Not Eligible for Free Dining

[Laurafoster]

I just think we're getting yet another bum deal in the UK.

This isnt a case of getting a bum deal in the UK, its to do with the travel agent.

Anyone in the UK can book direct with Disney USA and therefore ensure if a deal like this comes out it can be changed upto about a week before check in. Sometimes works out more expensive but in times like these its better.

To be fair to Virgin though the offer was announced in October 2009 and the offer has now ended. (Had to be booked before August 2nd).

 

[Eliza32]

We actually booked in May 09, the offer was on at the time but only on moderates and above, the QS plan at the values were added later. Still think it stinks, but not going to let it spoil my holidays!!!

 

[2Tiggies]

We actually booked in May 09, the offer was on at the time but only on moderates and above, the QS plan at the values were added later. Still think it stinks, but not going to let it spoil my holidays!!!

I didn't realise you could book QS at a value on the UK site. I think you have a good attitude though. Go on and enjoy your holiday. I have been snookered a few times from sheer ignorance or bad timing, but loved every trip and they were all worth every penny (even the over-charged ones )

Hope you have an extra magical time.

 

[dixonsontour]

Did you look into modifying it to a fly drive then booking with US disney? I thought that was a good suggestion from someone rather than losing your flights by cancelling the lot.

AS I understand it UK disney has offered QSDP with moderates and DDP with Deluxe for last few years. Nothing for value.

Disney US offers QSDP with values, DDP with mods and deluxe.

There is nothing to stop a uk visitor booking with US Disney if that deal suits them better - I know I did it last year. But I only booked 3 months out, already had tickets and wanted to stay value.

 

[2Tiggies]

AS I understand it UK disney has offered QSDP with moderates and DDP with Deluxe for last few years. Nothing for value.

Disney US offers QSDP with values, DDP with mods and deluxe.

There is nothing to stop a uk visitor booking with US Disney if that deal suits them better - I know I did it last year. But I only booked 3 months out, already had tickets and wanted to stay value.

I have checked the UK site and there is definitely no free dining for values here. It is still only through the US. On that basis, the OP has every right to argue that it is unfair. However, as pointed out a few times on the thread, nothing stops us from booking through the US. I think I may just do that while I am there. Trying to decide if the room discount or FD is better for us. If I want FD I have to stay value as I don't want the regular DDP.

I played around quite a bit on the US site doing quotes, which may be the reason why they emailed me a few pin codes yesterday and today. I am going to phone and find out if they have any great deals over the phone.

 

[dixonsontour]

Oh yes I can see why op is miffed - I would be hence wondering if she could cancel/modify to fly drive and rebook with US disney.

Now US appear to be offering 2011 deals already it certainly makes sense to compare both UK and US deals for anyone going next year to see what suits best.

We've had some pins come through recently but nothing better than i've already got.

 

[2Tiggies]

Oh yes I can see why op is miffed - I would be hence wondering if she could cancel/modify to fly drive and rebook with US disney.

Now US appear to be offering 2011 deals already it certainly makes sense to compare both UK and US deals for anyone going next year to see what suits best.

We've had some pins come through recently but nothing better than i've already got.

Was a UK or a US booking better for you? Of course the big challenge is the uncertainty of the exchange rate. If you can pay off a substantial amount in the early stages, you can lock in a good rate. If it goes up, you lose out a bit on what you have already paid, if it goes down you lose out on what you still have to pay. Always a gamble.

 

[dixonsontour]

We're booked with disney UK this year. When we booked free dining US offers weren't available and I really fancied trying Okw.

Last year we booked late August or September for early December. US disney had just released free dining. We did 14 nights all star movies with free Qsdp upgraded to DDP.

I paid it off shortly after booking it - I'm not sure when it had to be paid. Good point about currency fluctuation when booking with US.

The big difference for me was US offers only needed a purchase of a 1 day MYW ticket (it now needs a 2 day I think)

As we already had tickets from a previous trip the US deal worked out over £1000 cheaper than the UK free dining offers.

Do you know anything about bounceback offers? I didn't see anything last trip but maybe should have asked???

 

[2Tiggies]

The big difference for me was US offers only needed a purchase of a 1 day MYW ticket (it now needs a 2 day I think)


Do you know anything about bounceback offers? I didn't see anything last trip but maybe should have asked???

Yes, it is a 2 day MYW ticket now for FD. However if I don't plan to use it, it can be saved and will probably be much cheaper if I upgrade it an a couple of years. I have 2 options. POP with FD or I could do a room discount, which I would wait for as next year's pin codes for those are not out yet. Both are coming up better for me at the current exchange rate due to DD being charged as a child, not a full paying adult. Even adjusting her to 10 years old does not change the price, other than her getting the adult dining plan. I really want to do POP while she is young enough to really enjoy the theming. As an only child and me being the only adult in the house, she is likely to be ready to appreciate the more 'grown up' aspects of a resort like the Poly at a relatively young age.

Bounceback:

They put flyers in the rooms which mirror the current offers in effect at the time of your stay (not the ones at the time you booked) and can be used during a similar period the following year. When we go it is likely to be the FD offer. If there is no flyer in your room call the front desk and they will give you the number to phone. You have to make the call before you check out though.

 

[gemmybear83]

I am sorry but without trying to sound really blunt but Virgin have adhered to their terms and conditions. Offers come and go but you can not expect a commerical company to back track and and give you money back or free dining because you missed out and unfortunetly booked at the wrong time.

It is the customer's responsibility to find the best deal, and as others have said you are free to book via disney usa.

Personally I had the Yacht Club booked by Expedia, and Disney USA have released 40% discounts on rooms so I have cancelled my Expedia booking and rebooked a new room at a cheaper rate. When I booked with Expedia I looked into the terms and conditions because I wanted to continue to find cheaper rates and did not want to pay a penalty fee.

Virgin Holidays always seem very expensive when I have looked and from others quotes on here, I always book DIY as I find it much cheaper.

 

[Elise79]

I have checked the UK site and there is definitely no free dining for values here. It is still only through the US. On that basis, the OP has every right to argue that it is unfair. However, as pointed out a few times on the thread, nothing stops us from booking through the US. I think I may just do that while I am there. Trying to decide if the room discount or FD is better for us. If I want FD I have to stay value as I don't want the regular DDP.

I played around quite a bit on the US site doing quotes, which may be the reason why they emailed me a few pin codes yesterday and today. I am going to phone and find out if they have any great deals over the phone.

You can on some of the room discounts in the US get the room discount and then pay to add dining (and tickets if it is not an AP discount).

This might be better if you only want the QSDP.

Try using a Dreams Travel Agent and they will work out the best deal for you.

 

[Elise79]

We actually booked in May 09, the offer was on at the time but only on moderates and above, the QS plan at the values were added later. Still think it stinks, but not going to let it spoil my holidays!!!

Free dining in the Values has never been offered by UK agents - so you are asking Virgin to add something that isn't available to them. They can only offer what Disney let's them in terms of free dining. Money off is another matter that's how much they want to take off their profits!!

Go and have a good time and not everyone will be on free dining so you won't be alone!