So, I just messed up really big??

[raammartin]

Ok, while at Disney T'giving week I checked the DISboards to find that, YES, they are offering free dining next August/Sept. I was excited and wanted to confirm it. So I called from my room, speak to someone who confirms that, YES, they are offering it and asks do I want to make a reservation. Well, of course at that moment I can't because I don't know DHs schedule that far in advance. So this morning, I've got all of DHs schedule info, we've picked our days we are going, and I call. The person I talk to tells me that, YES, they are offering it, but you have to be currently staying at the resort to get it. I told him I was just there and he just says "I'm sorry ma'am."

NOW WHAT DO I DO? Am I up the creek without a paddle? My kids are going to be so disappointed!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Well, you wait and see if free dining is eventually offered to the general public; or you visit when you planned, but without the dining plan; or you budget for the added expense of it...

 

[Luv2Roam]

AGree with the previous poster. Now you are back to the waiting game and see what is your best option for then.
Once a guest checks out, they cannot book the Bounce Back package on-site guests are being offered now.

 

[kerri0616]

Don't despair. I would assume that Disney would open up free dining again to the General Public next year.

Stay positive. Or, just start saving now for the added cost of the Dining Plan for your family. If you do end up getting Free Dining, apply your saving to your ressie!

Kerri

 

[raammartin]

You are all right - now, we wait.

 

[Tanya90210]

I decided to wait it out... because even if I did a solo day trip down there the airfare and 1 night hotel would cost me as much as paying for dining.. so I wait... and hope... and even if they don't I go and just pay for the dining since its still cheaper than paying OOP at each meal

 

[JimMIA]

NOW WHAT DO I DO? Am I up the creek without a paddle? My kids are going to be so disappointed!

I'd call back and tell them you originally only called to confirm a rumor you heard, and you did not understand that you had to reserve it while you were actually at WDW...and ask if they can help you. If they say no, ask very nicely to speak to a supervisor and never say anything negative about the CMs you have previously talked to -- as a matter of fact, compliment them. The manager can easily check and tell you were there during the qualifying period.

I say this for two reasons. One is that you will often get different answers depending on who you talk to. And the other is, if you approach things in a pleasant, positive manner, magic sometimes occurs.

Good luck!

 

[kaytieeldr]

While that frequently works, I truly doubt it will work in THIS instance. It's a test program - I can't see Disney making exceptions at this time. Think about it - what's to stop, say, ME from calling and claiming "I was just there", and getting the free dining package? How the reservationists know the caller is eligible for the package is, well, they're calling from their Disney resort room phones.

 

[JoiseyMom]

While that frequently works, I truly doubt it will work in THIS instance. It's a test program - I can't see Disney making exceptions at this time. Think about it - what's to stop, say, ME from calling and claiming "I was just there", and getting the free dining package? How the reservationists know the caller is eligible for the package is, well, they're calling from their Disney resort room phones.

What's to stop you from saying you were just there, when you weren't?? Umm...they can check that info in the computer. They will know if you were just there or not. You can't lie about that information.

 

[raammartin]

I'd call back and tell them you originally only called to confirm a rumor you heard, and you did not understand that you had to reserve it while you were actually at WDW...and ask if they can help you. If they say no, ask very nicely to speak to a supervisor and never say anything negative about the CMs you have previously talked to -- as a matter of fact, compliment them. The manager can easily check and tell you were there during the qualifying period.

I say this for two reasons. One is that you will often get different answers depending on who you talk to. And the other is, if you approach things in a pleasant, positive manner, magic sometimes occurs.

Good luck!

I may try that. I hate to be so pushy about it, but the fact of the matter is I really didn't realize I had to be staying there to make the ressies at that time.

Thanks for the idea.

 

[raammartin]

...this is so like have something right in your grasp only to watch it quickly fade away - UGH! If there's no free dinining, there's no Disney for us next year.

 

[Corwin12]

Doesn't it only take $200.00 to hold a reservation at Disney? And isn't that refundable if you cancel within 45 days? I plan on booking a September trip when I am there next week. Am I right on this one?

 

[Grant Dogg]

I did the exzct same thing.....was there for Thanksgiving and didn't book it even though I planned to go in August. I have to continually think of new excuses in order to convince myself I am not an idiot.

I am going to call tomorrow and see if I can book it. I can beg with the best of them. I'll post any victories.

Jason

 

[raammartin]

I did the exzct same thing.....was there for Thanksgiving and didn't book it even though I planned to go in August. I have to continually think of new excuses in order to convince myself I am not an idiot.

I am going to call tomorrow and see if I can book it. I can beg with the best of them. I'll post any victories.

Jason

Yes, Jason, please let us know if you are successful! So far two calls and no luck with Disney.

 

[blsx3]

Ok, while at Disney T'giving week I checked the DISboards to find that, YES, they are offering free dining next August/Sept. I was excited and wanted to confirm it. So I called from my room, speak to someone who confirms that, YES, they are offering it and asks do I want to make a reservation. Well, of course at that moment I can't because I don't know DHs schedule that far in advance. So this morning, I've got all of DHs schedule info, we've picked our days we are going, and I call. The person I talk to tells me that, YES, they are offering it, but you have to be currently staying at the resort to get it. I told him I was just there and he just says "I'm sorry ma'am."

NOW WHAT DO I DO? Am I up the creek without a paddle? My kids are going to be so disappointed!

here is what i would do,,,disney is all about customer service and wanting you to come back,,,,play it nice, not the squeaky wheel,,,,call the resort directly where you stayed,,,,ask to speak to a manager, they may try to head that off and ask if there's anything that "i can do for you"?,,,,just explain to the person nicely that it isn't a complaint but you have an issue that you feel would be better handled by someone in charge. at that point they should get the manager for you....make sure you have your reservation # and explain your predicament....that you were there, called to confirm but the CM failed to mention that you had to book it right then/there and were under the impression you had some time when you got back to re-book.....

if the CM says sorry there's nothing more that he/she can do for you then you ask for his manager/supervisor ph#,,,i wouldn't go higher than that if they say no,,,being what disney is they should give you some consideration, but if they say no,,,just hang in there just like the other posts say,,,they want people back that time of year because it is hurricane season and people are starting to stay away from major southern destinations..