Free Dining 2014 Discussion ~ Part 2

[Nechville]

We are arriving nov 13th, what day can I book my dining in confused

May 17! Same as me!

 

[Later_Mater2009]

for those who were looking for their statement, I got mine a little while ago. It took 24 hours approx. to get it, BUT i got mine... I know some were looking for theirs

 

[Dancegrl624]

Just an FYI....you don't need a code to get free dining or to upgrade your dining plan. Right now, you just need to pay your deposit or an additional $200 with your Disney Visa. The CM will not ask for a code. I have been booking free dining for 4 years and have never needed a code. Just ask for the Visa free dining and if you want to upgrade the dining plan just ask.

 

[Laketravis]

for those who were looking for their statement, I got mine a little while ago. It took 24 hours approx. to get it, BUT i got mine... I know some were looking for theirs

Just got mine as well.

Booked CSR for 14 nights with free dining, just ran the same dates thru the website with and without dining and it works out to a savings of over $2,500.

Sweet.

 

[tony609]

For those that upgraded at values does yr receipt say dining plan. That's what mine does, but wanted to make sure it wasn't quick service.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Just an FYI....you don't need a code to get free dining or to upgrade your dining plan. Right now, you just need to pay your deposit or an additional $200 with your Disney Visa. The CM will not ask for a code. I have been booking free dining for 4 years and have never needed a code. Just ask for the Visa free dining and if you want to upgrade the dining plan just ask.

I know you dont need a code I was saying there is a diff code and my CM had to go find it I was posting in to save some trouble...

 

[daizieduck]

Ok. This years trip is not off to a very smooth start compared to previous trips. First the big mess with the agent insisting FD was not available past 10/3 and then somehow booking me a room only discount and charging me for dining even though our whole conversation was about FD. Now i called and confirmed she did not add magical express like she was supposed to. And i still cannot book dining online or thru the MDE app past 10/30 for some reason. I had to call to book beyond that date. Not as convenient as the app. Have to give your resort reservation, credit card info, verify your identity, etc. all over.

On a side note they attempted to transfer me to their internet department so i could tell them my problem and try to get help. The recording said my call was estimated to be answered in less than four minutes. I don't know how long i hung on before i hung up. Not too long. Ten minutes maybe. Just don't want to spend my weekend on hold. I already held a total of three hours and 15 min. yesterday. Also just another side note, when i spoke to the agent who booked my dining she asked for my resort reservation number three times. She questioned why my reservation begins with letters and not numbers and asked if i booked directly with disney and not a travel agent. I think my reservation has begun with letters at least the last two years, if not longer, so i wonder why she seemed surprised? Not complaining. Just curious. I doubt that could be the reason why i cant book dining online past 10/30.

Edit: is it me or does it seem like the cast members handling the booking for the FD this year do not seem to be as knowledgable and capable as usual? Almost feels like the calls are being outsourced even though i don't think they are. Just feels that way. Sloppy is the word i am looking for.

 

[tinklvsu]

For those that upgraded at values does yr receipt say dining plan. That's what mine does, but wanted to make sure it wasn't quick service.

Yes!

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

MDE is not letting me book dining past 10/30. Is that because 10/31 is 181 days out? It goes by actual calendar days and not 180 from the day you check in? Real bummer since BOG has slots open beyond that and i can view but not book. Grrr. TIA

I'm sure someone already got back to you, but for reservations after 180 days you can call Disney to book (but not online) once you hit your 180 mark. MDE won't let you book past 180.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

We are arriving nov 13th, what day can I book my dining in confused

I'm arriving the 14th and I can book on May 18th. Check your MDE, click on your name, and you will see your countdown clock. On day 180 you can call and book dining up to 10 days after check in. You can't do that online - online you can only book exactly 180 days from today's date.

Hope that makes sense!

 

[Dancegrl624]

I'm arriving the 14th and I can book on May 18th. Check your MDE, click on your name, and you will see your countdown clock. On day 180 you can call and book dining up to 10 days after check in. You can't do that online - online you can only book exactly 180 days from today's date. Hope that makes sense!

You can book online for 180+10. I do it for all of my clients....starts at 6am.

 

[Dancegrl624]

I know you dont need a code I was saying there is a diff code and my CM had to go find it I was posting in to save some trouble...

Hmm, interesting. I have never encountered a CM that ever mentioned a code.

 

[daizieduck]

I'm sure someone already got back to you, but for reservations after 180 days you can call Disney to book (but not online) once you hit your 180 mark. MDE won't let you book past 180.

Thanks. I understand what you are saying, which is similar to what i thought was the issue. So hopefully tomorrow i will be able to book online for 10/31, Monday i will be able to book online for 11/1, and so on. If i cannot wait until Monday to book online for 11/1 i will have to call. Got it. Thanks again!

 

[KNovacovschi]

I am going in September 6-20...I was told POP century is no longer avail for my dates...I will keep checking back but not sure if anyone has had this issue yet....I did get a ressie at Art of Animation but I wish their food court was better...eeew on the side dishes!

And this is what I've been worried about. POP never has no availability.

 

[martinmont]

Anyone can see their remaining balance on MDE?

 

[WDW-A-RAMA]

Disney NEVER guarantees connecting rooms. However, we have never had a problem getting them and we have done this several times. Be sure to ask for connecting not adjoining. Connecting means a door that opens between the two rooms. Adjoining means close by - so they could be next to each other but no door in the middle or they could be a few doors apart. All that being said - due to the fact that so many families are impacted by POR being excluded from free dining, my guess is that they are booking two rooms at the values and requesting connecting so in this scenario it may be impossible for Disney to give them to everyone who requests them. Worst case, you put one adult in each room and split up the kids.

It says "guaranteed connecting rooms" on my confirmation email from Walt Disney Travel Company. That is the exact wording. I guess this is still considered a special request though? I really hope we are able to have them.

 

[cassiejo2711]

Any insight? We got DDP staying at CSR. Our ADRs include CRT and Crystal Palace so right off the bat we will deplete our TS and have some out of pocket dining costs. Is it worth it to upgrade to deluxe? We have 3 Disney adults and 1 child. Trying to crunch the numbers is making my head spin!

 

[WDW-A-RAMA]

And this is what I've been worried about. POP never has no availability.

That is amazing! POP always has rooms. I guess that is the result of excluding POR! Does anyone think they might eventually open POR to free dining? I would switch in a second.

 

[daizieduck]

Anyone can see their remaining balance on MDE?

I cannot. Are we supposed to be able to? I think i recall seeing it last year but not 100% sure. Here is a question since I got a not very knowledgable CM yesterday. We do in fact get new magic bands even if we have them from last year? She said we do but i want to make sure she gave correct info. Seems wasteful and not very green if i still have last years.

Edit: Ok. I see on MDE i am to get new bands. Still seems wasteful. Although i guess i AM paying for them so i might as well get them, lol. Or they could discount me for reusing last years!

 

[CalSea12]

Any insight? We got DDP staying at CSR. Our ADRs include CRT and Crystal Palace so right off the bat we will deplete our TS and have some out of pocket dining costs. Is it worth it to upgrade to deluxe? We have 3 Disney adults and 1 child. Trying to crunch the numbers is making my head spin!

How long are you staying? I honestly always think DxDP is a great option, especially if you plan to do two credit meals.