Free Dining in 2007?

[ReneeA]

Quick Question...

Typically how long did the free ddp last?
Was it for the entire month of August?
We are teetering between late July and early August and would actually prefer to pay for it and not deal with the hectic crowds and such of the free ddp offer and I just figured if we book in advance and were leaning toward first week of Aug, would we hit the free ddp if its offered again?

I know it seems strange but my bf gets major crowd anxiety and since we went last in January we want to make it as easy as we can in summer

2005 it was Aug 17 through Oct. 4.

2006 it was August 12 through Sept 29th.

It starts mid August because beginning of August is still a really busy time in the parks since schools aren't back in session. Southern schools typically go back mid August.

Either way, end of July and first week of August are BUSY times with lots of people. It doesn't start to clear out until toward the end of August.

 

[bicker]

Just to add...alot will also depend on what kind of regulation they put on the plan "IF" they do offer it. I know last year there was some talk about the way Disney did allow those who checked in on the last day of the offer to still get the 'free' ddp for the lenght of their say...and how they may not do it that way again.

I believe that was actually two years ago. Last year, word is that they deliberately pulled the end-date in a week to accommodate that situation.

 

[bicker]

And regarding 2007:

The free dining promotion applies for arrivals starting August 5 (for the bounce-back offer) or August 12 (for the UK/European offer), through September 29, 2007.

 

[kaysmommie]

Can you use a AAA discount and still get free dining? I thought you had to pay rack rate and could not use any discounts .

 

[aquamarinedreams]

Does anyone happen to know the dates for the free DDP for November/December?
We would like to really take advantage of this "if" they do it again. DH has to book off dates for work though ahead of time and I want to make sure we book it within these dates in case Disney does it again.
thanks!
Jen

 

[bicker]

There has never been a free dining promotion for November/December.

 

[ThinkTink75]

Thanks for the dates... we know that summer will be busy whenever we go but have heard horror stories of impatient waiters, rushed dinner, and no slots for sit down dinners during free DDP. We figured an incentive will make it even busier than normal so we are toying with getting in and out before it starts in August. Thankss!

 

[aquamarinedreams]

There has never been a free dining promotion for November/December.

Thank you bicker! I wasn't sure if there was or not. For some reason I had it in my mind it was for all value seasons. I guess not

 

[WDW1st-timers]

Well I'm still hoping that the dining plan will be opened back up to the general public.

 

[aubriee]

Just to add...alot will also depend on what kind of regulation they put on the plan "IF" they do offer it. I know last year there was some talk about the way Disney did allow those who checked in on the last day of the offer to still get the 'free' ddp for the lenght of their say...and how they may not do it that way again.

You just scared me to death! I'm one of the ones who was there in Dec and booked the Bounce Back program. I asked the CM when the last date I could start our trip and still get the free dining would be. He said that as long as we were checked in by Sept 29th we would get free dining for the length of our stay. I just went to get our paperwork and sure enough the Bounce Back Program booklet states 'requested arrival date must be on or between August 5, 2007 and Sept 29, 2007'. The confirmation I received from Disney says for eight nights arriving 09/29/07 Depart 10/07/07 and has quick service meals, snack, and table service meals one per night (along with 1 Day MYW tickets, miniature golf voucher, Planet Hollywood $15 meal voucher, and sea raycer offer voucher). I called to make sure and yes we do have free dining for Sept 29th-Oct 7th.

One thing to keep in mind though, is that even though free dining was offered for both the Bounce Back Program and the UK offer, the requirements were different. The Bounce Back offer only required 1 day MYW tickets, but the UK offer required length of stay tickets. If Disney chooses to offer free dining to everyone who knows what the ticket requirements might be? The CM who booked the Bounce Back Program for me in Dec made a point of saying that Disney was 'seriously limiting the number of pkgs available for 2007 due to complaints from both the restaraunts and visitors'. He seemed really surprised that so many people were booking the Bounce Back program, because they had purposely not promoted it that much.

 

[natalielongstaff]

He seemed really surprised that so many people were booking the Bounce Back program, because they had purposely not promoted it that much.

they had obviously not counted on the power of the disboards

 

[scrapperjill]

I'm sorry to have scared you I sure didn't mean to...but I'm glad that's not the case for you and your family.... And like you said..."IF" they do offer it again who knows what the requiremnts will be. (that's pertty much what I was saying also)

It's hard to even guess if they'll do it or not. Yes they probably did get alot of complaints reguarding the whole thing...BUT lots of complaints did mean they got what they wanted...and that's more people to visit Disney during the down time. SO with that said I'm still holding my breath that they will open it up again and offer the ddp for free. I for one think it totally SUCKED that they did the bounce back offer....simpley because there is NO way for our family to have even tryed to pull off going in Dec just to book Aug/Sept....I would have loved to have tryed...but it's just not possable. We've been planning our trip for over a year now (and we still have 8 months to go..what really sucks is...if they don't offer the DDP for free we more than likely won't be doing the time at WDW that I've hoped we would be doing.)...I guess with that whole thing...I don't understand why they did the UK offer either. I mean why not just open it up to eveyone at one time, limit the number of bookings on the 'special' and be done with it. Anywho....I'm sticking with the thought that with the increased complaints...came more guests at WDW/resorts = more $$ for Disney...which in turn is what they wanted. So hopefully that's what they'll want again this year.

I guess if it wasn't for the fact that we'll be going to WDW area during Sept (no other time) I wouldn't be to concerned with it.... It's just the fact that we are going duing the time in which I KNOW they have and are offering the ddp for free to select guests...so I want it to

 

[ruthma]

I'm sorry to have scared you I sure didn't mean to...but I'm glad that's not the case for you and your family.... And like you said..."IF" they do offer it again who knows what the requiremnts will be. (that's pertty much what I was saying also)

It's hard to even guess if they'll do it or not. Yes they probably did get alot of complaints reguarding the whole thing...BUT lots of complaints did mean they got what they wanted...and that's more people to visit Disney during the down time. SO with that said I'm still holding my breath that they will open it up again and offer the ddp for free. I for one think it totally SUCKED that they did the bounce back offer....simpley because there is NO way for our family to have even tryed to pull off going in Dec just to book Aug/Sept....I would have loved to have tryed...but it's just not possable. We've been planning our trip for over a year now (and we still have 8 months to go..what really sucks is...if they don't offer the DDP for free we more than likely won't be doing the time at WDW that I've hoped we would be doing.)...I guess with that whole thing...I don't understand why they did the UK offer either. I mean why not just open it up to eveyone at one time, limit the number of bookings on the 'special' and be done with it. Anywho....I'm sticking with the thought that with the increased complaints...came more guests at WDW/resorts = more $$ for Disney...which in turn is what they wanted. So hopefully that's what they'll want again this year.

I guess if it wasn't for the fact that we'll be going to WDW area during Sept (no other time) I wouldn't be to concerned with it.... It's just the fact that we are going duing the time in which I KNOW they have and are offering the ddp for free to select guests...so I want it to

When I called to see if I had a code . and I didn't, I di ask i8f he thought they would offer free ding. He said he didn't know, he didn't say no...so hopefully they will. I am going anyway, but it would be nice to have it. I loved it last year...

 

[scrapperjill]

In 2005 we ended up going to the world just after the Free dinning promotion...so we ended up paying for the plan and loved it. So "if" we do go and they don't offer the free plan we'll pay for it...but that'll cut down on our days at the world over all (from a week to a max of three nights). So I'm hopeing they'll offer it. since we will be at WDW during the time they've offered it to the UK and Bounce back folks. '

I guess in a way I'd be sorta ticked off...to be at Disney during that time, pay for the dinning plan...while so many other people just get if for fee....and just know that because I couldn't afford to fly out to Orlando in Dec to book a bounce back trip for free dinning...I didn't qualify. Just a little vent And I guess if that happens...it happens.

 

[Lewisc]

Does anyone happen to know the dates for the free DDP for November/December?
We would like to really take advantage of this "if" they do it again. DH has to book off dates for work though ahead of time and I want to make sure we book it within these dates in case Disney does it again.
thanks!
Jen

November/December 2005 Disney had a code program. The code extended the value season rates, discounted the room rate and let you add (paid)dining. I didn't do the math but some posters who were able to take advantage of the extended value season said the package almost gave them free dining.

 

[warriorboy648]

I was told at AAA that if free dining comes out then I will have to give up my room discount. I was able to save $1200 on my rooom (2) discounts. I have to figure out if it would be better to buy 1 AP and get a DDE and keep my room discount.

 

[thunderbird1]

November/December 2005 Disney had a code program. The code extended the value season rates, discounted the room rate and let you add (paid)dining. I didn't do the math but some posters who were able to take advantage of the extended value season said the package almost gave them free dining.

Thanks Lewisc! This would likely be our backup plan if free dining is not offered to the general public this year.

Do you (or anyone who used it) recall how you found out about the code? Was it here, on the code board? Mousesavers? Just want to know where to keep my eyes open to watch for these type of specials.

 

[american pie]

Can anyone tell me what the requirements were for last years free dining offer? Specifically, I'm interested in knowing how many nights stay was the minimum?

TIA.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Thanks Lewisc! This would likely be our backup plan if free dining is not offered to the general public this year.

Do you (or anyone who used it) recall how you found out about the code? Was it here, on the code board? Mousesavers? Just want to know where to keep my eyes open to watch for these type of specials.

I found out about it here on the code board. We got $400 off at POR for 2 adults and DS2.5 (who was free anyway) for 7 nights- so it was like free dining for us. HTH!

 

[pamouselover]

In 2005 you had to purchase a magic your way package. I believe it was four or more nights stay. We had heard on this board that a code was coming out in May, in June the free dinning code was put up on many disney web sites but not the offical site. Last year it was put on the disney site. My travel agent was un aware of the code in 2005, and had to call disney directly.

Can anyone tell me what the requirements were for last years free dining offer? Specifically, I'm interested in knowing how many nights stay was the minimum?

TIA.