September 2014 Discount Watch!

[tony609]

It is very possible that you will have to pay for memory maker if you try to switch to free dining. Memory maker is nonrefundable, so while you didn't technically pay for it, you still purchased it. The fine print of that deal leads me to believe that you will have to pay for it if something better comes along that you want to switch to. That might explain why they put out an offer so early in the year for those dates. Pretty smart from a business standpoint.[/QUOTE

Already thought of that. I purchase photopass every trip so it's no big deal. I would still rather have free dining over free memory maker. Because FD is a big savings. I'll have to do the math though and figure in my hotel discount, because we will loose that. Once I add up my meals I'll see what saves me the modt$$.

 

[Haygar2]

What should we prepare for the weather and the crowds?

When we went 2 years ago, the crowds were low. We had a wait of 15 minutes for each ride. We never had to use a fast pass. (There was no pre booking fast passes 2 years ago)

The weather was HOT. I advise a spray bottle with a fan attachment. It went everywhere with us and neither of my children complained about carrying it. It rained, for about 20 minutes, the day we were at HS. It rained, hard, our last day but not for long. We were at IoA at Universal and it didn't hit until we left there. It rained while we were changing/showering and by the time we got to DTD, it had stopped.

 

[GaBelle]

It is very possible that you will have to pay for memory maker if you try to switch to free dining. Memory maker is nonrefundable, so while you didn't technically pay for it, you still purchased it. The fine print of that deal leads me to believe that you will have to pay for it if something better comes along that you want to switch to. That might explain why they put out an offer so early in the year for those dates. Pretty smart from a business standpoint.

Oooo....sneaky!
We also went ahead and booked our September trip with the MM offer. I thought it was a decent deal, but am keeping a lookout for anything else that could pop up.

 

[DopeyDame]

Is the room discount people are talking about the kid sized package on the disney site? Is that actually a room discount or just the free memory maker package added to rack rate?
Thanks!

 

[PorarBear06]

Is the room discount people are talking about the kid sized package on the disney site? Is that actually a room discount or just the free memory maker package added to rack rate?
Thanks!

There is a room discount, and in addition to the discount you get Memory Maker for free.

 

[DopeyDame]

There is a room discount, and in addition to the discount you get Memory Maker for free.

Thanks! I'll check out

 

[KNovacovschi]

So I switched our package today to the free memory maker package. I've never purchased Photopass + in the past and am kind of scared. From what I understand they no longer provide cards and everything is done through the MB. I just hope no pictures are lost. Also the CM I spoke with was amazing but did state that the chance for FD for Sept this year is pretty slim. But we all know to take what the CMs with a grain of salt.

 

[DitkaFan]

So I switched our package today to the free memory maker package. I've never purchased Photopass + in the past and am kind of scared. From what I understand they no longer provide cards and everything is done through the MB. I just hope no pictures are lost. Also the CM I spoke with was amazing but did state that the chance for FD for Sept this year is pretty slim. But we all know to take what the CMs with a grain of salt.

Here is to hoping that the CMs are wrong

 

[KNovacovschi]

Here is to hoping that the CMs are wrong

I here ya

 

[tjd1925]

Finally wore DH down. Coming back to the world in September. Here's hoping for a discount soon so we can stay on site!

 

[crazymomof4]

So I switched our package today to the free memory maker package. I've never purchased Photopass + in the past and am kind of scared. From what I understand they no longer provide cards and everything is done through the MB. I just hope no pictures are lost. Also the CM I spoke with was amazing but did state that the chance for FD for Sept this year is pretty slim. But we all know to take what the CMs with a grain of salt.

For sure! CM's have been telling people that we can't make ADRs for Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert party until 90 days out. (says right on Disney's page for that event 180 days!)

 

[chenbru]

I am just about to confirm reservations for Sept 7 to 13. I have till the 20th to get my deposit in. We are first time visitors. Family of 7 and will be staying at the Saratoga Spa. Right now the best is a bit more then we wanted to spend, but we want to be together (not in 2 rooms, even if they join). Meals are HUGE for me, husband really could care less, but he wont be the one cooking. I am hopeful to get free dining, however, if not I am ok with the price.

Looking forward to September. My children (DD 19, DS 17, DD 15, DD 15 and DS 10) have no idea, we are going to try to wait as long as possible to tell them.

So for any seasoned visitors, any and all help will be appreciated.

 

[GaBelle]

I am just about to confirm reservations for Sept 7 to 13. I have till the 20th to get my deposit in. We are first time visitors. Family of 7 and will be staying at the Saratoga Spa. Right now the best is a bit more then we wanted to spend, but we want to be together (not in 2 rooms, even if they join). Meals are HUGE for me, husband really could care less, but he wont be the one cooking. I am hopeful to get free dining, however, if not I am ok with the price.

Looking forward to September. My children (DD 19, DS 17, DD 15, DD 15 and DS 10) have no idea, we are going to try to wait as long as possible to tell them.

So for any seasoned visitors, any and all help will be appreciated.

Welcome to the Dis!
We are a friendly bunch, so if you have any specific questions please ask. My first tip would be- research! And this is a great play to do so.
Have fun!

 

[PiratenPrincess]

I am seriously considering moving our trip up a week to get the best chance at free dining. Right now booked Sept 20-27. Thinking of moving it to 13-20. My main reason with doing it now is our plane res. I don't want to wait for the promo to come out then have to pay tons to change our flight because the prices went up - we're flying SW. I hate hate hate that they moved up the start of F&W fest.

 

[chenbru]

Welcome to the Dis!
We are a friendly bunch, so if you have any specific questions please ask. My first tip would be- research! And this is a great play to do so.
Have fun!

Thanks, sure hope you dont regret the offer to ask away. lol

I am so confused about so much. right now we are trying to get the best Chase Visa deal and figure all that out. I called them directly but they were not very helpful seeing as they have many offeres.

Do you happen to know if when booking your reservation if the person will give you the best one available or do you specifically have to ask. Also do you know how the "points" work in paying towards the balance of your trip?

 

[black562]

Here is to hoping that the CMs are wrong

The CM's usually find their information on here. Disney doesn't tell them anything until the morning the discount begins. This explains why, when people call first thing in the morning, some CM's tell the caller that there is no discount. Last year on the first day of free dining offerings, many callers hung up because they were told it didn't exist....because the CM hadn't read their morning memo yet.

 

[SGMCO]

Anyone else going to make Ressies (without a package) hoping for FD? I'm afraid that if I don't get ressies (even if I have to make a few everyday for several days) I might not get what I want.

 

[PiratenPrincess]

I just moved our trip up a week Sept 13-20th. I feel better now as we are in a better time frame if/when FD is released and will not be there during the food & wine fest.

 

[SPOERLX3]

Just be careful booking "hoping" for FD.
If bookings are looking good, then obviously the discount suffers, which is why it is always stressed to people NOT to book in advance in anticipation of free dining. Advance booking only fills rooms in the eyes of Disney, which decreases the chances of a discount....plus, it can also exclude resorts from a discount if that resort has an acceptable level of occupancy.
If everyone is booking in hopes of FD, Disney has no reason to offer any discounts at all, especially FD and if some weeks are filled more than others, Disney can always exclude those days/weeks.

 

[SGMCO]

Just be careful booking "hoping" for FD.
If bookings are looking good, then obviously the discount suffers, which is why it is always stressed to people NOT to book in advance in anticipation of free dining. Advance booking only fills rooms in the eyes of Disney, which decreases the chances of a discount....plus, it can also exclude resorts from a discount if that resort has an acceptable level of occupancy.
If everyone is booking in hopes of FD, Disney has no reason to offer any discounts at all, especially FD and if some weeks are filled more than others, Disney can always exclude those days/weeks.

Agreed, stop booking!! why should Disney offer any discounts if everyone is already booked, they have no need to.