How does Free Dining work for DVC?

[AWiggins]

We've just booked our first DVC trip for November 17-21. As of now, we're still trying to decide if we will use the dining plan or not. I know that we'll need to make that decision and notify member services at least 3 days before our arrival. My biggest question is: IF (and I know it's a big IF) Free Dining becomes available for our arrival dates is there a way for us to get that promotion? What would we have to do (buy certain tickets, call a certain number, etc.?) Any input would be appreciated!

 

[erionm]

Free dining is not available on points reservations.

Free dining requires a full rack rate room and ticket purchase that's not available thru DVC.

 

[smitch425]

We've just booked our first DVC trip for November 17-21. As of now, we're still trying to decide if we will use the dining plan or not. I know that we'll need to make that decision and notify member services at least 3 days before our arrival. My biggest question is: IF (and I know it's a big IF) Free Dining becomes available for our arrival dates is there a way for us to get that promotion? What would we have to do (buy certain tickets, call a certain number, etc.?) Any input would be appreciated!

As PP said, you are not eligible for a free dining promotion. You can pay for the dining plan, though.

 

[chalee94]

as they said, free dining requires a reservation at rack rates. points reservations are discounted and therefore never eligible for free dining.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

As mentioned by the previous posters, reservations made through DVC are not eligible for the free dining promotion. Only full-price packages booked through Walt Disney World's Central Reservations Office or a travel agent qualify for it.

The topic of whether DVC members are being cheated by not qualifying for free dining is often a topic that gets a lot of debate. I personally prefer to think that, as DVC members, we've already saved much than those getting this package could ever save, and leave it at that. They're paying a non-discounted rate for their package, and have the perception of getting something free. Yes, we need to pay out of pocket for our meals. But the money is still in our pocket because our accommodations were greatly discounted. (Have you ever looked at the rack rates for the DVC villas? Would you be willing to pay that to get your meals free?)

 

[AWiggins]

Thanks for the quick responses! It totally makes sense that we're not eligible for free dining promotions (and if I'd thought it through fully I'd have remembered that it was on full-price reservations anyway).