newbie question...free dining??

[PixieDustLove]

DH and I aren't new to the whole WDW thing...been a few times alone and many times now as parents. however, we're new to the DISers lingo. what is free dining and how do you get it?? we just became annual pass members this august so we're just learning some of the perks. thank you!

 

[poohbearwithme]

Okay, I may not be the best person to explain this but I'll try:
For the last couple of years, usually during April through June, Disney has offered Free Dining to persons staying at Disney Resorts during select times, usually during August and September of the same year. The requirements are that you must book during the select times and stay during the select times. The resort rate is usually the rack rate and usually includes all resorts and cabins but not the campsites. In the past it has first been offered to those staying at a resort, then to Disney Visa card holders and then the general public. This is the abridged version of "Free Dining", I hope this helps.

 

[RodneyB]

That is how I understand it too. My wife acutally handles all that.

The key is, as the last post said, that it is Rack Rate. So if you have a AAA package or something like that, you'll be paying more for the room. So it's not really "free" in some cases. Still a good deal though. We'll be enjoying it in a few days.

 

[Seahunt]

There's another way to be able to book Free Dining for next year (2009) right now - there is a Free Dining "Bounceback" offer running now through October 24, 2008 for resort guests currently staying at a WDW resort.

If you book this Bounceback offer you don't have to wait until next April, you'll have free dining guaranteed for next year, plus get the best choice of resort availability BUT you do have to be staying at a WDW resort to be able to book it.

The BB FD offer is for dates next year 8/23-10/1/09 and 10/2-10/8/09 (season change so it's a little more expensive these dates). You have to deposit $200 and the balance is due 45 days ahead.

So if you are going to be staying at a WDW resort before 10/24/08 and want Free Dining for next year, call extension 8844 from your resort room.

Some people make a short trip down to WDW (even for just one night at a resort) just to be able to book FD ahead for the next year! Have any extra skymiles to use?

Here's the flyer posted by dizneeat
Ad shows Mods/Deluxes but Values also available - also different lengths of stay beside the 5night/6 day are available also:

HTH!

 

[jiminykrikkit]

I'm totally gonna try to get DH to put down a deposit for this this weekend! Yeehaw!

Thanks for the info!

 

[PixieDustLove]

There's another way to be able to book Free Dining for next year (2009) right now - there is a Free Dining "Bounceback" offer running now through October 24, 2008 for resort guests currently staying at a WDW resort.

If you book this Bounceback offer you don't have to wait until next April, you'll have free dining guaranteed for next year, plus get the best choice of resort availability BUT you do have to be staying at a WDW resort to be able to book it.

The BB FD offer is for dates next year 8/23-10/1/09 and 10/2-10/8/09 (season change so it's a little more expensive these dates). You have to deposit $200 and the balance is due 45 days ahead.

So if you are going to be staying at a WDW resort before 10/24/08 and want Free Dining for next year, call extension 8844 from your resort room.

Some people make a short trip down to WDW (even for just one night at a resort) just to be able to book FD ahead for the next year! Have any extra skymiles to use?

Here's the flyer posted by dizneeat
Ad shows Mods/Deluxes but Values also available - also different lengths of stay beside the 5night/6 day are available also:





HTH!

thanks everyone for all the information! i guess since we are AP members and always book "room only" this will never really apply to us. thanks for the info though. enjoy your free dining!!

 

[zippy doo dah]

thanks everyone for all the information! i guess since we are AP members and always book "room only" this will never really apply to us. thanks for the info though. enjoy your free dining!!

You will still be able to book for free dining...yes you will have to book as a package, however you can simply get a 1 day ticket for the each of you - then don't use those 1 day passes and just simply apply each of those tickets towards the renewal of your APs. This way you can have the best of both worlds .