Free Dining Strategy- Is this a popular plan with DVC members

[tjkraz]

Similar question - we just got back from SSR on points, and I didn't see anything about free dining, but I assume that was available to those on points?

For certain dates in Aug and Sept '05 and '06, Disney offered a promotional package that basically gave on-site guests the dining plan for free when they booked a room at a Disney resort (at non-discounted rack rates) and also bought park tickets at the same time. That's what people here are referring to. There is no blanket policy of "free dining" at Disney resorts--it's part of a special deal that has been offered in the past.

DVC members were not eligible for the free dining, although we can purchase the dining plan at its normal rates without being bound by the typical restrictions (high-priced room plus park ticket purchase.)

 

[n2mm]

AS for us, we went to Flordia, in the heat, for the FREE Dining. I would not have done it for any other reason. We turned around and went again in Oct. I am not going in Dec to book the Free Dining trip. I think that is to much, I guess I will have to wait and see what happens to the promo.

You did exactly like us. We too were there in Aug for free dining, and then again in October for our regular DVC trip. I actually found myself doing the math to put together a quick 2 night trip to WDW with my AP discount and dings, but after adding it up, the price I would pay would cover my dining if using my points and therefore would be no savings for me. I decided I'd wait for April and if it's offered great, if not, we decided to stay at US/IOA for a couple of days before moving into our DVC resort (hopefully BCV) for the end of August. We are at WDW early Feb, so may look into if the promotion is still going on. The catch is that it's offered to folks with resort reservations, so if you're staying on points, it's not available for you, but we always stay one night at a value resort prior to checking in. So will use that opportunity then if the promotion is still available. All we can do is wait and see.

 

[byoung]

I would if I was going at these times.

 

[castleri]

Where is the information about this? I will be at WDW during Christmas week and family just asked last night about going in September if free dining is available again. I would like to look into it before we go so I can make the reservations if they want to do it. Since I will be at OKW and SSR I would hope that counts as being at a Disney resort.

 

[kimberh]

I can't find where I read all the information at. I will search some more. I believe you have to actually stay on property and then go to one of four locations to book the trip. You are given a code at your hotel. They have it spelled out. If I were you I would call 1-407-WDISNEY and talk to them. I am sure they can tell you all about it. The trip has to be booked while you are in Florida.
Have a great Holiday on both trips,

 

[tjkraz]

Where is the information about this? I will be at WDW during Christmas week and family just asked last night about going in September if free dining is available again. I would like to look into it before we go so I can make the reservations if they want to do it. Since I will be at OKW and SSR I would hope that counts as being at a Disney resort.

Here is where I read about it:

http://www.allearsnet.com/news/hnews.htm#110706

If I understand correctly, there will be live agents to help you book at the YC/BC and at PO. At CR and POP there will be phone kiosks where you can speak to an agent remotely.

It doesn't say anything about the perk being limited to people just staying in those resorts, so hopefully it is open to everyone. They probably just set up the locations at select resorts to help manage the scope of the operation. It would have been much more costly to put agents and/or phones in every single resort. I'm sure it's no coincidence that they covered all 3 classes of resort and didn't duplicate in the same region (CR represents the MK area, YC/BC for the Epcot area, PO for Downtown Disney area.)

 

[castleri]

Thanks - I will know where to go to find out about this while checking out the decorations at the various resorts. - now will just have to see if anyone wants to make their decision and stick with it. I am currently holding a 2BR at SSR for NYE for myself and DGD because others decided to leave early - am waitlisted for something smaller at any DVC resort but guess we'll "suffer" through if that is what we end up with. Could be worse and not have any reservation for that night. Reminds me of the year we had 5 in a GV at OKW because my then future DDIL decided she was afraid to fly. She has since made a couple of trips out west and back so there is hope they will go next year. This year my son lost his job and fortunately found a new one last week but won't have any time off for trips for awhile. Thanks again for the info - Happy Holidays Everyone

 

[miamimama]

Where is the information about this? I will be at WDW during Christmas week and family just asked last night about going in September if free dining is available again. I would like to look into it before we go so I can make the reservations if they want to do it. Since I will be at OKW and SSR I would hope that counts as being at a Disney resort.

We were at SSR last week and there was no information about it. I assume that is because we were staying on points and the deal was not available for us, but I may be wrong.