that's what we decided, though for other reasons. We have four days left on non-expiring ten day MYW passes, but needed six for this coming February. It made more sense for us to buy new six day expiring passes, and carry the four days over to a trip when we aren't planning on spending as many days in the theme parks.

 

[Lewisc]

Dining, other than for DVC point stays, requires a package. 2005 and 2006 free dining only required a one day base ticket, which some guests saved for a future trip.

The UK free dining package for 2007 requires pass purchase for the lenght of stay. Free dining is very popular, I wouldn't be surprised to see a change like that if free dining is offered to US residents in 2007.

We already have no expiration tickets, 6 days left. So if we book room only for September 2007 and later sometime next year they again do the free dining plan, will we be able to get it or is it for packages only?

We didn't use DDP this trip but should have It can be pretty expensive without it

If anyone had room only or knows the answer to my question, please let me know, I don't know if we should book the package and keep our no exp tickets for some other time, or book room only.

Just got back and need to book for next year to keep us going through the year, something to look forward to!

 

[jjohnson]

It made more sense for us to buy new six day non-expiring passes, and carry the four days over to a trip when we aren't planning on spending as many days in the theme parks.

OT- I would like to know why you would buy a 6 day non-expiring vs a 10-day. I'm having a hard time deciding what to purchase for our next trip & thought maybe I'm missing something.