Free Dining 2009

[Trinity524]

My friend knew when Free Dining was happening in 2008 from early this year. How did she know? I am a Disney Visa Card holder and I called the day it opened up. I read on the board that they were offered free dining after they went on a trip last year... How did that work? If I enjoy the free dining this year, I would love to do it again next year.

TIA

 

[patsal]

Last year Free dining was offered to those who took part in free dining as a "bounce back " offer. So long as those staying during the free dining time period booked for the next year while still at the resort they were able to get in on the bounceback promotion. If there is a bounceback promo this year then you will have the opportunity to get in on it and book it while you are there. From what I have read around here lately though next year's free dining will be pared down to the new alll CS plan that includeds 2 CS and 2 snacks as well as a refillable mug.

 

[Trinity524]

Last year Free dining was offered to those who took part in free dining as a "bounce back " offer. So long as those staying during the free dining time period booked for the next year while still at the resort they were able to get in on the bounceback promotion. If there is a bounceback promo this year then you will have the opportunity to get in on it and book it while you are there. From what I have read around here lately though next year's free dining will be pared down to the new alll CS plan that includeds 2 CS and 2 snacks as well as a refillable mug.

Thanks sooo much... free is still free I guess !

 

[JimMIA]

If you are interested in "bounce back," remember that you have to book it while you are physically present at WDW. You cannot take the info home, think about it, and call later.

Last year, some people were so interested in bounce back that they made a one-night reservation, flew to WDW, checked in but never went to their room, booked bounce back, and then went right back to the airport and flew home!

 

[My Beautiful Melody]

I am starting to plan our trip for Fall of next year as I understand that is when the free dining plan has been offered in the past.

We have a nice amount of Disney dollars from the visa. Should we purchase a room stay then add-on later the free meal plan? Or does it all have to be booked at the same time?

TIA

 

[Villains_Rock]

I'm curious to know if we need our $200 ready for when we go in 2 weeks. When do the first group of "free diners" coming home?

 

[Trinity524]

I am starting to plan our trip for Fall of next year as I understand that is when the free dining plan has been offered in the past.

We have a nice amount of Disney dollars from the visa. Should we purchase a room stay then add-on later the free meal plan? Or does it all have to be booked at the same time?

TIA

This year I booked the trip, and then called back for the free dining...

 

[Poohbear5]

Is free dining historically only offered in August/Sept?

 

[JimMIA]

Is free dining historically only offered in August/Sept?

Yes. It was started after the hurricane season of 2004 when WDW got hit (softly) twice. September typically is a very slow month because kids are back in school, it's hot, and it's sort of the peak of hurricane season.

 

[JimMIA]

I am starting to plan our trip for Fall of next year as I understand that is when the free dining plan has been offered in the past.

We have a nice amount of Disney dollars from the visa. Should we purchase a room stay then add-on later the free meal plan? Or does it all have to be booked at the same time?

TIA

The bounce-back promotion has to be booked while you are physically present and staying onsite at WDW.

However, many people do what Trinity524 did -- book their trip in advance and then call back and switch to free DDP after the program is announced to the general public.

 

[TDC Nala]

Apparently there is already an offer out to residents of Great Britain, who can book free dining between August 2 and October 3 (much longer than this year). The Brits are being offered the regular dining plan if they book a deluxe resort, and the counter service plan if they book a moderate. The British offer does not apply to value resorts.

 

[skier_pete]

What TDC Nala said is right...but it should be pointed out that the UK got a larger window in 2008 than those of us in the US did...expect free dining to have a similar window next year...FD bookings will be opening in early April.

Also, to answer a few previous questions:

1) Yes you will need to give a $200 deposit to book bounce-back if they offer it....last year you had to book by Sept 28th. The bounce-back window was only 9/1 -9/20, while the final dates were 8/24 - 9/20. (Note you can, at least in '08) arrive on the last day of FD and extend it up to 10 days - so you could book 9/20 - 9/30 on FD is you needed.)

2) There will be free dining to the general public next year...and there will be panic on the DIS for 2 months leading up to it until the announcement is made. Expect a similar deal as in UK next year - values and mods will get the QS dining plan, while only the Deluxe get the regular DDP. (Yes, they will have values on the US FD next year.) That is all guesswork on my part, but I'm pretty smart. Just ask me. Seriously, I've watched this unfold for 2 years in a row and now know the drill. (Though we will not be using FD next year.)

3) If you book a room-only reservation for next fall, and then want to change it to the DDP, you will actually have to re-book a package and cancel your original reservation. If you pre-book a package, even if you don't initially book the DDP, you can add free dining without changing the reservation.

4) Pay attention to other deals - FD is not always the greatest deal because you have to pay full-price for your room. 40 % off in a moderate, or 25 % off in a deluxe can be a better deal than free dining.

SkierPete

 

[JimMIA]

We are currently watching a weather system over Puerto Rico which, if it develops into something, could virtually guarantee free DDP in 2009. It really wouldn't take a major storm to create booking problems late next summer -- a tropical storm would probably do just fine.

Regardless of what happens with the current weather system, I think the UK offer is a very good indication that there will be some form of free DDP next year. Obviously nothing is official until there is an announcement, but I think we'll see it again in 2009.

 

[TDC Nala]

We are currently watching a weather system over Puerto Rico which, if it develops into something, could virtually guarantee free DDP in 2009. It really wouldn't take a major storm to create booking problems late next summer -- a tropical storm would probably do just fine.

Regardless of what happens with the current weather system, I think the UK offer is a very good indication that there will be some form of free DDP next year. Obviously nothing is official until there is an announcement, but I think we'll see it again in 2009.

I would assume you are referring to Tropical Storm Fay.

 

[JimMIA]

I would assume you are referring to Tropical Storm Fay.

Yep.

 

[Trinity524]

What TDC Nala said is right...but it should be pointed out that the UK got a larger window in 2008 than those of us in the US did...expect free dining to have a similar window next year...FD bookings will be opening in early April.

Also, to answer a few previous questions:

1) Yes you will need to give a $200 deposit to book bounce-back if they offer it....last year you had to book by Sept 28th. The bounce-back window was only 9/1 -9/20, while the final dates were 8/24 - 9/20. (Note you can, at least in '08) arrive on the last day of FD and extend it up to 10 days - so you could book 9/20 - 9/30 on FD is you needed.)

2) There will be free dining to the general public next year...and there will be panic on the DIS for 2 months leading up to it until the announcement is made. Expect a similar deal as in UK next year - values and mods will get the QS dining plan, while only the Deluxe get the regular DDP. (Yes, they will have values on the US FD next year.) That is all guesswork on my part, but I'm pretty smart. Just ask me. Seriously, I've watched this unfold for 2 years in a row and now know the drill. (Though we will not be using FD next year.)

3) If you book a room-only reservation for next fall, and then want to change it to the DDP, you will actually have to re-book a package and cancel your original reservation. If you pre-book a package, even if you don't initially book the DDP, you can add free dining without changing the reservation.

4) Pay attention to other deals - FD is not always the greatest deal because you have to pay full-price for your room. 40 % off in a moderate, or 25 % off in a deluxe can be a better deal than free dining.

SkierPete

Where do you find other deals? I am obviously new, but my husband told me recently that it has always been his dream to stay at the Grand Floridian. I'd like to be on the look out.

 

[racefanof88]

I know I will need my flame resistant suit for this one but here goes

If that is truly the way the plan will fall into place, it apprears that Disney is starting to really cater more and more to the richer of their visitors . I know they are in the business of making money but, they need to check with NASCAR and see how catering to the rich cost them .

This is just another reason for me to stay off property and eat where I want and when I want. I guess I could save up and go to Disney once every 3 years and stay in a deluxe resort but, I go to Disney for the parks and not the rooms or food.

I love Disney, and as I have said on the Dis before, we will continue to go as long as it isn't a burden on the budget.

 

[Crisgw]

We are going in Dec of next year but I hope they keep up FD for everyone!

 

[Cookie Princess]

They may give visitors in the value/mod hotels the option to buy-up to the higher level dining plan.

 

[Vickmeys]

4) Pay attention to other deals - FD is not always the greatest deal because you have to pay full-price for your room. 40 % off in a moderate, or 25 % off in a deluxe can be a better deal than free dining.

SkierPete

How do you snag a 40 % off in a moderate, or 25 % off in a deluxe deal?