Free Dining 2014 Discussion

[Fenway1970]

I keep seeing this thought all over the threads and I feel the need to set the record straight. When you book early it does not help your chances of booking free dining at all. From what I understand there are a certain number of rooms available for free dining and that's it. Think of it this way, free dining rooms are in one bucket and all others are in another bucket. If you book before free dining comes out, your room comes out of the regular bucket. Then when you decide to "add free dining" what you are essentially doing is putting your room back in the regular bucket and pulling one out of the free dining bucket. If you call to "add free dining" to your reservation and the free dining bucket is empty, then you are out of luck. Having that reservation did not hold your place for free dining. I'm sure most of you already know this, but there always seems to be lots of people talking about booking now and then add free dining. I shouldn't bother me this much, but it does. I think I need a vacation, any suggestions?

I understand all that. As I (clearly) said, Free Dining wasn't a consideration when I booked. I wasn't "booking early" with hopes of adding FD later. I was simply choosing the dates that made the most sense for my family based on work and school schedules. Even if Black is wrong (unlikely, I know) and FD doesn't materialize, we are going.

But, if FD coincides with my dates I'd be dumb not to take advantage. My question was simply around the best (and most fair to everyone else) way to apply the discount.

 

[PeaMuff]

They had Sept. And Oct. On hold until yesterday because of MNSSHP. They only opened then up yesterday. Some CM's were saying it was sold out but it wasn't. There were several of us trying for a month or more to get that reservation and we were all able to book it yesterday.

Yay! Just booked ours for Sept 22nd. I was really afraid it was sold out! Very happy!

 

[plutospalforever]

If I remember right, a couple of years ago I was like I am now...needing FD and checking on here often every day. I suspected a specific date would be the starting date, but when I checked the last time the night before, no one was saying "it starts tomorrow, so be ready to call." I told my wife as we went to bed, "no need for me to be in a panic in the morning...if the news isn't out by now, it won't happen tomorrow." The years before we seemed to have a few days notice before the start date. The next morning I got up and just on a whim I looked on here probably about 6:45 a.m. The Dis was buzzing about FD beginning that day and the news had come out during the night. I was able to call and get what we wanted. So even though I suspect we will have a little notice (thank you Joe Black), there is always a chance we will only have a few hours before it begins

Yep, totally right! That's why I said "hopefully", bet ya never know! I think that might have been 2010????

 

[smidgy]

I used to have my pic as my avatar and one in my signature, but we were approached by a lot (more than 10!) of people during last year's trip, and it kind of weirded my DH and kids out. They were all WONDERFUL people, but there is always a risk of one of them being not so wonderful, so I scaled my picture posting back a bit. As for why we like Joe, aside from his great info, he is hilarious and he cares about people. Others who brought deals to the boards would only come around and give their predictions and stick around long enough to be patted on the back, but Joe hangs out here because he enjoys the people, just as I do.

we
ve been recognized quite a few times, but that's becasue my husband (Nebo) posts lots of pictures in his trip reports and he has kind of a "following".
It's kind of fun to be standing there and have people run up to you yelling "your'e Nebo and Smidgy!" and they took their picture with us. silly, I know. but Nebo felt good about it.

oh, about the 6 in 1 room at POR? I would def. go for the values. more room, extra bath, not have to tip toe around while little ones are sleeping. and the 3 year old will LOVE the big icons and cheeriness of a value. the alligator bayou section is very pretty, but can seem kinda gloomy too (IMHO). it's the theme after all, swampy. I love it, but it's kinda too dark for Nebo.
I wish AB or magnolia bend were bookable categories. so many NEED the murphy bed and we don't use it anyway. andWe need to be in areas with lots of light.

 

[disneyfantotheend]

I used to have my pic as my avatar and one in my signature, but we were approached by a lot (more than 10!) of people during last year's trip, and it kind of weirded my DH and kids out. They were all WONDERFUL people, but there is always a risk of one of them being not so wonderful, so I scaled my picture posting back a bit. As for why we like Joe, aside from his great info, he is hilarious and he cares about people. Others who brought deals to the boards would only come around and give their predictions and stick around long enough to be patted on the back, but Joe hangs out here because he enjoys the people, just as I do.

Too funny! I will be sure not to come up and talk to you, if we see you in the parks. My DH used to be like that too, but he has gotten used to it. LOL

With that said, if FD is out there I'll take it. In the event of a midnight online release, would it be frowned upon if I book a new package online to get FD, and then call later in the day to cancel the first reservation? Or should I just suck it up on the phone lines at 7 AM? I certainly have no desire to screw anyone out of a room.

Many people do it. As for if they frown upon it, maybe, but they will still cancel the old reservation for you.

 

[CaraMiaBelle]

Maybe. When I called this past Jan to price-out a package for our Sept 14 trip, I told the CM to give me an estimate for a Garden Room at POR bc "I"m hoping for FD and I know it only comes with Garden Room or higher" His reply was, "That is true"
So, I don't know. Maybe this last CM was just being agreeable, as Disney CM's tend to be, and not challenge what I said, which was based on my previous ('12) experience. ????

Last fall I originally had a standard room booked with free dining at POR riverside AB, until I was finally able to get a garden view.

I recently changed my avatar pic too. Just heard too many weird stories lately. I did not have my pic up before our trip so I'm not sure if anyone would have recognized me or not!

 

[GigiDisneyfreak]

Yay! Just booked ours for Sept 22nd. I was really afraid it was sold out! Very happy!

Congratulations! I will miss you by 2 nights I am going on the 20th.

 

[GigiDisneyfreak]

I don't have a Disney Visa Card. I was almost going to apply for it but read you need to physically have it to use it. I don't like to use credit cards so I am ok with that. What I am concerned about is that when the general release is opened will I even have a shot at POR royal rooms. That is our first choice but I already booked with a TA. (I know I shouldn't have and I am sorry that I did, but that was before I discovered this wonderful thread)

 

[SPOERLX3]

I keep seeing this thought all over the threads and I feel the need to set the record straight. When you book early it does not help your chances of booking free dining at all. From what I understand there are a certain number of rooms available for free dining and that's it. Think of it this way, free dining rooms are in one bucket and all others are in another bucket. If you book before free dining comes out, your room comes out of the regular bucket. Then when you decide to "add free dining" what you are essentially doing is putting your room back in the regular bucket and pulling one out of the free dining bucket. If you call to "add free dining" to your reservation and the free dining bucket is empty, then you are out of luck. Having that reservation did not hold your place for free dining. I'm sure most of you already know this, but there always seems to be lots of people talking about booking now and then add free dining. It shouldn't bother me this much, but it does. I think I need a vacation, any suggestions?

Well said!

 

[tdmollyb]

I understand all that. As I (clearly) said, Free Dining wasn't a consideration when I booked. I wasn't "booking early" with hopes of adding FD later. I was simply choosing the dates that made the most sense for my family based on work and school schedules. Even if Black is wrong (unlikely, I know) and FD doesn't materialize, we are going.

But, if FD coincides with my dates I'd be dumb not to take advantage. My question was simply around the best (and most fair to everyone else) way to apply the discount.

Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. I only quoted you because it was the last one that mentioned already having a reservation and "adding free dining". I realize that you were going no matter what. It was not directed at you specifically. It was just an observation that I made from reading lots of posts.

 

[tinklvsu]

I don't have a Disney Visa Card. I was almost going to apply for it but read you need to physically have it to use it. I don't like to use credit cards so I am ok with that. What I am concerned about is that when the general release is opened will I even have a shot at POR royal rooms. That is our first choice but I already booked with a TA. (I know I shouldn't have and I am sorry that I did, but that was before I discovered this wonderful thread)

From what I have gathered, is they have a set for Visa release, and another set for General. I THINK

The veterans here can be more specific about that though!!!

 

[SPOERLX3]

So this brings me to a potentially touchy question:

I'm already booked for POR for Sept 13-21, those were the best dates for our family and we are going no matter what. I booked a few months ago, and at the time I honestly wasn't even considering or expecting FD. Those were the dates we had available so that was that.

With that said, if FD is out there I'll take it. In the event of a midnight online release, would it be frowned upon if I book a new package online to get FD, and then call later in the day to cancel the first reservation? Or should I just suck it up on the phone lines at 7 AM? I certainly have no desire to screw anyone out of a room.

I think the decision you may need to contemplate is "We are going no matter what but if POR is excluded or if all FD room at POR are already booked, am I willing to move to another resort to get FD?"
Disney only allots a certain amount of rooms for FD and if those are booked at that resort, then you would not be able to get FD even if you are already booked there. Same true if POR is already booking well without FD, Disney may choose to exclude that resort and if that happens, you would have to choose between FD or POR.
Just wanting to make sure that if you choose FD over POR you have your 2nd and 3rd choices ready

 

[Misjanuary1]

From what I have gathered, is they have a set for Visa release, and another set for General. I THINK

The veterans here can be more specific about that though!!!

Black, any leads or confirmation on an early DV release tomorrow or Monday? I know Monday is a big date of interest and something will brew that day...just wondering what kind of chatter you are hearing as those dates approach as far as the Visa goes I will set my alarm for 4am AZ time tomorrow to see either way....

 

[Fenway1970]

Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. I only quoted you because it was the last one that mentioned already having a reservation and "adding free dining". I realize that you were going no matter what. It was not directed at you specifically. It was just an observation that I made from reading lots of posts.

No worries, sorry if I came across a little testy. Your analysis was spot on by the way.

I was just wondering about the propriety of booking a second package if the online booking opens 7 hours in advance of when I can call about my existing reservation. As I said, I'm not looking to shaft anyone.

I think the decision you may need to contemplate is "We are going no matter what but if POR is excluded or if all FD room at POR are already booked, am I willing to move to another resort to get FD?"
Disney only allots a certain amount of rooms for FD and if those are booked at that resort, then you would not be able to get FD even if you are already booked there. Same true if POR is already booking well without FD, Disney may choose to exclude that resort and if that happens, you would have to choose between FD or POR.
Just wanting to make sure that if you choose FD over POR you have your 2nd and 3rd choices ready

I would be willing to change, although we've never stayed at a Mod before. We've always been a POP family. This time we thought we'd splurge for queen beds and nicer pools.

I'm happy with any Mod. I know CBR still has double beds but for me FD > queen beds, so I'll take CBR if that's all that's available. Not sure my wife would agree but she put me in charge of the reservations so I'm making an executive decision on that.

 

[Princess Starr]

My husband called today and was asking about free dining to Visa card holders opening tomorrow. She said "where are you hearing that?" She said they would know before hand, and she hasn't been told anything. She also said, if it does come out, it won't be in April. So, I don't know what's going on, but thought I would share what we heard.

 

[pippi1972]

i called as well to ask about it and they asked me when i had my trip planned, i told them september.... she then preceded to tell me that " i would not count on free dining for september"..... not sure what to think of that....

sorry new here.... i have been following the link and thought i should post that.

 

[disnut1149]

to the boards pippi1972. I wouldn't listen to the CM's. They all usually have different answers and don't know too much. Black 562 is usually right on. If he says it's coming out, then it most likely is.

 

[pippi1972]

Good I hope so! It's our first time taking the kids. My daughter went when she was 8 months but of course had no clue! It's a surprise for them. We booked it months ago so free dining would be wonderful! If not we will just pay out of pocket.

 

[black562]

to the boards pippi1972. I wouldn't listen to the CM's. They all usually have different answers and don't know too much. Black 562 is usually right on. If he says it's coming out, then it most likely is.

You can say that again. Others have called and been told not only that it's happening, but that it would be offered to visa this year because of the backlash that happened last time....that sort of thing.

Some will even say there's no free dining on the morning you call to book it. Some CMs are insistent that it will never be offered again. I had one tell me on the morning of release, not only that it wasn't available, but they had never offered such a thing.

That said, I have no doubt that at some point I will come up with some wrong info...it's inevitable. But I do the very best I can and try to make sure everything makes sense and holds muster.

That said, we've heard from three different places about Monday, which makes it pretty darned meaningful if you ask me.

 

[SPOERLX3]

No worries, sorry if I came across a little testy. Your analysis was spot on by the way.

I was just wondering about the propriety of booking a second package if the online booking opens 7 hours in advance of when I can call about my existing reservation. As I said, I'm not looking to shaft anyone.



I would be willing to change, although we've never stayed at a Mod before. We've always been a POP family. This time we thought we'd splurge for queen beds and nicer pools.

I'm happy with any Mod. I know CBR still has double beds but for me FD > queen beds, so I'll take CBR if that's all that's available. Not sure my wife would agree but she put me in charge of the reservations so I'm making an executive decision on that.

Currently, the only moderate that does not offer Queen beds is CBR. I love CBR but if a Queen bed at a moderate is important to your family (it definitely is to mine!), have you thought about Coronado Springs as a 2nd choice? They have Queen beds and better QS dining options. And I agree 100%, I would be willing to change resorts for FD too