Free dining: I'm beginning to despair

[maggs1035]

You all seem so knowledgable about when free dining is offered, so if you had to guess when I might see a free dining offer for May 2013 when do you think it would be? I do realize that next yrs packages are not out yet, but just from what has happened in yrs past?

 

[maryj11]

Same here. I really wish they would get the promotions out for October. I feel like I cant continue to plan the rest of my vacation until I can figure out for sure what dates have FD. I feel stuck in a rut when it comes to planning. I have reservations already but may change the dates. It is getting frustrating. I usually get several pins or discount codes in my email or regular mail, but this year I have zip O none

 

[kerplop]

You all seem so knowledgable about when free dining is offered, so if you had to guess when I might see a free dining offer for May 2013 when do you think it would be? I do realize that next yrs packages are not out yet, but just from what has happened in yrs past?

I can't remember the exact dates, but I think the first part of 2012 was released in August and the rest of spring came out a couple months later!

 

[DisneyMom5]

I'm hoping for FD for Feb.'13.
According to the historical data (courtesy of Mousesavers) the fall/winter FD was released in Aug. the last two years, with some tweaking of dates after that.

I'm excited! We're either going in Feb., or if we can't get our finances together in time, then Sept. (with hopefully the traditional Sept. FD.)

Don't think I'll ever get my dh to return without free food again!

 

[IWannaBeAPrincess]

Before I book with Rented DVC points, can someone confirm the OCT dates from the free dining pin that was released?

We would be checking in on Oct 6, so I'm sure we will miss out. We are on the Fantasy right before that, and although eating big will be the last thing we'll want to do, I like the all inclusiveness, so I know the final price.

Thanks!!

 

[smitch425]

Before I book with Rented DVC points, can someone confirm the OCT dates from the free dining pin that was released?

We would be checking in on Oct 6, so I'm sure we will miss out. We are on the Fantasy right before that, and although eating big will be the last thing we'll want to do, I like the all inclusiveness, so I know the final price.

Thanks!!

The first date of the blackout period is Oct. 5 and goes to the 18th with FD starting up again on the 19th.

 

[TACK]

I have been waiting and like so many, calling to check for pin codes. Right now, I have gotten to a place in my head that even if there is no FD, I will be okay - provided that there is a room discount (I am an annual passholder, so I am sure there will be one).

It just means I must be more creative with food dining and choices. The reason I like free dining is that it makes it easier to choose your meals based on the plan.

My last trip I had QS meals and I made 2 OOP reservations. I am not crazy about the increase difference from QS to TS if you are at value resorts.

Either way, I am going end of November for 2 weeks - Yahoo.

 

[IWannaBeAPrincess]

The first date of the blackout period is Oct. 5 and goes to the 18th with FD starting up again on the 19th.

Thanks. I figured

 

[ZoeisMommy]

I like OP have been "patiently" waiting and I won't lose hope because sooner or.later they will release FD. I've been watching mousesavers.com to compare the last few years and I guess I will just hold my breath till August. Checking Disboards 5 times a day and calling Disney all the time hoping I will get lucky. Just stay patient and positive

 

[maggs1035]

Before I book with Rented DVC points, can someone confirm the OCT dates from the free dining pin that was released?

We would be checking in on Oct 6, so I'm sure we will miss out. We are on the Fantasy right before that, and although eating big will be the last thing we'll want to do, I like the all inclusiveness, so I know the final price.

Thanks!!

Can you tell me about "rented DVC points" and how I get that? I need to find a cheaper way to achieve our trip!

 

[IWannaBeAPrincess]

yep, just go over to the DVC Rent/trade board, and put in a request to someone who needs to rent their points... They make the ressie, you pay them their asking price (Usually $9-$13) per point and then you are set! For example a night studio in AKV is the same price as a standard value room during our dates. You have to buy tickets and DDP through them, no free dining. We are considering mixing room only with rented DVC points with YES! program for discounted tix and going no DDP, since we are going to be coming off a week of stuffing our face on the DCL Fantasy.

Here is a calculator for number of points you'll need:
http://www.dvcrequest.com/point_calculator.asp

Remember it is based on availability, so your dates may not be available.

 

[AndreaDM]

Before I book with Rented DVC points, can someone confirm the OCT dates from the free dining pin that was released?

We would be checking in on Oct 6, so I'm sure we will miss out. We are on the Fantasy right before that, and although eating big will be the last thing we'll want to do, I like the all inclusiveness, so I know the final price.

Thanks!!

Just to give you a heads up, I tried to rent points for Oct. 12-16 and no DVC resort had availability for all 4 nights. I guess with F&W Oct. DVC fills up quickly.

 

[Don Disney]

Already on the fence for Nov.trip-No FD,definately not going.No worries though,FD will be offered to the GP for late fall as usual;Empty rooms are worse than full stomachs!

 

[DisneyLover75]

Thanks for all the replies of encouragement. Sorry I've been so absent. Usually I get email notifications about my threads but not this time.

Anyway,I'm still waiting! Hopefully we'll hear after the mailer pins are expired. (I wouldn't mind if it was even sooner!)

 

[niknakk]

What are the chances of Free Dining to be released to the GP?
I am so worried that it will never be released for my dates. Also would the GP dates for free dining be the same as the PIN code dates for free dining? I will be going Nov. 29 and REALLY need the free dining so this trip will be affordable. Thanks!

 

[crz4mm2]

Always a day late and dollar short here...
I just booked for nov... IF FD comes out, what are my chances of getting it????

 

[smitch425]

What are the chances of Free Dining to be released to the GP?
I am so worried that it will never be released for my dates. Also would the GP dates for free dining be the same as the PIN code dates for free dining? I will be going Nov. 29 and REALLY need the free dining so this trip will be affordable. Thanks!

Always a day late and dollar short here...
I just booked for nov... IF FD comes out, what are my chances of getting it????

This is a copy of the PIN email for the FD dining offer...


Get a first look at

A tasty Fall offer!

FREE Disney Dining
with the purchase of a non-discounted 4-Night/5-Day Magic Your Way room and ticket package at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

For arrivals most nights 9/30–10/4/12; 10/19–11/1/12; 11/9–11/15/12; 11/23–11/29/12; 12/10–12/13/12.
Book now through 7/28/12.

The number of packages available for this offer is limited. Minimum length-of-stay requirements may apply. Tickets are for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply. Offer excludes campsites and 3-bedroom villas, Disney's Art of Animation Resort suites included. All other suites excluded. Advance reservations required. Offer is nontransferable.

See Important Details


Or call 407-939-7749 or your
Travel Agent.

Be sure to have your
PIN:

Notice that it leads off with "Get a first look". All indications lead to the general public getting the "second look". My guess is it will be released in mid July-ish, perhaps as late as the first week of Aug. The only date that matters is your check-in date, so as long as that day is included in the promo, you will get FD for up to 14 nights.

 

[crz4mm2]

TOo bad I didn't get the pin! We arrive on 11-1......

 

[ilovepete]

When there is free Dining, do the Deluxe resorts get the Deluxe Dining plan? Like if I stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge, would that get free Deluxe Dining? Or is it the regular DDP?

 

[dmoore718]

When there is free Dining, do the Deluxe resorts get the Deluxe Dining plan? Like if I stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge, would that get free Deluxe Dining? Or is it the regular DDP?

It's regular dining at mods and deluxe when FD is offered.