Room only first night then Package, dining, tickets start on our 2nd night HELP?

[mudman]

So happy that I just booked with FREE dining but we arrive they day before this starts. So we now hold two resservations. The first night is room only and the 2nd night is when our package starts with tickets and dining.
I assume we can't use our tickets (or start dining) until our 2nd day, Am I wrong here?
Has anyone had experience with a situation like this. Wondering how Disney handles it?

 

[EpcotBill]

You can't start the dining plan early but you can get your tickets early. There are a few threads on the subject.

I checked in 2 days before free dining in August 2011. I got my tickets early at the concierge desk at the resort where my free dining package was. People will tell you that you have to go to a park or DTD to pick up the tickets. I didn't have to do that.

 

[graceesmom]

Dining will not start until you check in for your 2nd reservation, but you can get your park tickets early. The CM at check-in should be able to handle this for you. Have your second reservation information ready when you check in for your room only reservation.

 

[mudman]

Thanks for the quick responses. I knew that you all would know the answer.
I hope that we can get that dining to work in the AM of our start of the package day
Will I need to go to the check in two days in a row?

 

[graceesmom]

When we did the same thing (room only 1 night) then package, we had to go back down in the AM to get new keys. We went before MK rope drop which happened to be at 7 am that Spring Break morning. We were able to get the new keys with our dining at 6 something in the morning.

 

[mudman]

When we did the same thing (room only 1 night) then package, we had to go back down in the AM to get new keys. We went before MK rope drop which happened to be at 7 am that Spring Break morning. We were able to get the new keys with our dining at 6 something in the morning.

Thanks, hoping we don't have to change rooms. The rep said it's possible that we may have to?

 

[tripplanner2]

What is the story with free dining? Did you get a pin code? I have a BB booked but would love to change our dates.

 

[mudman]

What is the story with free dining? Did you get a pin code? I have a BB booked but would love to change our dates.

I had an exisiting room only. I didn't get a post card or an email. I called and asked if I could add free dining. The rep didn't ask me for a pin, but did put me on hold and I was quoted an offer which included free dining. Mention of a pin was NEVER mentioned.

 

[tripplanner2]

If you don't mind me asking, what are your dates? I saw an advertisement and was not sure if they were throwing dining in with the quoted numbers. I am crazy busy in grad school so this would have to be a simple transaction this year.

 

[ADisneyQueen]

Make sure that you call ahead and ask them to link your two reservations. There will be more of a chance that you will not have to change rooms that way.

We've done the 2 separate res. before and I always go to the check in desk early the next morning to try to keep our same room. We've never had to switch.

 

[stephgles]

When you check in let them know you have another reservation starting the next day and that you would like to keep the room. We have done this a couple of times and have been able to keep the same room.

As for getting tickets yearly. I called last year (October 2011) to do this and I was told no that you are unable to do that anymore.