Offical free dining watch 2008

[Mom2AAA's]

We have a large group too, 16 of us for 5 days, 18 for the last 2! Either way we will be getting the dining plan. Hopefully it will be free! If not we will just have to pay. With such a big group it's great to get together for a meal and swap stories!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

No flames here! We'll be there Aug 10-20 and a little birdie told me that my dates will not be part of the free ddp (of course, it would be nice if birdie was wrong), but I've gotten over it and have moved on. I added different ADRs to my schedule now. I originally scheduled meals based on using the ddp. I will cancel them once it's official. I figured we too have the 40% code at Pop and since there will be no free ddp folks at the values for my dates, it should not be as crazy. (UK folks could not book pop and bounceback folks could not book August). I just sit back now and wait for the official word that I lucked out again. (Last year I booked Aug 15th for a week and the free ddp started Aug. 24th or 26th - can't remember now.)

We came home on the 23rd last year, I think. But we had free dining because it was from the Dec. 2006 Bounce Back.

We're there this year Aug. 1-17. I am watching (but not really thinking it will happen) for free dining in case it starts Aug. 10. Unfortunately all this talk of free dining has made DH decide he wants DxDDP no matter what. Depending on what sort of discount I can find it will cost us anywhere from $25 - $800 more than what we were already planning to spend paying for food OOP. Obviously if the only available option is the $800 one then we will NOT do DDP!

We never got ANY sort of code - not a postcard, not an e-mail, not a code on our profile, not a code for ordering the DVD, NOTHING. Right now I have 3 back-to-back ressies - 1 at rack rate and 2 room-only with AAA. I am hoping to get an AP rate for as many nights as possible, then add AP dining to the last 7 nights. That would cost us about $200 more, but we would get a lot more food. DH is convinced he will starve without the DxDDP. He is very silly. We shall see what the free dining dates are, and then we'll plan from there!

 

[n2mm]

We came home on the 23rd last year, I think. But we had free dining because it was from the Dec. 2006 Bounce Back.

We're there this year Aug. 1-17. I am watching (but not really thinking it will happen) for free dining in case it starts Aug. 10. Unfortunately all this talk of free dining has made DH decide he wants DxDDP no matter what. Depending on what sort of discount I can find it will cost us anywhere from $25 - $800 more than what we were already planning to spend paying for food OOP. Obviously if the only available option is the $800 one then we will NOT do DDP!

We never got ANY sort of code - not a postcard, not an e-mail, not a code on our profile, not a code for ordering the DVD, NOTHING. Right now I have 3 back-to-back ressies - 1 at rack rate and 2 room-only with AAA. I am hoping to get an AP rate for as many nights as possible, then add AP dining to the last 7 nights. That would cost us about $200 more, but we would get a lot more food. DH is convinced he will starve without the DxDDP. He is very silly. We shall see what the free dining dates are, and then we'll plan from there!

Yes I know the bounceback folks were there and I even had the opportunity the year before to go down for a long weekend in December and would've booked it, but thought for sure the same dates would've been available for the public...wrong. We too never get ecodes or snailmail codes and yes I ordered the dvd too. Only after calling did I get a code, so I took it. Personally I hope I'm wrong and would do the free ddp, but only at a value. I won't move up to a moderate as it will not save me any money. I'm sure you'll see an AP rate for August (probably starting Aug. 3rd). We did not do the ddp during our Jan/Feb trip and used our dde card and actually did much better using that then the cost of the ddp for 2 adults. We ate cheaper than the cost of the ddp, so the delux would never be in our future. We found us doing 2 TS meals a day for less than the ddp cost for 2 adults. We were amazed by this ourselves. We of course would not pass up the free ddp if by a miracle our dates are included and it's available at a value resort. Good luck.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Yes I know the bounceback folks were there and I even had the opportunity the year before to go down for a long weekend in December and would've booked it, but thought for sure the same dates would've been available for the public...wrong.

Me too only I was there in Dec 06 but totally forgot about bounceback while I was there (short 3 night trip) and didn't see anything while I was there about it. I ended up getting a discounted package and paying for DDP. I paid about $200 more than if I had booked bounce back.

This year we are going for 14 nights and I honestly don't want the DDP. I do have DDE. There were several meals we were too hot/tired to really enjoy last year and we would have skipped them if we hadn't already paid for them with the DDP. So I'm another one hoping free dining doesn't start til after we go home. It did get busier last year after 8/26.

 

[mom2mykids]

Can you only get the DDE with an AP? I don't think I'd get the dining plan again unless it was free. We ate way more than we have ever eaten at WDW. Since it was DD's first trip it was really nice to have as we did up the character dining and even HDDR!

 

[faindrops27]

There are plenty of rumors on when free dining will be offered. However, I am pretty sure it will be offered on April 7th to Disney Visa cardholders. April 10th to the general public. I found out about the April 10th date through a cm. It was confirmed by a website. Anyway, here is the link, of another free dining watch, if anyone is interested.

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

 

[ShhhQ]

With all the rumors of the dining plan being only moderates and up, I decided to do some number crunching.... Our family is me, my mother, and my brother... my mom is going to have her own personal electric wheelchair and I am renting a scooter... So with 2 chairs and 3 people, we opted to do 2 rooms at Pop... also so we could have some privacy. Also, my friend and her family of 4 want to stay at the same resort.... so I had to take all of that into consideration.

5 nights/4 day passes at Pop with 2 rooms and paid dining.... $2177.24
same reservation with free dining.... $1607.39
Savings of $569.85

BUT if only moderates and up are offered we would have to move to only one room (probably Caribbean Beach as their rooms are slightly larger than the other mods)

5 nights/ 4 day passes at CB with free dining.... $1603.29
Saving of $573.95

So our saving would be virtually the same give or take a few $... but we would definately lose space!

Now considering my friends.... who are leaving a day before us...
4 nights/ 3 day passes at Pop with paid dining.... $1847.88
4 nights/ 3 day passes at Pop with Free Dining.... $1240.84
Saving of $607.84

4 nights/ 3 day passes at CB with Free Dining.... $1539.88
Savings of $308

They would definately save more if we have FD at Pop, but if only Mods are offered we should move. BUT I am wondering if the rooms at CB will be big enough for us? I would rather have the 2 rooms, but we need to save money!

Only having stayed at Pop, not really familiar with the other resorts... anyone have any insight that would help?

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Yes I know the bounceback folks were there and I even had the opportunity the year before to go down for a long weekend in December and would've booked it, but thought for sure the same dates would've been available for the public...wrong. We too never get ecodes or snailmail codes and yes I ordered the dvd too. Only after calling did I get a code, so I took it. Personally I hope I'm wrong and would do the free ddp, but only at a value. I won't move up to a moderate as it will not save me any money. I'm sure you'll see an AP rate for August (probably starting Aug. 3rd). We did not do the ddp during our Jan/Feb trip and used our dde card and actually did much better using that then the cost of the ddp for 2 adults. We ate cheaper than the cost of the ddp, so the delux would never be in our future. We found us doing 2 TS meals a day for less than the ddp cost for 2 adults. We were amazed by this ourselves. We of course would not pass up the free ddp if by a miracle our dates are included and it's available at a value resort. Good luck.

Thanks! Good luck to you guys, too!
DH said he would be happy to stay at Pop, but we are going to have so much luggage it won't fit in a room at Pop! The 3 of us also don't fit very comfortably in 2 double beds.
My intention all along was to do this whole trip with DDE. The more I look at it the more I think it would be silly to pay for DxDDP because our DS12 doesn't eat that much! Like you said, the plan costs more per day than we were planning to spend paying OOP! If we can get "free" dining and pay to upgrade it would be worth it. Otherwise, not so much.

Can you only get the DDE with an AP? I don't think I'd get the dining plan again unless it was free. We ate way more than we have ever eaten at WDW. Since it was DD's first trip it was really nice to have as we did up the character dining and even HDDR!

You may buy DDE if you are a FL resident or an Annual Passholder.

 

[jenseib]

Does anyone know how many rooms yo ucan book with the free dining or any other discount for that matter. I thought at one time I read two was the limit, but I could be totally wrong.

 

[Aliceacc]

I have the 40% PIN.

The CMs I spoke to said I could book up to 3 rooms.

 

[Goofy'sPrincess]

I'm from Syracuse too! I'll be going to Disney World in May. I'm excited!!! PS, Syracuse weather is bad:-(

How exciting! It's good to know another Central NY'er on here. Have fun in May...thats actually my birth month.

Tell me about the weather. It's actually not as bad this winter....but I can see a difference from Ohio alittle bit. At least in Ohio the summer and fall seasons were a bit longer than here. I'm finding myself with a bit of seasonal disorder. The dreary weather is awful.

Today was a great sunny day though and I took our pekingese and Jack Russell for a LONG walk.

 

[jenseib]

Thanks!

 

[Goofy'sPrincess]

Well Welcome home! I Live in Woodbridge, NJ Just over the Bridge From Staten Island. Well It was very nice to meet you . hope to see you arounfdthe boards!

Same here. Thanks for the warm welcome!

 

[esdras]

They would definately save more if we have FD at Pop, but if only Mods are offered we should move. BUT I am wondering if the rooms at CB will be big enough for us? I would rather have the 2 rooms, but we need to save money!

Only having stayed at Pop, not really familiar with the other resorts... anyone have any insight that would help?

If I remember correctly, rooms at CB should be roughly 50 sq. ft. larger than a room at POP. Rooms at POP are 260-270 sq. ft. ea (or in that range), and CB is 315 sq. ft. - so, in comparison to two POP rooms at over 500 sq. ft. - yes, you are losing a lot of space. Is 315 sq. ft. enough - maybe.

However, I'm still not even remotely convinced that Values will be excluded from this year's offer. Cross that bridge only IF it happens.

 

[jenseib]

Goto www.disney.com and register for their site then order a free vaca dvd! odds are youll probably get a code! Codes can be used to apply a percentage off to you package or sometimes they offer room only discounts etc...Hope this helps if not ask more......

Not true. I signed up for one before our trip and never recieved any discounts even though I heard a FEW others did. Not sure if its just new customers or not, as I sign up for a DVD every year.

 

[esdras]

Not true. I signed up for one before our trip and never recieved any discounts even though I heard a FEW others did. Not sure if its just new customers or not, as I sign up for a DVD every year.

Absolutely, it completely varies.

I ordered TWO DVDs this year - one in October (still the '07 edition) and one in February (the '08 edition)

BOTH times we got PIN e-mails - unfortunately, both were only the 20% code. NOTHING I tried (saving multiple packages online, booking and cancelling, booking and keeping, calling, calling again, okay... calling a LOT) could change it into one of the glorious 40%, or even the wonderful 30%.

Sure, 20% was very nice - but we can get that anyway as CAA (Canadian AAA) members.

So, we're booked at the 20%, but really hoping the FD hits our dates as it will save a lot more.

As Canadians who CAN'T get the Disney VISA (no U.S. address, NO VISA), we're also hoping that much like the last two ticket upgrade offers, that Disney opens the deal to Canadians on the same day as VISA holders.

 

[Goofy'sPrincess]

Hiya everyone! Since I'm new at all this and this is our first time to disney I need some help from you Pro's out there.

My husband and I will be there for 6nights and 7days the middle of sept. It's just the two of us. We're foodies and love the sitdown types just to enjoy and take our time. First night, since we'll be pretty tired, my husband thought we'd enjoy the Lua dinner at the Poly. I understand that takes 2 tickets. THEN sometime that week He wants to do the Safari and dinner which is another 2 TS tickets for us.

Going to epcot, I noticed SEVERAL TS places we'd like to have both dinner and lunch at....((I saw an AWESOME seafood salad that would be good for lunch)) AGAIN costing us more TS tickets.

Upon booking, we have the DxDDP. Would it be better for us to keep the dxDDP with the discount from the FDDP? Or just use the FDDP and pay oop anything else?

Which would be more affordable?

I'm so confused and MANY of you seem to know your stuff. Thought I would ask for help.


Thanks....


~Rebekah~

 

[mommyof3grlz]

We went last year and hope to go back this year!

 

[esdras]

Hiya everyone! Since I'm new at all this and this is our first time to disney I need some help from you Pro's out there.

My husband and I will be there for 6nights and 7days the middle of sept. It's just the two of us. We're foodies and love the sitdown types just to enjoy and take our time. First night, since we'll be pretty tired, my husband thought we'd enjoy the Lua dinner at the Poly. I understand that takes 2 tickets. THEN sometime that week He wants to do the Safari and dinner which is another 2 TS tickets for us.

Going to epcot, I noticed SEVERAL TS places we'd like to have both dinner and lunch at....((I saw an AWESOME seafood salad that would be good for lunch)) AGAIN costing us more TS tickets.

Upon booking, we have the DxDDP. Would it be better for us to keep the dxDDP with the discount from the FDDP? Or just use the FDDP and pay oop anything else?

Which would be more affordable?

I'm so confused and MANY of you seem to know your stuff. Thought I would ask for help.


Thanks....


~Rebekah~

This is really hard to answer... you almost need to know everywhere you'll be eating for the week and prices (you can get menu prices from allearsnet.com).

However, my suggestion is this - I'm not sure it will save you money in the long run, but it certainly makes things easier in terms of figuring things out.

Keep your DxDDP and use as MANY Signature Dining experiences as you think you can handle. Sure, that costs you two "meals" per day, but also remember that on the DxDDP, you also get 2 snacks EACH per day. Believe me, that can almost cover your breakfast. You already get the refillable mug on this plan (so fill that up with coffee at breakfast), and then use the two snacks to get something like a muffin and fruit - just enough to get you going in the morning.

With that system, you can eat at a signature restaurant (2 meal credits) still have lunch at a non-signature sit-down or buffet restaurant (1 meal credit) and eat your breakfast on your snack credits.

On days you DON'T go to a signature dining experience - you're fine. Use a meal credit to have a nice breakfast somewhere, a meal credit for a nice lunch and a meal credit for a nice dinner - all at TS or buffet restaurants if you wish. You'll still have two snacks each on those days to use as you wish.

Anyway, that's my suggestion, and I don't think you will have to pay for food OOP much, if at all.

Remember, only the REGULAR DDP has limitations on TS meals (one TS/day, one counter service per day, one snack per day). DxDDP is three MEALS per day - whether you eat those at a CS or TS is ENTIRELY UP TO YOU! Yes, signature cost TWO MEALS, but on days at Epcot where you want to have lunch AND dinner at TS restaurants - you are fine - those cost two MEALS, and unless you have a signature meal that day, you'll still have one left.

 

[jenseib]

I would say if you plan to use at least two table service credits aday the ngo with the deluxe. If not every day, then pay out of pocket. But you wil lbe eating alot with either! We do the regular plan and just with one table service a day and one CS we are stuffed.