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

[jkearson]

Just booked FD yesterday!!!! Now when can I start making ADRs. I'm thinking that I've read that there has been a change in the number of days out before you can call. Last year, I think it was 180. We're staying on Disney property, if that makes a difference.

 

[swisely]

I read a thread at another place here on the DIS that said they have opened up free dining to Visa card holders, and thought they would be opening up free dining to the public soon. Anyone know about this and what are the guidelines? We are going in August and haven't made our ADRs yet.

 

[ExtinctDino]

I hate to rain on everyone's parade, but thought I would pass along this info.:

I just received my Disney Visa statement in the mail yesterday, and they almost doubled my interest rate this month to 13%. I called about it, and they said that they raised rates on a lot of people's cards, and it had nothing to do with me (I was never late on a payment, etc). She said I could go back to my old rate, but would have to close the account - meaning no new charges.

With my family's financial situation, I just could not justify going to Disney again - we were just there in Sept 2008. I was thinking with my heart, not with my head. This interest rate hike just made gave me another reason why we should not go this year. So we have canceled the FD trip that I just booked yesterday. Hopefully we can get our debts paid off, and get to go next year.

I just wanted to give everyone a heads up about the interest rate - you may want to check yours. I hope everyone else has a great time! Say hi to the princesses for us!

You get 0% on the vacation charges for 6 months. If you can pay it off by then, it's a great deal.

 

[JoePa4Ever]

Just booked FD yesterday!!!! Now when can I start making ADRs. I'm thinking that I've read that there has been a change in the number of days out before you can call. Last year, I think it was 180. We're staying on Disney property, if that makes a difference.

Last year you could book adrs 180 days out - this year it's 90 days out.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

I have never done a dining plan before, so this might be a silly question, but isn't it difficult to make ADR's without knowing park hours? When you could make them 180 days out, did you just guess at where you'd be each night? I know that right now I have a 'sample' schedule of where I want to be each night using last year's schedule, but I know that's likely to change when Aug and Sept hours come out. I'm just curious about the best way to make dinner decisions prior to knowing park hours.

Thanks!

Well, up until a couple of months ago, the WDW Calendar came out at 180 days and you could make ADRs at 180 days out. Plus, I always use www.touringplans.com and they put their Best Days/Best Parks Calendar out a year in advance.

I wish the WDW Calendar and ADRS would go back to 180 days.

 

[Tbelle1976]

has anyone booked for a stay that lasts beyond 10/3? I want to book on Monday for 10/2-10/7, will I get the FD for the entire stay?

I've been told no that you can not get the free dining if you stay past Oct 3. Is there anyone who has actually booked their vacation past the 3rd and still got the FD?

 

[DaParkers]

I was lucky enough to have gotten a Free Dining pin code , so I've had a reservation for more than a month. I just wanted to say that I hope everyone in this thread is able to enjoy free dining. I have not been to WDW without it. My first trip was with Free Dining in 06 and I've been spoiled since ....Going every year during that time. For those of us that's experienced it, you know what I mean. And for those that will experience it for the 1st time this year......I hope you have a great time.

 

[rznhal]

Is this the best number to call for reservations? I have seen people mention 800 numbers, but I think they were Canadian, so I didn't know if they applied to me in the states...407-939-7675 is what i have....

 

[tinkandme]

I can answer this part. Everything on your list EXCEPT the mug is included in any MYW package (the mug is included only on the Deluxe Dining or the Quick Service Dining).

HTH!

Thanks Lisalonglash!!

 

[JoePa4Ever]

I've been told no that you can not get the free dining if you stay past Oct 3. Is there anyone who has actually booked their vacation past the 3rd and still got the FD?

There was a thread yesterday on Theme Parks Attractions Forum - where a couple of people replied that they had booked a trip with the arrival date during free dining promotion but the departure date beyond the free dining promotion & they got free dining for their entire vacation - even the days beyond the FD promotional dates.

 

[tinkandme]

has anyone booked for a stay that lasts beyond 10/3? I want to book on Monday for 10/2-10/7, will I get the FD for the entire stay?

disneynewman, Yes I booked my stay starting on 10/3 -10/8 without a problem. Good Luck!

 

[disneynewman]

Thanks, I am trying not to get too excited until I actually have it booked my self but gald that it has worked out for other.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

I've been told no that you can not get the free dining if you stay past Oct 3. Is there anyone who has actually booked their vacation past the 3rd and still got the FD?

My SIL booked their Free Dining vacation yesterday and they are checking in on October 3 and checking out on October 10 and they have free dining for their entire stay. Many, many other people have reported since yesterday that they got the free dining for their entire stay starting on October 3.

 

[Junior-Beto]

Port Orleans French Quarter August 19-29!!!!

Weird thing is, my price once I added free DP went up 30 cents?

 

[MindyMouse76]

Thanks! Called back this morning and finally got my confirmation email. He said for some reason it was never sent yesterday.

All set now!

 

[MindyMouse76]

That is funny you said that. Ours went up 14 cents! I couldn't figure it out either, but I don't mind paying 14 cents for Free Dining!

Did this happen to others also?

 

[mbanks21]

Thats just a system error. I once saw two identical packages and one was $0.01 more expensive

 

[MindyMouse76]

So is it OK with our package that it is 14 cents more? I assume the package went through OK and we are still set?
Happen to anyone else?

 

[TiggerD]

Rose and Crown is one of our favs to eat at. We are also doing Teppan Edo this trip because we have heard great things about it. Cannot wait to book the ADV's in June, along with everyone else who is going now that the FD is available.

 

[Jasminerk13]

I saw that the free dining plan sale has been released for the Disney rewards members, but should be released for the general public on Monday.
Do you guys know if it will mirror the sale for the visa members?
Meaning, will the dates and requirements be exactly the same? (through Oct 3rd and 3 night stay)

THANKS!