Free Dining 2014 Discussion

[Nechville]

I got an odd message last night saying it was being announced today. Part of the message didn't make sense though and have me pause. I knew someone was calling anyway so I decided to see what happened rather than incite a panic of mass calls based on potentially flawed info.

Does this make you think it will be released through December soon? Or still just September first?

 

[black562]

The message said that it was official and coming out today. But then it said something about booking December trips, which gave me great pause.

The key to information is figuring out what's real and what isn't.

 

[Misjanuary1]

Thank you for checking. Back to bed for a few hours for me.

Yes thx for checking everyone...back to bed for me too...4am, yawn, is too early to stay up!

 

[plutospalforever]

Darn it!!! Anyone else get same info??? Rumors...Sorry! Some folks might just like spreading them to see others suffer.

 

[Misjanuary1]

The message said that it was official and coming out today. But then it said something about booking December trips, which gave me great pause.

The key to information is figuring out what's real and what isn't.

And that's why we are so glad you stick around!!!

 

[smidgy]

called a 2nd time to be sure (whenone CM says no, always tryagain!

this one also said "not today"

back to bed!

 

[jhaig]

So if not today, would Thursday be the next day to check, or do we need to check every morning from here on out?

 

[CK1734]

And that's why we are so glad you stick around!!!

So are we thinking that it might be released to Disney Visa holders on Thursday with the public offering on Monday?

 

[auger]

Just called and spoke to A very nice CM.
He said no free dining promos are out right now.

 

[kittymasi]

The CM I spoke to told me that I should go to the website for new promos for September. When I explained I was just checking for a possible early Visa release, she then advised me that I should check back in August. For my trip in September!!

I am so grateful for these boards.. without them, I would be at the mercy of well meaning but totally uninformed CM's!! Back to the waiting game........

 

[McKelly]

December would be great!! But do you think Disney would release discounts 8 months out? I suppose if they only release the same amount they would anyway, fill those, and then if they are STILL low on bookings come August, they could release more.

Is it better to operate a resort at full capacity with discounts than to have the resort half empty?

 

[black562]

December would be great!! But do you think Disney would release discounts 8 months out? I suppose if they only release the same amount they would anyway, fill those, and then if they are STILL low on bookings come August, they could release more. Is it better to operate a resort at full capacity with discounts than to have the resort half empty?

No I don't. September timeframe is what we're looking at for this release.

 

[mouserrificmom]

Well I got a friendly cast member who sort of chuckled and then said "Hold tight, if it is coming, it shouldn't be long". I could ALMOST hear him winking at me through the phone wires

 

[WildMouser]

Hi-

Following this thread with interest.

I am new here...so apologize for the newbie question.

If I book just a room and FD is then subsequently offered for that date....do I have to have a package in order to be eligible? Or can FD apply to my room only booking?

Also, did I understand correctly on other threads that % off a room for deluxe hotels is often better than FD?

Thanks!

 

[plutospalforever]

Thanks for calling everyone! I guess this was a drill and if it had been real, you all would have passed! We will get this! Many of us have been in this boat before.

 

[jhaig]

Thanks for calling everyone! I guess this was a drill and if it had been real, you all would have passed! We will get this! Many of us have been in this boat before.

Exactly. This FD watch is like a tradition in out house. Just means our trip is that much closer!

 

[auger]

Hi-

Following this thread with interest.

I am new here...so apologize for the newbie question.

If I book just a room and FD is then subsequently offered for that date....do I have to have a package in order to be eligible? Or can FD apply to my room only booking?

Also, did I understand correctly on other threads that % off a room for deluxe hotels is often better than FD?

Thanks!

FD requires a package with room at full rack rate and minimum of two-day base ticket for each person on the res.
It is recommended not to book prior to the FD offer coming out, as the more rooms they fill without the offer, the less likely it is to be offered, or if it is offered, fewer rooms will be made available.

As to whether room only for Deluxe is a better deal, it can be, but it depends on your particulars of the reservation, such as how many ppl and the combo of kids and adults.

 

[Dismomof2boys]

You MUST book a package in order to be eligible for FD. As far as the % off the Deluxe, that's true as well. Sometimes the discount you receive on the Deluxe resorts is better than FD. You have to run the numbers to see which is better.

 

[Princess Tinkerbell]

Welcome Wild Mouser!

A room only reservation is where you just book a room and it has a different deposit (first night of reservation) and cancellation policy. A package which would include the room with the ticket and/or dining component is considered a package. It requires a $200 deposit.

FD can only be applied to a package. You could have a package with just tickets and have free dining applied. If you have a room only, it can be rebooked as a package with free dining, but more is happening behind the scenes. They are technically cancelling and rebooking you. You will get a new confirmation number too. It would not have any impact on dining reservations you already made even if tied to your room only reservation.

Free dining is generally offered at the same time as a percent discount. Since the discount is often 30-35% on deluxe resorts, the 30% off of a deluxe room is more than the discount free dining would be for your family. You can't say for sure, because a family of 2 adults and 2 children under 9 may be better off taking the room discount, and a family of 2 adults and 2 children over age 9 may get a better deal with free dining. It's just a numbers game. You have to check both discount offers and pick the better deal. The room only discounts can have tickets and/or the dining plan added so you are still getting "free dining", you are just using a different discount code to get it. You can't stack both discounts and get a percent discount and the free dining.

Hope that helps!

 

[BlackPearl695]

We will be there November 6-12 and as much as I am hoping for FD, I feel like I will be seriously disappointed because I heard that week was excluded last year. Should I throw in the towel? Is that week always excluded from FD?