Free dining question

[caroline1851]

Does anyone know the dates they've had free dining in the past? Say, for the last 5 years or so?

Thanks!!!!!!

 

[twinspluscade]

They've only had it for three years (including this year).

This year, the general public dates are Aug 26-Sep 22. "Bounce back" and UK dates were early August-early Oct--I think??? Not sure since we couldn't do it.

Last year, I think it was Aug 12-Oct 4. I'm not sure about the exact dates, but I think it was around those times.

I have no idea what it was the year before.

 

[daretodream]

I think the first year was the end of Aug. through the end of Sept. I know because we were there in the middle of Sept.

 

[Hodder]

When we went in 2005 Oct 2-13 we had free dining then.

 

[kaytieeldr]

2002 – No Disney Dining Plan, so no free dining
2003 – Ditto
2004 - Ditto
2005 – Check in between August 21 and October 2 (or possible 4)
2006 – Check in between August 13 and September 30
2007 UK and BounceBack – Check in between August 5 and Between 29 for one, August 12 and September 29 for the other
2007 Everyone else – Check in between August 26 and September 22

 

[gigi1313]

keep in mind, that all free dining packages had to be booked by mid-to-late june... ('cept bounceback, that had to be booked the previous december; and uk has it's own rules)

 

[caroline1851]

So..........I'm confused. I wouldn't be able to book my trip in jan 08 for sept 08, then if i found out there was free dining, change to that? I'd have to wait until June 08 to book if the free dining offer came out? should i just not plan on free dining?

 

[gigi1313]

you can definitely book your trip in jan '08 for sept '08, and pay for the dining plan (or do without)... *IF* a free dining promo comes out, you can then change your reserved package to a free dining package... but i would not "plan" on it, 'cause there is no guarantee that it will come out and if it does, that your requested/reserved resort will be available...

 

[caroline1851]

you can definitely book your trip in jan '08 for sept '08, and pay for the dining plan (or do without)... *IF* a free dining promo comes out, you can then change your reserved package to a free dining package... but i would not "plan" on it, 'cause there is no guarantee that it will come out and if it does, that your requested/reserved resort will be available...

Thanks! Of course, now...trying to figure out what week to book the trip for, hoping that a free dining comes out the same time. I'm trying to figure out which week would have the best chance at being a free dining week. hmmmmmm.....

 

[lissiesmum]

I am thinking of maybe booking late Sept or early Oct of 2008. I was wondering if I could ask a question within a question about when the info has come out the last few years about the free dining so that I can be ready next year just in case? I see that you have to book by June, so I assume the promotion must come out in May or June, right? Thanks for letting me jump in

 

[gigi1313]

it has come out in april (around the 12th; a few days earlier for visa card holders)... as long as you are on this site or mousesavers regularly, you will be fully aware of speculation followed by rumor followed by a real announcement...

 

[momof2disprincesses]

Caroline just read our signature and you will see when they have had the free dining. We have been very fortunate to hit it each time it was offered.

This month we are doing the bounce back and it just happens that we will be at Disney when they are doing the free dining.

Gigi, we are going to the pirates and princeses party on Aug 24th. Maybe we will see you there.lol

 

[Allisonjane]

It's been posted on the UK forum that free dining is being offered for 2008 to UK residents. The dates are from 10th august 2008 - 27th september 2008, a minimum 5 night stay is required and its not available at the value resorts, there's a few other conditions and it has to be booked between 23rd aug - 6th nov 2007.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

you can definitely book your trip in jan '08 for sept '08, and pay for the dining plan (or do without)... *IF* a free dining promo comes out, you can then change your reserved package to a free dining package... but i would not "plan" on it, 'cause there is no guarantee that it will come out and if it does, that your requested/reserved resort will be available...

One thing to remember, if you book in January and then when (and if) the free dining promotion comes out and you call to add the free dining, not all resorts are participating and there are only so many rooms alotted to each resort that is participating. I remember a lot of angry people on the Disboards in April because WL did not have any free dining packages available and also Disney Visa Card holders got to book about 5 days before everybody else. So, Pop and All-Star movies free dining rooms were mostly booked up when the deal opened to the general public. There were people who had reservations for months who changed there dates and resort choice. Not trying to rain on your free dining parade, I just wanted you to know some of the details that happened this past April when the Free Dining Promo was offered. We are lucky enough to get to go during Free Dining this year and are very excited. I hope you get free dining next year.

 

[tweedlemom]

PrincessTiffany, Thanks for the info! We always book early and wondered about the Free Dining for Next Sept/October. Thanks for the heads up!