FREE DINING UPDATE- RUMOR and SPECULATION / Update Page 80 !

[Bridge203618]

I have been following this thread since it started. I really have nothing to offer on inside info but am curious about the *fuss* Disney is going to offer something? I have run the numbers with the free dining, 4/3, 30/40% etc... and it seems like whatever the deal is it's within about $100 of each other. Am I totally off? We're booked, our plane tickets are booked and we're going so I'm just waiting to see what happens. But from everything I've read something will be offered and it seems like whatever *it* is will keep my costs around the same ballpark? Am I totally off?

That could be, that doesn't mean that is the same for everyone. It depends on your party size, where you are staying and how may kids v. adults you have.

 

[DG-12]

That could be, that doesn't mean that is the same for everyone. It depends on your party size, where you are staying and how may kids v. adults you have.

You're right- hadn't thought about the party size and lodging as making a huge difference... which is why I defer to the people on these boards all the time

 

[metsno1]

I have been following this thread since it started. I really have nothing to offer on inside info but am curious about the *fuss* Disney is going to offer something? I have run the numbers with the free dining, 4/3, 30/40% etc... and it seems like whatever the deal is it's within about $100 of each other. Am I totally off? We're booked, our plane tickets are booked and we're going so I'm just waiting to see what happens. But from everything I've read something will be offered and it seems like whatever *it* is will keep my costs around the same ballpark? Am I totally off?

Well, in our case, we're really hoping to stay for two weeks at CSR, so FD is by far the best discount! With two kids both considered adults by Disney (12 and 10), we save about $2200 over two weeks! The 25-30% deals don't come anywhere close. Now if they decided to offer a 4/3 and INCLUDED the dining plan during Value Season, that might be the best offer of all!

And I agree with a few PP's. There has been some speculation that they wouldn't release any Fall offers until after Easter weekend. But truthfully, I don't think I'll be surprised either way. All I'm gonna end up doing is sitting here waiting for Disney to take my money one way or the other! But they won't get it until they release a deal for our dates!!!

 

[The.Epcot.Man]

I agree with a previous poster. People are stressing themselves over nothing. I truly believe that we'll officially hear something about the fall promotion this up coming week. It wouldn't surprise me if were free dining again.

Before I reply.....hello everyone, I am new here, but an old WDW fan[atic]!

The fam is planning on going for The Epcot Food Festival and Halloween in October. Hoping for fall promo news Monday as well!

Last year there was free dining......think it will repeat this year?

 

[leeseem]

Well, have a nice holiday weekend everyone.....here's to hoping the bunny delivers a delayed Easter gift of free dining on Monday!

 

[twokids0204]

Before I reply.....hello everyone, I am new here, but an old WDW fan[atic]!

The fam is planning on going for The Epcot Food Festival and Halloween in October. Hoping for fall promo news Monday as well!

Last year there was free dining......think it will repeat this year?

That's what this whole thread is about....

to the DISboards.

 

[Goofymum]

IF and WHEN Disney decides to release a FD discount for the fall. All of the TS restaurants will probably be booked before they can attract any new people to come. So the people who Disney wants to attract at the last minute will have to eat CS. I booked for the last week in September. I decided to go ahead and book something so I could do the 180 + 10 for my TS reservations. So now I'm just hoping for some kind of discount for that time frame.

 

[Melanie230]

Before I reply.....hello everyone, I am new here, but an old WDW fan[atic]!

The fam is planning on going for The Epcot Food Festival and Halloween in October. Hoping for fall promo news Monday as well!

Last year there was free dining......think it will repeat this year?

I hope so. Last year we were there the first week of October. It was our first trip, and we had free dining. A week at Disney for $1500 including food was a great deal!

 

[Melanie230]

IF and WHEN Disney decides to release a FD discount for the fall. All of the TS restaurants will probably be booked before they can attract any new people to come. So the people who Disney wants to attract at the last minute will have to eat CS. I booked for the last week in September. I decided to go ahead and book something so I could do the 180 + 10 for my TS reservations. So now I'm just hoping for some kind of discount for that time frame.

I disagree. Last year was our first trip. I had no idea I needed to book reservations for our dining plan. We went Sept 26-Oct 3. I didn't start making reservations until we were told to in August. I got everything we wanted. We even got Cinderella's table for lunch. It does take a LOT more time when you don't book ahead, but it is very doable.

 

[tiki23]

IF and WHEN Disney decides to release a FD discount for the fall. All of the TS restaurants will probably be booked before they can attract any new people to come. So the people who Disney wants to attract at the last minute will have to eat CS. I booked for the last week in September. I decided to go ahead and book something so I could do the 180 + 10 for my TS reservations. So now I'm just hoping for some kind of discount for that time frame.

I did a FD trip in both 2008 and 2009. In 2008 it was just DS and I; the restaurants were all busy and we waited for our ADR table at every restaurant. Last year only one restaurant was really busy for our party of 8 and that was Kona. Many restaurants had empty tables and were accepting walk-ups.

I can't help but think that this year even with FD it will play out about the same. I'm lucky that my job is recession-proof, so I'm going again this year with my Sis. Many, many people are not so lucky; none of our other family or friends are planning a big "away" vacation this year so far.

 

[Goofymum]

I did a FD trip in both 2008 and 2009. In 2008 it was just DS and I; the restaurants were all busy and we waited for our ADR table at every restaurant. Last year only one restaurant was really busy for our party of 8 and that was Kona. Many restaurants had empty tables and were accepting walk-ups.

I can't help but think that this year even with FD it will play out about the same. I'm lucky that my job is recession-proof, so I'm going again this year with my Sis. Many, many people are not so lucky; none of our other family or friends are planning a big "away" vacation this year so far.

I have never actually been to Disney during free dining. I was only speculating because I know how tough it can be to get an ADR during non FD times. I could only imagine that during FD tables would get swept up by early bookers. That is great for everyone else though if they can get ADRs or even walk up! I was there in February and it was very busy everywhere we ate. I saw no opportunities for any walk ups at that time. We had to wait for tables at CS restuarants! It was during the stay 4 get 3 free promo. So now I am planning on going in September for my friends' 40th birthday celebration.

 

[g3pak]

Well, have a nice holiday weekend everyone.....here's to hoping the bunny delivers a delayed Easter gift of free dining on Monday!

Can I ask a favor of everyone? I will be out of the country from April 16-24. If FD comes out the week of the 19th, I will be out of luck. So....can we all cross our fingers, close our eyes, and think positive thoughts that it will come out this Monday?

 

[d23cndrela]

Before I reply.....hello everyone, I am new here, but an old WDW fan[atic]!

The fam is planning on going for The Epcot Food Festival and Halloween in October. Hoping for fall promo news Monday as well!

Last year there was free dining......think it will repeat this year?

First off Now on to your question. That is what this tread is all about. No one knows for sure , but there is alot of speculation. Just read through the prior postes and you will have all the info you ever wanted too! Good Luck!

 

[tiki23]

I have never actually been to Disney during free dining. I was only speculating because I know how tough it can be to get an ADR during non FD times. I could only imagine that during FD tables would get swept up by early bookers. That is great for everyone else though if they can get ADRs or even walk up! I was there in February and it was very busy everywhere we ate. I saw no opportunities for any walk ups at that time. We had to wait for tables at CS restuarants! It was during the stay 4 get 3 free promo. So now I am planning on going in September for my friends' 40th birthday celebration.

You'll have a great time!

I was amazed at the empty tables! My ADR's were made at 90 days out last year and this year at 180 days; no way am I going without ADR's even with what I saw last year, lol.

 

[DisMullins]

Sorry, but this is the second time someone has mentioned this - where is this coming from? weather.com? I am thinking about a trip in late Aug and would like to be more informed - thank you,

Now, back to the speculating....

Just to let you know, we went in Sept. 2008 when Ivan was coming through. At first the path was predicted right across the World just at the time of our vaca. Let me tell ya, I was GLUED to weather.com and any other weather tracking online device But it turned south and all we had was rain for a few days. But because of the scare, I seem to recall Disney sending out info regarding options to rebook and I believe most must have taken advantage of it because not only did we have FD that year, but we also had EMPTY parks!! I can never recall the likes of Space Mtn. having 10 min waits..or at least that was what was posted. It was really walk-on. It was a marvelous week. I guess you just have to take the gamble.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Just to let you know, we went in Sept. 2008 when Ivan was coming through. At first the path was predicted right across the World just at the time of our vaca. Let me tell ya, I was GLUED to weather.com and any other weather tracking online device But it turned south and all we had was rain for a few days. But because of the scare, I seem to recall Disney sending out info regarding options to rebook and I believe most must have taken advantage of it because not only did we have FD that year, but we also had EMPTY parks!! I can never recall the likes of Space Mtn. having 10 min waits..or at least that was what was posted. It was really walk-on. It was a marvelous week. I guess you just have to take the gamble.

Ike was the hurricane in September 2008. I know because I too was obsessively watching weather.com! I breathed a sigh of relief when Ike turned away from FL. We flew down to WDW the morning of September 14th. That afternoon the remains of Ike blew through central Ohio. There was a lot of damage here, and many people were without power for 4 or more days. I was very glad to be at WDW where we had electricity, a/c, plenty of cold drinks, and hot food. The parks were great! Unfortunately, we will be headed down August 13th - 21st this year and I expect the parks to be significantly busier.

 

[Marnm02]

Just to let you know, we went in Sept. 2008 when Ivan was coming through. At first the path was predicted right across the World just at the time of our vaca. Let me tell ya, I was GLUED to weather.com and any other weather tracking online device But it turned south and all we had was rain for a few days. But because of the scare, I seem to recall Disney sending out info regarding options to rebook and I believe most must have taken advantage of it because not only did we have FD that year, but we also had EMPTY parks!! I can never recall the likes of Space Mtn. having 10 min waits..or at least that was what was posted. It was really walk-on. It was a marvelous week. I guess you just have to take the gamble.

We love going in Sept. because the crowds are so thin, even with free dining. We've never had an issue with storms either. Just bring ponchos. That time of year in FL there is almost always a rainshower in the middle of the day, then it usually clears up.

When I was down there for the college program in 2006, Tropical Storm Ernesto came through in late August. It had just been downgraded from hurricane status. A few of my roomates and I had off work and didn't want to waste a day off, so we got some ponchos and went to the parks. We were soaked, but had a blast and walked right on whatever rides we wanted. It was cool to see the parks empty. The pictures from that day still make me smile, and it's still an ongoing joke between us about the day we braved the "hurricane" to go to Disney.

Of course, now that I have a child I realize this is easier to do as a college kid than it would be now, but I still don't think it's something to worry too much about. The big storms don't come around too often, and you can always get trip cancellation insurance.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Still watching...

Not so patiently waiting...

Listening for anything... even a rumbling...

Beginning to worry nothing will be announced...

Soap box over.

 

[maxsmom]

Ike was the hurricane in September 2008. I know because I too was obsessively watching weather.com! I breathed a sigh of relief when Ike turned away from FL. We flew down to WDW the morning of September 14th. That afternoon the remains of Ike blew through central Ohio. There was a lot of damage here, and many people were without power for 4 or more days. I was very glad to be at WDW where we had electricity, a/c, plenty of cold drinks, and hot food. The parks were great! Unfortunately, we will be headed down August 13th - 21st this year and I expect the parks to be significantly busier.

Lucky you. I was one of the unfortunate ones stuck in OH and couldn't believe that the remnants of a hurricane would have those affects here. Lucky you!

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Lucky you. I was one of the unfortunate ones stuck in OH and couldn't believe that the remnants of a hurricane would have those affects here. Lucky you!

I'm so sorry you couldn't have been as lucky as us having made it out to WDW. And yes, we felt extremely lucky! I was traveling with a single dad friend of mine and his kids. The first we knew of what happened was when his girlfriend called to tell him he had lost 2 trees and was without power. I couldn't get ahold of anyone in my neighborhood until the next morning. I was also extremely lucky that I had no damage to my house or trees, and my power was only out about 12 hours so none of the food in my fridge spoiled.

That storm taught me not to worry about hurricanes. Because who would have thought that traveling to Florida during hurricane season would rescue us from a hurricane in Ohio???