Sooo if Free Dining IS offered then...

[MissyPrissy]

wouldn't it make the most sense to book a trip sooner rather than later and then ADD free dining if it does in fact become available to the general public in the spring? That way ADR's are made, rooms are booked regardless and you aren't left with the slim pickin's? (this is the argument I making to my husband for booking an August trip NOW-ish as opposed to waiting!)

are there holes in my argument? any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Cruiser1969]

wouldn't it make the most sense to book a trip sooner rather than later and then ADD free dining if it does in fact become available to the general public in the spring? That way ADR's are made, rooms are booked regardless and you aren't left with the slim pickin's? (this is the argument I making to my husband for booking an August trip NOW-ish as opposed to waiting!)

are there holes in my argument? any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

Your logic makes sense . . . BUT . . . the only problem is if we all did that, the rooms would appear to be full and Disney would NOT offer the free dining after all

 

[kaytieeldr]

Not necessarily, because if occupancy rates appear too high, that particular promotion may ultimately not be offered to anyone not already eligible.

 

[lyzziesmom]

Free dining is offered during low attendance times. Twice I have gone during free dining, and have had no trouble getting any ADRs. In fact, this year on a rainy day when I was scheduled to be offsite, I decided last-minute (around 5pm) to call the Concourse Steakhouse for an ADR. Got one for the same day at 6:30pm for 5 people. I'd hardly call that "slim-pickins".

 

[JimMIA]

Keep in mind that you don't need either a reservation or enrollment in any kind of dining plan to make ADR's. You can make them six months exactly from the date you want to dine. So you can make ADRs and see what happens with free dining and the requirements for the packages.

Just because you book a ressie does not mean you can automatically convert that to a Free Dining package later.

 

[n2mm]

I agree with the rest, if we all book our rooms now, then Disney will see that the rooms are filled and no promotion will be offered. Disney only offers promotions to fill the rooms. We would be shooting ourselves in the foot. And also, just because you have a package reservation, there has to be availability at the resort you are booked in in order to get the promotion, so no guarantee there either. Now, if you plan to go whether you get the free dining or now, then you certainly should book your package reservation now, but make sure you are prepared if free dining is not offered and be aware of the penalty for canceling your package within certain timeframes if you choose to not keep your package.

 

[bicker]

wouldn't it make the most sense to book a trip sooner rather than later and then ADD free dining if it does in fact become available to the general public in the spring?

Beyond the good points made above, keep in mind that having an existing reservation is of no assistance in securing the free dining promotion, should it be offered at a later date. In order to get the free dining promotion, there must be availability in the limited inventory allocated for the free dining promotion. Though nothing you can see about your reservation may change, what is really happening is that your reservation is being switched from the unrestricted inventory it was originally in to the inventory for the free dining promotion. You have just as much chance of getting a room from the free dining promotion inventory whether you have another room or not.

So, it only makes sense to book a trip sooner rather than later if you would use the reservation as-is even if the free dining promotion is not offered or even if you are unable to switch to the free dining promotion.

 

[Cruiser1969]

Beyond the good points made above, keep in mind that having an existing reservation is of no assistance in securing the free dining promotion, should it be offered at a later date. In order to get the free dining promotion, there must be availability in the limited inventory allocated for the free dining promotion. Though nothing you can see about your reservation may change, what is really happening is that your reservation is being switched from the unrestricted inventory it was originally in to the inventory for the free dining promotion. You have just as much chance of getting a room from the free dining promotion inventory whether you have another room or not.

So, it only makes sense to book a trip sooner rather than later if you would use the reservation as-is even if the free dining promotion is not offered or even if you are unable to switch to the free dining promotion.

Well said

 

[MissyPrissy]

thanks for the replies everyone...I don't know how y'all keep all this information straight. What I got out of everyone's replies was that booking early with the express intent of getting in on free dining is not a very good idea b/c 1)booking early does not necessarily mean I will be eligible for free dining and 2)booking early negates the whole free dining offer in a way as Disney won't offer it if the resorts all look full...SO I should wait it out until Spring if free dining is what I am after...if it doesn't matter one way or another then book whenever...good...okay I think I have it!

My husband will need the free dining as a carrot...I personally think the DDP is a pretty good deal regardless and I would go to Disney anytime of the year...sheesh what's HIS problem?

thanks again everyone. Your vast understanding and explanation of this topic is greatly appreciated!!

 

[mdhkitten]

It appears that free dining is currently being offered, at least to those currently staying at WDW from now until 12/31. I knew that they were offering an opportunity for those people staying during this time to book a trip for next August/September for a discounted rate (which basically was the equivalent of the price of the dining plan). You had to book before you check out and it was for 5 nights. Well, I just got back today from the Contemporary and noticed while I was there that they are actually calling this promotion free dining! I was surprised since it wasn't officially called that in any article I've read, but it definitely said that in the room.