Free Dining 2014 Discussion

[Camaro305]

Does anyone know if the FW cabins have been excluded from the FD offers the last few years?

Cabins have been included, depending on availability. Campsites have been excluded.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

I'm not real sure how to do this, but here goes. I've been disboard "researcher" for a while, but don't do much posting. We currently have our WDW vacation scheduled for 9/20/14 - 9/27/14, plane tickets purchased and room booked through our timeshare (Wyndham Bonnet Creek). I've been considering canceling our room with our timeshare and booking through Disney. I was looking yesterday and was ready to book (dining plan too), but remembered they will run the free dining so thought I'd wait for that promotion. Am I reading correctly that if I go ahead and book, then they release the free dining for our dates (and the resort/room we booked) we can just have it added? Will they reimburse what we paid for the dining? Or should I not ad the dining yet, see what the free dining includes, and have it added then either way?

Does any of this make sense to any of you? lol

Thank you

There is no reason to book it now though. Wait till FD comes out and see what resorts work for you then book it. There is zero advantage to having your reservation already booked to swap over to FD. Since we are seemingly within a few weeks of FD release you should just wait.

 

[CaraMiaBelle]

I for sure did not mean you when I mentioned those who were furious. I think you worked harder than anyone else in our 2013 FD group to get the resort(s) you wanted for your new dates and changing all your ADRs, Bravo for you!

I know you weren't referring to me. : ) No worries I just wanted to point out that it an and does happen.

 

[SPOERLX3]

I'm not real sure how to do this, but here goes. I've been disboard "researcher" for a while, but don't do much posting. We currently have our WDW vacation scheduled for 9/20/14 - 9/27/14, plane tickets purchased and room booked through our timeshare (Wyndham Bonnet Creek). I've been considering canceling our room with our timeshare and booking through Disney. I was looking yesterday and was ready to book (dining plan too), but remembered they will run the free dining so thought I'd wait for that promotion. Am I reading correctly that if I go ahead and book, then they release the free dining for our dates (and the resort/room we booked) we can just have it added? Will they reimburse what we paid for the dining? Or should I not ad the dining yet, see what the free dining includes, and have it added then either way?

Does any of this make sense to any of you? lol Thank you

IMHO, I would recommend that you keep what you have for now and not book anything until FD is announced.

Disney offers promotions to fill rooms and if rooms are booking without a promotion, Disney has no reason to offer a promotion (especially FD).

Booking early is also a good way to cause particular resort/room category/dates to be excluded, (as we saw in last Fall's Free Dining when an unprecedented number of resorts were not included on the promo).

You won't know until FD is offered what resorts/room category/dates are included/excluded. If you book now and the resort and room category you have chosen and booked must be included in FD to be able to just "call and add it" which would force you to rearrange everything once FD comes out, if your resort or room category is not included. And with that being said, I would definitely recommend that you have your first, second and third choice ready just in case.

The resorts that are normally excluded are the Mermaid Rooms at Art of Animation, Campsites at Ft. Wilderness, and 3-bedroom villas, and Villas at The Grand Floridian and one or the other of Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orlean French Quarter.

Hopefully this helps a little

 

[bookgirl]

This is our thread, we have to protect it (ala Home Alone).

It's not an exact science, it's only about what if's, could be's and like any good mouse scout, being prepared.

We're a team, and I'm glad I'm along for the ride with you guys and our Disney Dining Coach.

I wanted to share some thoughts on a few things. I saw a post in a facebook group this morning that dug up some unpleasant thoughts that happened about a year ago. Most of you know what happened, so I won't get into that. However, I think something needs pointed out about this whole process.

In my time here in the Dis, I have seen rumors and leaks for every promo, by so many different people, myself included. Some have come, some have gone, but all of them had one thing in common. No rumor...no leak has ever been 100%....not me, not anyone before me. Even those who have had actual leaked info from inside Disney....things always change at the last minute, and we all know this, and we've all seen this.

But here's the shocker. It isn't about who nails a date first, or who puts out the information before someone else. This is about getting some information in front of people, so they can then ask questions and become prepared for when that day arrives. This is about everyone having their resorts, and backups, and everything planned out and ready to go. As you all know, knowing early gets you nothing on release day. Someone could see it online that morning and end up calling in ahead of you. The only thing this information does is allow you time to ask questions, get some answers and be prepared.

Everyone in here have been so helpful in answering questions and getting correct information to the right people. I've always welcomed that (even putting a few folks on the spot a time or two). I don't do any of this for praise or worship, but rather because Disney World holds a deep personal connection for me, and I want others to have a chance for a similar experience.

So whether the date is April 21, or May 1.....the important thing is that we are all ready for it. You've asked your questions, you've all been given answers, made your plans, ready to go.

This post wasn't directed at anyone in particular, but there always seems to be someone out there who wishes failure upon others. We saw that last August unfortunately, but everyone here was so quick to let them know they weren't welcome around here. While I'm not here for praise, I think we all deserve respect.

I just wanted to thank you all for one heck of a year.....and what's sure to be a wild ride to come.

Now....where are those tights?

 

[crashley04]

IMHO, I would recommend that you keep what you have for now and not book anything until FD is announced.

Disney offers promotions to fill rooms and if rooms are booking without a promotion, Disney has no reason to offer a promotion (especially FD).

Booking early is also a good way to cause particular resort/room category/dates to be excluded, (as we saw in last Fall's Free Dining when an unprecedented number of resorts were not included on the promo).

You won't know until FD is offered what resorts/room category/dates are included/excluded. If you book now and the resort and room category you have chosen and booked must be included in FD to be able to just "call and add it" which would force you to rearrange everything once FD comes out, if your resort or room category is not included. And with that being said, I would definitely recommend that you have your first, second and third choice ready just in case.

The resorts that are normally excluded are the Mermaid Rooms at Art of Animation, Campsites at Ft. Wilderness, and 3-bedroom villas, and Villas at The Grand Floridian and one or the other of Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orlean French Quarter.

Hopefully this helps a little

Thank you all for the quick responses. We aren't really picky as to where we stay and such. All our other trips we've just stayed in our timeshare. I just really want to get the full Disney experience this time, and I'm starting to get frustrated with Wyndham Bonnet Creek. Any recommendations for first time staying with Disney? Especially with the potential for the FD. While I'd like to not break the bank, I'd also like to get the most bang for my buck: Location, quality, atmosphere, etc.

Thank you

 

[mandis77]

Question: If I wanted to price out a deluxe resort with a RO discount.... how do you guys go about doing that? Are you going with the current summer promo or just taking 30 or 35% off the nightly rates for the dates I want to go?

 

[SPOERLX3]

BLACK562, where are you???
I haven't seen you on here this morning!
Missing you and your masterful input

 

[bookgirl]

Question: If I wanted to price out a deluxe resort with a RO discount.... how do you guys go about doing that? Are you going with the current summer promo or just taking 30 or 35% off the nightly rates for the dates I want to go?

I usually make a list of the Resort rack rate for the dates I want and then do a 30% off estimate, a 25% off estimate, and so on on each one. (make a fake booking and get the final cost then multiple it by the % to get my 'discount'.


If BC 4 nights$2400 (totally fake # by the way). 10% of that is $240 so the approx. cost of my stay is $2160. 20% off is $1920, and 30% off is $1680.

Then I look at the totals and figure out which ones at which rates meet my budget.

I have $1800 dollars for the vacation.

So if Deluxes get a 30% discount I can stay at BC but if Deluxes only get 20% this year I can't stay at BC.


By the time I'm done I have a list of about 4-6 locations/prices that will work for me.

Then when discounts come out I see if any of my choices are met.

 

[mandis77]

I usually make a list of the Resort rack rate for the dates I want and then do a 30% off estimate, a 25% off estimate, and so on on each one.


Then I look at the totals and figure out which ones at which rates meet my budget.


Like I may have a deluxe that will meet my budget IF it gets 30% off but 20% off may not be enough so I eliminate that option UNLESS it's 30%.

By the time I'm done I have a list of about 4-6 locations/prices that will work for me.

Then when discounts come out I see if any of my choices are met.

Thank you so much!

 

[bookgirl]

Thank you so much!

I edited a bit so you can see my process.

Hope it helps.

 

[black562]

BLACK562, where are you??? I haven't seen you on here this morning! Missing you and your masterful input

Always lurking. Crazy day today.

 

[SPOERLX3]

Thank you all for the quick responses. We aren't really picky as to where we stay and such. All our other trips we've just stayed in our timeshare. I just really want to get the full Disney experience this time, and I'm starting to get frustrated with Wyndham Bonnet Creek. Any recommendations for first time staying with Disney? Especially with the potential for the FD. While I'd like to not break the bank, I'd also like to get the most bang for my buck: Location, quality, atmosphere, etc.

Thank you

That is a LOADED question!
The great thing about Disney resorts is there is something for everyone!
I believe the moderates are the most popular but personally, we are in the room just to sleep so we are a value family (unless it is just DH and I and then we go moderate ). I have never done deluxe (not in our budget) but there are some amazing deluxe resorts and they of course are going to be the best location closest to the parks.
Do you have kids or adult trip? Are you wanting the full dining plan (1 QS, 1 TS and 1 snack + a refillable mug) or just the quick service (2 QS snack + a refillable mug). What atmosphere are you looking for (larger than life icons, quite and more of a tropical or mountain get away or high end with all the bells a whistles) These are all questions that you would want to take into consideration.

I would recommend that you go to disneyworld.com and price out several (or all) the resorts and see what suits your fancy and looks best for your family. You can see the resorts and the rooms for each category remembering that the resorts that are normally excluded from FD are Mermaid Rooms at Art of Animation, Campsites at Ft. Wilderness, and 3-bedroom villas, and Villas at The Grand Floridian.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[martinmont]

Crunching numbers but need some input here. Should we upgrade to the deluxe dining plan if we get free dining? Planning to stay in a deluxe. We are just two adults, no kids. We love to get appetizers and deserts with our meals. I made a tentative list of where we are going to eat and there are 7 regular Ts, 2 signature dining, CRT, and hoop dee doo. The rest would probably be QS to not use too much touring time. We are going for 8 nights. I know it's not worth it if we do not get FD, but maybe it would be if we get FD? Any inputs?

 

[SPOERLX3]

Always lurking. Crazy day today.

great to know
Have a blessed and beautiful day!

 

[marymc71]

Crunching numbers but need some input here. Should we upgrade to the deluxe dining plan if we get free dining? Planning to stay in a deluxe. We are just two adults, no kids. We love to get appetizers and deserts with our meals. I made a tentative list of where we are going to eat and there are 7 regular Ts, 2 signature dining, CRT, and hoop dee doo. The rest would probably be QS to not use too much touring time. We are going for 8 nights. I know it's not worth it if we do not get FD, but maybe it would be if we get FD? Any inputs?

I say go for it! Based on your list of where you want to eat it seems like a great idea! If it were me? I'd do it!!

 

[crashley04]

That is a LOADED question!
The great thing about Disney resorts is there is something for everyone!
I believe the moderates are the most popular but personally, we are in the room just to sleep so we are a value family (unless it is just DH and I and then we go moderate ). I have never done deluxe (not in our budget) but there are some amazing deluxe resorts and they of course are going to be the best location closest to the parks.
Do you have kids or adult trip? Are you wanting the full dining plan (1 QS, 1 TS and 1 snack + a refillable mug) or just the quick service (2 QS snack + a refillable mug). What atmosphere are you looking for (larger than life icons, quite and more of a tropical or mountain get away or high end with all the bells a whistles) These are all questions that you would want to take into consideration.

I would recommend that you go to disneyworld.com and price out several (or all) the resorts and see what suits your fancy and looks best for your family. You can see the resorts and the rooms for each category remembering that the resorts that are normally excluded from FD are Mermaid Rooms at Art of Animation, Campsites at Ft. Wilderness, and 3-bedroom villas, and Villas at The Grand Floridian.

Good luck and have fun!

I guess I did ask a pretty stupid question, lol. It will be family trip: Me, DH, and DDx2 (we're going for our youngest's 6th Bday and our oldest's 1 year anniversary of her Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis, so lots of celebrating). With 2 girls, ages 6 & 8 at travel, who love all things Disney, play soccer, are very active, been to WDW 3x: I'd like the full dining plan so we can do meals with characters (from what I understand those are included with that, right?). I think Value or Moderate should be plenty enough for us. For a week trip with lots of time in the parks, I'm not sure I see the value in the Deluxe for us. I've done a LOT of shopping on the WDW website, but because we've never stayed in Disney, I'm not sure which would be best, lol (though I know they're all great). We want to be surrounded by all things Disney if we're booking trough them. If that means we need to book Deluxe, then I guess I'll look into that. With 2 young kids we aren't interested in imitating a trip to anywhere but Disney

I hope I'm making sense, and not being too much of a nuisance.

Is there somewhere else I should be posting this? I feel like I've taken this post in a completely different direction, which I didn't mean to do. I apologize for my ignorance in forum etiquette.

 

[SPOERLX3]

I guess I did ask a pretty stupid question, lol. It will be family trip: Me, DH, and DDx2 (we're going for our youngest's 6th Bday and our oldest's 1 year anniversary of her Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis, so lots of celebrating). With 2 girls, ages 6 & 8 at travel, who love all things Disney, play soccer, are very active, been to WDW 3x: I'd like the full dining plan so we can do meals with characters (from what I understand those are included with that, right?). I think Value or Moderate should be plenty enough for us. For a week trip with lots of time in the parks, I'm not sure I see the value in the Deluxe for us. I've done a LOT of shopping on the WDW website, but because we've never stayed in Disney, I'm not sure which would be best, lol (though I know they're all great). We want to be surrounded by all things Disney if we're booking trough them. If that means we need to book Deluxe, then I guess I'll look into that. With 2 young kids we aren't interested in imitating a trip to anywhere but Disney

I hope I'm making sense, and not being too much of a nuisance.

AMEN!!! Yes indeed lots of celebrating! Praise God!

I am going to give you my own personal experiences with my family. 5 kids and 9 grandkids worth of experience.

When my kids were little ASMo (your girls ages) was their favorite! Larger than life movie characters. I just think ASMo makes me feel more like I am really at Disneyworld. As they got bigger, we became a POP family. Again larger than life icons but they are generation icons (play-doh, big wheel, etc). POP is fun and it brings back so many great memories. Then in there teen age years they loved CBR and POR (made them feel more grown up). AoA is AMAZING and definitely the one that is going to make you feel like you are in the heart of a Disney movie but the only drawback is that the Little Mermaid rooms are excluded from FD (that would have been perfect for your girls). The suites are great and wonderfully themed if they like Nemo, Lion King or Cars, those would all be a great choice. More expensive than a regular room so you would want to make sure they fit into your budget.
My vacations are all about the kids (unless it is just me and DH) so I want something that they can immerse themselves in and feel like they are at Disney! So if you go value, yes you can definitely upgrade to the DP and if you decide to go moderate, you get the DP so no worries there.

Hope this helps and I am sure that there are alot of other great disboard friends out here that would love to chime in

 

[smitch425]

I guess I did ask a pretty stupid question, lol. It will be family trip: Me, DH, and DDx2 (we're going for our youngest's 6th Bday and our oldest's 1 year anniversary of her Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis, so lots of celebrating). With 2 girls, ages 6 & 8 at travel, who love all things Disney, play soccer, are very active, been to WDW 3x: I'd like the full dining plan so we can do meals with characters (from what I understand those are included with that, right?). I think Value or Moderate should be plenty enough for us. For a week trip with lots of time in the parks, I'm not sure I see the value in the Deluxe for us. I've done a LOT of shopping on the WDW website, but because we've never stayed in Disney, I'm not sure which would be best, lol (though I know they're all great). We want to be surrounded by all things Disney if we're booking trough them. If that means we need to book Deluxe, then I guess I'll look into that. With 2 young kids we aren't interested in imitating a trip to anywhere but Disney

I hope I'm making sense, and not being too much of a nuisance.

Is there somewhere else I should be posting this? I feel like I've taken this post in a completely different direction, which I didn't mean to do. I apologize for my ignorance in forum etiquette.

For those ages, I would recommend POP. With AoA a short walk across the bridge, you get double the food choices, double the resort shopping and tons of great photo ops. This year will be our 6th year in a row at POP (my kids are 9 and 11), and we all absolutely love it. The transportation is great there, too.

 

[KNovacovschi]

For those ages, I would recommend POP. With AoA a short walk across the bridge, you get double the food choices, double the resort shopping and tons of great photo ops. This year will be our 6th year in a row at POP (my kids are 9 and 11), and we all absolutely love it. The transportation is great there, too.

I second POP, mind you we haven't stayed anywhere else but we don't want to. We love POP!!!!