Free dining in December?

[Joyfulsnuff]

Is there really a chance that free dining could make a come back in November and December? I would like to hear what everyone's thoughts are about this since I'm still weighing my options for a December trip.

 

[tjmouse]

If it does, I'll be very surprised. I think they only did it because they lost so much money last hurricane season.

 

[cobbler]

Doubt it. From what I recall besides room discount codes there haven't been any specials like that in December.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Not a chance, is my guess. Maybe for the first 3 weeks of DEC., but I would still say that it is highly unlikely.

WDW was slammed by hurricanes last Sept. and because of that, bookings for Sept. this year are off by 45%, thus the free dining to encourage people to come that month.

Don't we ALL wish it comes back at other times of the year?!?! What a deal!

 

[michaelwilliammidd]

Doubt it. From what I recall besides room discount codes there haven't been any specials like that in December.

True but, there has never been anything like this offered before this year either. Last year they did have a public room discount with which some of my family was able to get a moderate for around $79 per night. I think this year they are staying away from room discounts and in doing so offering free dining in it's place. There has yet to be a Nov/Dec they haven't offered some kind of incentive and I wouldn't be surprised if free dining isn't it this year.

 

[Camping Griswalds]

Well I just hope that they continue it into January as well!!!

 

[n2mm]

I don't think we'll see it anymore this year. Maybe January-early February...mostly during the slower times when they need to fill rooms. They have no problems filling rooms from Oct-Dec, no need for an incentive.

 

[DMRick]

Can you share where you found this info? Disney is usually so closed mouth about their occupancy. Thanks

WDW was slammed by hurricanes last Sept. and because of that, bookings for Sept. this year are off by 45%, thus the free dining to encourage people to come that month.

 

[3DisneyKids]

My brother is an exec with ABC, so sometimes I get some "inside" info. And no, he can't get us great discounts and deals...LOL. ABC is very strict about that...they give employees *some* deals for Disney, but the deals are only for the employee and his/her spouse and children.

 

[DMRick]

So he shared with you that bookings are down 45%? I thought they came out with this dinning deal way before they would have known what the bookings were for this time period. So many people have been saying that bookings were way up, I was surprised to see someone post they were down.
So hopefully, they'll continue this. Disney is usually very careful with that info.

My brother is an exec with ABC, so sometimes I get some "inside" info. And no, he can't get us great discounts and deals...LOL. ABC is very strict about that...they give employees *some* deals for Disney, but the deals are only for the employee and his/her spouse and children.

 

[riu girl]

3disneykids:
Overall, are WDW bookings down 45% or just for the period that the free dining is currently being offered?
Thank you
Suzy V.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Who knows? Maybe his info. could be incorrect...or may Disney was just "projecting" that bookings would be down by that much based on where they were as compared with last year, etc. Also, the weather folks predicted back in Janurary that this year's hurricane season would be even worse than last year's (and we all know how bad THAT was), so they could have just been anticipating it...we'll never really know, I guess.

To respond to riu girl, I assume that it is just during last week of AUg. - all of Sept. that bookings are down, but again, I don't know for sure.

In any case, they certainly wouldn't offer a deal as great as free dining unless they needed to get people down there. We actually booked a Sept. trip because of this amazing deal, but had to reschedule to late Jan./early Feb....so I really hope they do offer it again.

 

[DMRick]

In any case, they certainly wouldn't offer a deal as great as free dining unless they needed to get people down there. We actually booked a Sept. trip because of this amazing deal, but had to reschedule to late Jan./early Feb....so I really hope they do offer it again.

They've had a great deal last year and I thought the year before as well. I thought this time period was finally on the upswing after Sept 11th. I was very surprised that they offered the free dining. I wonder if it's the thought of hurricanes, or because kids are just back to school and it's always a slower time.

But 45% is a whole lot to be down..since they have been so bad for the past few years. To be down 45%, I'm surprised they didn't close a couple of the resorts again, for a couple of months. To be down 45%, I can't imagine how bad it would be without the free dining. I wonder how many on this board booked and are still traveling during that time because of the free dining (it didn't sway us, we are doing October this trip..although the free dining might bring us back on site), or were planning on going anyway. I'm amazed by how many people I talk to who have never even heard of the free dining.

 

[Princess Mommy]

I doubt it as well. In December they have MVMCP and Pop Warner getting their resort rooms filled, so there really isn't a need. I was a bit surprised it isn't being offered the first 3 weeks in November (after MNSSHP and before MVMCP), but wouldn't be surprised if it's back in January 2006...

 

[3DisneyKids]

Again, not so sure of the reality of the numbers...that 45% down could be in relation to an all-time high so some other statistic known only to Disney.

 

[nursemelis374]

I had read a similar thing on a different website that even with all the deals, room reservations were still down. I think we can just wait and see!

 

[Ishy]

In the past couple of years the promo was stay for 4 and get 3 nights free in 2003, and stay for 5 and get 2 nights free in 2004 - the same question came up and I was suprised to see the promo was opened for certain dates, definately outside of hurricane season - so I would not be suprised if this years promo is offered for early december or for jan->march sometime. Some people think that they are loosing money giving free dining - I think they arent loosing a dime because people are buying more suvvies because they are not constantly paying for food - and I am sure they make more on the plastic crap marked up 500% then they do on food.

Keep your fingers crossed.

 

[michaelwilliammidd]

I wouldn't be surprised to see it for one reason......has anyone seen the gas prices lately? That has surely got to take a toll on potential travelers to Disney and a free dining deal might just be enough to persuade them to go ahead and head down.

 

[3DisneyKids]

This is an excellent point and one I had not considered, but of course will affect travel plans. PLUS the airlines just announced rate hikes due to fuel costs (so good job to all the folks who booked when they dropped last month).

 

[inluvwithdisney]

I have heard rumors of the plan extending in early Nov and early Dec because the bookings are low so far this year for those time periods. I am keeping my fingers crossed, anything is possible! We are going from Dec 10th thru Dec 18th and it would save us about $1000!!!!!! Here's to hoping!