Newbie - Tell me about the Fort

[Grace4me]

Hey everyone - I am a veteran to WDW, but never have stayed at the Campgrounds... in fact my only visit has been to the Hoop Dee Doo. (which was my fav, by the way)

So, my first question has to do with Camping and Dining and Discounts.
When WDW offers free dining - does the campgrounds qualify for free dining and if so, which plan, the QS plan.
When WDW offers Stay discounts, does the campgrounds qualify for those discounts?

Do those who have Annual Passes, do you think you save more at the campgrounds that way or is it about the same?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Allison

 

[clkelley]

Free Dining has NEVER been offered with the campsites. It is offered with the cabins.

There are the following discounts at the Fort (at random and based on availability)

AAA
Passholder
Florida Resident
and currently, the summer Room only offer has sites through October 2nd.

 

[ElementCamper]

Free dining never applies to campsites.
Discounts are rare but do happen, I just used one they had available for my upcoming September trip, I think it got 15% off. You have to watch this board and discounts board and other web services. Returning visitors can get 'rewarded' with PIN discounts occasionally.
AAA is the most available discount. You have to be a member and usually book through AAA although some have gotten this through Disney reservations.

 

[clkelley]

AAA is the most available discount. You have to be a member and usually book through AAA although some have gotten this through Disney reservations.

AAA "Packages" have to be book through AAA.

AAA Room only discounts can be booked directly through Disney reservations and/or any travel agent.

 

[ftwildernessrick]

I usually get a discount with my AP, but sometimes you have to keep calling back after you make your ressies to see if the discounted rate has posted yet. On my last trip in May, the only discount thay were offering was if they moved me from my preferred site ressie, to a premium site that they were going to give me for about 20% less than the preferred site I wanted.

If you get an AP, then look into the Tables in Wonderland discount. It saves 20% on almost all table service restaurants and a few counter service type.

 

[Nayan]

I am not sure about the campsites themselves, but Disney does count the cabins as moderates as far as rooms go. We stayed (and fell in love with them) back in May and booked a bounceback for them in November for 40% off and will probably book another one when we get there. They are priced much higher than the normal moderate rate (Coronado summer rate is $190, Cabins are from $270 to $340) but for the space, full kitchen and so much to do for my family it's worth it. The dining plan is available if you stay in the cabins, but it doesn't apply if you're staying in your own camper or tent. I never take advantage of free dining as I like the lower room cost and being able to cook a full meal saves money for more important things. Like beer. And Kungaloosh

 

[DaveInTN]

Like beer. And Kungaloosh

Woo hoo!!! This thread only took 6 posts to make it to BEER! And Kungaloosh...

 

[Grace4me]

Yes, last time we went my husband had a beer in each country in Epcot!

Thanks for the input!!! If you have any other tips and trips, I'd love to hear about them!

 

[Grace4me]

Also...can you book the campsites on the wdw site?

 

[We4mickey]

Also...can you book the campsites on the wdw site?

Yes, they can be booked through the website.

 

[FriendofTramp]

Just yesterday I used the booking code ID6 and got 15% off. I found it on the disneyworld.com website. I used the code for both a "room only" (we're coming in a day before we start at the parks) and for our Magic Your Way tickets. It's not much, but it's saved us about $100 overall. It IS frustrating that they don't apply all these other discounts to the campsites.