Official Code Watch for August 2007

[LAS2AMS]

The program's being advertised at several hotels.

Nonetheless, the price is nearly $1000 for a 5-nite (or 5-day?) stay at a VALUE resort. Me don't think there will be that many takers...

Now correct me if i am wrong, but
I thought I remebered reading somewhere that the return program only had their booths at a couple resorts (POR sticks out in my memory)
If that is true, then hopefully, it doesnt bring in TOO many people and they stilll offer free dining to us

 

[Ziggy]

...Nonetheless, the price is nearly $1000 for a 5-nite (or 5-day?) stay at a VALUE resort. Me don't think there will be that many takers...

I hope not as it then gives us a better chance of getting the free dining in August/September 2007

 

[Panotchr]

I hope we get that free dining. We are booked and going regardless, but with what we would save in free dining, we could spend on staying the ten days we dream about!

 

[djm99]

We're planning an August trip. I am an on-site newbie and am actually intimidated by the thought of booking this trip! I have always stayed off-site and have booked/purchased everything separately. I have a few questions for you:

I am basing my trip dates on free dining (assuming it will be offered). I have never stayed on-site before and the free dining has made me realize I can do this! Who do you book thru? An agent, Disney directly? Can I make reservations now and add the free dining package once it is offered? how do I do that? If I make a reservation now, and need to change the dates is ti easy to do? If you have to buy a 1-day ticket with the package, can I then take the ticket and apply it towards an annual pass? Does the "package" include just the hotel, park ticket and dining? What is my DH decides to join us after all, can I just call and add him to the package? Free dining is based on rack rate for the room - no exceptions, codes or other room discounts?

Sorry for all the questions, I just want to be prepared *when* the offer is made available.

I need the step by step guide to booking this. Can someone please hold my hand and help me?

I am basing my trip dates on free dining (assuming it will be offered). I have never stayed on-site before and the free dining has made me realize I can do this! Who do you book thru? An agent, Disney directly? :

I personally book directly with Disney. Yes you have to pay a $200 deposit but it is refundable - as long as you DON'T get the insurance. Make sure you don't because they automatically add that to your cost. I don't like deal with TA's in my experience - its too much RED tape - on top of Disney Bloody RED tape. Yes they might keep you "up" on the codes - but trust me, you have already subscribed to this board - someone will post info on this message before your agent has their first cup of coffee - let alone call you. You are likely to call them to let them know of deals. Also, if you are within a 45 day window - you might have to pay a cost $50 - I think to add a code to your reservations - but FREE dining is worth $50. Also according to mousesavers.com under Disney's discount/code history, May early June tends to be the time Disney offers value season discounts. So if you are leaving after August 4 - you will be fine.

Also, if you need to make any changes to your package you can do so - directly with Disney. Again, as long as you are within your 45 days - you will be fine. I will be traveling with 2 separate families this year. Here is the break down of booking with Disney verses booking things individually. Also, it is likely that SOMETHING will be free. It might not be dining, but it could be FREE hopping and/or FREE water parks - anything added would be a gift well used with my family. Keeping in mind that Value season starts early this year (August 5) if you are going in August - booking a package is truly worth it!!

Price Booking with Disney Directly:
No insurance or extras added just base tickets. All the little stuff (luggage tag, $15 at Planet Hollywood, free minigolf) are added in the Disney packages.


A Family of 4 (with 2 adults 2 juniors ages 12 & 13)
7 nights in Value resort
8 day base tickets
=$1556

A Family of 4 w/ 2 adults and 2 kids (ages 3-9)
7 nights in Value Resort
8 day base tickets
=$1477.54

A Family of 3 w/2 adults 1 kid (age 7)
8 day base ticket
7 nights in Value Resort
=$1290

Booking all on your own - discounted Disney Tickets purchased at discountorlandovacation.com. All tickets includes taxes and shipping is free. AAA room only $82 - 20% (AAA discount) = $65.60 + 14% tax = $75 a night. Of course you don’t get all the “freebies” – this way.

A Family of 4 (with 2 adults 2 juniors ages 12 & 13)
7 nights in Value resort
7 day base tickets
= $1385 ($171.43 savings)

A Family of 4 w/ 2 adults and 2 kids (ages 3-9)
7 nights in Value Resort
7 day base ticket
=$1333 ($144.54 savings)

A Family of 3 w/2 adults 1 kid (age 7)
7 nights in Value Resort
7 day base tickets
=$1134 ($157.01 savings)


It doesn't matter if you book a package - Disney still allows you use of their FREE transportation to/from the airport. IMO, do it yourself - go ahead and book the package with Disney - it will be worth it - and less stress. It is highly likely that something will be FREE!!! That's why I'm booking with base everything - I figure - it could only get better.

Hope this helps......

 

[tinaluis]

Disney's offering the free dining program once again for Fall '07. I picked up a flyer at the Beach Club -- it said that if you're staying in a Disney resort right now, put down a deposit for a stay of 5-days or more at a Disney Value Resort (and ONLY Value Resorts) in Fall '07 and receive the dining plan for free. It looks like you need to purchase tickets for each member of your party for each day of your stay, however.

This is the package price for the value resorts. It is being offered at all resorts, just at a higher cost.

 

[PeachesDoesHair]

We're hoping for free dining, too!

 

[Kellyscrapbooks]

Here's also hoping for free dining! What were the dates last year? does anyone remember?

 

[djm99]

Here's also hoping for free dining! What were the dates last year? does anyone remember?

It started the second day of Value season in August - according to Mousesaver.com - Disney History Discount/codes. I believe that was the 29th of August. I'm hoping for the same. Value season starts August 5th - so keep those fingers crossed.

 

[Mickdeb]

We too, are keeping fingers crossed for free dining Though we are going either way.

Hey, Kellyscrapbooks, free dining last year ran from Aug.13,2006 thru Sept.30,2006. If you booked it right away, once they extended the offer to book into June, the available dates were Aug 20,2006 to Sept.30,2006.

We were at WL the week of Aug. 19th and loved it!

Deb

 

[pooksma]

Also booked and going regardless...BUT

Free dining would rock! We are there Aug.13-23 and will be keeping our fingers crossed!

 

[kutchyone]

I can't wait. FREE DINING, FREE DINING.

 

[sherry72nova]

I too am waiting. We also stayed last year during free dining aug19th -26th and had a wonderful experience. Hoping they do the same this year!!!!!

 

[glitzybabes]

We are hoping for Free Dining again in 2007 too. We went this year in Sept. and we want to go back the same week in Sept. because DD is out of school that week. Free Dining saved a lot of $$$.

Tiffany

 

[maxiesmom]

Add me to the list of August hopefuls. It would be an extra trip, as I have POR booked in October. So I am hoping for a good discount in order to add another trip!

 

[DISNEYFAN2828]

I am booking a family vacation for 15 plus....so I am REALLY hoping for the FREE dining! It would turn the 7 day trip into a 10 day trip!!

I can't wait to show my family how many other people are waiting for the FREE dining plan to come out....they think I am crazy!!

Thanks for reminding me that I am not crazy.....just a DISNEY FAN that can't wait to get back!!!

 

[DISNEYFAN2828]

FYI....I stayed last year during the free dining....and as long as you do your PS in advance.....we didn't do so great with that.....you are fine!

The parks were no more crowded than before. I go almost every August

 

[glitzybabes]

I can't wait to show my family how many other people are waiting for the FREE dining plan to come out....they think I am crazy!!FONT]

No, You are not crazy. :-D I have been waiting since the day after I got back from Free Dining Disney in September for them to say something about free dining again. Maybe we are just hungry for those Mickey Waffles.

Tiffany

 

[mcdee1980]

Gee I was worried that I was the only one sitting around waiting for it to be April (which is when last years discount came out . . . year before it was June). Although I will be traveling in September because I don't have kids that need to be back in school. Its amazing . . .there are almost no children in Disney in September . . . especially the first two weeks after Labor Day. Very good for nice quiet romantic dinners and strolls!

--Lady McBeth

 

[Cookie Princess]

Count us in! We had a great August trip this year with free dining, and are looking forward to a repeat performance next year.

 

[Ziggy]

There is currently an offer on where people who are stay at WDW resorts at moment can book to go back in August and get the free dining, this finishes on Jan 1st ...I wonder what they will offer after that?