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

[Valstew]

They haven't done the early sign up for Disney cc members in the last 2 years.

 

[Attracted to Beasts]

Not trying to throw any TAs or CMs under the bus but it seems like they're just trying to make the sale when they tell you that it's easier to switch to FD if you add it ahead of time. This is my 4th year going with FD and I've booked numerous trips over the years and it doesn't matter what you have before because you have to add or modify the entire new trip to get FD based on whatever is available. When adding FD you don't just add a dining reservation to your cart and it automatically comes up "free" you have to book the package through the FD special offer page.

 

[heath92681]

The standard rooms at the Poly Resort are not generally excluded right? Just the villas correct?

Also I'm thinking of making my reservation longer to hopefully get the dates that are announced. Can I lesser my dates then once they are released?

Standard rooms were included last year, as were studio villas. As long as there is availability, you should be able to adjust your dates.

 

[HBouchard]

Has anyone had any luck getting reservations at Tutto Italia?

 

[ThistleMae]

This is a real sticking point with someone. Say a person has ONE room they want, but they have back ups. A 200 deposit might not be a lot to some people. So someone might be holding three rooms, well the problem with this is Disney already sees those rooms booked, so when they finally do realease the offer its based on trying to fill rooms. Well after people finally get what they want they start canceling and then all these rooms that they thought were already booked just start popping up, at that time they have to readjust what their availabilty is. So some say go ahead and already reserve, and then others say not too, becuase Disney needs to see the available rooms.

Exactly....I guess that's why some of the rooms open up later, so folks should still keep checking. I just wish there was a better way...I don't know what that would look like though. And to book multiple rooms....I'm not crazy about that, seems a bit unfair...but who am I to make that call?

 

[Attracted to Beasts]

Has anyone had any luck getting reservations at Tutto Italia?

We're not going this year but have dined there 2x in the past. There's availability online for late August. Not sure when you're looking to go. We had reservations last year and it was not crowded at all! I believe they were even taking walk ups!

 

[ThistleMae]

.....and then there are those folks that book an additional resort reservation 5-7 days prior to their "real" arrival date just to get a jump on booking ADRs for the first few days of their trip. Then cancel the placeholder reservation. Have seen it talked about on here many times over the years.

Wow....interesting....don't like it.

 

[VillainFavs]

I have a question. I want to book a moderate with FD but not stay as I am using my DVC points. Can I have two reservations in my name with my people or do I have to have another set?

So you're going to have two simultaneous reservations? You're going to pay for a moderate room just to get the dining plan? I'm confused!

 

[smallworldnh]

I've been a Disney Visa Card Holder for 10 years and have never once been notified of the Free Dining Plan ahead of time. I think I've received a card in the mail a few times about 25% rooms but never the Free Dining Plan. Do you usually get notified or is it listed under Special Offers on the Disney website?

I'm disappointed to hear this as this was one of the incentives that made me get one. I am earning points towards a gift card though so it's not all bad.

 

[Azjenn]

I've been a Disney Visa Card Holder for 10 years and have never once been notified of the Free Dining Plan ahead of time. I think I've received a card in the mail a few times about 25% rooms but never the Free Dining Plan. Do you usually get notified or is it listed under Special Offers on the Disney website?

I've had one for years too and never been notified. The best way to find out is on the DISboards. That's how I've always known and like the pp said, there hasn't been an early release for disney visa for the last 2 years although last year, they had a bit more availability date wise.

 

[Azjenn]

I have a question. I want to book a moderate with FD but not stay as I am using my DVC points. Can I have two reservations in my name with my people or do I have to have another set?

If I'm understanding this right, you want to book the hotel room but not have anyone in and use your dvc as where you are staying? I suppose you could do that but you would probably have to go check into the room to have everything activated. Would it be cheaper than just buying the dining plan? I'm not really sure that would work either with your magic bands because everything is linked in there and I don't think that you could have everyone in your groups magic bands linked up to 2 different hotel rooms.I don't think that you could have yourself as the primary on the reservation staying in 2 different places either.

 

[mommajo143]

I'm disappointed to hear this as this was one of the incentives that made me get one. I am earning points towards a gift card though so it's not all bad.

i haven't gotten any notice for FD from visa either BUT always knew because of the boards & had no trouble adding FD... and I didn't need to stay up all night or deal with all the craziness I hear about. Last year we didn't go to wdw and I was horrified to hear how FD was dropped to everyone at once, system crashes, etc etc etc... hoping this year they have figured out a way to manage all that better

 

[Lisa J]

So, I guess we're ruling out tonight. Sorry I'm so impatient. I'm just going a little crazy waiting.

 

[KimBean]

Newbie here so please forgive this very basic question: we are planning a trip for late August 2018 (probably August 18 or 19 through 27). Is this typically a time period that FD is offered? Wow would that ever help our budget Thank you for any info.

Do you happen to be a Disney Visa cardholder? Last year they got broader dates, and earlier in August. If not... you have to go back to 2010 to see that early in August. 2011-2016 the earliest I could find was still last year on 8/23. Always a chance but if you can be flexible with your dates a little later probably better odds.

 

[Rusty2rules]

I'm disappointed to hear this as this was one of the incentives that made me get one. I am earning points towards a gift card though so it's not all bad.

Well, you may not get an advanced notice, but you do get a chance to get any discounts 1 or 2 weeks ahead of the general public as a Disney Visa card holder.

 

[VillainFavs]

Well, you may not get an advanced notice, but you do get a chance to get any discounts 1 or 2 weeks ahead of the general public as a Disney Visa card holder.

Not necessarily. I know for a fact that last year, the offer opened to everyone on the same day. No advance sales for card holders. BUT card holders could book for dates as early as Aug 14 and I think the general offer was more like August 23.

 

[HBouchard]

I got the Disney Visa specifically so I could get advance notice for FD and have never been notified. I've only found out from the message boards.

 

[Rusty2rules]

Not necessarily. I know for a fact that last year, the offer opened to everyone on the same day.

You are correct. I bow before your greatness.

 

[Amunet]

I truly hope that they won't be so stingy with excluding POR this year, just due to all the construction.
I'm also going complete fantasy and hoping they'll allow POFQ because of the construction as well!

 

[Wojodis]

I truly hope that they won't be so stingy with excluding POR this year, just due to all the construction.
I'm also going complete fantasy and hoping they'll allow POFQ because of the construction as well!

Hope so