What is the possibility of Free Dining after Labor Day? (2014)

[afnaechiquita]

I'm beginning to budget out my Disneymoon, and I'm wondering if FD has ever been offered the week of Labor Day, but just after Labor Day itself (knowing that LD weekend itself is probably a busy time)?

We're looking at August 30, 2014 as the wedding date, and so we'd ideally head down on the 31st. We have the option of staying at SOG, so I'm trying to figure out what would be the better (read: cheaper) option: on-site with FD, or SOG and OOP for meals? Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

 

[smitch425]

I'm beginning to budget out my Disneymoon, and I'm wondering if FD has ever been offered the week of Labor Day, but just after Labor Day itself (knowing that LD weekend itself is probably a busy time)?

We're looking at August 30, 2014 as the wedding date, and so we'd ideally head down on the 31st. We have the option of staying at SOG, so I'm trying to figure out what would be the better (read: cheaper) option: on-site with FD, or SOG and OOP for meals? Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

The current bounceback offer includes those dates, so if you can get on property for even one night between now and early November, you can book for 2014 with FD. If not, you will either need to luck out with a PIN code or wait until a public offer comes out for that timeframe. This year, late August was omitted from the public offer. The offer's first FD date was 9/2.

 

[afnaechiquita]

The current bounceback offer includes those dates, so if you can get on property for even one night between now and early November, you can book for 2014 with FD. If not, you will either need to luck out with a PIN code or wait until a public offer comes out for that timeframe. This year, late August was omitted from the public offer. The offer's first FD date was 9/2.

I'm overseas, so no option for bounceback

If the first date for this year was 9/2, and that's Labor Day, maybe we will get lucky and have it be 9/1 next year.

 

[2ofUs]

You might also consider the benefits/drawbacks of SOG. As it is not a Disney resort, you cannot add the dining plan and the transportation system is separate from Disney. The rooms are larger and the resort is close to MK, but renting a car has been said to be more convenient. I am not military, so not overly familiar with SOG, but have several friends who are, thus the information above.

Perhaps you could stay the first day or two at SOG, then TRANSFER to a resort offering FD? POP Century is nice as you can walk over the bridge and dine at AOA, but they are value and only have free QS. Port Orleans French Quarter, in my opinion, is the most romantic/intimate resort and offer free TS with moderate pricing.

Doing this would allow you to save money on both portions, but would be a bit of effort to transfer unless you had a rental. Taking an early morning taxi could work to get you from SOG to POP or POFQ where you could check in, leave your luggage and catch an early theme park bus.

Just some thoughts.

 

[smitch425]

POFQ is excluded from the current FD offer. Not sure if this will become the norm or if it is a one time deal.

 

[afnaechiquita]

You might also consider the benefits/drawbacks of SOG. As it is not a Disney resort, you cannot add the dining plan and the transportation system is separate from Disney. The rooms are larger and the resort is close to MK, but renting a car has been said to be more convenient. I am not military, so not overly familiar with SOG, but have several friends who are, thus the information above.

Perhaps you could stay the first day or two at SOG, then TRANSFER to a resort offering FD? POP Century is nice as you can walk over the bridge and dine at AOA, but they are value and only have free QS. Port Orleans French Quarter, in my opinion, is the most romantic/intimate resort and offer free TS with moderate pricing.

Doing this would allow you to save money on both portions, but would be a bit of effort to transfer unless you had a rental. Taking an early morning taxi could work to get you from SOG to POP or POFQ where you could check in, leave your luggage and catch an early theme park bus.

Just some thoughts.

The transportation issue is my largest concern with SOG, second to that is that I don't feel it'd be as romantic, like you said.

OTOH, having had a few days to think about it, I know DF will want to have a few beers throughout the trip, so I am going to recalculate to see what an estimated OOP beverage cost would add on to my calculations if we stay on-site and manage to get FD.

Definitely no to SOG then switching - our wedding is going to be on the west coast so the trip from west to east paired with my 24 hour trip from overseas means I want as little movement as possible once we start relaxing. It is a good idea though!

Smitch - do you know if POR was excluded from FD?

 

[afnaechiquita]

Also, I know with regular (on-site) rooms you only have the option of FD if your room is at full rate, right? Does the same apply if we get an on-site room under the military discount, or would we be able to get FD?

nevermind, found my answer to this one on militarydisneytips.com

 

[smitch425]

Smitch - do you know if POR was excluded from FD?

POR is included. In addition to paying full price for your room to get FD, you must also buy a minimum 2 day ticket. It has to be done as a package, so you cannot use a military discount of tickets either if you want FD.

 

[poohbear13]

The current bounceback offer includes those dates, so if you can get on property for even one night between now and early November, you can book for 2014 with FD. If not, you will either need to luck out with a PIN code or wait until a public offer comes out for that timeframe. This year, late August was omitted from the public offer. The offer's first FD date was 9/2.

Smitch, do you know how long that bounceback is running?

 

[smitch425]

Smitch, do you know how long that bounceback is running?

I have heard it will be available for booking through Nov. 15.