Free Dining 8/26-9/22-Anyone Else Hear This?

[kdzgon]

While I agree free dining is a great offer - especially in the values or for larger families - I don't think it will sell out overnight. We went during free dining last year, and did not book until mid-June. In fact, the original offer was extended (from April to June?) - most people have surmised this is because there were not enough bookings by the original deadline.

I do believe it will sell out sooner, especially with advance sales via the UK and bounce-back offers. A more limited inventory of dates will have an effect, too. However, as sweet a deal it is, there are still a number of people who simply cannot afford annual trips to Disney, even with free dining. Some of us will not switch to free dining as the 40% offer will be a better deal.

By all means, don't delay if/when it is announced, and keep an open mind re: resorts you'll book. However, I wouldn't stress too much before any announcement.

 

[DisneyBound2007]

What is the 40% deal that I hear a lot of people talking about???

 

[MariaEllerºoº]

I truly believe Disney will be offering some type of discount to book their rooms. Last two years it was free dining. Because the occupancy rate is higher (already booked rooms) than it has been (probably due to Bounceback, 40% discount and those booked in hopes of free dining) they're trying to decide just what type of offer and when. Even with the offers they've already given it's still a slow season compared to other times of the year so they'll definitely give out some kind of discount. We're just going to have to wait and see what it is they actually offer. I personally wouldn't mind free dining again or getting a large discount off the room rates.

 

[Ziggy]

I truly believe Disney will be offering some type of discount to book their rooms. Last two years it was free dining. Because the occupancy rate is higher (already booked rooms) than it has been (probably due to Bounceback, 40% discount and those booked in hopes of free dining) they're trying to decide just what type of offer and when. Even with the offers they've already given it's still a slow season compared to other times of the year so they'll definitely give out some kind of discount. We're just going to have to wait and see what it is they actually offer. I personally wouldn't mind free dining again or getting a large discount off the room rates.

Ooh I do hope so a larger discount than the 15% AAA rate I have would be lovely

 

[TravelinGal]

While there will be some folks excited, there will be alot of us disappointed too. Especially us mid-August travellers. But also note the September dates....so no extending into October this year, so us early August travellers will not be the only disappointed people if this holds true.

Still holding out hope that they will go until Sept 29/30 range like they did last year. (arriving 29Sep)


We won't know until it's actually announced - I feel confident it WILL be announced (not that my feelings are worth a plug nickel)- but when and for what dates...well, that remains to be seen.

We're going regardless, so we're already booked. If it works with our dates then we'll modify the reservation and be thrilled to death! (it will save us enough to almost pay for our airfare)

 

[thelionqueen]

We have gone during the free dining promo for the last 2 years and am hoping for it again this year!

I also hope they extend the deadline for the last week of September as last year, but for those who booked both years, I'm sure you will remember the first year had a check in date of 10/4. Last year they moved that back a week, it looks like this year it might move another week back. I am thinking they want to keep the "free dining" customers from crossing over into the "Food & Wine Festival" goers..just my .02.

Our trip is pretty much contingent on free dining or a great room discount deal. Regardless of whether free dining is offered again, or another promotion (Disney has offered huge discounts during this season since I can remember) it will surely be enough for us to keep our reservation, although we may have to change the dates (again, fingers crossed )

I would SO love it if Disney decides to move the last check-in date later, but if MNSSHP is going on at all during our trip, I'll be happy as a clam

Anyone who has a Disney Visa have any insight as to when us cardholders will be able to book?? Last year I booked on 3/31, and (if I remember correctly) the general public had to wait another week not sure. If that's the case, you think MAYBE April Fools Day again??? PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE..

See you all there!!

 

[TravelinGal]

I'm sure you will remember the first year had a check in date of 10/4. Last year they moved that back a week, it looks like this year it might move another week back.

That's odd - I thought i remembered people saying they got it if the started their travel ANYTIME by the end of September since it went through the end of the month. Not just checking in mid month.

 

[jcemom]

When I questioned the CM regarding the free dining package, of course she wouldn't confirm anything. But she told me three times to go ahead and book a package deal with room, tix, trip insurance (look out for hurricanes!) and paid DDP. That way it would be easiest to switch around "should any discounts come available"

It's not any easier to switch a full package to free dining than any other reservation. Either way they have to cancel what you have and rebook. Having already booked a full package gives no advantage over someone who booked a package without DDP, someone who booked room only, or even someone who hasn't booked at all. I'm pretty sure the CMs who say that are only trying to create more bookings, lol.

 

[kath1210]

That's odd - I thought i remembered people saying they got it if the started their travel ANYTIME by the end of September since it went through the end of the month. Not just checking in mid month.

Last year, the latest you could check in and still get free dining was September 29 or 30. (We went September 28-October 2).

The year before, which was the first year of free dining, the last date for check-in was October 3 or 4. (We went October 3-10).

 

[TheLastPrincess]

Just so everyone knows, I have a friend who works seasonally at Disney and he did some fact-checking for me re: the free dining and said that APRIL 12 is when they start a new promotion. Now whether or not this is, in fact, the free dining plan, no one knows for certain, so we'll just have to wait and see!!!

But we are waiting to book our honeymoon in case they do offer it. I am also a Disney credit card member...does anyone know if we find out in advance of the general public if they're doing free dining?????

 

[brooke1]

Lets hope your friend is RIGHT ON...........

Brooke

 

[matt&jakesmom]

We were lucky enough last year to get the free dining. We decided to upgrade from value resort to deluxe for a small difference in price. Whether it happens this year or not, it sounds like I won't be waiting long to find out. We are already booked so we'll see what happens. Here's hoping we all get what we want.

 

[rjeash]

Just so everyone knows, I have a friend who works seasonally at Disney and he did some fact-checking for me re: the free dining and said that APRIL 12 is when they start a new promotion. Now whether or not this is, in fact, the free dining plan, no one knows for certain, so we'll just have to wait and see!!!

But we are waiting to book our honeymoon in case they do offer it. I am also a Disney credit card member...does anyone know if we find out in advance of the general public if they're doing free dining?????

It just so happens that the Disney Visa statment goes out on the 12th of the month. Coincidence???? I think not

 

[stepdisney]

If the announcement comes out earlier for the Visa card holders, can you book the promo even if you don't have a Disney Visa? Or do you have to wait until it is announced to the general public? I know that the Disney reward card is from Chase and we have a Chase Visa, just not a Disney reward. We wanted to pay cash for our trip and don't want any more credit cards so we don't have a reward card.

 

[punksmom]

Was there this much hype for the free dining plan last year?

 

[annie1995]

If the announcement comes out earlier for the Visa card holders, can you book the promo even if you don't have a Disney Visa? Or do you have to wait until it is announced to the general public? I know that the Disney reward card is from Chase and we have a Chase Visa, just not a Disney reward. We wanted to pay cash for our trip and don't want any more credit cards so we don't have a reward card.

Yes, I believe you would have to have a Disney Reward card to get the offer before the general public.

 

[n2mm]

If the announcement comes out earlier for the Visa card holders, can you book the promo even if you don't have a Disney Visa? Or do you have to wait until it is announced to the general public? I know that the Disney reward card is from Chase and we have a Chase Visa, just not a Disney reward. We wanted to pay cash for our trip and don't want any more credit cards so we don't have a reward card.

Yes, if there is a pre-booking for Disney Visa holders, you must had the card because you are required to put the $200 deposit on your Disney Visa.

 

[macraven]

Yes, if there is a pre-booking for Disney Visa holders, you must had the card because you are required to put the $200 deposit on your Disney Visa.

really??

i did the package the last 2 years and it included the free dining.
i booked it during the disney visa promo before it went to the general public.

i gave them my disney visa number but had them put the charges on my universal cc.

the cm said i could chose which cc to use to be billed. just had to verify i had the disney visa but not required to use it for the billing of the promo.

 

[Disney's Fab 4]

Was there this much hype for the free dining plan last year?

yup... I read all the threads... However we didn't go last year... So I wasn't paying as much attention... This year I read theses boards everyday... sometimes more!!!!

 

[Disney's Fab 4]

really??

i did the package the last 2 years and it included the free dining.
i booked it during the disney visa promo before it went to the general public.

i gave them my disney visa number but had them put the charges on my universal cc.

the cm said i could chose which cc to use to be billed. just had to verify i had the disney visa but not required to use it for the billing of the promo.

I see you said you went the last 2 years during free dining... How were the crowds? Just curious! We are going either way... paying for dining or not! Just want to know bout those crowds??? (I know WDW is never crowd free...) We went Sept of 2003 and the crowds were very small, then again... no free dining.... Any answers you could give would be very helpful... Thank you