Free dining next September...

[mommy22pumpkins]

This may sound like a silly question but we received the ad for the free dining while on our trip to Pop Century this past week (Just back today!) We didn't read the ad carefully and tried to book the free dining after we had checked out....technically it was only 11:30 so I didn't think it would make a difference but when I called the main number to try to find out about booking it they said you have to call from the resort (not my cell phone). Anyway the front desk was nice enough to let us use the *house phone* so we were able to book that way.

To make a long story short- too late for that! I was wonderining if you think we did the right thing booking this trip. We felt sort of pressured like if we don't book it right now we won't be eligible for free dining next year. Anyone know if it will be offered to the general public again?

thanks for any info! Just wondering...

Danielle

 

[ldo]

sure, book now and see if free dining or a better offer comes out--what's to lose? Disney allows cancels 45 days out without penalty--eat and enjoy!

What bothers me is that some got offer, some didn't. some didn't find about offer until they returned and were unable to book. Personally, I bet they offer it again. We are staying 1 night in December and you can bet I'll be looking for the bounceback them!

 

[PrincessTiffany]

We just got back and yes we were given the flyer for 2008 free dining. We knew about the fyer before we went and we had every intention of booking for next year. That is, until we got there and found the sweltering heat and the overwhelming crowds were so bad we quickly changed our minds. We did have a good time, but we will not be returning in September ever - free dining or no free dining.

 

[Rustysmom]

We got the flyer, but the dates were no good for us because DS goes back to school the day after Labor Day, so we didn't book it.

I'm waiting to see if they offer the free dining starting the last week of August like they did this year, but I have a feeling that if they do, it will start in September this time. Oh well, then we won't go.

 

[joy13]

We got the flyer too, but chose not to book because DD starts kindergarden next year and I'd hate to pull her that soon. I also wasn't a huge fan of the heat and thought the crowds were less when we went in October 2 years ago. But since they allow you to cancel - I think you did the right thing if you for sure want to go back again

 

[TheDisneyClan]

We just got back and yes we were given the flyer for 2008 free dining. We knew about the fyer before we went and we had every intention of booking for next year. That is, until we got there and found the sweltering heat and the overwhelming crowds were so bad we quickly changed our minds. We did have a good time, but we will not be returning in September ever - free dining or no free dining.

We also saw the flyer on our table upon check-in. We did not think we would take the offer because of the heat, but we did not have the same experience as you as far as crowds. I have NEVER EVER seen the parks so dead. Its great! We have been here for 7 days with 4 more to go. We have not waited longer than 10 minutes for anything..With the one exception of Peter Pan which took about 20 minutes. We have walked right on most everything..Space Mountain, Everest, Tower, BTMR, Splash..With no waits agian and again.. Truly awesome.

We will still go in Feb because we like the cooler temps..But the insane lack of crowds and the draw of free dining is enough to get us to use the bouceback offer.. We are booking tomorrow!

 

[KarenAylwood]

We booked for next September as well, but you cancel 45 days out and get all your money back. We figured that we'd be kicking ourselves if they didn't offer free dining to the general public again and we didn't book now.

Might as well lock it in now, and decide later. You can always cancel

 

[madbrad76]

If I'm not mistaking, the free dining has been offered to the general public the last 2 or 3 years. We just got back from staying 09/07 - 09/15 at POP and we had the flyer in our room. We were interested in doing the free dining in 2008 but we were given some bad info at the front desk and almost missed out. I went to book our stay for 2008 but forgot the flyer. I told the CM at the lobby desk that we wanted to book for the free dining before we checked out, which is what the flyer stated. She told me that we didn't need to book before we checked out, just before 09/28. I told her that the flyer stated it had to be done before we checked out. She insisted that we could make the reservation anytime, even after we checked out, as long as we did it before 09/28. She gave me another flyer, circled the date of 09/28, and the # to call. We called when we got home, wanting to make reservations at WL. We were told that we had to make reservations before we checked out. Needless to say DW was extremely MAD!!! The lady was real nice. She gave us the # to POP and told us to ask to talk to POP's manager. He was busy at the time but returned our call shortly thereafter. He was real nice after we explained the whole situation to him. He told us he would see what he could do and call us back. When he called back, he had someone on the line and we were able to make our reservations for 2008.

 

[mickeymousemom]

I'd be very surprised if they didn't offer the free DP to the general public in 2008. I think the fact that that UK residents and current WDW resort guests(bounceback) get it is a pretty good hint that the general public will see this promotion also.

 

[DISNEYNY]

I'm hoping they offer it too. Last year they started booking FDP for Disney Visa on April 9. I'll be watching for it!!!

 

[MsDisney23]

I booked the bounce back while at Pop for next Sept. and the CM told me it would not be offered to the public next year.

 

[n2mm]

I booked the bounce back while at Pop for next Sept. and the CM told me it would not be offered to the public next year.

Heard that before....the CMs said the same thing last year and it was.

 

[bentleygirl22]

We got the offer as well and knew about it before going and was going to book it but then choose not to because we are sure we will be living back in orlando before next sept ... but i will say the free dining was great this year ... shoot i would pay for the dining plan ..

 

[karrit2000]

I booked while there also. I asked some specific questions about being able to change dates, resorts, maximum length of stay, etc. From what I was told it seems that you can make changes to just about anything up until the final payment is due. I booked the last possible date to lock in two weeks for next year's Food & Wine Festival. I agree that it was unbearably hot this year and can understand those who won't return because of that. I missed out on the bounce back offer last year because I was staying at DVC & didn't hear about the offer until I returned home. I was sweating it out waiting for the public offering to be announced because I knew I would be going to the Pin Celebration and wanted the deal. And I can always cancel it if I have to.

 

[TheRatPack]

We went the first week in September this year and it was soooo HOT! We decided if we booked the bounceback offer then we'd book it for the last possible date and run it in to October. So we did, and I'm glad I have checked the weather and it seems the high's have dropped a good 15 degrees each day just in that 3 week span.

 

[beroh2253]

We booked for next September as well, but you cancel 45 days out and get all your money back. We figured that we'd be kicking ourselves if they didn't offer free dining to the general public again and we didn't book now.

Might as well lock it in now, and decide later. You can always cancel

We did the same thing booked for the last week of Sept again next year and like you said they told us we have the 45 days out to cancel. They even extended the booking date at the resort from having to book by Sept. 28 back to I think it was Oct. 14 but still have to book during your stay. So we are set to go next year and can change our minds if something comes up. Me and DW already have in mind which restaurants to repeat and which different one to try.

 

[Microcell]

sure, book now and see if free dining or a better offer comes out--what's to lose? Disney allows cancels 45 days out without penalty--eat and enjoy!

What bothers me is that some got offer, some didn't. some didn't find about offer until they returned and were unable to book. Personally, I bet they offer it again. We are staying 1 night in December and you can bet I'll be looking for the bounceback them!

We all got it, you just had to watch the TV! It was on one of the channels that tells you what is going on in the "World" and it said to dial the extension to see what kind of "deal they were cooking up for next year".