When to book for Free Dining?

[mshanson3121]

So we have decided to stay on site, and do a full-blown (albeit short) Disney vacation for our next trip, complete with Dining Plan. We're looking at 3 nights, buying two day park hoppers, undecided on MVMCP at the moment.

So, when should we go ahead and book? We are hoping to nab the free dining plan, so looking at MouseSavers, it looks like that puts us at either the last week of November or the second week of December. Should we wait until the Free Dining dates are released in late April, or book now and just adjust later?

If we were to book now, how do you know which hotels will offer the free dining?

 

[Robo]

No advantage in booking before Dining is announced.
You’d be cancelling when it finally is announced.

 

[mshanson3121]

No advantage in booking before Dining is announced.
You’d be cancelling when it finally is announced.

How come we would have to cancel?

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

If your heart is set on free dining then wait until its released.
If you are ok with potentially not being eligible to modify your reservation to include free dining then book whenever you want.

 

[mom2rtk]

Disney doesn't convert existing reservations to free dining reservation. It might feel like that to some, but that's not what they do. If you have a reservation and free dining comes out at your resort, they rebook you but let you keep the same reservation number. It gives you no advantage at all to be booked ahead of time. You still need availability at your resort and you still have to rebook.

Only book before then if you plan to keep the reservation even if there is no free dining available at your resort.

 

[Robo]

How come we would have to cancel?

Different kind of booking.
Similar to booking an Epcot restaurant, then wanting to book that restaurant for a Candlelight Dining Plan. You have to book the revised reservation and cancel the first one.

 

[MDIME]

Disney is much less likely to offer a discount/free dining if they don’t need to fill rooms (read: if you have a room reserved then it is already filled). Book what you can afford now, regardless of any potential future discount. If a discount or free dining becomes available, you can always check and see if it works for you keeping in mind that you may have to switch dates and resorts.

 

[Disneylover99]

If you are set on dates, resorts, and a specific room category and you are comfortable with the price of it now, book now. If you are only going based on free dining or other discounts I'd wait.

 

[mshanson3121]

Okay thanks! We'll wait, as yes, we definitely want free dining. Otherwise, we'll be staying off site.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I agree with the PPs, unless you are dead set on certain resort and/or room type/view category, there's not really an overly compelling reason to book now from my perspective. You could go ahead and book something and hope to be able to modify/change as needed when/if free dining is released later, but there's no guaranty you'll be able to do this.

You probably know this, but since free dining is critical make sure to watch for its release LIKE A HAWK and be prepared to be on the phone first thing that morning. There will be a gazillion people trying to do the same thing. Good luck!

 

[mshanson3121]

So I'm curious, people here are saying to call to make the change, however, I've read on a couple different sites that you can modify it yourself online? This is from one website:

Since the phone lines are jammed for hours or days after Free Dining is released, I'd suggest modifying existing reservations online or making a whole new package reservation online.


Thoughts? Experience?

 

[JerseyJanice]

It’s been said that many people making resort reservations in anticipation of the offer doesn’t help. WDW offers FD to fill rooms, but if they’re filled without the offer, they have no incentive to do it.

If you are planning on upgrading to the regular DDP, make your ADRs as soon as possible. The popular one credit restaurants book fast.

 

[DisHeels]

We had a reservation this year before free dining was offered. Then when free dining became available to book we updated our dining online. Didn't have to cancel and rebook. Very easy.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

So I'm curious, people here are saying to call to make the change, however, I've read on a couple different sites that you can modify it yourself online? This is from one website:

Since the phone lines are jammed for hours or days after Free Dining is released, I'd suggest modifying existing reservations online or making a whole new package reservation online.


Thoughts? Experience?

Some are eligible to modify online some are not.
Again if you need FD in order to stay onsite then don't book until its released and you know if it works for you.
I was lucky enough to get a BB this year for next year so I'm all set with FD although my friend wants me to book her family's trip in August/September with FD so I'm still gonna be on the look out for it lol.

 

[mshanson3121]

We had a reservation this year before free dining was offered. Then when free dining became available to book we updated our dining online. Didn't have to cancel and rebook. Very easy.

So you just book the package WITH dining beforehand, and then just upgrade the dining option? Or you just book your room and then add the dining when it becomes available?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Worth mentioning:

• 2018 Bounceback included NONE of October or November for BB Free Dining.
• Most of September was also excluded.
• More summer dates were in play. Summer is quieter than it used to be, and fall is nuts.
• They may be expanding minimum stay/ticket requirements.

 

[stitchfan75]

Not meaning to start the old FD vs no FD debate but keep in mind you are paying rack rate for your room if you take free dining. Depending on how many in your party, the room discount may save you more money.
We did FD our last visit and while it was convienent we wasted a TON of food that I still feel bad about. That was with 2 adults, a 15yo and a 13yo. You also have book park hoppers and in the past they’ve required a certain length of stay to get it.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Not meaning to start the old FD vs no FD debate but keep in mind you are paying rack rate for your room if you take free dining. Depending on how many in your party, the room discount may save you more money.
We did FD our last visit and while it was convienent we wasted a TON of food that I still feel bad about. That was with 2 adults, a 15yo and a 13yo. You also have book park hoppers and in the past they’ve required a certain length of stay to get it.

Works for some. Doesn't work for others.
It has always works for me.
Most times I get PH and DDP anways.
I also split the cost of the room.
Had I taken a RO discount I'd be saving like $20 over all for myself.
FD works out to save me a couple hundred.
Chocie is clear for me lol.

 

[mshanson3121]

Not meaning to start the old FD vs no FD debate but keep in mind you are paying rack rate for your room if you take free dining. Depending on how many in your party, the room discount may save you more money.
We did FD our last visit and while it was convienent we wasted a TON of food that I still feel bad about. That was with 2 adults, a 15yo and a 13yo. You also have book park hoppers and in the past they’ve required a certain length of stay to get it.

All good to know. I think FD would still be cheaper as we were just staying at a value, so that's normally only 10%, right? How many nights do they normally require?

 

[Allison]

If you are staying at a value resort, free dining will be the quick service plan.