Free Dining Fall 2015? (and a whole lot more)

[PrincessNelly]

I was on the phone last year right at 7:00, and we were on hold an hour. I hear people say they were on hold 3 hours. I know the general public release was longer than that even.

I was actually in WDW on vacation last May trying to get free dining for my trip in October. I sat on hold for 4 hours, got through at 1am! And by the time I got through, nothing was left for my week. Tried calling to book the bounce back offer two days later, still sat on hold for two hours trying to get through... And after all that, I lucked up and got a free dining pin code for our trip! Crazy!

 

[tjudgeiii]

Yup, 2013 we didn't wait either. But last year me and DH both started dialing when the clock flipped to 7:00. His phone was finally answered at one hour, mine was still holding at 8:20 when I hung up after switching our reservation on his. But I heard a lot worse. We will both be ready tomorrow at 7:00 again, it's going to be a long day today.....

Eastern Time or Central Time?

 

[wdw4rfam]

Eastern Time or Central Time?

Eastern

 

[minerva78]

I would be very surprised if December was to be included...Disney does VERY well with crowds in all of December since it low season for DVC members in early part of Dec, and of course, Christmas week is high volume. Disney will only market this to lured guests to bring in business. I think for many of you to complain about it because of certain dates does not fit your schedule, seriously, Disney does NOT have to offer this at all. I am amazed of the comments..it's a luxury vacation, people, not a world crisis...(which many people do not even have any vacations in their lives). Just put in perspective and make the best of it of what Disney offers. Just saying!

I don't think a lot of people are complaining, just a little annoyed at some of the possible increased restrictions. At least that's how I feel, although this whole process has been amusing as well. Because I completely understand this from Disney's standpoint, with the possible fewer dates, restrictions, and PH requirement, especially when it doesn't seem like they have problems filling the parks at any time of the year. Five years from now, FD may be a thing of the past and people will sit back and remember the good ol' days when it was a good deal. Which is why I am perfectly fine with looking at other options, including offsite, to make it fit in my budget. I was hopeful that I could swing an onsite trip in December with FD, but it looks like I was just a year too late to do that, lol. Oh well. If I can pull off any Disney trip this year I will be thrilled!

 

[kingd4066]

I have a quick question. If the FD promo does indeed start Monday, and everyone starts call bombing Disney at 7am, are the phone lines going to be massively jammed? Is there going to be a lot of waiting on hold? My wife's job starts at 8, and doesn't want to miss the excitement, but she also doesn't want to be late for work. Thanks guys.

The wait can be very long..I waited last year for a bit over an hour for a new reservation and my friend waited closer to 2 for her existing reservation.

 

[tjudgeiii]

Do you have to call in to make the reservation or can you just do it online? (For General Public)

 

[wdw4rfam]

This is so crazy. We have been doing free dining since 2006, and every year it gets crazier. In 06, we didn't decide to do free dining until 2 months before and called and got a preferred room at movies no problem. I just looked and even in 2010 we waited a few weeks after it was announced and had 2 rooms at POFQ. Wow have things changed....

 

[kingd4066]

Thank You
As DV card holder I hope it goes live for GP tomorrow so I can modify online, I hate calling. The price never seems the same online vs phone call
Two years in a row its been out of whack calling.

I have a feeling it wont be a DV offer and just be a GP offer this year, I have no insider info...lol I just linda have that feeling. Hopefully something drops tomorrow!

 

[RedWolf95]

Do you have to call in to make the reservation or can you just do it online? (For General Public)

When the GP comes out you can do it online.

 

[Kerri1211]

Jumping in here! So do we think 10/17-10/24 are definitely out for FD? I know last year it was blacked out, but not 2013. Maybe with restrictions (HP and # of nights), they'll extend days. Here's to hoping!!! If no FD, think there will be a RO???

 

[rey_rey]

If it means anything to anyone, usually companies create quite a few banner ads with different details listed (oten also changing graphics, colors and text). They run all the ads and see which perform better and adjust their ads and who is seeing what based on clicks and purchases from the link. It's standard in online marketing/ads. So, until we hear for sure it has to be six nights/seven days...don't get too set on that being the case

I'm hoping this is true of the rumored park hopper needed, we weren't planning to do park hopper, and hope to not have to, but i guess if we do than we do.
I'm just trying to look at it as (for my family of 3) we'd spend more than $204 on food through the week anyway paying OOP, so we're still ahead.

 

[wdw4rfam]

If it goes to general public tomorrow, what time does it usually show up on he website? Should it be there at 7:00 when I hit modify?

 

[SouthJersey]

I would be very surprised if December was to be included...Disney does VERY well with crowds in all of December since it low season for DVC members in early part of Dec, and of course, Christmas week is high volume. Disney will only market this to lured guests to bring in business. I think for many of you to complain about it because of certain dates does not fit your schedule, seriously, Disney does NOT have to offer this at all. I am amazed of the comments..it's a luxury vacation, people, not a world crisis...(which many people do not even have any vacations in their lives). Just put in perspective and make the best of it of what Disney offers. Just saying!

They always have. Supposedly, I've heard the unconfirmed dates in december is booking for dates 12/15 - 12/21

 

[disneyfantotheend]

The December dates shrink every year, so it would definitely not surprise me to see them disappear, but being others are reporting they will be offered, I am thinking they won't be gone yet this year. Hopefully, one more day will tell all.

 

[kingd4066]

I feel like I am the only person who didnt book already....I hope I am not going to be sorry for not booking, we are a family of 5 and have 2 options for moderate resorts...and for free dining offers we usually have just 1. We have a certain buget to stay at or under in hopes we can make a trip every year...Deluxe resorts almost double our price for one trip and values I have to up the dining plan, which is ok, just have to see how it plays out I guess! Got a unique offer code last year with better dates for us and it included POR! Fingers crossed!

 

[kingd4066]

Sorry if I missed this but when you guys/gals say you're calling at 7am, is this Eastern Time, Central Time etc...? Thanks.

-Eastern.

 

[rey_rey]

I feel like I am the only person who didnt book already....I hope I am not going to be sorry for not booking, we are a family of 5 and have 2 options for moderate resorts...and for free dining offers we usually have just 1. We have a certain buget to stay at or under in hopes we can make a trip every year...Deluxe resorts almost double our price for one trip and values I have to up the dining plan, which is ok, just have to see how it plays out I guess! Got a unique offer code last year with better dates for us and it included POR! Fingers crossed!

I haven't booked yet either. We will only go with free dining so I am holding off and hoping for the best!

 

[CamiandCarson]

I feel like I am the only person who didnt book already....I hope I am not going to be sorry for not booking, we are a family of 5 and have 2 options for moderate resorts...and for free dining offers we usually have just 1. We have a certain buget to stay at or under in hopes we can make a trip every year...Deluxe resorts almost double our price for one trip and values I have to up the dining plan, which is ok, just have to see how it plays out I guess! Got a unique offer code last year with better dates for us and it included POR! Fingers crossed!

I haven't booked either! There is no benefit to booking early. When you do a free dining offer it is a new reservation. I have found it is easier to just book new online (unless there is a DV offer first). Plus the more people book early, the less Disney feels the need to offer incentives for booking.

 

[disneyfantotheend]

I feel like I am the only person who didnt book already....I hope I am not going to be sorry for not booking, we are a family of 5 and have 2 options for moderate resorts...and for free dining offers we usually have just 1.

I know it is hard to believe, but you honestly do not have a disadvantage at all by not being booked ahead. Some feel that saves them a room, which IF they are willing to pay full price, it does, but it does not mean they will get free dining in that particular room category or even resort. So no worries, you will be fine. Good luck tomorrow!

 

[RejoyceoverDisney]

I'd be curious if the reason some don't see modify button is because they are paid in full vs those that still have a balance have more flexibility.
Now to keep reading the 5 pages....