******Official 2017 Free Dining Plan Watch, Wait, and Dream

[Jellybass]

Ok, so those who know more than me (which is everyone), if I were to look at what the regular rates for our trip August 24-Sep. 2 with parkhopper tickets and no discount then that is what the free dining cost would be?

 

[FinnsMom7]

I have literally given myself a headache running all these different scenarios. Feeling a bit better since I put my reading glasses on (keep forgetting I need the stupid things ).

If there is only quick service at the mods, what makes the most sense financially for us is to move offsite to Bonnet Creek. However... as much as I LOVE Bonnet Creek I was sad about that for a few reasons. A) I was really looking forward to being able to book fast passes at 60 days out as I think that's going to be a huge advantage for the Pandora attractions, not to mention FEA (which we haven't ridden yet). And B) I very carefully selected our dining reservations and I would hate to lose them.

So we decided we will do room only at a value for the first two nights, and that not only fixes the fast pass issue, it gets us the new Magic Bands and gets me my onsite fix. Just when we are about to go crazy being in one small room together.. off to Bonnet Creek we will go.
We've also decided to keep our favourite reservations and pad the dining budget to reflect that. It still saves us a ton over free dining becasue we have tickets already. It will be less meals at Disney TS but we will keep Ohana and BOG and a few others.

Not only can I live with this plan, I actually feel excited about it!

Staying off site doesn't mean you would have to lose your dining reservations anyone can book those 180 days out even with no trip booked

 

[pooch]

Yup. Rack rate plus 4 day (?) park hoppers for everyone.

 

[Disneylover99]

Ok, so those who know more than me (which is everyone), if I were to look at what the regular rates for our trip August 24-Sep. 2 with parkhopper tickets and no discount then that is what the free dining cost would be?

Yes. And add the difference between quick service and regular TS if you're interested in the upgrade on values and mods.

 

[heath92681]

We were traveling yesterday, so catching up over coffee this morning!! Lots of number crunching to do!

 

[pghmom]

Wow, lots of news yesterday. I have a lot of number crunching to do. I will need to adjust my spreadsheet to add the mod ts upgrade

 

[Jellybass]

Thanks everyone, it doesn't seem worth it to me for QS where we already have the summer meal deal at POP. I am considering going with something SW Vacations has right now, I can get 9 nights with 6 day tickets and flight for 4328 at POR, 3962 at COR or 5680 at YC/BI.

 

[FinnsMom7]

Now that news is out I feel more stressed somehow - all of my December options fit and now I am not sure which to go with.

Would love people's opinions on which dates in December seem best for those I can travel during. Earliest I can arrive is Friday the 8th and latest departure would be Tuesday the 19th. I initially planned a 6 night but part of me is going to try for 7 nights (news of a bonus at work this year and turning 35 wants me to treat myself) My initial plan was arrive the 8th return the 14th or 15th. Only real problem with that is Pop Warner is there until 9th so not sure that would increase crowds my first day or two.

Totally appreciate everyone's thoughts and feedback - I know we have TONS of experts reading.

 

[LesliB0817]

Ok, so those who know more than me (which is everyone), if I were to look at what the regular rates for our trip August 24-Sep. 2 with parkhopper tickets and no discount then that is what the free dining cost would be?

Yes.

 

[Disneylover99]

Only pop and all start music work better than my TA deal.
Anyone like music?

The first two times we went to Disney, we stayed at Music. We really loved it! Then we started staying at other resorts, and we found we loved the other resorts better then the AllStars. Pop is one of our favourites. But I wouldn't hesitate to stay at Music again for a great deal.

 

[Attracted to Beasts]

I am getting so anxious! I hope DH finds out about this job next week so I can try change my BB if needed before all the crazy happens! If not, talk to me about AKL....I'm afraid that it's so far from everything (currently have FD BB at WL) I'm thinking if FD drops before I know what I'm doing I may try to book FD at AKL since it's "only" a few hundred more than my current BB. Anyone stay here? Should I really splurge and go for FD at YC/BC or is AKL ok? I know its Disney and they're all great but we spend so much more time at MK that AKL being far makes me anxious!

 

[DisneyPrincessMommy]

Hello all! This is my first time posting! I've been watching the madness for a few days, excited to be a part of it! I have a questions for you all!

This is my first vacation using a TA, and I'm nervous leaving my FD modification in her hands. This will be my third trip with FD, but I've always been the one to wait the agonizing 3+ hours on the phone to receive the discount. My question is, have any of you used a TA to modify once the promotion becomes available? Should I go ahead and call as well? She assures me she has a great track record. Just biting my nails over here thinking of leaving this in someone else's hands. TIA!

 

[mousefan73]

Now that news is out I feel more stressed somehow - all of my December options fit and now I am not sure which to go with.

Would love people's opinions on which dates in December seem best for those I can travel during. Earliest I can arrive is Friday the 8th and latest departure would be Tuesday the 19th. I initially planned a 6 night but part of me is going to try for 7 nights (news of a bonus at work this year and turning 35 wants me to treat myself) My initial plan was arrive the 8th return the 14th or 15th. Only real problem with that is Pop Warner is there until 9th so not sure that would increase crowds my first day or two.

Totally appreciate everyone's thoughts and feedback - I know we have TONS of experts reading.

From what I have heard, the furthest from Christmas is the best and some DISers avoid Pop Warner like the plague.

 

[brooke789]

So, what have the Fall RO discounts been in the past. I'm going to crunch numbers today but would like to get an estimate for just RO too.

 

[ThistleMae]

Looks like this website is suggesting moderate resorts will only get the quick service meal plan this year :/

Wow, is that a change for them? If it is....look out!

 

[Disneylover99]

Now that news is out I feel more stressed somehow - all of my December options fit and now I am not sure which to go with.

Would love people's opinions on which dates in December seem best for those I can travel during. Earliest I can arrive is Friday the 8th and latest departure would be Tuesday the 19th. I initially planned a 6 night but part of me is going to try for 7 nights (news of a bonus at work this year and turning 35 wants me to treat myself) My initial plan was arrive the 8th return the 14th or 15th. Only real problem with that is Pop Warner is there until 9th so not sure that would increase crowds my first day or two.

Totally appreciate everyone's thoughts and feedback - I know we have TONS of experts reading.

If they're checking out on the 9th, I would make that my check in day. But really, it sounds like you've got some flexibility with your dates, so that's good. Take what you can get!

 

[ThistleMae]

The offer for the UK is always mods get quick service has it been that way for Brazil also or would this be new for them.

Oh, okay thanks. Relief. But what do they get if they book a value, anything?

 

[mousefan73]

I am getting so anxious! I hope DH finds out about this job next week so I can try change my BB if needed before all the crazy happens! If not, talk to me about AKL....I'm afraid that it's so far from everything (currently have FD BB at WL) I'm thinking if FD drops before I know what I'm doing I may try to book FD at AKL since it's "only" a few hundred more than my current BB. Anyone stay here? Should I really splurge and go for FD at YC/BC or is AKL ok? I know its Disney and they're all great but we spend so much more time at MK that AKL being far makes me anxious!

AKL is a great resort by itself. Very unique and beatiful; rooms we liked too. We got lucky and were upgraded to a Savanahh view. will you have a car? Honestly.. I cannot see the buses from YC/BC vs AKL being that much of a time difference. If MK is your priority. I am thinking max a 5-10 min difference in driving time.. Some resorts you need more bus time stopping at a resort loop. POR ex. is close to MK; but has 4 internal stops. Get a wheelchair at each stop and its a long wait.. Also

In your case I would stay with WL,, you are close to MK; have boats and a lot outside of the resort to see and do.. AKL there is nothing outside to see or do. you can always book Bomo at AKL and check the place out too.

 

[ThistleMae]

It's really going to suck if POR isn't included. We are planning a family vacation and that was the resorthird my sister chose. I don't want to stay at CBR with all that construction going onowhere and we can't afford deluxe. We may have to cancel altogether.

No....hang in there!

 

[Disneylover99]

I am getting so anxious! I hope DH finds out about this job next week so I can try change my BB if needed before all the crazy happens! If not, talk to me about AKL....I'm afraid that it's so far from everything (currently have FD BB at WL) I'm thinking if FD drops before I know what I'm doing I may try to book FD at AKL since it's "only" a few hundred more than my current BB. Anyone stay here? Should I really splurge and go for FD at YC/BC or is AKL ok? I know its Disney and they're all great but we spend so much more time at MK that AKL being far makes me anxious!

Oh, I wanted to let you know, we successfully took off a day from our fd, bb last week. I was so pleasantly surprised, because we haven't had luck doing this in the past! Call the number on the bb brochure. Good luck!! I hope your DH finds out about his job before this drops.

I would book the cheapest Deluxe. I know AKL seems far, but it really is beautiful.