******Official 2017 Free Dining Plan Watch, Wait, and Dream

[goldnvalli]

No, last year you could book at the same time as GP but we had more available dates. They sent me an email 4pm EST. Ugh little late Disney

This is my 4th year with FD too....I just keep checking! Last year I didn't initally get what I wanted so I booked standard WL a few days later I got water CBR then finally standard CBR.....just keep checking and don't give up! Especially a few days after initial drop....lots more opens when TAs cancel their holds! Good luck!

same thing happened to me. I initially booked bc water view and was eventually able to snag bc standard view.

 

[meagarunt22]

The best way to get through the heat is to start real early go back to hotel around 12:00 or 1:00. Go to pool and have a great time. Take quick nap and back out to park around 4:00 to 4:30. I live in Florida and between 1:00 to 3:00 it is real hot melting hot in September. I know some of you are there all day, but the break during the hottest part of the day is worth leaving and enjoying your resort.

I absolutely agree. We kept thinking we could push through to get more for our money but then everything sucked from about noon until we went back to our room that night. A midday break is a must!

 

[samsteele]

Concerned about the rumored brand new online queue. As a PP mentioned earlier, WDW doesn't do well with new upgrades to its online site. Fingers crossed the glimpse we got of this was just a test and they decided to drop it. Tomorrow would not be a good time to roll out new website "magic".

 

[disravenlaur]

Staying at POR checking in 12/8. Usually use a TA but am doing all of the booking myself this time for our family of 6 in 2 rooms. First time flying for us also as we usually drive. We always stay at POR but have gone the beginning of Oct the last few times and were able to get the FD near the cut off. Really hoping that Mods get TS instead of QS but it seems that POR isn't going to be included for our dates. One piece of advice I have for newbies is to not freak out if you don't get what you want the first day. I checked every night at about 1 am for the new inventory and was able to get FD for both rooms at POR at least a month after the release in 2015. It gets to be frustrating but I'm learning to be cool as I'm number crunching. Pixie dust to everyone!

 

[jknc]

Free dining in 2014 for 6 nights: 2300
Free dining in 2017 for 6 nights: 3150 est.

 

[chinarider]

Yes. I saw you are having some difficulty deciding how to reserve your package as your DD will be in the CP. I would suggest booking the package for yourself and then adding DD when you check in at the resort. That way, only you will have the package components and you can share your dining credits with DD. When you add her AT the resort, she will be able to stay in the room, but will not have to pay for any package components.

ohhhh. interesting..... It's hard because everything is based on double occupancy and since the dining is free the actual cost differential is very minimal. It would cost about $500 to keep her on with the free reg dining.... might be worth it -- for a week she would probably eat more in food than that ( with some 2TS , candlelight package, buffets etc)-

 

[Disneylover99]

Concerned about the rumored brand new online queue. As a PP mentioned earlier, WDW doesn't do well with new upgrades to its online site. Fingers crossed the glimpse we got of this was just a test and they decided to drop it. Tomorrow would not be a good time to roll out new website "magic".

Feeling uneasy about this too.

 

[dazedx3]

If I have to make two reservations because of our dates, am I right to assume I'll have to make a deposit on each?

 

[Susan Doeberl]

We are a family of 5, and my youngest is over 3, I can't find anything that compares to the price of CBR. Am I missing missing something??? I would prefer not to stay there with the construction and having to pay for PH and to upgrade to TS, but I cannot pay $1000+ to stay at another resort. I would really appreciate an advice!

We are staying at the CBR. We can't justify the extra money to stay any where else. Disney is real good about trying to make it comfortable for everyone during the construction. The $75.00 GC will go a long ways to help you to save money. In the end it is your decision.

 

[markpenske]

Free dining in 2014 for 6 nights: 2300
Free dining in 2017 for 6 nights: 3150 est.

welcome to Disney world. I remember a few years back we stayed at a value resort and got free dining with included the regular dining plan, appetizers AND tips.

 

[goldnvalli]

Just woke up from a nap. Going to bed early tonight as well. I plan to wake up every 30 minutes until it drops!! I have 5 backup plans all deluxe. I'm hoping that 3 day Hopper is enough. If not then we'll get 4 day and forget about MNSSHP.

 

[Boomerdog]

I'm sure it has been said but anyone know what time it goes on sale? And how to change over an existing reservation to add on free dining?

 

[Jchoma]

Great to know. I was worried I wouldn't be able to have more than one since I can't modify online.

I'm not planning to add another reservation but still wondering how it's possible to have 2 reservations on the same MDE account, same party, same dates. Wouldn't everyone do this then and book way more than what's needed? Just curious.

Thanks to everyone for the great advice. This board has been a home for my insanity the last few days You all are fantastic. Setting the alarm for 3:45 (I'm east coast in NC). So close!!!

 

[goldnvalli]

Feeling uneasy about this too.

Does anyone have more information about this new queue? Does it start once you pick the resort and dates? I've been on a queue for Ticketmaster many times and it isn't fun. Will there be a wait time indication? Why would they add this?

 

[goldnvalli]

I'm sure it has been said but anyone know what time it goes on sale? And how to change over an existing reservation to add on free dining?

Speculation is 4 am. That's what time it went live last year.

 

[superman007]

Are there only a certain number of free dining offers available, or is it based on resort/room type? Are these typically gone by 5 am? I'm just curious how competitive these deals really are!

 

[Susan Doeberl]

A few years ago and my son, who is Autistic, dressed up as a Pirate skeleton and got so much attention, he loved it! He's 20 now and graduating and this trip is his gift. I'm surprising him with the Halloween party and bringing along the costume and makeup and hiding it! This is him in his skeletal splendor.

OMG he is just too cute.

 

[cattrix]

we've created a schematic flow sheet with a series of scenarios/availibility/questions/answers/arrows/.... Starts at the top of the sheet with the scenario "QS at mods" with 2 arrows (yes & no)...and continues down until we get our preferred choice. Is that crazy?

What you've got there is a free dining flow chart...as an IT person this is how I chart out a process or service. Great idea!

 

[melissa bottorff]

I have seen both ways. Is it $21 per a night or per a day to upgrade the dining plan?

 

[Taylor F.]

The best way to get through the heat is to start real early go back to hotel around 12:00 or 1:00. Go to pool and have a great time. Take quick nap and back out to park around 4:00 to 4:30. I live in Florida and between 1:00 to 3:00 it is real hot melting hot in September. I know some of you are there all day, but the break during the hottest part of the day is worth leaving and enjoying your resort.

I'm banking on everyone else doing that and getting out of my riding queues. Hahah.