Free Dining 2008 Watch

[LoveTwoTravel]

Last year I didn't mention a code, just free dining.

Wonderful news! Thank you. These boards are so great: a wealth of information.

The only problem is, if I don't bookmark a certain page/post I sometimes have trouble finding it again...

 

[ExtinctDino]

Last year we knew by now what days in August and September were covered. This year Disney is doing a much better job of keeping it secret, unfortunately, making it harder to plan flights and other things.

 

[esdras]

Last year we knew by now what days in August and September were covered. This year Disney is doing a much better job of keeping it secret, unfortunately, making it harder to plan flights and other things.

I have a theory (whoo hoo - yet another theory!) about why the "details" haven't leaked out this year.

This past week, many of us noted that Universal Orlando put out their own version of Free Dining - although theirs limits it to only two guests per room with the others being required to "buy" the Meal Deal - on the other hand, theirs is unlimited food and beverages at 4 restaurants in each park.

The notable thing about Universal's offer, however, is the travel dates included - August 17 to October 9.

I honestly believe that Disney caught wind of Universal's plans - but perhaps not all the details.

Notice what happened about two weeks ago - about a week before Universal published THEIR offer. About two weeks ago a LOT of "official" rumours went out pretty much guaranteeing that Disney would offer a Public Free Dining promo for '08 - but no one could find out the dates.

A week later, Universal's offer comes out in detail.

Disney is sitting pretty - they've put out enough info to let people know that Free Dining is coming - hopefully preventing them from booking at Universal for their offer, while at the same time being able to judge Universal's offer and perhaps tailor the dates for Disney Free Dining to best counter the competition. THAT'S why there hasn't been any info on the dates for Disney's Free Dining - at least no "official" rumour.

With Univeral's offer starting on August 17, I cannot imagine how Disney could start it any later than August 24 - and they might just push it back to match Universal's dates.

I'm not sure they'll let it go into October though - I'm not sure allowing Free Dining at the same time as the Food and Wine Festival is something Disney would want.

Anyway, that's my take on why we didn't get dates this year.

 

[ShhhQ]

I have a theory (whoo hoo - yet another theory!) about why the "details" haven't leaked out this year.

This past week, many of us noted that Universal Orlando put out their own version of Free Dining - although theirs limits it to only two guests per room with the others being required to "buy" the Meal Deal - on the other hand, theirs is unlimited food and beverages at 4 restaurants in each park.

The notable thing about Universal's offer, however, is the travel dates included - August 17 to October 9.

I honestly believe that Disney caught wind of Universal's plans - but perhaps not all the details.

Notice what happened about two weeks ago - about a week before Universal published THEIR offer. About two weeks ago a LOT of "official" rumours went out pretty much guaranteeing that Disney would offer a Public Free Dining promo for '08 - but no one could find out the dates.

A week later, Universal's offer comes out in detail.

Disney is sitting pretty - they've put out enough info to let people know that Free Dining is coming - hopefully preventing them from booking at Universal for their offer, while at the same time being able to judge Universal's offer and perhaps tailor the dates for Disney Free Dining to best counter the competition. THAT'S why there hasn't been any info on the dates for Disney's Free Dining - at least no "official" rumour.

With Univeral's offer starting on August 17, I cannot imagine how Disney could start it any later than August 24 - and they might just push it back to match Universal's dates.

I'm not sure they'll let it go into October though - I'm not sure allowing Free Dining at the same time as the Food and Wine Festival is something Disney would want.

Anyway, that's my take on why we didn't get dates this year.

Sounds quite plausible!!!

 

[ssmith010]

subscribing

 

[vellamint]

I have a theory (whoo hoo - yet another theory!) about why the "details" haven't leaked out this year.

This past week, many of us noted that Universal Orlando put out their own version of Free Dining - although theirs limits it to only two guests per room with the others being required to "buy" the Meal Deal - on the other hand, theirs is unlimited food and beverages at 4 restaurants in each park.

The notable thing about Universal's offer, however, is the travel dates included - August 17 to October 9.

I honestly believe that Disney caught wind of Universal's plans - but perhaps not all the details.

Notice what happened about two weeks ago - about a week before Universal published THEIR offer. About two weeks ago a LOT of "official" rumours went out pretty much guaranteeing that Disney would offer a Public Free Dining promo for '08 - but no one could find out the dates.

A week later, Universal's offer comes out in detail.

Disney is sitting pretty - they've put out enough info to let people know that Free Dining is coming - hopefully preventing them from booking at Universal for their offer, while at the same time being able to judge Universal's offer and perhaps tailor the dates for Disney Free Dining to best counter the competition. THAT'S why there hasn't been any info on the dates for Disney's Free Dining - at least no "official" rumour.

With Univeral's offer starting on August 17, I cannot imagine how Disney could start it any later than August 24 - and they might just push it back to match Universal's dates.

I'm not sure they'll let it go into October though - I'm not sure allowing Free Dining at the same time as the Food and Wine Festival is something Disney would want.

Anyway, that's my take on why we didn't get dates this year.

From your mouth to God's ears......

Thanks for the input...it gives me hope for my dates.

 

[Albertan mom]

My husband just gave me the go-ahead to book a trip in September if Free Dining is out again! YAY!!!

The kids and I are sooooo excited!

However, he wants to go when it is the very least busy.

What would you suggest?

The second or third or last week that Free Dining is offered?

If it does end Sept 20, I hope that they will let you do the thing where you can book in on say, the 18th and stay til the 28th and still get the Free Dining for the whole trip. Heres hoping!!

 

[mickey mommy]

I have a theory (whoo hoo - yet another theory!) about why the "details" haven't leaked out this year.

This past week, many of us noted that Universal Orlando put out their own version of Free Dining - although theirs limits it to only two guests per room with the others being required to "buy" the Meal Deal - on the other hand, theirs is unlimited food and beverages at 4 restaurants in each park.

The notable thing about Universal's offer, however, is the travel dates included - August 17 to October 9.

I honestly believe that Disney caught wind of Universal's plans - but perhaps not all the details.

Notice what happened about two weeks ago - about a week before Universal published THEIR offer. About two weeks ago a LOT of "official" rumours went out pretty much guaranteeing that Disney would offer a Public Free Dining promo for '08 - but no one could find out the dates.

A week later, Universal's offer comes out in detail.

Disney is sitting pretty - they've put out enough info to let people know that Free Dining is coming - hopefully preventing them from booking at Universal for their offer, while at the same time being able to judge Universal's offer and perhaps tailor the dates for Disney Free Dining to best counter the competition. THAT'S why there hasn't been any info on the dates for Disney's Free Dining - at least no "official" rumour.

With Univeral's offer starting on August 17, I cannot imagine how Disney could start it any later than August 24 - and they might just push it back to match Universal's dates.

I'm not sure they'll let it go into October though - I'm not sure allowing Free Dining at the same time as the Food and Wine Festival is something Disney would want.

Anyway, that's my take on why we didn't get dates this year.

Wow! I think you may be on to something here! I will continue to keep my fingers crossed for Aug 25-31 to be included.

 

[maddhatir]

My husband just gave me the go-ahead to book a trip in September if Free Dining is out again! YAY!!!

The kids and I are sooooo excited!

However, he wants to go when it is the very least busy.

What would you suggest?

The second or third or last week that Free Dining is offered?


If it does end Sept 20, I hope that they will let you do the thing where you can book in on say, the 18th and stay til the 28th and still get the Free Dining for the whole trip. Heres hoping!!

I would go as close to the end of Labor day as possible.

 

[esdras]

I would go as close to the end of Labor day as possible.

Serious ditto to that - I only wish we could do that date again rather than the week just prior to Labour Day.

On our '06 trip we flew down on the Tuesday immediately following Labour Day - our longest wait for a ride the whole trip was about 15-20 minutes for the Tomorrowland Speedway - but only because we tried to go on it at a really stupid time (about 11:30 am). Otherwise, we walked on to virtually everything - including rides like BTMRR, Soarin' and Test Track - even riding a few of those back to back with no wait.

It was fantastic.

 

[beroh2253]

I have a theory (whoo hoo - yet another theory!) about why the "details" haven't leaked out this year.

This past week, many of us noted that Universal Orlando put out their own version of Free Dining - although theirs limits it to only two guests per room with the others being required to "buy" the Meal Deal - on the other hand, theirs is unlimited food and beverages at 4 restaurants in each park.

The notable thing about Universal's offer, however, is the travel dates included - August 17 to October 9.

I honestly believe that Disney caught wind of Universal's plans - but perhaps not all the details.

Notice what happened about two weeks ago - about a week before Universal published THEIR offer. About two weeks ago a LOT of "official" rumours went out pretty much guaranteeing that Disney would offer a Public Free Dining promo for '08 - but no one could find out the dates.

A week later, Universal's offer comes out in detail.

Disney is sitting pretty - they've put out enough info to let people know that Free Dining is coming - hopefully preventing them from booking at Universal for their offer, while at the same time being able to judge Universal's offer and perhaps tailor the dates for Disney Free Dining to best counter the competition. THAT'S why there hasn't been any info on the dates for Disney's Free Dining - at least no "official" rumour.

With Univeral's offer starting on August 17, I cannot imagine how Disney could start it any later than August 24 - and they might just push it back to match Universal's dates.

I'm not sure they'll let it go into October though - I'm not sure allowing Free Dining at the same time as the Food and Wine Festival is something Disney would want.

Anyway, that's my take on why we didn't get dates this year.

Disney may just have to hire you after reading this, maybe Universal would give you a bigger offer.

 

[bubba's mom]

This past week, many of us noted that Universal Orlando put out their own version of Free Dining - although theirs limits it to only two guests per room with the others being required to "buy" the Meal Deal - on the other hand, theirs is unlimited food and beverages at 4 restaurants in each park.
The notable thing about Universal's offer, however, is the travel dates included - August 17 to October 9.

I honestly believe that Disney caught wind of Universal's plans - but perhaps not all the details.

I will be the first person to admit I love Universal....but, I honestly don't think Disney needs to worry about Universal's "dining plan".... Most of the 'restaurants' included in the parks are CS AND IF they add a CityWalk restaurant in there, it's usually from a 'limited' menu. Unless you are all about CS while in the park, Universal's Meal Deal isn't that great...imho

 

[mickey2000]

I will be the first person to admit I love Universal....but, I honestly don't think Disney needs to worry about Universal's "dining plan".... Most of the 'restaurants' included in the parks are CS AND IF they add a CityWalk restaurant in there, it's usually from a 'limited' menu. Unless you are all about CS while in the park, Universal's Meal Deal isn't that great...imho

I agree that this is only a THEORY ?? Well thats what some would say
Its like comparing Apples and Oranges

No Contest IMO .............. Disney will always win !

 

[Goofy22]

I have a theory (whoo hoo - yet another theory!) about why the "details" haven't leaked out this year.

This past week, many of us noted that Universal Orlando put out their own version of Free Dining - although theirs limits it to only two guests per room with the others being required to "buy" the Meal Deal - on the other hand, theirs is unlimited food and beverages at 4 restaurants in each park.

The notable thing about Universal's offer, however, is the travel dates included - August 17 to October 9.

I honestly believe that Disney caught wind of Universal's plans - but perhaps not all the details.

Notice what happened about two weeks ago - about a week before Universal published THEIR offer. About two weeks ago a LOT of "official" rumours went out pretty much guaranteeing that Disney would offer a Public Free Dining promo for '08 - but no one could find out the dates.

A week later, Universal's offer comes out in detail.

Disney is sitting pretty - they've put out enough info to let people know that Free Dining is coming - hopefully preventing them from booking at Universal for their offer, while at the same time being able to judge Universal's offer and perhaps tailor the dates for Disney Free Dining to best counter the competition. THAT'S why there hasn't been any info on the dates for Disney's Free Dining - at least no "official" rumour.

With Univeral's offer starting on August 17, I cannot imagine how Disney could start it any later than August 24 - and they might just push it back to match Universal's dates.

I'm not sure they'll let it go into October though - I'm not sure allowing Free Dining at the same time as the Food and Wine Festival is something Disney would want.

Anyway, that's my take on why we didn't get dates this year.

This could be a very good assumption because when I was making my ADR's at 180 days out! I was talking to the very nice CM and mentioned going to universal a few days ! And she said oh yeah? What are they offering? I said well it's $86 for 7 days at Universal parks it includes both parks. She was like wow that's a great deal and thanks for sharing because we here at disney always like to know what our competitors are doing! And I just called today to change my adr's because my MIL decided she would like to go! I decided that I needed to change them just in case free dining is offered for our dates so that I could still get the choices I wanted! And I got everything except Leceiller! I even got Chef Mickey's which is odd! So we shall see I'm assuming we should know something by the 4th!

 

[esdras]

Disney may just have to hire you after reading this, maybe Universal would give you a bigger offer.

Thanks. I have to admit that I sometimes think it might be fun to work for the mouse - but I don't know of too many Canadians who get positions in this area of Disney - although I could be wrong.

 

[esdras]

I will be the first person to admit I love Universal....but, I honestly don't think Disney needs to worry about Universal's "dining plan".... Most of the 'restaurants' included in the parks are CS AND IF they add a CityWalk restaurant in there, it's usually from a 'limited' menu. Unless you are all about CS while in the park, Universal's Meal Deal isn't that great...imho

I totally agree - sort of.

I agree that Disney doesn't have to worry about Universal's Dining Plan. I do think that Disney needs to worry about what people don't know about Universal's Dining Plan.

For those who really haven't done their homework on what either Disney or Universal offers in terms of plans - and perhaps more importantly, restaurants - all they hear is "Free Dining" and begin to salivate.

Disney got the word out before Universal - and even though you can't book Disney's offer yet, I think they have the benefit of still being the bigger name in Florida and can likely count on people waiting to hear their offer before jumping ship to Universal.

It's a reasonably good strategy - the stronger opponent might want to let a weaker opponent take the first shot. The weaker one will often give it everything they've got - hoping to inflict enough damage to even the fight. But, unless you seriously hurt the stronger opponent, you've likely made them angry, and shown them the best that you've got.

Disney can now look at Universal's Free Dining offer and say - in the immortal words of Twisted Sister...

"If that's your best, your best won't do"

 

[kaytieeldr]

Disney got the word out before Universal - and even though you can't book Disney's offer yet, I think they have the benefit of still being the bigger name in Florida and can likely count on people waiting to hear their offer before jumping ship to Universal.

And of having the better dining plan to begin with

 

[ExtinctDino]

The Universal promo doesn't tempt me at all: Paying for a dining plan for 2 adults and getting it free for our 2 kids who don't eat much. But it might make sense for families with a couple of teenagers.

 

[The Brain]

First of all... you're talking about a lot of DISNEY fans not preferring Universal... well duh, but for Disney this is competition for the non "loyal" Disney fans. So it does create some competition, and I think its great. Hopefully they both start doing this. It will only make the benefits better for us if there becomes a solid competition between the two to gain guests in the off season.

 

[mom2faith]

Disney can now look at Universal's Free Dining offer and say - in the immortal words of Twisted Sister...

"If that's your best, your best won't do"