Free Dining

[bevotex]

On a couple of threads, I have seem references to free dining at different resorts. Does anyone know where one can find information out on when these free dining periods are and at what resorts? Thanks.

 

[RJD]

When they have the free DDP, it is not (as far as I know) exclusive to any one resort. It is currently going on, ran from late August to late Sept., but I believe the window is closed for booking this package. I think this is basically the time of year Disney offers this. I don't know of any other time it is offered. But maybe someone else out there has better information.

 

[cjsmom5]

It seems Disney offers this when occupancy tends to be down as it gets people to the resorts and keeps them there. There is complete info on what the Dining Plan consists of for both 2007 and 2008. You can find out all the details about it on this site. As far as when it is typically offered, I'm not sure. I've seen it come and go several times. It has changed for 2008 so be sure to note those changes.

 

[disneyfan55]

The book by date this year was June 24. YOu had to make the reservations by that date to receive the free dining package. The timeframe that it was offered was from the end of Aug until at least the first day beginning Sept 22. Our trip begins on Sept 22 for a week. We thought it really was a great deal especially since we are staying in a Value Resort. You do end up paying the rack price but 82/night is not bad with food included for free. ( one snack, one counter service with drink and dessert and one table service tip, appitzer, dessert, entre and drink includded perperson/perday) There are changes for 2008 no tip or appitizer included.

 

[Seahunt]

There's also a "Bounceback" offer going on right now. If you are going to stay at a WDW resort between 8/31-9/28/07 and you want to book ahead for next year to stay between 8/30/08-9/27/08, you can receive Free Dining for that next years stay for booking a package while you are there this year Here's the Bounceback program info from mousesavers:

Bounceback Free Dining Promotion
This offer is available ONLY to guests staying at one of the official Walt Disney World resorts between 8/31/07-9/28/07.

Using a special phone number provided on some resort restaurant receipts (*ext 8844 from your room) or on a flyer provided in some resort rooms, you can book a vacation package for next year, for stays between 8/30/08-9/27/08, at a Walt Disney World resort with theme park tickets and receive the Dining Plan for FREE.

If you don't get the offer on a receipt or a flyer in your room, I recommend asking at the front desk.

There is a 3-night minimum stay requirement. Reservation for 2008 must be made before you check out and no later than September 28 to qualify. A $200 deposit is required at time of reservation.

 

[Hopefully]

The free dining plan - both the Bounce Back and the general public offer - has been offered the last few years for the end of August and September. This is both Hurricane Season and a slow period of time for Disney. They offer the promotion to fill rooms at full rack rate - no discounts available.
The General Public plan has been announced around April for booking through June and travel in September. There are a limited number of rooms at all resorts available for free dining. When they are booked, they are gone.
Each year folks wait and wonder if it will be offered again, There is no guarantee.
The plan for 2008 (paid) has changed from the past years. It is about $39 per adult and about $11 per child 9 and over. The paid Dining Plan is available year round.
HTH