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

[ustasmom]

That sounds nice!

Slightly off topic -
How did you like SSR? We were originally booked 2 rooms at CBR but due to construction, they kindly moved us to a 2 Bdr Villa at SSR. However, I'm still not sure how I feel about the resort. We've never stayed there. We're taking my parents and brothers, one of which is 11 and doesn't remember Disney. I had wanted to stay at a more immersive themed resort, though a 2 Bdr Villa is super enticing.

If/when free dining is announced, we're considering splurging and moving to another resort - maybe WL or AKL (though these would be a bit of a stretch even with FD). Can't decide if it is worth it to move or just stay at SSR? Thoughts?

Well, a 2 bdrm is pretty much a no-brainer. Lots of space and you won't ever want to go back to a room or studio again. I would absolutely take the 2 bedroom at SSR and grab the free dining. Even if you went with WL or AKL, you are better off with a room discount than going with free dining, and even then, you won't beat SSR 2bdrm with free dining. That deal isn't going to be beat.

Personally, I like the deluxe resorts. My bad, on our last night of our last trip I booked the Poly. The kids were so smitten that while I have CBR with the gift card booked (hoping for FD,) we will be at the Poly and not even bother using our room at CBR. I priced out the difference and if it works right, I can get CBR with FD and use my Poly points for $2700. If I were to straight book the Poly and get FD, it was over $7000. Granted this is for dining for 5 adults (even though they are far from actually being adults.)The dining plan to add to my Poly stay is $3700.

 

[MickeyPlanning]

Just curious but will you be using Deluxe Dining Plan? We had Deluxe on our last trip and it is A LOT of food.
We used a daily template of:
-1credit TS breakfast (pre-park opening if you can get it)
-1 or 2 snacks for lunch
-2 credit TS dinner (signature)

and we still had to be careful to make sure we had an appetite when dinner time rolled around. There are some great options for using snack credits if you look for them. One example is the pulled pork cheddar fries at Flame Tree BBQ in AK.

I realize every family is different and I'm not trying to change your mind. I just noticed that all of the breakfasts you listed are buffets (great choices by the way, you get to meet characters at each one of them!) I would consider myself an ummm "ambitious" eater and I still had trouble using up all of our Deluxe credits. By day #10 (departure day) of our trip we had 3 TS credits and something like 20 snack credits for our family of 4 that we couldn't use. Its definitely a challenge to use all TS credits on Deluxe plan if not doing 2-credit signature meals.

Yes we plan to do the deluxe.I know that we will use the TS credits for three meals a day (2 are 2 credit meals) I am curious about having left over snacks. I read on here that you can use them to buy things to take with you for the car ride back so I was thinking we could do that with any left over?? My kids are good eaters so they will definitely do breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner. It's that 2nd snack I'm not sure about. When I priced the menus the deluxe looks to cost us less than the regular for all that we plan to do. Even if it is a lot.

 

[Kelly Sullivan]

I found that planning two meals a day really put a kink in our fun. My family said they felt like we spent most of our time running around trying to make it to our reservations on time. Especially if they weren't at the same park we were at. The first time we went we spent a lot of time on buses and the monorail trying to get everything in.

 

[dwalterpsu]

Yes we are. Hoping to get free dining plan and then pay to upgrade.

Totally agree with Georgiahoo.

Edit....just saw your response to Georgia....makes sense.

 

[Moocabn2258]

Well, a 2 bdrm is pretty much a no-brainer. Lots of space and you won't ever want to go back to a room or studio again. I would absolutely take the 2 bedroom at SSR and grab the free dining. Even if you went with WL or AKL, you are better off with a room discount than going with free dining, and even then, you won't beat SSR 2bdrm with free dining. That deal isn't going to be beat.

We stayed at BC for our honeymoon and almost didn't want to go back to a moderate. But the moderates are great too.

There are 6 total all adults expect the 11 yr old who counts as adult prices (though he eats like and adult so its fine). I don't know that they'll let us add the FD to the SSR booking if it available since it was a free move from CBR to SSR due to the construction. There have been conflicting stories as to if that will be allowed, so I'm not counting on it. If we can't do it, I'd be paying almost the same price for SSR w/ cost of dining as we would for FD at one of the lower end Deluxe (either WL or AKL). It would be anywhere from $300 - $600 more total to move depending on room type and resort. Though again, would be 2 separate rooms not the 2 Bdr Villa. Decisions....decisions.

I compared the FD vs the RO and even if the deluxe was 30%, since there are 6 adults, FD would be a better savings for 7 nights. Tough decisions and so many factors! I can't decide....though of course all of this hard decision making could be out the window anyway if FD isn't offered.

 

[Kudmani]

Thanks! We are doing Spirit of Aloha the day we arrive before Day 1 of parks. I forgot to put that. Day 4 is a day off from parks. Rest for the kids and Grandma and spend time with some family. We will use the two credits for lunch and breakfast that day, I'm just not sure how this far ahead. Thanks for the Epcot day suggestion. I'll check them out.

Might try brunch at California Grill on Day 4. You could use some of your snack credits for a few breakfast items earlier that morning.

 

[trucker den]

I am in the same boat. I got upgraded to SSR from CBR and I don't expect it to be included in FD. My only question is do I move resorts when FD drops or do I stay put and enjoy the bigger room?

 

[ustasmom]

We stayed at BC for our honeymoon and almost didn't want to go back to a moderate. But the moderates are great too.

There are 6 total all adults expect the 11 yr old who counts as adult prices (though he eats like and adult so its fine). I don't know that they'll let us add the FD to the SSR booking if it available since it was a free move from CBR to SSR due to the construction. There have been conflicting stories as to if that will be allowed, so I'm not counting on it. If we can't do it, I'd be paying almost the same price for SSR w/ cost of dining as we would for FD at one of the lower end Deluxe (either WL or AKL). It would be anywhere from $300 - $600 more total to move depending on room type and resort. Though again, would be 2 separate rooms not the 2 Bdr Villa. Decisions....decisions.

I compared the FD vs the RO and even if the deluxe was 30%, since there are 6 adults, FD would be a better savings for 7 nights. Tough decisions and so many factors! I can't decide....though of course all of this hard decision making could be out the window anyway if FD isn't offered.

How does your reservation read? CBR or SSR 2bedroom? And are they taking 2 CBR reservations and upgrading to SSR? If that is the case, you are better doing something different unless you get FD. If it shows as SSR and you have a modify button, you might be able to modify and grab FD whenever it drops. I would at least try. I got the email and I am most definitely getting a gift card and not an upgrade. But then again, they know I am booked at the Poly. I have my CBR reservations set as to what I need with tickets and dining. The price tag is huge now but CM says that I just have to change from the pay dining to the free dining if it is offered.

 

[ustasmom]

I am in the same boat. I got upgraded to SSR from CBR and I don't expect it to be included in FD. My only question is do I move resorts when FD drops or do I stay put and enjoy the bigger room?

What size villa?

 

[Moocabn2258]

I am in the same boat. I got upgraded to SSR from CBR and I don't expect it to be included in FD. My only question is do I move resorts when FD drops or do I stay put and enjoy the bigger room?

If it was just my husband and I, it would be a no brainer. We'd stay at SSR. But we're bringing my whole family and they don't get to travel often. We're treating them to this trip and want it to be as magical as possible, so it's tough. They all have their pros and cons.

 

[trucker den]

What size villa?

2 bedroom

 

[Susan Doeberl]

There is an Express transportation system now and it goes from inside a park to inside another park. It is AWESOME!!!! If you hop, this saves SO MUCH TIME!!!!

You can find it on the Disney site and there's a fee for the service and the amount depends on how many days you're getting it for.

 

[Elsaalltheway]

That sounds nice!

Slightly off topic -
How did you like SSR? We were originally booked 2 rooms at CBR but due to construction, they kindly moved us to a 2 Bdr Villa at SSR. However, I'm still not sure how I feel about the resort. We've never stayed there. We're taking my parents and brothers, one of which is 11 and doesn't remember Disney. I had wanted to stay at a more immersive themed resort, though a 2 Bdr Villa is super enticing.

If/when free dining is announced, we're considering splurging and moving to another resort - maybe WL or AKL (though these would be a bit of a stretch even with FD). Can't decide if it is worth it to move or just stay at SSR? Thoughts?

If you really want Disney theming, you may want to try Art of Animation.

 

[ustasmom]

2 bedroom

Are they giving you an option? $75 gift card or upgrade to SSR? And FWIW, it was a good 15 minutes from the first stop at SSR (Grandstand) to the light at Chelonia Parkway (Wyndham Bonnet Creek) and CBR is one road down from there. It was so much longer that I've actually come up with a new plan to stay at Bonnet Creek in December and drive to HS and use the Express transportation for hopping.

 

[ustasmom]

You can find it on the Disney site and there's a fee for the service and the amount depends on how many days you're getting it for.

It was $29 per person for the week. Personally I think that one day for $19 is a bit ridiculous. But if you hop, this is the way to do it.

 

[pghmom]

I would probably try to get a later Ohana. Unless you are driving or on the monorail that would be a really early bus ride.

Unfortunately, my kids don't yet understand the concept of sleeping in. "The sun is up, mommy!"

 

[JackieO]

You know what a lot is? My MIL planned a few of our trips. One trip her and a TA went to town and we had 3 sit downs in one day for like 4 days. My FIL loved a big breakfast. We were never hungry. Wasted so much time and food. In 2003 when my first was 3 I took over the planning and got them down to 2 (but still TS.) Then finally we did a trip just the 3 of us in 2007 and it was 1 TS and 1 QS (we usually do a clif bar type for breakfast) and it was like yeah, this is how it is suppose to be. LOL!

WOW

 

[Amunet]

I'm getting all excited with this talk about DxDP! Lol, I had to scale down plans to hit the 18 credit mark XD

Perhaps you guys can help me (cause the Guys are no help!) with dining plans. I have a tentative list based off park day but doesn't factor in if we will have PH. There are also restaurants that we are interested in but I couldn't fit in the tent. schedule.
So if anyone would like to give feedback and help with planning Dining if park hoppers were involved, I'd very much appreciate it.

We are:

• 3 Adults
• Focused on making this a food vacation while enjoying the holidays at the park for the first time
• Planning on 4day Tickets
• Planning on upgrading to DxDP (18 food credits per person)
• Tent. Date: Dec. 10-16
• We will be driving/have access to a car

* = New experience
^ = Will dine at no matter what, days can be flexible


Arrival Day
B/L - Narcoossees Brunch^* -2 (only avbl Sundays)
D - Raglan^ -1

AK Day
B - Tusker* -1
L - Satu'li Canteen^* -1
D - Tiffins* -2

One TS will be ROL Package

Epcot Day
B - Garden Grill^ -1
L - Katsura -1
D - Rose & Crown* -1

HS Day
B - Resort QS -1
L/D - SciFi* -1

MK Day
B PreOpening - CP or BOG* -1
L/D - Hoop de doo* -2

Party Day
B - Resort QS -1
L - Garden Tea Room^ -0
D - Skipper Canteen^* -1

Departure Day
B - Trattoria al Forno Bon Voyage^* -1


And here are the other restaurants we are be interested in but I couldn't fit the schedule:

• Beaches and Cream* -1
• BOG (L) -1
• California Grill* (D) -2
• Columbia Harbor House* -1
• Kona Cafe* (D) -1
• La Hacienda de San Angel* -1
• Maya Grill* -1

 

[Party.Of.4-NY>>>FL]

I'm getting all excited with this talk about DxDP! Lol, I had to scale down plans to hit the 18 credit mark XD

Perhaps you guys can help me (cause the Guys are no help!) with dining plans. I have a tentative list based off park day but doesn't factor in if we will have PH. There are also restaurants that we are interested in but I couldn't fit in the tent. schedule.
So if anyone would like to give feedback and help with planning Dining if park hoppers were involved, I'd very much appreciate it.

We are:

• 3 Adults
• Focused on making this a food vacation while enjoying the holidays at the park for the first time
• Planning on 4day Tickets
• Planning on upgrading to DxDP (18 food credits per person)
• Tent. Date: Dec. 10-16
• We will be driving/have access to a car

* = New experience
^ = Will dine at no matter what, days can be flexible


Arrival Day
B/L - Narcoossees Brunch^* -2 (only avbl Sundays)
D - Raglan^ -1

AK Day
B - Tusker* -1
L - Satu'li Canteen^* -1
D - Tiffins* -2

One TS will be ROL Package

Epcot Day
B - Garden Grill^ -1
L - Katsura -1
D - Rose & Crown* -1

HS Day
B - Resort QS -1
L/D - SciFi* -1

MK Day
B PreOpening - CP or BOG* -1
L/D - Hoop de doo* -2

Party Day
B - Resort QS -1
L - Garden Tea Room^ -0
D - Skipper Canteen^* -1

Departure Day
B - Trattoria al Forno Bon Voyage^* -1


And here are the other restaurants we are be interested in but I couldn't fit the schedule:

• Beaches and Cream* -1
• BOG (L) -1
• California Grill* (D) -2
• Columbia Harbor House* -1
• Kona Cafe* (D) -1
• La Hacienda de San Angel* -1
• Maya Grill* -1

Those all look very good!
My $.02:

1. Narcoossees brunch will be worth the 2 credits. I'm told (never been there for brunch) it is almost a carbon copy of California Grill brunch. We did California Grill brunch and it was our favorite meal of the trip. The lobster eggs benedict......mmmmm!

2. I noticed Maya Grill at the bottom of your list. Had dinner there (we stayed at Coronado Springs) and it was very good also. I would recommend the: "whatever dish looks good" and Sangria! Lots of Sangria! The more the better!

3. Are you staying at Coronado? I thought maybe you are because of Maya Grill on your list. If so, check out Las Ventanas for your resort breakfast on "HS day" or "Party day". It does count as a table service credit but the meals are inexpensive (maybe pay out of pocket for this one?) and very good. It's a small restaurant, maybe 15 tables or so. The prices are literally just a few dollars more than the QS meals at Pepper Market across the hallway and sooo much better. We really enjoyed the poached eggs dish (can't remember the exact name) for breakfast.

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

Yeah I know. I have gone back and forth. I just didn't want to spend so much park time eating. My kids are early birds so we will try to get breakfast res. first thing. Plus this is my moms first time back in 20 years and she doesn't want three sit- down meals, but wants to do a lot of the character meals. I looked at menus and priced it with reg. dining and with deluxe based on what we would order and places we really want to try. It looks to save us about $300 to upgrade than to get the regular and pay for the other things we would want to do OOP. I figured that makes it worth it, even if doing QS lunch isn't the best value on the plan. I was just getting the plan that would be cheapest overall based on res. we hope to get. I am also hoping to get free dining and then pay to upgrade to deluxe.

And you didn't solicit my advice on that anyway! Your plan makes sense to me. We are going in early November this year and I don't think we are going to have a free dining option. But if we do, I'm thinking about upgrading to deluxe as well, even though I wouldn't use all the table service credits for table service options because we wouldn't want to do 2 table service meals a day. I'd probably book a signature for lunch/dinner each day and plan a few breakfasts (the new Trattoria character meal is one we want to do. Alternatively, I may plan a day or two where we eat a signature for lunch (want to try the California Grill brunch) and another for dinner.