Free Dining Watch 2009 - Dates Released!! Update post 1

[Tricia1972]

Originally Posted by dahuffy

We'll be "bunking" with friends at Old Key West,in a 2br Suite,Aug 15-22,2009. Since they are the ones paying for it,how would we go about getting our tickets with the Free Dining? What if they don't want the FD option for their family?

If they are using DVC points, you will not be able to get free dining.

If they are paying cash, it's possible that you may be able to get free dining, but only if they also add it on for themselves. Free Dining is available for select resorts for all members of a party (in a room) for the length of stay.

[Tomh]

Aug 15 - 22 might be a bit too early to get in on the free dining. If I remember correctly, the dates that were offered for the bounceback started Aug 23rd (I didn't see the offer myself, but I've read a few posts about it here).

We missed the free dining last summer by about a week. This year, we booked for Aug 23rd through Sept 5th, and we're SO HOPING to get the free eats this time!

[lorelei_smiles]

What steps do I need to take to get the free dining? I was thinking of taking advantage of the buy 4 get 3 free but this may be a better option.

I'm thinking of the date August 27-September 3. So should I just book the room and wait for the offer? Once the free dining option is available what do I do next?

[lsutiggergirl]

Just book whenever you want to go and upgrade whenever they come out with free dining hopefully in early April. I do that every year just to make sure I'm already in the resort I want before it's sold out.

[jesa]

how do you get free dining? we just got back from our vacation a week ago and had a WONDERFUL time, if we were able to go back with free dining my dh might consider it...

[DixieDisneyDiva]

I'm subbing...who doesn't like free grub? Our dates are flexible...if the eats are on the Mouse, we're there!

[lsutiggergirl]

You just have to wait until Disney comes out with the offer. You'll know about it first if you keep checking disboards. They usually offer it in early April for use in September and October.

[ADreamer4lyfe]

we are taking our 1st trip jan 2010 i hope they have a special like this it would be AMAZING!!!!

[RamonaBuchanan]

I received a postcard with PIN for free dining--pretty much anytime during first half of 2009. I booked for June 21-26 and all four (all adults) got the free dining. This is the first time I've used a PIN and the first time for free dining. I'M SO EXCITED! For those of you who have had free dining before, did your park tickets include the water park and more option without paying for that? The mailed welcome letter I received mentioned that our tickets had this feature (and was encouraging us to add park hopper option) but I only asked for and paid for base tickets.

[SGMCO]

We have booked the BB (9/12--9/20) but I am watching for
my BIL and his family--they may join us--if they can get FD.
I told them that I would let them know ASAP as I find out.

[SGMCO]

Originally Posted by RamonaBuchanan

I received a postcard with PIN for free dining--pretty much anytime during first half of 2009. I booked for June 21-26 and all four (all adults) got the free dining. This is the first time I've used a PIN and the first time for free dining. I'M SO EXCITED! For those of you who have had free dining before, did your park tickets include the water park and more option without paying for that? The mailed welcome letter I received mentioned that our tickets had this feature (and was encouraging us to add park hopper option) but I only asked for and paid for base tickets.

We have had FD 2 times in a row and it has never included anything other
than Free Food. The only Plus is that we go during the Value Season
whenever the rack rate Per Night is the cheapest. We always stay in
a MOD.
With FD we Save $117.00 per night because there is
3 of us 2 adults and my DS who is over 10.
FD has been well worth the trip.
We really enjoy TS meals--it's a nice break from the parks.
I like to be able to order anything on the menu without
looking at the price.
I'm hoping that they will offer the extras if FD is offered to public
again--hope that I can add it on my package.

[pixiemagic30]

Originally Posted by dahuffy

We'll be "bunking" with friends at Old Key West,in a 2br Suite,Aug 15-22,2009. Since they are the ones paying for it,how would we go about getting our tickets with the Free Dining? What if they don't want the FD option for their family?

Everyone in the room has to be on the same package meaning if they don't take the FD package, you can't get it either....sorry. The only way for you to get the FD would be to book your own package and request (but not guaranteed) rooms side by side.

[jlhansen]

Hello!

Quick question for you. Do you have to have the Disney Visa to get the postcards with the special PIN offer? Thanks so much!

[Tricia1972]

Originally Posted by pixiemagic30

Everyone in the room has to be on the same package meaning if they don't take the FD package, you can't get it either....sorry. The only way for you to get the FD would be to book your own package and request (but not guaranteed) rooms side by side.

It's a little different at Old Key West, because the ability to get Free Dining depends on resort availability as well as the fact that they MUST pay cash. They cannot get free dining if they are staying on points for the rooms. (So even if this family took the room next door to their friends (to get the Free Dining), they'd need to pay cash for the room that they're staying in, and I believe that DVC is priced similarly to a Deluxe when paying cash)

[pixiemagic30]

I missed that it was a dvc...I do remember now that that does change things. Thanks for correcting me!