Free Dining and upgrades

[QueenBeeMB]

I have been trying to meticulously plan our Fall 2014 trip for Food and Wine but with this being my first WDW trip there are many details I am unfamiliar with.

1-The process in getting free dining as an AP holder. I will have a room only reservation and cancel it if FD is announced for our dates. ( sept 26-Oct 2 ) I will then re book as a package with (2) two day base tickets thus qualifying us for free dining. (we will be able to use our 2 day tickets to renew our passes that expire on 10-5-14 so buying the tickets is not a 'loss' for us)

2-What package has been offered in the past for free dining, what level of dining package? Can you upgrade it to a 'better' package by paying the fees outlined in the dining package upgrade thread on the boards.

3-I have also toyed with the difference in getting a room only with an AP discount (not yet posted for fall 2014) and a TIW card+AP discounts on dining. I will still work over the numbers as they offers are released but I am pro-free dining as it is less stress to me.

I guess in all this babbling I am most concerned about the package level and credit break down for the free dining offer and the upgrade possibilities. If any one has info I would greatly appreciate it. OR any further tips, knowledge, suggestions, do's don'ts I am more than open.

Thank you !

 

[Disneylover99]

2. Typically when you book a value resort you get two quick service meals per day plus a snack.

Typically when you book a moderate resort you get one quick service meal, one table service meal and one snack.

You can stay at a value and pay the difference in meal plans to upgrade to table service if you wish.

 

[mickeynut1]

I have been trying to meticulously plan our Fall 2014 trip for Food and Wine but with this being my first WDW trip there are many details I am unfamiliar with.

1-The process in getting free dining as an AP holder. I will have a room only reservation and cancel it if FD is announced for our dates. ( sept 26-Oct 2 ) I will then re book as a package with (2) two day base tickets thus qualifying us for free dining. (we will be able to use our 2 day tickets to renew our passes that expire on 10-5-14 so buying the tickets is not a 'loss' for us)

2-What package has been offered in the past for free dining, what level of dining package? Can you upgrade it to a 'better' package by paying the fees outlined in the dining package upgrade thread on the boards.

3-I have also toyed with the difference in getting a room only with an AP discount (not yet posted for fall 2014) and a TIW card+AP discounts on dining. I will still work over the numbers as they offers are released but I am pro-free dining as it is less stress to me.

I guess in all this babbling I am most concerned about the package level and credit break down for the free dining offer and the upgrade possibilities. If any one has info I would greatly appreciate it. OR any further tips, knowledge, suggestions, do's don'ts I am more than open.

Thank you !

As the pp said, for FD, the value resorts have been getting the QSDP, while the moderates and deluxes get the DDP. You can upgrade from any of these plans by paying the difference in price.

 

[QueenBeeMB]

I have been running numbers all morning and I think it may be cheaper to just book a package.

After talking to a DLR AP CM she says that the WDW tickets will only be able to be used at WDW to renew the Premier Passport. Makes sense, but not what I wanted so it might not be the best idea for us anymore.

A package even with upgrading the room or dining plan still ends up costing less than the upgrade to the passes, room, and 2 day tickets.

I know this means no discount on merch. but we do not buy much anyways, a pin here and there but nothing significant. And no discount on TIW if we so choose to do that and pay OOP for dining instead of the dining plan.

My head is spinning and my spread sheets are all starting to blurrrrrrr

I am mostly panicked about getting everything booked in the next 4 weeks so that it is all in place at the 180 day mark for ADRs. YIKES

 

[QueenBeeMB]

here's another question if anyone is willing to answer...

I plan on upgrading the Free Dining at the Value Resort that we get (obviously hypothetical because the offers have not yet been released) from the QSDP to the DDP. This gives us table service credits and that is totally worth it to us.

But I am confused on the table service credit break down. I seem to recall someone posting it is an APP or DESSERT with an entree and beverage.
But I only see it listed as a DESSERT on the brochure.

Can anyone clarify for me.
Thanks

 

[purple figment]

The TS credit on the DDP includes an entree, dessert and standard fountain beverage at lunch and dinner. No appetizer. At breakfast the plan includes only the entree and beverage because there is no dessert component.

Only the Deluxe Dining Plan includes the appetizer at lunch and dinner.

 

[QueenBeeMB]

Thank you everyone for your help. I am able to offer assistance on the DLR boards but this WDW stuff is a trip!

I am looking now to see if we need to be concerned about dress codes at any of the places I hope to book ADRs for.

More research it is !

 

[purple figment]

Victoria & Albert is the only restaurant that strictly enforces their dress code.

At the resort signatures there is a "suggested" dress code, but you will see everything from park attire to dressed up guests. If you avoid the items in the "not allowed" list you'll be fine, although we've seen some of those as well. The in park signatures do not have a dress code.

Here's the dress code for the resort sigs:
Dress Code
At this Signature Dining experience, Guests are asked to adhere to the dress code.

Men may wear khakis, slacks, jeans or dress shorts and collared shirts. Sport coats are optional.

Women may wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses, jeans or dress shorts.

Not permitted in the dining room are tank tops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and shirts with offensive language or graphics.

 

[TDC Nala]

No appetizer on the regular plan. Dessert only at lunch and dinner. And you cannot trade your dessert for an appetizer.

Deluxe plan includes appetizer AND dessert at table service for lunch and dinner.

There is no plan that gives you a choice of appetizer OR dessert.

I plan on upgrading the Free Dining at the Value Resort that we get

If this means you are planning on waiting until you get there before you upgrade, you can't do that. The upgrade has to be done at least 3 days prior to arrival on a package.

 

[QueenBeeMB]

If this means you are planning on waiting until you get there before you upgrade, you can't do that. The upgrade has to be done at least 3 days prior to arrival on a package.

Thank you for the info, I do plan on upgrading prior to arrival. I was just trying to state that we would be staying at a Value, hence the reason for the upgrade to the DDP.
But now that I know this I will definitely upgrade with plenty of time!

Yahoooo ! I am getting exciting, sorting out where we want to eat and drooling over menus.

 

[Disneylover99]

Yahoooo ! I am getting exciting, sorting out where we want to eat and drooling over menus.

I see that you are going during the F&W festival. You can use your snack credits for some of the food at the booths in Epcot (in case you didn't know).

Now drool away!

 

[QueenBeeMB]

I see that you are going during the F&W festival. You can use your snack credits for some of the food at the booths in Epcot (in case you didn't know).

Now drool away!

I can't even begin to think about all the snacks that we will try. Dining credit or no dining credit ! hahaha some I am sure we wont be able to pass up