Free Dining Watch 2009 - Dates Released!! Update post 1

[lilys.mom]

Wow so general public will be able to book on the 30th??? That is awesome I hope it is true. I dont have a computer at home. How should I go about checking for sure check here or WDW website first???

 

[rw_hadley]

I'm not clear why you would pay for both a 1 day ticket and a 7 day parkhopper. Is this for a split stay?

The dining is based on the number of nights you stay.
7 nights @ 1 hotel = 7 TS, 7 CS, and 7 Snacks.

Your dining is available from the moment you check in to your free dining package hotel, and is available until midnight of the night you check-out of that hotel. You may not use it for additional days added on before or after.

The main reason people buy 1 day tickets is because:
1) They have APs
2) They have unused tickets
3) They aren't planning on going to the parks.

If you are going to be there 7 days, buy the 7 day parkhoppers as part of your package!
[Unless I am TOTALLY misunderstanding your situation, which is definately possible. LOL]

We're arriving early enough on the 15th and departing late enough on the 22nd that we'd actually be in the parks eight days. Sorry, I guess I knew that but forgot to explain it. That's why I'm asking about an eighth day.

 

[chumsmum0916]

I am keeping my fingers crossed that the free dining is going to be offered on Monday am...my TA is going to call me early am and let me know, so I can get my package booked. Just wondering if anyone has heard of any leaks of info as to what dining package they are going to be offering, I know last year we were fortunate to get the 1 TS, 1 QS, and 1 snack. I am hoping for the same but if it's the 2 QS, 2 snacks does anyone know the approximate cost that it would cost to upgrade (so if the Quick serve costs approx $10 less a day, then can you pay the difference to upgrade to "plus dining")?

Thanks, and looking forward to any info to help plan out my trip! Can't wait, sooo ready to return to the World and be amongst the Magic!

 

[disneyfanUSA]

Theres a rumor that it might come out tomorrow for Disney Visa Holders and few days later for general public.

 

[TDC Nala]

Every year since 2005. The rumored dates for this year are August 16 - September 30. It may open for booking as early as tomorrow for Disney Visa holders and a few days later for the general public.

See this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2049198

 

[gigi1313]

the expected free dining package should include the basic dining plan... with discounted upgrades to deluxe available... i read here on the disboards that the disney visa offer should be available for booking tomorrow...

 

[kevgraub]

I am hoping for the same but if it's the 2 QS, 2 snacks does anyone know the approximate cost that it would cost to upgrade (so if the Quick serve costs approx $10 less a day, then can you pay the difference to upgrade to "plus dining")?

I think the deal will probably be the same as it was in the past - the regular dining plan - but if you do have to upgrade, the difference between the DDP and QSDP is $10 per day for adults and $2 per day for children.

The price difference between the DDP and the DxDP is $30 per day for adults and $10 per day for children.

 

[DisneyMom5]

We're arriving early enough on the 15th and departing late enough on the 22nd that we'd actually be in the parks eight days. Sorry, I guess I knew that but forgot to explain it. That's why I'm asking about an eighth day.

Hmmmm....
Maybe you could do the resort and DTD for the first day, and then get a seven day parkhopper w/ your package for the remainder.

Or, if you plan on getting the 7 day cheaper somewhere else, then, yes, get the one day with your package.
You can use them in any order you want, so you could start out with your seven day, and switch to your 1 day. BUT, you would not be able to parkhop that day if you use a 1 day base ticket.

I see what your dilemma is now! LOL

 

[chumsmum0916]

Thanks to you all for the replies, I can't wait til I can actually make my ADR's too! (Unfortunately I will have to wait til June I think to make these...all the more time to research and find out info!)
I was thinking of the following (looking for 'yay's or 'nay's on them too!);
-CRT for Breakfast for DD's 9th bday
-Le Cellier (supper)
-O'Hanas (either breakfast or supper)
-1900 Park Fare (either breakfast or supper)
-Crystal Palace (def breakfast)
-Sci Fi Cafe
-going to try T Rex one day for lunch, I know this is not on the DDP but that is ok, want to try it to see how it is.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

We're arriving early enough on the 15th and departing late enough on the 22nd that we'd actually be in the parks eight days. Sorry, I guess I knew that but forgot to explain it. That's why I'm asking about an eighth day.

You can purchase more ticket days than you have days staying, that is no problem. Some people only do a package for 7 nights, but get 10 days worth of tickets. That seems like a better option to me.

Suzanne

 

[kevgraub]

-Crystal Palace (def breakfast)

You probably have a good reason for wanting to do CP for breakfast, but I just wanted to mention that we did it for dinner on our first trip and it was a great experience.

We got one of the last ADRs available and by the time we were done eating, there were probably 3 or 4 other tables in the place with people still at them. The characters kept making their rounds until shortly before we left, then they all went up by the buffet and we were able to take pictures with all of the Pooh characters together. Each one probably came by our table at least 3-4 times during the meal, and we got some great group photos at the end with our entire family and all of the characters there.

Just something to think about if you are not completely set on doing CP for breakfast.

 

[Cade&BlakesMomma]

I just recieved an e-mail from Disney Visa rewards and I was so excited that it would be them saying that free dining was being released to Disney Visa holders, but it was just a discount code for 15% off summer stuff at disneyshopping.com. I'm a lil bummed, I hate when they tease like that...

 

[JoshMom5]

Following along to possibly book a long weekend trip in Sept. I gotta say this gives new meaning to "March Madness".

 

[PinkPrincess4Ever]

My Mom dosn't have DV can she apply online...will they give her immidiate answer and use of the card or does she have to wait to get it in the mail. Otherwise I will book hers with my card I guess.

 

[TillyMarigold]

My Mom dosn't have DV can she apply online...will they give her immidiate answer and use of the card or does she have to wait to get it in the mail. Otherwise I will book hers with my card I guess.

No, I applied online yesterday (or maybe it was Monday?) and they said I would hear by mail in 15-30 days.

 

[chumsmum0916]

thanks Kev, that might be a good idea as well and not to mention that when we come out of the restaurant we might be able to catch wishes from a good spot. Do you know what time you had ressies at for dinner there? I know we went there for breakfast and lunch last Sept, so trying dinner there could be good for a variety as well. Any other suggestions to try? I am not really caring what to try, DD doesn't really want to head back to CM for any meals, but really enjoyed 1900 park fare breakfast so thought we might try the dinner one there with Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine and the sisters. We are hoping to take in the MNSSHP as well this year, didn't do last year as the friends we went with didn't really want to do it once we got there and hadn't bought advance tix so didn't end up going. This time I am going to buy tix in advance and give to my DD on Mother's Day I think, or save til she is finished school in June and that will be her "passing gift".

 

[NJRA]

So when will we know if DV card holders can call in the morning and book FD??? Or do we just give it a try tomorrow and see what happens?

 

[Kimmy2Disney]

My Mom dosn't have DV can she apply online...will they give her immidiate answer and use of the card or does she have to wait to get it in the mail. Otherwise I will book hers with my card I guess.

When I applied a few months ago I received a page that said congratulations you are approved for XXX amount of credit. Then I guess they check more into your credit and in a few weeks give you a final limit. But I was approved right away, guess it depends.. but its worth a try.

 

[vleeth]

For all of you who have done free dining in the past...how hard is it to book CRT on a non-EMH day before the park opens?

 

[ZeroToHero]

When I applied a few months ago I received a page that said congratulations you are approved for XXX amount of credit. Then I guess they check more into your credit and in a few weeks give you a final limit. But I was approved right away, guess it depends.. but its worth a try.

Yeah, some people get approved immediately and are given a number they can use to start buying things (aka - trips) immediately, and others need to wait to hear back, which for me took about a week or two.

I agree though, it is worth a try if it means you can book earlier.