Talked with CS Manager/ May not have Free Dining this year!

[safetymom]

Please keep this on topic everyone. There is no need to attack others. Disney is free to offer the discount or offer to whoever they please. If they decide to not offer it then you have to make a choice whether or not you will be going. Thank you.

 

[WDW1st-timers]

just subscribing to this thread....boy I have alot of reading to do....

 

[LakeAriel]

Please keep this on topic everyone. There is no need to attack others. Disney is free to offer the discount or offer to whoever they please. If they decide to not offer it then you have to make a choice whether or not you will be going. Thank you.

 

[safetymom]

Read some of the posts on page 4 for clarification.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Regardless of what CMs may or may not tell you on the phone... the corporate decision to offer free dining to the general public was made months ago. I find it ironic that people report talking to CMs who say the bounceback offer did better than expected... but many who booked trips had a hard time finding a bounceback booking booth, or a knowledgeable phone CM to book their stay.

Regardless of any of that... and understanding that Disney will target those demographic groups they feel are under-represented (recent visitors, guests from abroad, etc) in the parks (now you know why they have those survey takers)... they have already given word to those companies with whom they contract to take reservations about the upcoming promotion. In other words... contracting for more live voices on the end of the phone line... beginning in early April.

 

[CathrynRose]

they have already given word to those companies with whom they contract to take reservations about the upcoming promotion. In other words... contracting for more live voices on the end of the phone line... beginning in early April.

 

[Nurse_Mommy4]

I really hope so, the suspense is killing me!

 

[CathrynRose]

For those of you waiting for free dining, but going either way (like me!)

Think of it this way....if they have free dining, and we get it - GREAT!!! Saves me around $400! Thats a nice chunk-o-change (that Ill spend on Disney anyways.... Im a sucker for their shops! )

And if they dont offer it, but you have plans on going - this just eliminates crowds all the more. It was not *busy* when I went last year for free dining, however it was certainly 'busier'....

So either way, us September trip'pers should be looking forward to a magnificent trip!!!

169 days, here!

 

[WDW1st-timers]

For those of you waiting for free dining, but going either way (like me!)

Think of it this way....if they have free dining, and we get it - GREAT!!! Saves me around $400! Thats a nice chunk-o-change (that Ill spend on Disney anyways.... Im a sucker for their shops! )

And if they dont offer it, but you have plans on going - this just eliminates crowds all the more. It was not *busy* when I went last year for free dining, however it was certainly 'busier'....

So either way, us September trip'pers should be looking forward to a magnificent trip!!!

169 days, here!

You think just like me.

 

[Lewisc]

For at least the last 10 years Disney has run good promotions during late August and September. Schools are back in session, hurricane season and some visitors wait until the Food and Wine Festival

Although I agree a decision to offer free dining as a promotion was probably made months ago the amount of advance bookings could certainly cause Disney to reverse the decision or (more likely) reduce the number of rooms available for free dining for popular resorts during popular dates.

I'll agree with Bicker, the vast majority of CMs don't know and are just making stuff up.

Regardless of what CMs may or may not tell you on the phone... the corporate decision to offer free dining to the general public was made months ago. I find it ironic that people report talking to CMs who say the bounceback offer did better than expected... but many who booked trips had a hard time finding a bounceback booking booth, or a knowledgeable phone CM to book their stay.

Regardless of any of that... and understanding that Disney will target those demographic groups they feel are under-represented (recent visitors, guests from abroad, etc) in the parks (now you know why they have those survey takers)... they have already given word to those companies with whom they contract to take reservations about the upcoming promotion. In other words... contracting for more live voices on the end of the phone line... beginning in early April.

 

[aubriee]

When I was there in Dec booking the Bounce Back program at PORS the CM told me and the couple behind me that there had been alot of complaints over the last two years both from visitors and restaurants about free dining and that Disney was severely limiting the number of free dining pkg available for 2007 and that the only way to get free dining for 2007 was going to be via the bounce back program or the UK program. I had already booked my pkg by then so there was no reason to use a sales tactic on me. He also said that the Bounce Back program may have bitten Disney in the foot as they were all shocked at how many people knew about it and had made a special overnight trips down there just to book it, especially since they had purposely not promoted it that much. He said they were already over their quota.

I had already planned to go to WDW in Dec so it didn't affect me, but if I had taken off work, taken the time, paid for airfare and for a room just to book the Bounce Back program and then found out they offered it to the general public later I can see where they'd be ticked (and yes Disney would lose their credibility). I was sent a survey after I returned from my Dec trip and it was mainly about the Bounce Back program, how I liked it, what was good and what was bad about the experience, how knowledgable the CM was, and stuff like that.

 

[smilechaser]

(and yes Disney would lose their credibility)

If you are baseing Disney's credibility on what CM's are telling people they are already sunk! According to these boards and my own personal experience the CM's are telling people many different storys.

 

[TheRatPack]

But why would they tell you any different? I mean how many people would have shelled out the money if they'd said something like "Well, this is a trial program, but we're still going to offer it again in the year for general public" How many people wouldn't have booked those 'extra' trips just to get there and take part in the bounceback program?

And on the note of them telling you they were over their quota....another sales tactic. If you go to a store to buy a new shirt and you see a new release DVD that you were only thinking of purchasing but supplies were low, you'd probably pick it up right then and not wait. Same with the bounceback program.....but, just my opinion

 

[ToyStory]

He also said that the Bounce Back program may have bitten Disney in the foot as they were all shocked at how many people knew about it and had made a special overnight trips down there just to book it, especially since they had purposely not promoted it that much. He said they were already over their quota.

What I don't understand is if the quota was met why did they continue the program. Most Disney discounts are based on availability so I just think that is just another CM line.

Also, unless you have a real large family, making a trip to Disney and purchase airfare and a night at the hotel would offset the savings of free dining. The cost difference between my AAA package and free dining is $260.00 if I did my math correct.

 

[CanadianGuy]

What I don't understand is if the quota was met why did they continue the program. Most Disney discounts are based on availability so I just think that is just another CM line.

Also, unless you have a real large family, making a trip to Disney and purchase airfare and a night at the hotel would offset the savings of free dining. The cost difference between my AAA package and free dining is $260.00 if I did my math correct.

For Florida residents.. as well as residents of North & South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and some other states.. Disney is a reasonable 0 to 18 hour drive.

And for familys with 2 or more children of adult age with two adults.. they're saving at least 153$ a DAY with free dining and probably eating much better than they normally would.

Supposing a family of four with two children in their teens.. had been planning a 10 day big to-do family vacation .. they'd save over 1500 with free dining. (vs payin for the dining plan).

For those in neighboring states... Is that worth 75$ in gas.. and two nights in a mod or value resort? Yup!

For those who are a little further away but able to get cheap airfare.. Is it worth two x 200$ airfares and two nights in a mod or value.. -- YUP! Heck, I can fly from Portland Maine for 243$ return!

Personally if I was a parent in that situation.. I'd leave the kids with their grandparents.. and run off with my wife for a weekend getaway.. that would STILL end up saving me money on the big family vacation the following summer.

But I digress. Anything we write on here at this point is pure conjecture. There are enough rumors on the street that I feel some form of free dining will be offered. BUT - I do expect it will for a shorter duration and more limited availability. But I'm not a CM and I don't play one at the parks.

As my mom always said.... "We'll see...."

Knox

 

[frannn]

I "joked" with DH about how we would still save $ if I flew down for a weekend just to book BB program. Plus, I would get a dose of much needed Disney Magic. He didn't bite, so I decided to wait to see what gets offered later this year. Honestly, if I had spent $ just to book BB, and then they offered it to everyone, I would be a small bit upset, but only for a second. I think the several months of knowing I had a great deal under my belt, having the extra time to plan, and general piece of mind that I got my first resort choice would be enough to have me still be thrilled about spending $ to book BB. Also, I would have had the value of those few days in the park.
I think about it this way- If I'm shopping around for something, I try to never pay full price. If I can catch an early sale (even if it's not as good as something that might come later), I'm thrilled, because I get to "enjoy" the item/experience that much longer. If I can't get to the store in time for the sale, I'm very frustrated. If there is no sale following the early one, I get extremely frustrated. It's very hard to be patient and wait for the sale, though! I'd love to book free dining, so I can move on to the next thing requiring my attention this week!

 

[rstamm]

What I don't understand is if the quota was met why did they continue the program. Most Disney discounts are based on availability so I just think that is just another CM line.

Also, unless you have a real large family, making a trip to Disney and purchase airfare and a night at the hotel would offset the savings of free dining. The cost difference between my AAA package and free dining is $260.00 if I did my math correct.

I booked my trip over Christmas week and I will give you my savings.
August 10-20 ASMo.
AAA savings $16.40 X 10 = $164 off room for 10 nights.
Free Dining $38 X 3 = $114 X 10 = $1,140 for 10 nights.
So for our family of 3 it would be almost $1000 savings.
It was so good we also booked Sept. 28- Oct 8!

 

[kdzgon]

I talked with WDW and they said that they only would do free dining if they have a low booking and this year they have alot of booking so most likely will not do it!!!!

So she also said that if people have booked in hopes of free dining they need to cancel so that they could know true bookings VS ones that would only come with free dining? If they end up having alot of cancels then they may do free dining but most likely wouldn't give much notice only a few weeks. And they also might change the policy that if you are already booked you would have to cancel then rebook to get free dining also??

So I guess we will see. I just thought I would pass the info on to you all because as of now it doesn't look like we will get free dining this year if the bookings stay the same.

So if you one of those who have booked only in hopes of free dining you might want to call and ask about what I was told. If you get a honest CS rep I think they will tell you what I was told also.

This whole subject is nearly worthy of snopes.com coverage!!

First of all, does anyone have any idea of the preparation and lead time needed for a successful marketing campaign of this magnitude? I cannot believe Disney would put it in to place with "just a few week" notice.

Second, what is it that proves "your" CS rep is any more (or less, for that matter) "honest" than "mine" when I call? I think I'd be insulted if I were a CM and was being called "dishonest" for telling guests what I had been instructed to say. Bottom line is any info any of us are receiving when calling CRS is purely speculation and/or completely unofficial at this point in time.

disclaimer: I'm sorry if I am repeating what someone else has posted here. I *think* I scanned the entire thread, but I could have missed something.

 

[Disney Fans]

This whole subject is nearly worthy of snopes.com coverage!!

First of all, does anyone have any idea of the preparation and lead time needed for a successful marketing campaign of this magnitude? I cannot believe Disney would put it in to place with "just a few week" notice.

Second, what is it that proves "your" CS rep is any more (or less, for that matter) "honest" than "mine" when I call? I think I'd be insulted if I were a CM and was being called "dishonest" for telling guests what I had been instructed to say. Bottom line is any info any of us are receiving when calling CRS is purely speculation and/or completely unofficial at this point in time.

disclaimer: I'm sorry if I am repeating what someone else has posted here. I *think* I scanned the entire thread, but I could have missed something.

If you did read through the whole threads of this you would see that others where told the same as me and no one is saying anyone is DISHONEST, ( the meaning of honest -is that sometimes you get a CR that maybe doens't think they can pass on info or doens't maybe want to hurt peoples feelings because these trips can cost people alot of money)Don't miss quote people, this is a thread to pass on info to others not for others like you to start reading into things and to miss quote people. And to try and be-little someone to make yourself feel better.
Hope you have a good day anyway.

 

[smilechaser]

Second, what is it that proves "your" CS rep is any more (or less, for that matter) "honest" than "mine" when I call? I think I'd be insulted if I were a CM and was being called "dishonest" for telling guests what I had been instructed to say. Bottom line is any info any of us are receiving when calling CRS is purely speculation and/or completely unofficial at this point in time.

yeah that (as noted above)