Free Dining Oct-Dec Is Here!!

[KathieSmallwood]

I was asked if I had a "existing reservation" too!

I was asked this also. Why did they ask us this?

 

[aaarcher86]

I was asked this also. Why did they ask us this?

It's standard. If you have an existing reservation they'll pull it up before talking to you or to have it handy for your questions.

It lets them know which screen to jump into - existing reservation look up or new guest.

 

[mom-n-michaela]

It is interesting and concerning to read some of the remarks here. As much as Disney values its guests, hopefully no one is making their travel plans based upon something read on the internet, unless it is an official site posting.
Many, if not all of the TA's that promoted FD for Fall and it's anticipated dates were reading the same social media content speculation, and were not given any advance notice by Disney, as is pattern and practice.
Fall promotions were always scheduled to release on Aug 1, and, as is also usual, such promotions are evaluated to maximize return up until release.
Based upon a better than expected response to Armed Forces promotions, pre-bookings and occupancy for most resorts, and extremely heavy pre-bookings for ADR, particularly in association with F&W dates, Disney is certainly looking at reductions/changes/limitations in RO discounts, and limitations to FD, if offered, to fill certain time frames. CS reps were in fact prepared for the reaction to social media speculation, and do not have further information at this time.
Social media can certainly impact corporate decisions, both positively and negatively.

Is it just me or does this post seem very 'official' sounding...combined with coming from a first-time poster who just joined today, I am kind of wondering if this didn't come from a Disney exec?

I am going either way, discount or no discount, and have been booked since February. I am still hoping for something to come out...but after Black and Dave saying they were concerned and stating something seemed off about today/this rumor now...combined with this odd message with it's almost insider language, it's making me wonder if there isn't going to be any discount, or if it's going to come much later and be much more limited.

But...oh well...whatever happens - we will be there in December and we will have a WONDERFUL, MAGICAL trip. It will be our last trip for a long while, so we are going to make the most of it whether we have to do like one poster said and eat PB&J every day or not! Heck a few of my kids might be happier with that than eating from some of the menus at Disney! LOL

 

[summerlady]

So very disappointed for you all , keeping my fingers crossed for August 1st. and another big for Black.

 

[Dancegrl624]

I believe it was last year, but Free Dining for Aug/Sept came out on a Thursday for Disney Visa cardholders and then it went to the general public on a Monday. Don't lose hope yet!

 

[BigAlsGal]

Thank you black for all your info!! Love it!!

I am super excited and hopeful about a possible free dining promotion. Will I still go if it doesn't come out? Absolutely.

I don't go for conspiracy theories though. The whole point of offering discounts is to fill the rooms. I doubt disney is sitting around the disboards going "we'll show these tipped off fools who's boss". They WANT to sell rooms. They want to get people in the gates. Being spiteful probably isn't in their business plan.

As far as people booking rooms in anticipation of the offer filling up their hotels I guess that's plausible. Disney has alooooot of rooms so that would be a lot of pre booking. We get a little caught up here on the disboards because we think eeeveryone else is as obsessive about the mouse as we are. We are a small percentage.

I really think this free dining offer WILL get off the ground and even the average disney goer will still be able to find out about free dining through normal sources and STILL be able to book a trip.

I love disboards!!! Thanks for all the fun!!

 

[jaksmommy]

The mean things being said here are more disappointing to me than FD not being released this morning.

I for one thought the "speculation" was fun and I had a wonderful time this morning dancing around my living room to Disney hold music with my 10yr son. (really how much longer am I going to be able to do that) followed by some good natured ribbing from my husband over breakfast. I Thank You Joe for a fun morning with my family, If free dining ever comes out, great, if not, I'm going either way. 134 days to go!

This.

Everyone who is negative can look up "rumor" in the dictionary.
If you can't afford it don't go.
Don't change your flights until a rumor is confirmed.
Stop being mean, it's sad that people think that it is OK to bash people. I would be embarrassed if I were you mother.
This is not life or death. This is a vacation, whether it's "once in a lifetime" or not.
I have had a fun couple of weeks following this thread. Thanks to everyone, except for the few meanies, who have contributed.

 

[KathieSmallwood]

It's standard. If you have an existing reservation they'll pull it up before talking to you or to have it handy for your questions.

It lets them know which screen to jump into - existing reservation look up or new guest.

I see....

 

[poohbear13]

 

[mommyoftwo85]

I've always thought and known Disney to not release a new discount until a couple days after the old one expired, example: July 31st. Has anyone thought this a possibility?

 

[GaBelle]

So very disappointed for you all , keeping my fingers crossed for August 1st. and another big for Black.

Same here. We're going in September and I followed threads by Joe (and Danny) while anxiously awaiting discounts.
I am sending positive thoughts and hopes for loads of pixie dust for those waiting!

Joe- chin up brother. Some people just didn't have good home training.

 

[Maleficent53]

I did NOT get up at 6am (cdt) to call in for this offer and am very happy how that I just slept in.

I can't believe there is 30 pages of whining and OP bashing over this! Come on people - lighten up. This was always speculation and rumor.

If you are a person who has gone to WDW for years, and I am talking decades, you know that discounts at Disney came only after the travel economy tanked after 9-11. Disney was the one hotel company that did not need to offer a room discount to travel industry employees. That started for us after that terrible event and has gone on for all these years. But guess what? They have stopped offering this discount and I am sorry to see it go because it was a good one.

The point I am trying to make is economy is getting better, people are traveling, and yes, they will go even without a discount. So from a corporate business point of view, should they offer FD? Only if they need it to entice people to book rooms, and maybe they don't need to anymore.

We are going in October, and paying rack rates so FD would be icing. To save money, if FD does not happen, maybe we can stay offsite. I hear the Days Inn is nice.....

 

[JLKennedy]

Did you read my post about why it is not on the rumor board? In case you missed it due to the speed of the thread, here it is again...

I have read it...and there is a FD post on there that you've participated in....if it's a rumor it's a rumor and that's fine. You stating YOUR reasons why it should be here doesn't change my opinion that it needs to be in the rumor section....or the FACT that as of today....it's STILL a rumor.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[jaksmommy]

I almost hate to add to the million posts already here, but...

I read the rumor and based my trip on it...only in that it started me thinking about going during the Food and Wine Festival after wanting to go for years. I found a great rate on flights and booked them.

I would love to get FD, but I would never have booked flights based on a "leak" if I could not afford my vacation. I did not book the resort portion yet and won't until I know there is no chance of a discount being released.

Thank you Joe and Dave. Even if I don't get FD, I'm still going to Disney!

Exactly what I did. It gave me a nudge to go ahead and book our free tickets with American (thankfully we didn't wait because they are now sold-out) and we are going anyway so no biggie for us (though the free dining savings would be awesome). I will book the hotel when I see if free dining comes out August 1st. Depending on the discount I will book a value or a moderate.

 

[KathieSmallwood]

Thank you for sharing and that has been a worse fear. Disney pulled an offer at the last minute because they did not see a need. Hopefully they will regroup and there will still be some dates they still need to fill. : )

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Or hopefully alot of people who made a reservation and depend on free dining will cancel?

 

[poohbear13]

I have read it...and there is a FD post on there that you've participated in....if it's a rumor it's a rumor and that's fine. You stating YOUR reasons why it should be here doesn't change my opinion that it needs to be in the rumor section....or the FACT that as of today....it's STILL a rumor.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

seriously???

 

[JLKennedy]

seriously???

YES

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[tinktinktink]

For some reason I'm thinking the promotion will be offered tomorrow to visa card holders. It makes sense that they normally get a few days jump before it's realeased to the general public. A July 30th release is what I'm thinking and then released to the GP on August 1st once the current promotion has expired. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for that and good luck to everyone! Keep in mind the current promotion didn't fill up so the next one probably won't either. Last year I remember booking late in the game and it was still available. Wishing pixie dust to all!

 

[BigAlsGal]

I have read it...and there is a FD post on there that you've participated in....if it's a rumor it's a rumor and that's fine. You stating YOUR reasons why it should be here doesn't change my opinion that it needs to be in the rumor section....or the FACT that as of today....it's STILL a rumor.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Do u need it to be in the rumor section to know its a rumor? I don't understand.

 

[disneyfantotheend]

There really are not many people bashing Joe. I think there are a lot more defending him than bashing him. Unless I am really missing something?