Free Dining 2008 Watch

[Goofy22]

Welcome to the DIS!

Oh don't worry--that code will be right up at the top of the DISboards the moment it's released to the public. And the first day of booking, you can expect to see an extremely active thread of folks waiting on hold to book and announcing once they have booked.

I really enjoyed that thread last year. The reservations line opens at 7 am ET, but we're on the west coast so I was up before 4 am to get in the queue. I was probably on hold for 45 minutes before getting through to someone, and reading all the posts really made the time fly by. Of course, every time someone posted that they booked at my first choice of resorts I panicked, thinking they got the last room, and every time someone posted that they booked somewhere else I cheered (silently, so as not to wake everyone else up). The hardest part was not running through the house screaming with joy after I booked (because it was still only 5 am). My dh finally started to stir around 6, and I was right up in his face with all the details!

Ah, the memories. It almost makes me want to get up early this year, too, just to experience the joy all over again. Almost. . . .

Thats funny! That would be me! LOL!

 

[WeemanMom]

Welcome to the DIS!
...The reservations line opens at 7 am ET, but we're on the west coast so I was up before 4 am to get in the queue. I was probably on hold for 45 minutes before getting through to someone, and reading all the posts really made the time fly by. Of course, every time someone posted that they booked at my first choice of resorts I panicked, thinking they got the last room, and every time someone posted that they booked somewhere else I cheered (silently, so as not to wake everyone else up). The hardest part was not running through the house screaming with joy after I booked (because it was still only 5 am). My dh finally started to stir around 6, and I was right up in his face with all the details!

Ah, the memories. It almost makes me want to get up early this year, too, just to experience the joy all over again. Almost. . . .

I can relate. When we went in 2005 we were visiting family in Connecticut. While we had secured the free dining before we went, we still hadn't secured CRT reservations. It took us calling for four consecutive days to get in...where my family lives our cell phones were not working (lack of reception). I got up early to call on the home phone whereas my husband got up a bit earlier and DROVE to a stop the phones would work...he had mine AND his and sat on the side of the road every morning calling and holding just to get the reservations. All the time the other family we were traveling with was still in Buffalo, NY - also calling every morning.

It was exhilerating! And when we finally got our reservations for 10, we were delighted! Rejoicing as quietly as possible.

 

[faindrops27]

Hello Faindrops. Were going the same time this year. Are there any meets planned this year?

We didn't know about the bounceback, wasn't offered to us at WL, but I kept calling and mentioning that we didn't get it until we got a 30 or 40% (depending on where you book) discount. I still know that the dining will be better so...here I sit waiting when I could have booked last year had I known. ANYWAY....I'm glad you'll be there this time again. What do your ADR's look like?

Hi Step!! I am going incognito this year, since hubby is with me. I did not look into any meets. It was so nice meeting Michelle, and her mom. Tracy, and her kids, and Soccermom last year. Sorry, our paths never crossed. What are your dates. Mine are now. Sept 23rd-Oct 6th. I just got off the phone booking my ADR's. I got everything. Except the few. I have to call back for, Yak & Yeti, and Wolfgang's. But, I scored Lecieller' for dinner! So, I am pretty happy!

I am pretty sure you will get the free dine!!That cm I spoke to, coupled with the "rumors" I have heard. Stating it will be offered to Disney Visa card holders April 7th, then the public April 10th. I am pretty sure you, and anyone else who wants it will get it!!

 

[pta-mom]

We are booked for Aug 19 to the 29. I am relatively sure that free dining will not cover these dates when open to the public. It may however start on about the 24th, allowing us to have five nights of dining. There are three of us going, all adults, so at $37.99 x 3 x 5, that's a saving of about $570. However, given that we already bought our park tickets & in order to now get free dining, I would have to split our stay & buy additional park tickets, how much is that now going to cost me? Anyone know the current price for the tickets? One adult, one ten year old, one twelve year old.

 

[tiggerx3]

Hi Disney Deeva,

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they don't make annual pass holders buy a 1 day ticket if free dining is offered.

Last year, we did the 1 day ticket and upgrade it an AP, so it worked out for us then. This year we're traveling before the pass expires, and rather than renewing, the following year we'll buy a new ticket/AP. This way we get two trips on one pass - with 14 days each trip, the PASS value is pretty good.

 

[jodiey]

Does anyone know about what time the offer usually comes out? Is it at midnight on April 7? I'll be at work on that day and can't really use the internet so I'll only be able to check sporadically. Is there any other sites that would post this as well?

 

[punkin413]

Hi Disney Deeva,

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they don't make annual pass holders buy a 1 day ticket if free dining is offered.

Last year, we did the 1 day ticket and upgrade it an AP, so it worked out for us then. This year we're traveling before the pass expires, and rather than renewing, the following year we'll buy a new ticket/AP. This way we get two trips on one pass - with 14 days each trip, the PASS value is pretty good.

i'm in this same boat. i went last september for a birthday weekend with a friend of mine and i knew i'd be back with DH in april, so i bought an AP. well, since my AP expires on 9/22, i'm going again before then and taking advantage of free dining (if it's offered). but i won't need to renew my AP because i'm not going twice in one year again (at least not for awhile!). so i'm hoping if i have to buy a one-day pass to qualify for free dining that i can just save that ticket and use it on my next trip.....when i arrive i'll just upgrade it to the number of days i need. that'll work, right? i mean, there's no expiration on that one-day pass until it's used, i think???

 

[aimeeg]

This is our first year trying to get free dining. I called and booked my tirp about two weeks ago. I was told I could call back with a code and they could modify my ressies.

If rumors are right FD opens to the general public on 4/10. Here are my questions. . .

1. Where exactly are the codes posted?

2. What is the exact number to call?

Any other tips would be great!

 

[2boyshere]

I am booked at the Yacht Club for 6 nights beginning 8/24 with a package (tickets) so I am hoping and praying that I will be able to add free dining. My ADR question is since I am booked on property what is the date I can make my meal reservations? Does this go for CRT also? thanks

 

[billnang]

Call now, I am going Sept 13-20 I was able to book on March 17th

 

[skw444]

My ADR question is since I am booked on property what is the date I can make my meal reservations? Does this go for CRT also? thanks

You can make ADR's (CRT included) 180 days from your check in date. I'm checking in on Aug 31 and was able to make my ADR's on 3/3, so I'd go ahead and call now. Especially if you want CRT.

 

[aimeeg]

I just called WDW to get direct information.

This is what I was told . . .

"If" they release the free dining code to call the morning of the release and then they would modify my existing reservation. I was also told I could purchase one day base ticket and then upgrade to an Annual Pass. My ticekt costs would be put towards the purchase fo an Annual Pass.

 

[KKB]

We did our first Disney trip last Oct. and just LOVED DDP. I do NOT like the dropping of the appetizers (I much prefer that over dessert), but still loved that we could eat at so many great restaurants & not look at the prices! DH said he cannot believe how well we ate at WDW! (Ohanas, Kona, Le Chefs, Le Cellier, Narcoosees, Boma, PH, WPC--thanks to all your great info on this board!)

We are cruising this Oct. as a couple (one year we take a big trip as a family and one year as a couple), so no WDW this year. BUT I want to see how it goes this year for possible booking ideas for next year! I really thought we would do a Royal Caribbean cruise w/ the kids next, but DH & kids are pulling for WDW again! (and to think we do no consider ourselves Disney nuts!) Price is similar, so I'm flexible.

Good luck everyone! Keep us all informed!

 

[mkycrzy1971]

Call now, I am going Sept 13-20 I was able to book on March 17th

For free dining???

 

[mom2faith]

discovery cove RULES

I am glad you think so, I am still leary about all that $$ at one place.

Can I please get your advise on one thing - what about my almost 4 year old? Is there lots to do for her? She loves to swim and is not afraid of the water, but we have not mastered snorkling yet (although we are practicing, I am prepared that it will not happen). Is this an OK place for that age?

Amy

PS if you want to PM so we do not fill up this board, please do.

 

[DisneyDeeva]

We are booked for Aug 19 to the 29. I am relatively sure that free dining will not cover these dates when open to the public. It may however start on about the 24th, allowing us to have five nights of dining. There are three of us going, all adults, so at $37.99 x 3 x 5, that's a saving of about $570. However, given that we already bought our park tickets & in order to now get free dining, I would have to split our stay & buy additional park tickets, how much is that now going to cost me? Anyone know the current price for the tickets? One adult, one ten year old, one twelve year old.

IMO - if you have to split your stay to qualify, it completely voids the value. You would still be paying for food during the first part of your stay. And, even a one day ticket is going to cost you $75.62. Times three, thats over $225. You also have to go back through the check in process, get issued new KTTW and may even have to change rooms. Will the kids eat enough to make it worth it?

Hi Disney Deeva,

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they don't make annual pass holders buy a 1 day ticket if free dining is offered.

Last year, we did the 1 day ticket and upgrade it an AP, so it worked out for us then. This year we're traveling before the pass expires, and rather than renewing, the following year we'll buy a new ticket/AP. This way we get two trips on one pass - with 14 days each trip, the PASS value is pretty good.

Just keep the ticket and apply it to the AP next year. It will still be good and will still get full face value added deducted from the price of the AP.

 

[kimsuenew]

For free dining???

I think billnang meant ADR's, they were able to call and set all ADR's for their trip!

 

[DisneyDeeva]

I am booked at the Yacht Club for 6 nights beginning 8/24 with a package (tickets) so I am hoping and praying that I will be able to add free dining. My ADR question is since I am booked on property what is the date I can make my meal reservations? Does this go for CRT also? thanks

180 out from your arrival date. Our 180 day mark was this morning. We were on the phone at 7:00 and were able to get most of our 1st choices. I personally find CRT and LeCellier to way over rated. Been there done that (more than once). So I wasn't too worried. CRT at 150 day out may be tough to get. Were you thinking breakfast, lunch or dinner? Go to the phone and call ASAP - 1-407-WDW-DINE

 

[mkycrzy1971]

I think billnang meant ADR's, they were able to call and set all ADR's for their trip!

Okay...had me perplexed there for a minute...imagine that!!

 

[nutsforgolf]

If free dining is offered on Aug23rd, but I want to check in prior, if I book a room only for the Aug22nd, will Disney give me the park tickets early?

OR, would they book me one 9 night trip, with only 8 of them for free dining?