Free Dining Oct-Dec Is Here!!

[CaraMiaBelle]

I am hoping this is a joke, and a tasteless one at that.

These nice guys were trying to help everyone out by letting us know that an offer MAY be coming- and at that they said AUG 1 people- not July 29. I am really sad at the attitudes of many of you who want to place blame on David and Joe when really the blame should be on yourself. If you went ahead and booked non refundable air and tickets on a rumour, then really you need to look yourself in the mirror for blame.

As for those who can not afford to go without FD or RO, I am in the camp that I agree with you- I think sometimes these offers open up opportunity to people who otherwise may not have the money to go. I don't think that it is right to say they should not go just because they can't afford it without a discount. Having said this, smart finances says that you should wait until the actual offer is released.

I too think that disney pulled the plug on this one- and its just smart business to do so. Why would they offer a discount when they can get you in at full price? I do, however, believe that there will be a discount of some kind coming down the pipe, but I bet it won't be until the tornado this has become settles.

I am still hopeful too.
I'm disappointed as I was hoping to book today, but NO ONE is to blame for this. Can't blame Disney for canceling if rooms are booking! Can't blame anyone posting predictions and trying to help us. Thank you Black!
I did book the week of December 1st originally, yes, counting on free dining. Then those dates fell off the expected dates, so I have come up with a couple of alternate dates. Yes, I did book counting on FD but I figured I had until the 45day mark to cancel, which I already did, anyway. I did not re-book after the new date leaks, realizing, after joining these boards, that I may have shot myself in the foot booking before. Live and learn. sigh I'm not giving up yet though...my kids WILL make it to Disney one day!
Here's hoping for some Pixie Dust on Thursday!

 

[Rileygirl]

I have been watching the discount threads because friends of mine are going in November. I have a question for y'all to mull over

If a whole whack of people booked under the anticipation of 'free dining' and it does not get offered, why wouldnt they just cancel then? It will still be more then 45 days so final payment is not a factor, right? What is the penalty? Is it because dining ressies are attached now to the reservation? Those can be remade.

If Disney can 'pull' an offer because of reservations made in advance under anticipated discounts because of speculation on the social media, certainly the reverse could be true. If its not offered, dump it. Why not?

Also, I should say, that is just a fun post on my behalf. I think it would take a lot more then people on this forum board to fill up all the hotels at Disney, and make the discount not 'needed' anymore. Your booking a reservation or dumping it will probably have zero effect.

On top of that, I totally cracked up when there has been a report of a single CM on the phone lines saying the discount has been pulled. That is just hysterical that anyone would give this any credence. That CM was either extremely frustrated with all the 'discount calls' and angry/disappointed public that they said that, or they are killing themselves laughing at the response they invoked on this board.

If TA's are now saying information that was available to them, and now no longer 'appears' on their specific private information network, well then, that does maybe mean something - at least to me.

I always appreciate a 'heads up' from people who are in the know, that risk verbal abuse, to allow us to anticipate potential discounts. Its valuable information for most adults.

 

[wunkmom]

If you have booked your vacation and you are happy with your total package cost, please disembark at the next stop and have a Magical Day!

For those of us still waiting.....lets stop at Poly for breakfast and then we'll get back on.....refreshed and ready to wait out Thursday!

Love this!

i booked back in February for late October because my hubby's work schedule and lower crowd levels take precedence over discounts or FD. hence, we only get a trip every 5 years or so, so that we have time to save and not put ourselves into a hole that we can't climb out of. i've just held off paying my package in full until every last shred of hope for a discount or FD has disappeared (or until 45 days before my trip, whichever comes first). i booked through a TA who has been wonderful and i know she has my back when it comes to saving me money.
i totally understand that no FD could be a deal breaker for some folks. what i don't understand is why some people come on here to brag that they don't even need FD and they are paid in full and just stir the pot, and spread rumors about the existing rumors, then get defensive and act all holier than thou when called out about it. can we all just take a breath and wait til Thursday before we start the fire at the stake for the kind folks who gave us a heads up that something might be coming down the pike and it was likely that DV would get it first? honestly, it's like high school with the finger pointing and smarty pants attitudes. please, just chill.
yes, we all got up this morning to call (well, i was just lurking to see if my dates were included), and lots of people didn't get the news they wanted. but they also got some useful info from CM's. and you know what? we'll all get up early on Thursday too. And hopefully, we'll all hear some good news then. breathe people, breathe.

 

[WDW1979]

OK after chatting with a CM ...she ended the call with the standard Have a magical day and then slipped in "keep checking back this week though" So who knows.

This jives with what a CM said to me last week. One week ago I called to check if there was a PIN for free dining in December associated with my name (the one & only time I have called this year to check on a PIN). She checked, though very quickly, and told me no PIN for free dining in December but said "there should be something soon". I took this not as a hint that I would get a PIN for free dining soon but that there would be an extension of the free dining offer for the general public released soon.

So maybe the rumor was right, but maybe there is no early release to Disney Visa holders. Who knows for sure, but I still have hope for August 1.

I couldn't have taken advantage of any Disney Visa offer as I am not American (I would love to be an American, and not just for the Disney Visa offers - I love America). I am Canadian, so I was expecting to wait until August 1 anyway.

I have also been planning and end of August visit with the existing room only discount (I have an August Disney hotel reservation), but I have been hedging and also considering a December visit if free dining is extended. I guess I'll see on Aug 1. If free dining is not extended, I guess it will be an August only visit and no December Disney visit for me.

I think a free dining extension on Aug 1 may happen, but if it does not, I think it may be a situation where the info black heard did come from a legitimate source, but that management later changed their decision and decided no extension. But it is not yet Aug 1, so let's hope!

 

[ALD85]

At least on Aug 1st I'll be in bed calling and not at work early!!!

But now I have to figure out how to hide my call from the family....

As a side note, what were everyones hold times like?

Mine was about 12 minutes.
Might be longer on Aug 1st if rumors are true because everyones calls will be longer making the plans ....

10 minutes here..

 

[faithsmth]

I am still hopeful.

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

I have been watching the discount threads because friends of mine are going in November. I have a question for y'all to mull over

If a whole whack of people booked under the anticipation of 'free dining' and it does not get offered, why wouldnt they just cancel then? It will still be more then 45 days so final payment is not a factor, right? What is the penalty? Is it because dining ressies are attached now to the reservation? Those can be remade.

If Disney can 'pull' an offer because of reservations made in advance under anticipated discounts because of speculation on the social media, certainly the reverse could be true. If its not offered, dump it. Why not?

Also, I should say, that is just a fun post on my behalf. I think it would take a lot more then people on this forum board to fill up all the hotels at Disney, and make the discount not 'needed' anymore. Your booking a reservation or dumping it will probably have zero effect.

On top of that, I totally cracked up when there has been a report of a single CM on the phone lines saying the discount has been pulled. That is just hysterical that anyone would give this any credence. That CM was either extremely frustrated with all the 'discount calls' and angry/disappointed public that they said that, or they are killing themselves laughing at the response they invoked on this board.

If TA's are now saying information that was available to them, and now no longer 'appears' on their specific private information network, well then, that does maybe mean something - at least to me.

I always appreciate a 'heads up' from people who are in the know, that risk verbal abuse, to allow us to anticipate potential discounts. Its valuable information for most adults.

Several TA's have chimed in to say that they were NOT given info by Disney. I think the TA's were going off the same rumors we were.

 

[CaraMiaBelle]

I am hoping this is a joke, and a tasteless one at that.

These nice guys were trying to help everyone out by letting us know that an offer MAY be coming- and at that they said AUG 1 people- not July 29. I am really sad at the attitudes of many of you who want to place blame on David and Joe when really the blame should be on yourself. If you went ahead and booked non refundable air and tickets on a rumour, then really you need to look yourself in the mirror for blame.

As for those who can not afford to go without FD or RO, I am in the camp that I agree with you- I think sometimes these offers open up opportunity to people who otherwise may not have the money to go. I don't think that it is right to say they should not go just because they can't afford it without a discount. Having said this, smart finances says that you should wait until the actual offer is released.

I too think that disney pulled the plug on this one- and its just smart business to do so. Why would they offer a discount when they can get you in at full price? I do, however, believe that there will be a discount of some kind coming down the pipe, but I bet it won't be until the tornado this has become settles.

If you have booked your vacation and you are happy with your total package cost, please disembark at the next stop and have a Magical Day!

For those of us still waiting.....lets stop at Poly for breakfast and then we'll get back on.....refreshed and ready to wait out Thursday!

 

[tracydeech]

Even though things are said with the addition of "things can change at any time", I feel saddened and heartbroken for everyone.

I know the actual "leak" says August 1, and the DV is always an educated guess; however, something in my gut feels that things are a miss. I can tell you that the leaks for this were from the SAME sources as the leaks for September (including the one used by another famed leaker on this board), and there were more sources on top of that who were saying the same things. In fact, there were even graphics produced for this...so it's not like it was a weak rumor of sorts.

Still, while I hope for August 1 to come through as stated, I truely hope that Disney hasn't caught on to the leaks, and threw a curve by delaying a release. I hope even more that Disney hasn't seen increased bookings and cancelled it altogether.

However, if everyone deems it fit run me off the dis, I suppose it's well warranted.

I've always tried to help everyone I possibly can, and would never pass along information that didn't appear solid, founded, and meaningful.

It's all okay!!! And anyways Disney should offer something for fall like a room discount or something at some point.

No worries!!!!

 

[Yeln4lks]

I took it one step farther... The URL for the current DV offers ends in "may13" so I tried to change it to "jul13", "aug13", every iteration I could think of to see if maybe they have the site created for a new offer but not yet live and linked to the main site. No luck.

LoL.... i tried the same thing.. thats too funny

 

[Lynne M]

Folks, PLEASE, if someone posts something that you think is out of line (i.e, against DISboards Guidelines), do NOT jump into the argument, attack the poster, etc. Use the Report Post button, under the poster's name, and let the moderators handle it.

Anyone who gets into name-calling, etc, is going to get points, regardless of who started it.

Not to mention that when you quote the offending posts, your post has to be deleted as well.

 

[KSUWildcat]

I was on hold for about 8 minutes this morning (longest I've ever experienced!).

And just throwing it out there, I booked our trip in January, using tax refund money. We're going regardless bc won't get to fit another 2-5 years unless finances change. We were planning on maybe 2 TS/character meals at most, counter service for lunches (all OOP), and doing breakfast and some lunches in the room with food we bring/groceries. There's definitely ways to NOT spend as much money at Disney. Granted, I made some ADR's at some well-desired spots---at 180 days out mind you -- just in case. Bc I can always cancel them.

The magic of a Disney trip isn't in the food (at least not for us). We go for the atmosphere, the characters, the rides, and the weather. Plain and simple. Besides, any food you eat all ends up in the same place and why flush $100's down the toilet?? ;-)

 

[CaraMiaBelle]

I have been watching the discount threads because friends of mine are going in November. I have a question for y'all to mull over

If a whole whack of people booked under the anticipation of 'free dining' and it does not get offered, why wouldnt they just cancel then? It will still be more then 45 days so final payment is not a factor, right? What is the penalty? Is it because dining ressies are attached now to the reservation? Those can be remade.

If Disney can 'pull' an offer because of reservations made in advance under anticipated discounts because of speculation on the social media, certainly the reverse could be true. If its not offered, dump it. Why not?

Also, I should say, that is just a fun post on my behalf. I think it would take a lot more then people on this forum board to fill up all the hotels at Disney, and make the discount not 'needed' anymore. Your booking a reservation or dumping it will probably have zero effect.

On top of that, I totally cracked up when there has been a report of a single CM on the phone lines saying the discount has been pulled. That is just hysterical that anyone would give this any credence. That CM was either extremely frustrated with all the 'discount calls' and angry/disappointed public that they said that, or they are killing themselves laughing at the response they invoked on this board.

If TA's are now saying information that was available to them, and now no longer 'appears' on their specific private information network, well then, that does maybe mean something - at least to me.

I always appreciate a 'heads up' from people who are in the know, that risk verbal abuse, to allow us to anticipate potential discounts. Its valuable information for most adults.

I canceled my first week of December trip when the dates dropped off the anticipated list, I'm sure others will too. I guess we'll all see. It is interesting to watch it all play out, even if it is a roller coaster ride!

 

[martiniglassesforme]

I'm glad that the possibility is still there. We're going either way, and I think I've done my best to try and save money and plan a great vacation at the same time. Free Dining would save me a few hundred bucks and that would be a bonus! But it's not a deal-maker or deal-breaker for us. Looking forward to August 1!!

 

[disneyfantotheend]

Still, while I hope for August 1 to come through as stated, .

I won't hope until it is official, but you can bet I will be calling. You are far from the only one who reported this. It is not your fault or anyone's fault. You especially said do not change plans until it is official. Others sources did say book now. Those sources may have caused the change, but you never said that. I am VERY sad and will not ever rely on a rumor like this again, but I really blame no one.

 

[kbsparks]

Even though things are said with the addition of "things can change at any time", I feel saddened and heartbroken for everyone.

I know the actual "leak" says August 1, and the DV is always an educated guess; however, something in my gut feels that things are a miss. I can tell you that the leaks for this were from the SAME sources as the leaks for September (including the one used by another famed leaker on this board), and there were more sources on top of that who were saying the same things. In fact, there were even graphics produced for this...so it's not like it was a weak rumor of sorts.

Still, while I hope for August 1 to come through as stated, I truely hope that Disney hasn't caught on to the leaks, and threw a curve by delaying a release. I hope even more that Disney hasn't seen increased bookings and cancelled it altogether.

However, if everyone deems it fit run me off the dis, I suppose it's well warranted.

I've always tried to help everyone I possibly can, and would never pass along information that didn't appear solid, founded, and meaningful.

I apprecaite your leaks!

We won't be able to. It's 3200.00 for our family with FDing or 5500.00 without. We'll just put our money toward a 2014 vacation if FDing isn't released and we'll live .

This is what we will do. While I would LOVE to go this fall with FD (have three boys makes FD a must) but have no problems waiting until next year. We have been very luck to go for three years in a row with FD so skipping a year is completly ok.

 

[militarymomto5]

Joe Please Don't Leave.
Most of us still Love Ya. We understood that it was a rumor and that nothing is written in stone until it comes straight from the Mouse.
Hopefully it will still be coming out just delayed a bit.

Come on Pixie Dust.

Right. I'm pretty sure it will be a completely different kind of riot should Joe attempt to leave.... I'm seeing some kind of void should that happen:/. Joe: do not be discouraged. You patiently answer every single question and help us all out!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

 

[CaraMiaBelle]

Love this!

i booked back in February for late October because my hubby's work schedule and lower crowd levels take precedence over discounts or FD. hence, we only get a trip every 5 years or so, so that we have time to save and not put ourselves into a hole that we can't climb out of. i've just held off paying my package in full until every last shred of hope for a discount or FD has disappeared (or until 45 days before my trip, whichever comes first). i booked through a TA who has been wonderful and i know she has my back when it comes to saving me money.
i totally understand that no FD could be a deal breaker for some folks. what i don't understand is why some people come on here to brag that they don't even need FD and they are paid in full and just stir the pot, and spread rumors about the existing rumors, then get defensive and act all holier than thou when called out about it. can we all just take a breath and wait til Thursday before we start the fire at the stake for the kind folks who gave us a heads up that something might be coming down the pike and it was likely that DV would get it first? honestly, it's like high school with the finger pointing and smart @$$ery. please, just chill.
yes, we all got up this morning to call (well, i was just lurking to see if my dates were included), and lots of people didn't get the news they wanted. but they also got some useful info from CM's. and you know what? we'll all get up early on Thursday too. And hopefully, we'll all hear some good news then. breathe people, breathe.

Yup. I'll be here Thursday morning too.
That's us too, I expect we will only go about every 5 years. This will (hopefully) be my kids' (7/6/4) first Disney trip!

 

[momto2inKC]

Folks, PLEASE, if someone posts something that you think is out of line (i.e, against DISboards Guidelines), do NOT jump into the argument, attack the poster, etc. Use the Report Post button, under the poster's name, and let the moderators handle it.

Anyone who gets into name-calling, etc, is going to get points, regardless of who started it.

Not to mention that when you quote the offending posts, your post has to be deleted as well.

Yes, please be aware of this! I've gotten 'infractions' because part of someone's post I quoted had an insult in it, even though I had nothing to do with any of it.

 

[hellokelli]

I am confused - Where did everyone get a definitive date and time (today at 7am), when the original poster said that he guessed it would be released to visa cardholders a few days before Aug 1st, like maybe July 29 ?

I was checking all the websites to see where people were getting this date as a solid date. Did I miss something??