Offical free dining watch 2008

[Aliceacc]

That week is also mostly prior to August 18, the date considered to be when almost all the kids are back to school in the U.S.

Except, apparently, for schools in the Northeast! We're both teachers, and are squeezing WDW in between the SAT prep course we teach over the summer and the start of school just after Labor Day

Thanks for the info!

 

[jenseib]

Oh, do you mean because you can book up to 10 days past the 180 day mark if you have a reservation? Because I booked all of my Adr's and I don't have a reservation anywhere yet. But I'm hoping I will soon............

You don't have to have a room booked to make ADr's. Lots of people make ADR's that aren't even staying on property. You still need to eat no matter where you stay.

I know this has been said a zillion times, but it seems alot aren't picking up on it..... If you book now it will not make your chances greater for free dining. They will have to make a new reservation for free dining and it will be for what is available. So your present reservations will be canceled then.


I think someone was asking about an AP and free dining too. I beleive I read on Allears that you do NOT have to purchase a ticket to get the free/regular dining now, but have no clue how it works.

 

[LadyKay]

Thanks, that does help answer my question.

 

[Aliceacc]

Sorry, I don't have a clue.

 

[wdwmaw]

Could someone answer my questions please?

You can not add the free dining pkg. if you only have a room only booked. You would have to cancel the room only and then purchase the pkg. with free dining when it is released.
I have the AP dine pkg. booked for our Sept. trip booked now. I have written down ADS as the code for that. I have the basic dining pkg. the deluxe and others had different letters. It was offered and it did take the CM a while to book that. I was told like other pkg. I would not have to cancel just add free dining and add our 1 day base ticket for each of us.
I really hope this answers all your questions.

 

[Tanya90210]

Could someone answer my questions please?

I answered your question on previous page.... no you can't do free dining on room only... must be package if u are an AP holder most AP holders do single day non hopper tickets to avoid too much spending and use that ticket later to lower price when renewing AP

 

[jenseib]

Could someone answer my questions please?

I kind of did in the post before yours. I really don't think you's find a code here. It seems to be just a code that the CM's would know since this isn't a "special" but something that is now the norm. I would call back and get someone else who knows what they are doing.

 

[amsafko]

I realize this has probably been asked but here I go...we are booked for Aug. 23rd to the 31st. IF free dining comes out and it starts during the week we are booked can we get the portion that falls under the dates as free dining or would we need to arrive on or after the start dates? Thanks...

 

[lady_hlh]

I realize this has probably been asked but here I go...we are booked for Aug. 23rd to the 31st. IF free dining comes out and it starts during the week we are booked can we get the portion that falls under the dates as free dining or would we need to arrive on or after the start dates? Thanks...

If the free dining starts after you arrive you would either need to book 2 separate reservations with one starting on the free dining date or change your trip so that it starts on the same date as free dining.

 

[mom2mykids]

found this on another website....don't know much about the website but thought I'd share: http://www.mousemisers.com/

While it is possible that Disney may release another discount, and not the free dining, we fully expect to see the free dining released on April 10 to the general public. Expect the following time line:

April 7, 2008 - Free dining to be released to Disney VISA cardholders
April 10, 2008 - Free dining to be released to the general public
August 30 - September 27, 2008 - Travel dates for free dining

 

[esdras]

found this on another website....don't know much about the website but thought I'd share: http://www.mousemisers.com/

While it is possible that Disney may release another discount, and not the free dining, we fully expect to see the free dining released on April 10 to the general public. Expect the following time line:

April 7, 2008 - Free dining to be released to Disney VISA cardholders
April 10, 2008 - Free dining to be released to the general public
August 30 - September 27, 2008 - Travel dates for free dining

Okay, I went there and this is the full text...

We have been hearing rumors, that we since have substantiated, that Disney World will be releasing Magic Your Way package discounts to the general public on April 10, 2008. So, I know what you are asking yourself, will this be the free dining discount everyone is hoping for, or something completely different?
Since the Disney Dining Plan was introduced in 2005, Disney World has offered it for free as a “discount” during some parts of August and September each of the past three years. Here are the travel dates for the past free dining offer:

• August 21 - October 4, 2005
• August 13 - September 30, 2006
• August 26 - September 22, 2007

Based on discounts released late last year for travel during 2008, which offered the dining plan for free, we believe Disney will release the free dining discount again in 2008. Here are the travel dates for those discounts:

• UK Resident Free dining: August 10 - September 27, 2008
• Bounceback offer for WDW guests: August 30 - September 27, 2008

While it is possible that Disney may release another discount, and not the free dining, we fully expect to see the free dining released on April 10 to the general public. Expect the following time line:

• April 7, 2008 - Free dining to be released to Disney VISA cardholders
• April 10, 2008 - Free dining to be released to the general public
• August 30 - September 27, 2008 - Travel dates for free dining

Bolds added by me.

Okay, those people are assuming that Public Free Dining is going to be August 30 to September 27 because why?

I could equally say, based on the last three public offers, (Aug 21, 13 and 26 respectively) that Free dining for the public will start on the 17th this year because it just keeps going back and forth between the third and fourth weekend of August.

The Free Dining Promotion (North American public) has never left the tail end of August (when most kids in the U.S. are back in school - yes, the northeast starts after Labour Day like Canada, other places too - but not the majority) off from eligibility.

EVERY other indicator, from reduced park hours to fewer Spectromagic parades means that Disney is EXPECTING lower crowds after August 17th. If the Public Free Dining starts on the 30th, that will mean that there is absolutely NO publicly available incentive to get North Americans into the Parks during the last two weeks of August. This IS value season. Free Dining WILL be popular - and I'm guessing it would be a lot easier for Disney to simply include the last week or two of August rather than come up with another offer for just those two weeks.

Now, I could be wrong and the date for Public Free Dining will start on August 30th. I really hope that doesn't happen.

Here's a thought...

Rather than being pessimistic and thinking that Public Free Dining will be a combination of the WORST of UK and Bounceback (i.e. Aug. 30 to Sep. 27 - Value Resorts Excluded)...

Let's hope that it's the BEST of those two (i.e. Aug. 10 to Sep. 27 - all resorts eligible)

Considering the economic downturn in North America, fuel prices, etc. - I think that the best of both is just as possible.

Oh, and if that site is "basing" it on the past and other offers, admit that it is just a guess - as we've all been doing here - myself included.

IF on the other hand, they have reliable inside information, then they should say so - and the date estimate will hold a lot more weight.

 

[LadyKay]

It sure does wdwmaw, thank you so much.

 

[mickey2000]

QUOTE
"EVERY other indicator, from reduced park hours to fewer Spectromagic parades means that Disney is EXPECTING lower crowds after August 17th"

How can this be ? Taking the last 14 days of August, Spectro Magic is not happening 3 out of 14 nights. The hours for MK are normal for this time of the year ???

"reduced park hours to fewer Spectromagic "
I just took this from the Disney site tonight.

Daily Schedule for August 18, 2008

Magic Kingdom® Park
Park Hours: 9:00am - 10:00pm
Special Events:
No Special Events Scheduled Today

Parades and Fireworks
Disney Dreams Come True Parade
3:00pm
"SpectroMagic" Parade
9:00pm
Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular
10:00pm
---------------------------------
Daily Schedule for August 19, 2008

Magic Kingdom® Park
Park Hours: 9:00am - 10:00pm
Special Events:
No Special Events Scheduled Today

Parades and Fireworks
Disney Dreams Come True Parade
3:00pm
"SpectroMagic" Parade
9:00pm
Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular
10:00pm
----------------------------------------
Daily Schedule for August 20, 2008

Magic Kingdom® Park
Park Hours: 9:00am - 10:00pm
Special Events:
No Special Events Scheduled Today

Parades and Fireworks
Disney Dreams Come True Parade
3:00pm
"SpectroMagic" Parade
9:00pm
Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular
10:00pm
---------------------------------------
Daily Schedule for August 21, 2008

Magic Kingdom® Park
Park Hours: 9:00am - 10:00pm
Special Events:
No Special Events Scheduled Today

Parades and Fireworks
Disney Dreams Come True Parade
3:00pm
"SpectroMagic" Parade
9:00pm
Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular
10:00pm
------------------------------------------
Daily Schedule for August 22, 2008

Magic Kingdom® Park
Park Hours: 9:00am - 10:00pm
Special Events:
No Special Events Scheduled Today

Parades and Fireworks
Disney Dreams Come True Parade
3:00pm
"SpectroMagic" Parade
9:00pm
Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular
10:00pm
---------------------------------------------
Daily Schedule for August 23, 2008

Magic Kingdom® Park
Park Hours: 9:00am - 10:00pm
Special Events:
No Special Events Scheduled Today

Parades and Fireworks
Disney Dreams Come True Parade
3:00pm
"SpectroMagic" Parade
9:00pm
Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular
10:00pm
--------------------------------------------
Daily Schedule for August 24, 2008

Magic Kingdom® Park
Park Hours: 9:00am - 10:00pm
Special Events:
No Special Events Scheduled Today

Parades and Fireworks
Disney Dreams Come True Parade
3:00pm
Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular
10:00pm
---------------------------------------------------
Daily Schedule for August 25, 2008

Magic Kingdom® Park
Park Hours: 9:00am - 10:00pm
Special Events:
No Special Events Scheduled Today

Parades and Fireworks
Disney Dreams Come True Parade
3:00pm
"SpectroMagic" Parade
9:00pm
Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular
10:00pm
-------------------------------------------
Daily Schedule for August 26, 2008

Magic Kingdom® Park
Park Hours: 9:00am - 10:00pm
Special Events:
No Special Events Scheduled Today

Parades and Fireworks
Disney Dreams Come True Parade
3:00pm
Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular
10:00pm
------------------------------------------------
Daily Schedule for August 27, 2008

Magic Kingdom® Park
Park Hours: 9:00am - 10:00pm
Special Events:
No Special Events Scheduled Today

Parades and Fireworks
Disney Dreams Come True Parade
3:00pm
Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular
10:00pm
-------------------------------------------
Daily Schedule for August 28, 2008

Magic Kingdom® Park
Park Hours: 9:00am - 10:00pm
Special Events:
No Special Events Scheduled Today

Parades and Fireworks
Disney Dreams Come True Parade
3:00pm
"SpectroMagic" Parade
9:00pm
Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular
10:00pm
--------------------------------------------
Daily Schedule for August 29, 2008

Magic Kingdom® Park
Park Hours: 9:00am - 10:00pm
Special Events:
No Special Events Scheduled Today

Parades and Fireworks
Disney Dreams Come True Parade
3:00pm
Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular
10:00pm
--------------------------------------------------
Daily Schedule for August 30, 2008

Magic Kingdom® Park
Park Hours: 9:00am - 11:00pm
Special Events:
No Special Events Scheduled Today

Parades and Fireworks
Disney Dreams Come True Parade
3:00pm
"SpectroMagic" Parade
9:00pm
Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular
10:00pm
-------------------------------------------
Daily Schedule for August 31, 2008

Magic Kingdom® Park
Park Hours: 9:00am - 12:00am
Special Events:
No Special Events Scheduled Today

Parades and Fireworks
Disney Dreams Come True Parade
3:00pm
"SpectroMagic" Parade
9:00pm, 11:00pm
Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular
10:00pm

 

[esdras]

You have to look at the bigger picture in terms of those hours and schedules. Yes, spectro is every night during the week of the 18th. After that, for the last 8 days of August, spectro is on only 4 times.

In terms of the park hours, starting on August 18th, the MK closes EVERY night at 10pm

Look at the closing times from August 1-17

1 Midnight
2 Midnight
3 11pm
4 Midnight
5 Midnight
6 11pm
7 11pm
8 Midnight
9 Midnight
10 11pm
11 11pm
12 Midnight
13 11pm
14 11pm
15 11pm
16 11pm
17 Midnight

Why would the MK go from regular 11 pm or midnight closings to CONSISTENT 10 pm closings - becuase things start slowing down after August 17th, and significantly after August 23rd. For Disney to offer promotions at that time is reasonable and logical - so I still think there are better odds for public free dining to start before August 30th.

 

[esdras]

Yeah, double post - sorry.

I just checked the entire months schedule for August - in addition to the closing times I posted, also consider the changes to the Spectro times.

August 1-17: Spectro every night at 9pm AND 11pm
August 18-23: Spectro every night at 9pm ONLY (of course because the parks are now closing at 10 pm every night)
August 24-31: Spectro now only every two or three days at 9pm

Mickey2000 said:

The hours for MK are normal for this time of the year

Yes, this is normal for Disney at this time of year - because things normally get slower at this time of year.

Way back on page 10, you said this:

IMO They already did free dining 2 times for September 2008. There is also currently a huge discount on rooms for September. Doubt if much will be left ..... If bookings are up with these three things and people booking ahead for September hoping for free dining everything looks full, so why offer it. Even Disney Visa, with less than a month to go (early April offer) has a current special.......
If offered maybr moderate and up like England ...........

If everything looked full already, then Disney wouldn't be closing earlier and reducing the number of shows.

As I've said before - there is absolutely NOTHING in terms of discounts for the North American general public during the last two weeks of August. By all indications (hours, shows, etc.) Disney anticipates that things will start to slow down beginning on August 17th. The week of the 23rd looks as though Disney anticipates it being slower yet (spectro no longer on every night) - and finally, in September - it truly gets slow. The MK sometimes closing at 8 or 9 PM (although some of those nights have EMH's).

So, if Disney is planning on offering free dining again for the slow 2008 time, why wouldn't it be made available for one or both of those weeks in August? Sure, it probably isn't AS slow as September, but you might as well offer it anyway. Heck, even if it isn't that bad, unless it's virtually full, that isn't good enough for Disney. Remember, every time Disney has offered free dining (or any other promotion), they have the caveat - rooms at this rate are limited. Perhaps the rooms available for those one or two weeks in August would be more limited than those available in September - but they could still be offered anyway.

Of course, all of this is just my opinion - I just hope I'm right.

 

[pinkerbell]

Okay, even though I posted the info, I'm not quite sure how that worked myself. I only remember reading something about that - and I actually thought it was here on the DIS boards, but I can't seem to find the thread with that info. It was in one of the Free Dining threads.

However, going by memory, this is what I think were the reasons - but someone correct me if any of this is wrong.

First, it seemed as though the initial UK Free Dining offer was heavily promoted in the UK through a couple of their major travel companies - Virgin being the biggest player. So, was there some discussion between Disney and these companies to determine dates and details prior to the offer? It's possible.

Second, the UK offer is considerably longer in duration that either the bounceback or what many think will be offered to the public. Was there some consideration that to get a longer booking window, the resorts were restricted? Again, from what I read, no one can be certain that this was a factor, but it was offered as a possibility.

Third, UK packages differ from those in North America to begin with. For example, their tickets are priced differently. Check out mousesavers for info on the 5, 7, 14 and 21 Day Premium Tickets. They appear similar to our Base + Hopper, Waterparks and More passes, but apparently at a better price.

Fourth, considering the cost for visitors to come to Disney from the UK (airfare being considerably more expensive) the total hit to a package price due to requiring at least a moderate resort won't look as large in comparison. For example, look at Disney's rack rate "Affordable" ads - 6 nights at a Value from $1,600, 6 nights at a Moderate from $2,000. That's a 25% increase.

On the other hand, I went to the UK Disney site and booked a rack rate vacation for the Free Dining period - for a 7 night, 7 day premium ticket package (no dining added here, since it would have been included), I used the same family type quoted by Disney for their $1,600 ad - 2 adults, 1 junior, 1 child. For the UK, this is roughly £3,050 for a value and £3,430 for a moderate. At current exchange rates, that is roughly equivalent to $6,050 USD for the Value and $6,805 USD for the moderate - which is roughly only a 13% increase in the price.

So, the room rate is really only a small portion of the cost for visitors from the UK. Granted, many visitors from North America have to fly to Disney too, but for those who don't, the 25% price difference is really noticable.

Fifth, and finally, since Disney limited the Bounceback to only September (basically) and gave the UK a longer booking window but excluded the Values, did they do so to keep the Value rooms open for possible 2008 late summer to fall value season promotions?

Anyway, most of the fears regarding a Public Free Dining for 2008 are slowly being eliminated.

First, there were all the statements that it wouldn't happen at all - now it pretty much appears to be a go.

Then, (and this has been going on for a while), fears that it would only be for the same dates as Bounceback. While this hasn't been resolved, there are some compelling reasons to think that at least the last week of August will be included, such as the total lack of ANY Public Discounts for that time period - which is still one of the slowest weeks at Disney.

Now, even though many are accepting that August dates are a good possibility, we have rumours that Values will be excluded, just like it was for the UK. Sure, it's possible - but there are a number of very good reasons why that won't happen.

Let's reamain hopeful... and...



Please, STOP POOPING ON THE RICE KRISPIES!

Thanks for all the great info.. in this and other post as well....

It's mind boggeling for sure!

 

[pinkerbell]

found this on another website....don't know much about the website but thought I'd share: http://www.mousemisers.com/

While it is possible that Disney may release another discount, and not the free dining, we fully expect to see the free dining released on April 10 to the general public. Expect the following time line:

April 7, 2008 - Free dining to be released to Disney VISA cardholders
April 10, 2008 - Free dining to be released to the general public
August 30 - September 27, 2008 - Travel dates for free dining

I am not familiar with this site. Is it know for accurancy?

I would LOVE for this to be true!!!!

 

[jhoshowski]

I don't usually post on here - I am a lurker, but I post on another board and a lady there had the following experience (I'll copy her post):

I just called to change our reservations one "final" time for our August trip. I changed our resort from POR to Polynesian, which I have wanted to stay since we started planning. Anyway, like a good little, I asked if there were any discounts or specials for us. After quite a little while, the very nice lady said this can't be right, if it is you just did the smartest thing by asking to check for a discount. She said she needed to confirm what she was correct b/c it was hard to believe. After what seemed like an eternity, she came back and said that there was no discount, but to definitely keep calling back to inquire about the discount. Has anyone else had something like this happen? It was kind of strange and really got my hopes up for a few minutes.

I asked her dates in August but she hasn't replied yet. Could it be free dining?! HMM. . .

 

[petunia]

I keep reading that if you're already booked, and FD comes out, the CM will have to cancel your ressie (even if you already have a pkg), and make a new one with the FD code. So, does that mean they credit your CC, and then debit it again, or do they just keep your deposit on file, and change the logistics with the code?

 

[mygr8kdz]

While I would love to see free dining start earlier in August, I'm not sure I agree that no discount is being offered for this slow time. I just think there is no discount, yet. I think there has been a discount offer in the past that came out after free dining offer had ended that covered the free dining dates. Perhaps between the UK program and bounceback offer and pin code mailings, if late August occupancy is high enough, they can exclude those dates from free dining but still make a general public discount available.

Hope I'm wrong as I am heading there with a family of 6 in August and free dining would save us a bundle! (But I do have my reservation with the 40% code).

As an aside, I am curious as to how many postcard reservations were made compared to previous years. It certainly seems here that there are more of these offers than ever before. There have been 4 received by my family alone. In my community, I can easily think of a half dozen other families that received the same thing.

Time will tell!