Free Dining.......

[Michael_Shannon]

Can someone help me with this term I keep seeing? Is there such a thing as "free dining" at Disney? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[winniethepoohsmom]

It's a promotion that disney has been running the past 3 years from the end of August to the end of Sept. You have to book a package which includes the room at least a one day park ticket and the dining and then the dining is free. They have been announcing the offer in April and there is a lot of buzz on the disboards about it prior to it being announced as to when the code would be released. Hope this helps you. Linda

 

[BellaNoche]

For the past several years, Disney has offered a package from mid August to September that includes the dining plan for free. They usually come out with the offer in April.

 

[Michael_Shannon]

Thanks for the info. Guess it will not benefit my trip in December. Would be nice if they extended it to throughout the year. Has anyone used the "free dining"? If so, did you think it was beneficial?

Michael

 

[winniethepoohsmom]

We've used it twice and it was great! You get one counter service meal one sit down meal and a snack. Each year the promotion time gets a little shorter. Linda

 

[HeyJPK]

I already booked a trip for August to stay on property. I didn't book a meal plan. If Disney offers "free dining" - will I still be able to sign up, even if I already booked my room?

Thanks.

 

[earthfaries]

Unfortunately it's not quite as free as it used to be
Starting this year you now have to pay 18% gratuity and tax, which both used to be included.

It is still a great deal though if you are already going to be staying on site and purchasing park tickets.​

 

[Beth E. (NJ)]

Hi Michael Shannon and welcome to the DIS!

I am moving this thread over to the restaurant board.

 

[RMulieri]

I already booked a trip for August to stay on property. I didn't book a meal plan. If Disney offers "free dining" - will I still be able to sign up, even if I already booked my room?

Thanks.

Maybe yes ,maybe no.This year it looks like free dining for the general public may not include August at all, and if it does only the very end of Aug.You must but a pkg with dining plan to be eligible and then the dining part would be free.No other dicounts can be applied ( you must pay regular rate for the pkg).You will probably have to cancel your room only ressie and rebook a pkg ressie, may be able to keep it at your current resort choice, however, not always a gurantee since there are a limited number of free dining promo pkgs per resort..hope this helps

 

[HeyJPK]

Thanks for the info. I guess I'll have to rebook if they run this promotion.

 

[RMulieri]

Your welcome!!

 

[HeyJPK]

I'm booked at the AKL for the end of August. I didn't sign up for a dining plan. I just reserved my 180 + 10 ADRs. I made my $200 deposit for the room but haven't paid the balance yet.

If they run this "free dining" promotion - and I have to rebook my room to get it, do you have any insight on

(1) do I have to redo all of my ADRs to tell them I'm now on a dining plan and I have a different reservation number, and

(2) will I lose my $200 deposit.

Thanks!

 

[RMulieri]

I'm booked at the AKL for the end of August. I didn't sign up for a dining plan. I just reserved my 180 + 10 ADRs. I made my $200 deposit for the room but haven't paid the balance yet.

If they run this "free dining" promotion - and I have to rebook my room to get it, do you have any insight on

(1) do I have to redo all of my ADRs to tell them I'm now on a dining plan and I have a different reservation number, and

(2) will I lose my $200 deposit.

Thanks!

No you do not have to redo all your adrs. If for some reason you needed to switch resorts for free dining (like I said not evey resort has avail at all times)they would just transfer your deposit over.

 

[HeyJPK]

thanks again

 

[TDC Nala]

Unfortunately it's not quite as free as it used to be
Starting this year you now have to pay 18% gratuity and tax, which both used to be included.

It is still a great deal though if you are already going to be staying on site and purchasing park tickets.​

Tax is included but you must pay gratuities yourself.

Also be advised that the 2008 basic dining plan does not include a table service appetizer for adults. The deluxe dining plan does. (Those who have already booked free dining for 2008 with the bounceback promotion were able to upgrade to deluxe by paying the difference between the basic and deluxe plans.)

 

[HeyJPK]

If participating on the dining plan and appetizers are no longer included, is it easy enough to order appetizers "off the dining plan" pay for appetizers with a credit card anyway?

 

[RMulieri]

yes,you can still order appetizers and pay oop for them..

 

[HeyJPK]

Suhweetah! Thanks again