Free Dining in 2007?

[susan1]

Calm down.

We all enjoy WDW in our own way.

hii wasn't uncalm i think sorry i .... is one of those phrases that loses a lot in translation. it's a harmless phrase over here! any how hope you al enjoy your dining which ever way you chose. i can't wait, long time till next sept but we can start planing

 

[gabbysmom04]

I really hope they do it again. I am using alot of dvc points for a cruise so this would be perfect. The rack rate is what I would pay anyway for the dining plan. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[kidsgobears]

Just thought I'd mention that in a way you can get free dining other times of year with package discounts. We're going in November and used the code that was available. We saved $575 on our 6 night package at POFQ. The DDP for the three of us cost $360 (1A, 2C) plus it's about $100 more for regular season versus value season. I still came out over $100 ahead. If you had 2 adults and 2 children on the DDP then you'd come out about $100 behind (however, if you got this same discount in another value season, than you'd break even). This way, if you're not too fond of hot, muggy weather (like me), you can choose a time of year that suits you better. Just something to think about.

Of course, if you manage to get a good discount and free dining then that's a whole different story.

 

[TBGOES2DISNEY]

Just thought I'd mention that in a way you can get free dining other times of year with package discounts. We're going in November and used the code that was available. We saved $575 on our 6 night package at POFQ. The DDP for the three of us cost $360 (1A, 2C) plus it's about $100 more for regular season versus value season. I still came out over $100 ahead. If you had 2 adults and 2 children on the DDP then you'd come out about $100 behind (however, if you got this same discount in another value season, than you'd break even). This way, if you're not too fond of hot, muggy weather (like me), you can choose a time of year that suits you better. Just something to think about.

Of course, if you manage to get a good discount and free dining then that's a whole different story.

Can you explain to me how you got such a good deal? I've gone to disney's site or clicked on deal links and typed in info for different times of the year. We just went in September on free dining at a value. The only time any deals were cheaper it was only by about $100, which isn't a better deal than free dining. I would love to go during a cooler time of the year! Help me out here! Thanks!

 

[kidsgobears]

Can you explain to me how you got such a good deal? I've gone to disney's site or clicked on deal links and typed in info for different times of the year. We just went in September on free dining at a value. The only time any deals were cheaper it was only by about $100, which isn't a better deal than free dining. I would love to go during a cooler time of the year! Help me out here! Thanks!

I booked our package at regular rate in late August. I kept an eye on the "Codes and Rates" forum on the DIS. Someone posted codes for late Oct to mid Dec (I believe that was the time frame). I called WDW reservations and they applied the code to my existing reservation and then credited my credit card the difference.

It seems that codes come out for most seasons, except holiday and peak seasons. Someone please correct me on this if I'm wrong. HTH

ETA: There was a thread where lots of folks were posting how much $ they had saved by adding the code to their ressies. Lots of them were several hundred dollars. Not everyone was succesful getting the code applied to their package. Those dates may not have been available at their resort or something along those lines. Looking at this thread should give you an idea how it all works: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1198122

 

[LBelle]

I've received some really helpful info. from you guys!!! Thanks!!

 

[LBelle]

DH and I at Le Cellier next fall!!!

 

[ekball]

It's not really cost effective to trade down very many TS credits for CS meals if you pay for dining BUT it certainly may make sense for free dining.

It looks like the UK free dining package requires 7 nights and at least a 5 night pass purchase. I wonder if a US free dining package will have similar requirements.

Not to worry about something that *may* (or may not) happen but.... UGH!! I hope this is not the case! DH and I bought extra days on our park passes for the last trip (and the no expire option) because it seemed like a better deal - buy extra to use next trip. We don't need 5 day passes! But may have to pay for them if we want free dining?

Question - does everyone in your party have to buy park passes to qualify for the package deals? (when tickets are required to get the deal)

Editing to ask some vets: If you were going to book a trip next year and you weren't trying to go when they *may* offer free dining, when would you book?? (also, looking for low crowd dates and warm weather dates)

 

[Lewisc]

Everyone on the package must purchase tickets, whatever the minimum that is required. Once you get to the resort individuals can upgrade their tickets.

The expiration clock doesn't start until you first use the ticket. Some guests don't use the new ticket but save it for a future trip.

Free dinning was very popular. I'd assume Disney would at least consider changing the package reqirements to make it more profitable to Disney. Requiring longer park passes is one way. I guess Disney could even make it a BOGO offer. You pay for dining for one adult and get one free, pay for one kid and get one free. It could even be just kids free.

Not to worry about something that *may* (or may not) happen but.... UGH!! I hope this is not the case! DH and I bought extra days on our park passes for the last trip (and the no expire option) because it seemed like a better deal - buy extra to use next trip. We don't need 5 day passes! But may have to pay for them if we want free dining?

Question - does everyone in your party have to buy park passes to qualify for the package deals? (when tickets are required to get the deal)

 

[scrapperjill]

Well...I for one am hopeing they do do the free dinning plan again next year....that'll make or break our decision to go...of course they'll need to do it during the same timeframe as they have the past two years.. BUT I'm not voting for the need to have an extended stay inorder to get it....or the BOGO free idea...I don't see how that one would work. For example our family of 4 (2adults, 13yo and an 8 year old) wouldn't be able to do anything with it...seeing our one daughter is considered an adult while our younger one isn't....plus what about those familes who have three in a family? Anyhow...as you can see I didn't like the BOGO idea... As for the extended stay...I think way to many people figure in just a couple days visit to only offer it to those who are going to be there longer....besides that saving on the dinning plan isn't much of an reason to extend your stay that much longer (at least for some). For us IF we do go it'll just be for a few days before/after our Disney cruise.


We went last year at the mid/end of October...and just missed the free dinning by a couple weeks...I'd think if your wanting to go NOT during the free dinning time try October or November...or anytime before August.

 

[kydeb1346]

Hello all,

We are thinking of taking a trip next year. When does free dining occur? Only in September? When have they usually released the promo to the public?

Thanks!

 

[Marilou]

Hello all,

We are thinking of taking a trip next year. When does free dining occur? Only in September? When have they usually released the promo to the public?

Thanks!

ok I got most of my questions answered so far, the above question is also one I'd like to hear an answer for. In the past, was free dining only for certain months? We have already booked 10 nights at POP for next summer, and my mom purchased MYW tix thru another agent. From what I've read (if I understood it) as long as we add 1 tix per person to our hotel ressie, we may qualify for free dining (if its offered) This is our 1st visit staying in WDW resort which was a jump up in price but our previous fave hotel changed ownership and changed all their good perks. We had to upgrade ourselves to 2 rooms for a few reasons so with all the extra $$ we are spending this yr, if free dining is something we can use...it would be awesome beyond words!
Thanks for all previous and future info!!

 

[Lewisc]

I wasn't really "voting" for those changes, merely speculating what changes Disney might impose for future promotions. Free dining was extremely popular. Some guests claimed to have booked a room at a value resort to get free dining, while staying offsite or in a DVC property. The value of free dining for a family of 2 A and 2 teenagers exceeds the price of the room. I would be surprised if Disney doesn't impose some terms.

I can see Disney fine tuning the promotion. The current UK promotion requires a minimum stay and ticket requirements. I guess Disney could even limit free dining to two adults per room.

Well...I for one am hopeing they do do the free dinning plan again next year....that'll make or break our decision to go...of course they'll need to do it during the same timeframe as they have the past two years.. BUT I'm not voting for the need to have an extended stay inorder to get it....or the BOGO free idea...I don't see how that one would work. For example our family of 4 (2adults, 13yo and an 8 year old) wouldn't be able to do anything with it...seeing our one daughter is considered an adult while our younger one isn't....plus what about those familes who have three in a family? Anyhow...as you can see I didn't like the BOGO idea... As for the extended stay...I think way to many people figure in just a couple days visit to only offer it to those who are going to be there longer....besides that saving on the dinning plan isn't much of an reason to extend your stay that much longer (at least for some). For us IF we do go it'll just be for a few days before/after our Disney cruise.


We went last year at the mid/end of October...and just missed the free dinning by a couple weeks...I'd think if your wanting to go NOT during the free dinning time try October or November...or anytime before August.

 

[scrapperjill]

Disney's been doing it for a couple years now...Yes I can see them making some changes as the years go by..I was mearly saying (putting in my vote) against your ideas on what they may do... Nothing was ment by it..and I'm sorry if it came across the wrong way.

So far we haven't been lucky enough to be in a position to take advantage of the free dinning plan (airfare cost WAY to much from Washington State to Orlando)...but we are planning a trip that way next Sept....SO I'm hopeing they do offer the dinning plan during the time we'll be there...if they do we will go to WDW if they don't we more than likely won't.

Myself I really can't see how ANYONE would benifit from booking a room at a value resort and staying off site. I would think you couldn't get the free dinning plan for your lengh of park tickets if you only booked one night at a value resort. I know last year when we purchased the dinning plan it was based on number of nights booked at the resort....and had NOTHING to do with the number/days we had park tickets.

ALSO...To answer another posters question...they've only offered it during certian times of the year. My guess would be they WON'T offer it in the summer. It's a way for them to get guests to the parts/resorts during off times. Which also leads to the...even if the cost of the dinning plan out weighs the cost of the "value" resorts or even comes close...it's the mear fact that they are filling those resorts during times that other wise would be left open....the 'food' they end up using with the free dinning plan is probably nothing compaired to the money they make from the park tickets, souviners, resort stays, photos....and everything else that one would purchased during those times. If you think about it...if they were not making money off the deal...they wouldn't have offered it again this year. The fact is Disney is all about making money....this happens to be one deal where they come ahead and we as guests feel like were comming ahead. It give us somewhat of a false sence of what we're saving....which turns into we have more money to spend on other things. I can't say how many people I've heard of who booked a value resort ...but because they were going to save so much with the free dinning...upgraded to a diffrent resort like AK or WL...now think about the profit Disney just made on that

Anyhow these are just my thoughts and opnions...and nothing is ment or directed at anyone else.

 

[Amyrlin]

I think if they put restrctions on it, it will be for a longer ticket, as many people were using only one day tickets to get it to count as a package. They may also increase the booking period from the three day minimum.

Another though I had was tey may ioffer free children places, pay fr the adults and thenthe children tickets and DP are free to match the adults, that would target the families they seem to want.

 

[DznyLvr2005]

Free dining was the best thing EVER! Even paying for the dining plan is worth it, but then when you get it all free, it's unbelievable!
I was a Free Dining First Timer 3 weeks ago It's insane all the food we were eating!!! Plus they offer it in the best time of the year! The start of the holiday season (Halloween!!! and Food and Wine Festival!!)
(BTW- you can use your daily snack at some of the stands at the F&W Festival!

 

[disneyjunkie]

Another though I had was tey may ioffer free children places, pay fr the adults and thenthe children tickets and DP are free to match the adults, that would target the families they seem to want.

I really dislike the packages/plans that target "families". They tend to forget about those of us with kids over the age of 9.

It would be nice if the family packages included kids between the ages of 3-17.

 

[tink38]

I just called CRO 2 days ago to book our trip for May. Clancy, the CM, said that the only reason they offered free dining the last 2 years was because they needed to drive up attendance in the parks. It seems that people were reluctant to go to FL with the recent hurricanes.

Even with the MYW plan, dining for 37.99 per person per day is still better than paying full price, is it not?

 

[scrapperjill]

I really dislike the packages/plans that target "families". They tend to forget about those of us with kids over the age of 9.

It would be nice if the family packages included kids between the ages of 3-17.

I totally agree...with Disney having such a young age for the cut off between kids and adults...I don't see how offering the free dinning to only be kids would work. Plus...I think those who have the older kids (and adults) would tend to spend more money over all.

September tends to be the time they've offered in the past...I would be suprised if they changed it to a diffrent time...If you think about it Sept is the peak of hurricane season (meaning travel to Fl is down in general)...moving into October you've got MNSSHP..then November-December you've got the holiday travlers (who wouldn't love to go to disney for the holidays???) Before Sept you've got summer vacation (can you say busy???) Before that you've got spring (spring time at Disney that would be fun...not to mention spring breaks) Anyhow...you see where I'm comming from...Mid Sept-early Oct IMO is the slowest time for Disney...Free dinning increases there bottom line.

 

[maestro]

Hi, if it's any help the free dining is being offered in the uk for 2007, for check in dates between 12 Aug and 29 Sept. We have to book before the 6th November to take advantage.
Ceri x