Resort split stay and dining plan new policy?

[tinkerbellybutton]

My BIL just got a free dining code and called Disney today to price some resorts. First of all they would be arriving on Nov 23, the last day before black out dates for thanksgiving. The CM they spoke to told them they could do a split stay and still get to keep free dining for their entire trip. I know if you check in by the last day of the offer you can get it for the whole trip, but I don't think it would be honored once you switch hotels after the black out dates.

The two problems I see with what the CM told them is that #1- you usually have to have a package including tickets to get dining (free or not) as each resort reservation is treated separate. By adding the cost of the second set of tickets you loose any savings you get from the discount. #2-if they switch hotels after the 23rd the new reservation would be during the black out dates so they wouldn't be able to get free dining even if they purchased the second set of tickets. As far as I know this is how it all works, right???

He said he specifically asked if she was sure he could move resorts, during black out dates, and still keep free dining throughout trip. He was told there was a way they could do that for him. Is there a new policy I am not aware of? Or is the CM misinformed?

He didn't book it at the time. I have told him to try calling back to speak to another CM, or even ask to speak to a manager because he isn't sure if he was given accurate info. But maybe I'm wrong and things have changed since I last did a switch stay last summer?????

 

[TDC Nala]

That CM is smoking something...or just has it wrong. You can't carry over a dining plan to different resorts on a split stay. If the first stay has a check-in date that is the very last date free dining is available and the second check-in date is not within the free dining period at all, then there's no way they're going to get free dining on the second stay. They could get dining but they'd have to pay for it.

They are correct that the guest would have to buy 2 sets of tickets.

 

[tinkerbellybutton]

They are correct that the guest would have to buy 2 sets of tickets.

I am the one who told him they would have to purchase two sets of tickets. The CM was wrong about that too, she said they didn't have to.

 

[maxiesmom]

That CM is smoking something

Too funny!

Unfortunately TDC Nala is right. As always. Each reservation is separate. No way to get Free Dining for the second part of the trip if the dates are not within the Free Dining period.

 

[tinkerbellybutton]

Thanks guys. I have been to Disney around 17 times now, and have used all different sorts of discounts. I knew this was not allowed, but when my BIL said the CM told him she was "sure" they could do all this I thought maybe policies had changed. Didn't want to pass on out dated info.

He did call back, spoke to another CM who told him he could not do this because of the black out dates. Still didn't tell him that he would still need two sets of tickets. It's really ashamed the CMs aren't more knowledgeable when booking vacation packages for guests.