New here-tell me how to get free dining!

[mom2connorandcaleb]

We want to book a vacation for September. How do I get free dining? Do I have to book through disneyworld.com or who do I go through? Are there any other requirements? Thanks!
Christy

 

[KayLuvsMickey]

I haven't heard that they have opened that up yet. Most everyone here is going on bounceback from last year.

 

[Tricia1972]

There are two great threads about free dining. One is a sticky thread at the top of this forum and the other is the official watch in the Resort area.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1735192 Here

and

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1706407 Resorts

Basically you book a room at rack rate at select resorts and are offered the option of free dining. What dates it is suspected that it'll be offered are noted in these threads.

Generally free dining is announced at the end of March/Beginning of April and you can book around April 9 (Disney Visa Cardholders) and April 12 (General Public)

Free dining is just a rumor at this time, but a rumor that many hope comes true!

 

[mom2connorandcaleb]

What does bounceback mean?

 

[Tricia1972]

Bounceback is offered to guests who used free dining in September 2007. If they booked a trip for specific dates in September 2008 before they left in September 2007, then they could take advantage of a free dining program.

Beware though, generally the bounceback programs have a longer window of availability than the free dining offered to the general public (which is usually offered in April)

 

[beroh2253]

If they do offer Free DDP you could book thru AAA. We did this the last 2 years and have actually gone back thru them with the bounce back.
However you do not get the room discount if you get free dining. As far as I know you can't use 2 discounts on 1 trip.

 

[mom2connorandcaleb]

Can you book through anybody, like Costco, and get free DDP? When they release the dates to the public, do they go fast? Where are they announced? Thanks!

 

[beroh2253]

In 2006 we didn't book till mid June about 2 days before the offer ended, we still got most of but not all the restaurants we wanted but at off times. Now I think this has become more popular so I would sign up as early as possible and make your ADR's at your 180 day point. Just keep an eye on this sight and you will know when free DDP is available becauce this place lights up. I think anyone that offers Disney trips could get you the free DDP if not just go on line and do it yourself. The link will be posted here somewhere or go to Disney .com.