2016 Free Dining Watch

[kimmar067]

....I haven't received a special PIN in over 16 years!

 

[kimmar067]

.....I think I'm overdue....

 

[slbgnb]

I've never received one!

 

[kimmar067]

.....well, I don't consider myself THAT lucky....we weren't able to use the one [and only one] that I received, since, at that time, it was out of the question that we'd be visiting WDW....

 

[kimmar067]

.....but, of course, isn't that always the way?

 

[Heidi Myers]

Having studied the history of FD it is usually late summer, fall and into December with some dates excluded. Then it goes into the early part of the year until around March/mid April. Not offer in late April into early June but who knows? If people are disappointed with the cancellation of SWW and other attractions being closed they may feel the need to entice people to fill the rooms.

Is there a link somewhere to the FD history so we can get a feel for which resorts and room types get offered it over the OCT - NOV period? Thanks

 

[Mambo Junkie]

Is there a link somewhere to the FD history so we can get a feel for which resorts and room types get offered it over the OCT - NOV period? Thanks

http://www.mousesavers.com/historical-information-on-walt-disney-world-resort-discounts/
It's a great chart. It also tells you the date the offer was announced, though they are not all written in stone, it does give you a bit of a guideline.

 

[Heidi Myers]

http://www.mousesavers.com/historical-information-on-walt-disney-world-resort-discounts/
It's a great chart. It also tells you the date the offer was announced, though they are not all written in stone, it does give you a bit of a guideline.

Wonderful, thanks a ton!

 

[Heidi Myers]

Wonderful, thanks a ton!

Thank you for the link, it really is the best one I have seen so far. Not sure I am looking at the right table of info, but over and above the dates that it was released, is there another that tells you to which resorts they apply because I've been told that only some rooms get the promotion? We are coming all the way from New Zealand and it is only our first time in DW so we are completely in the dark. This forum has been incredibly helpful so far, thank you!

 

[Mambo Junkie]

Sometimes the discounts are room only, or they have stay play and dine (which I am not familiar with but I'm sure it's for certain resorts - usually the budget and some moderates), but the ones that offer, say, a 15 - 30% discount I'm sure the lesser discount is for the budget while the higher discounts are for the Deluxe. You can also view the charts and figure out when the discounts are generally offered and be on the lookout. For instance, I had booked a room only when the announced the discount. I called and was able to get it applied. That is not necessarily the best way to do it, to book in anticipation of a discount, and that is not why I booked. The thought is, Disney is trying to fill the rooms and they do so by offering discounts. If people book rooms in anticipation of a discount, they sometimes don't get offered because it shows the rooms are filling without a discount. I had chosen my dates for a specific reason, and when the discounts were offered, I booked 2 additional days. I do know the Swan and Dolphin (both beautiful properties walking distance to Epcot) offers a discount for teachers, nurses, and US military. Not sure about if they offer the teacher/nurse discount to NZ, but it never hurts to ask.

 

[hdh23]

If I'm remembering correctly can you still get free dining in a "blacked out time" as long as you book the first day of your stay within the time frame?

 

[vrajewski10513]

If I'm remembering correctly can you still get free dining in a "blacked out time" as long as you book the first day of your stay within the time frame?

Yep. For example if they have free dining the week of 9/25-10/1, then 10/2-10/8 is blacked out, as long as you are checked in by 10/1 then you can get it for your entire stay.

 

[Lalabubbles]

Following along .

 

[vrajewski10513]

Read an article on dads guide to WDW, and his prediction for free dining this year is 4/25 for Disney Visa card holders and 4/28 for the general public. It's just a prediction at this point but I really hope they go back to the early release for card holders!

 

[wdw4rfam]

If I'm remembering correctly can you still get free dining in a "blacked out time" as long as you book the first day of your stay within the time frame?

Yes. Free dining went through November 19 last year, so we checked in on the 19th and got free dining through thanksgiving week.

 

[smitch425]

ICYMI, purple is now a free color choice for resort stays in MDE.

 

[CaraMiaBelle]

Read an article on dads guide to WDW, and his prediction for free dining this year is 4/25 for Disney Visa card holders and 4/28 for the general public. It's just a prediction at this point but I really hope they go back to the early release for card holders!

I just read that yesterday! I sure hope he's right! And I'd love to make use of that Disney credit card this year!

 

[wdw4rfam]

I just read that yesterday! I sure hope he's right! And I'd love to make use of that Disney credit card this year!

Me too. I tried to book bounce back, but it was only through September. So looks like here I am again stalking with all of you

 

[kimmar067]

.....well, my student teacher [that I am mentoring] will be landing at MCO in about 20 minutes.....

 

[wdw4rfam]

Well, sending good vibes to all of you, but no longer need FD, just booked with a great TA deal. As much fun as its been in past years waiting with you all, I got way too many gray hairs from it. Good luck everyone.