Split reservations, when does 180 start?

[natparev]

Have been lurking for a while, but figured I'd jump in and join the fun. Doing some advance planning for a trip next year and hoping -- like so many others -- they'll do free dining again at the time I'm going.

My question is (assuming FD is offered of course): If we arrive two days before FD is offered, I know we'd need to make a separate reservation for that day and I probably wouldn't buy the dining plan for those days, but when would I eligible to go online and make my ADRs for the rest of the trip? Would it be 180 from the day I arrive for the package with the dining?

Thanks for any help!

 

[dzneelvr]

They will ask you for your resort confirmation number and check the date of 180 from that. If you have any questions, call WDW DINING and ask them for the exact 180 calculation. The CM did it for me in about a minute last week; she had a different date than the one I had calc'd...I got all our December ADRS today with no problem

 

[squirrel]

You can do them from your first night.

I added a room only reservation on to my Free Dining trip. I was able to do the +10 from the room only reservation # online. Don't know if they will let you do this on the phone.

 

[natparev]

Thanks for the answers. I really appreciate them!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Online you can do it at 180 days from first check in. If you call, the CM may make you wait until 180 days from 2nd check in for the dates during the second part of your stay. If you are needing to link the dining plan for a prepaid meal you may have to wait until 180 days from the dining plan stay.

 

[natparev]

I was planning to do this online, so that sounds good.

Thanks!