What's free dining and how do I get in?

[CarKey]

In June 06 we were on the DDP and I don't think we'll ever go to Disney without it again! We really enjoyed it...but what's this I hear about free dining? Is it going to be offered again anytime soon?

 

[Castillo Mom]

Free Dining is a promo being offered to guests currently staying at a WDW owned and operated hotel through 12/31/06. Guests are eligible to book a future stay for Aug./Sept. of '07. You must be staying on site right now and the last day for this pilot program is 12/31. Your package must include at least a 3 night stay, at least 1 day theme park ticket and then you get the Dining Plan for free.

There is a slight chance that Free Dining will be offered to the general public. Last year a Free Dining Package was offered to Disney Visa cardholders on April 1st for travel mid Aug. through part of Oct. It opened to the general public around April 4th. Again, no guarantee they will offer it again but if you can get down to WDW before Jan. 1st, then you can book the Future Stay promo.

Also, UK residents were given the opportunity to book Free Dining for Aug./Sept. of '07. The theme park ticket requirement was different though, I believe they had to purchase a 5 day MYW ticket and 5 night minimum stay if I'm not mistaken.

 

[bicker]

...if you can get down to WDW before Jan. 1st, then you can book the Future Stay promo.

To be clear, it isn't enough to go to WDW to book this free dining promotion -- you need to be a currently-registered guest at a Disney resort.

 

[CarKey]

Our next trip is Jan 2008 so I guess I'll just have to wait and see if they have a special promo then. I won't hold my breath though! IMO the DDP is still worth paying for.