2013 Free Dining Watch - Page 16 - The DIS Discussion Forums

Zipears Fan · 09-15-2012, 08:44 AM

I couldn't locate this issue on any other thread. Moderators or experienced Disney-goers are welcome to answer this question I have regarding the timeline of planning our trip...

My family and I want to plan our trip around when FD dates are available (ideally in September 2013). Therefore, the goal is to get FD. Having said that, I know the FD promotion for the fall doesn't typically get released until April, maybe May.

However, March will be the start of when Disney guests arriving in September can make ADR's. I don't want to get "stuck" with our dates if FD falls outside the days we paid to stay. ON THE OTHER HAND, I want to take advantage of the 180 + 10 advance time that Disney guests can make ADRs - as I am well aware how fast they get taken up.

How would you (or have you in the past) handled this "timeline" dilemma?

THANKS EVERYONE!

vicki_c · 09-15-2012, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zipears Fan

I couldn't locate this issue on any other thread. Moderators or experienced Disney-goers are welcome to answer this question I have regarding the timeline of planning our trip...

My family and I want to plan our trip around when FD dates are available (ideally in September 2013). Therefore, the goal is to get FD. Having said that, I know the FD promotion for the fall doesn't typically get released until April, maybe May.

However, March will be the start of when Disney guests arriving in September can make ADR's. I don't want to get "stuck" with our dates if FD falls outside the days we paid to stay. ON THE OTHER HAND, I want to take advantage of the 180 + 10 advance time that Disney guests can make ADRs - as I am well aware how fast they get taken up.

How would you (or have you in the past) handled this "timeline" dilemma?

THANKS EVERYONE!

To get 180+10 you will have to have something booked, no way around that. I would book a package prior to that time and if free is announced, modify your reservation as needed to add the free dining.

dakotix · 09-15-2012, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vicki_c

To get 180+10 you will have to have something booked, no way around that. I would book a package prior to that time and if free is announced, modify your reservation as needed to add the free dining.

I booked my trip in advance with dining . I was told by a travel agent to do it that way so that if free dining was offered they would just refund me the cost of the Dining Plan . The way I chose to pay for everything was I've paid for everything except for the Dining Plan and when free dining is offered they will just take that off my bill. If for some reason free dining is not offered I will just remove it from my bill entirely. But you need to be careful because if you try to do that after 45 days before your trip begins I think they charge you a cancelation fee.

usd2bmd · 09-15-2012, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dakotix

I booked my trip in advance with dining . I was told by a travel agent to do it that way so that if free dining was offered they would just refund me the cost of the Dining Plan . The way I chose to pay for everything was I've paid for everything except for the Dining Plan and when free dining is offered they will just take that off my bill. If for some reason free dining is not offered I will just remove it from my bill entirely. But you need to be careful because if you try to do that after 45 days before your trip begins I think they charge you a cancelation fee.

Free dining is offered only if Disney is trying to fill rooms. If people book hoping to get free dining that fills rooms making it not necessary for Disney to offer it.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Suziewan · 09-15-2012, 02:25 PM

I see lots of free dining banners for November-December now, hope that has helped some of you. We are going over the holidays, so doubtful there will be any offers for our weeks.

dakotix · 09-15-2012, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by usd2bmd

Free dining is offered only if Disney is trying to fill rooms. If people book hoping to get free dining that fills rooms making it not necessary for Disney to offer it.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

We're going to Disney regardless of whether or not they offer free dining. it's just a nice perk to have if it is offered

disneyfantotheend · 09-15-2012, 02:33 PM

The promotions going on now, are for this year. Those on this thread are looking for next year.

I think the beginning of October there will be some sort of promotion announced for early 2013.

~Kristina~ · 09-15-2012, 05:44 PM

I decided to forego the free dining and stay at Ft. Wilderness again. That in its self saves us a lot of money. I hope you all are able to get free dining for the dates you're looking for!

littlelulu3 · 09-15-2012, 07:38 PM

My DH will agree to go in February if they offer the free dining plan. We have been the last 2 years in January and have gotten the free dining plan. With a teenage football player and another almost teen boy, free food is a real blessing!!!

serene56 · 09-15-2012, 08:05 PM

i see free dining is offered this year until dec 15th and includes pop warner week.

but why only til the 15 th do crowds pick up by that date

joell51868 · 09-16-2012, 06:38 PM

Our dates are set for jan 30-Feb 8th, I haven't booked air yet because I'm hoping for FD. I will be happy with any discount.

Zipears Fan · 09-17-2012, 08:45 AM

I know, I'm full of them, but this site is AMAZING! For you moderators and experienced Disney-goers, the following:

During FD promotional periods, what resorts tend to fill/book the quickest?

As I understand, Disney only allocates a percentage of each resort to the FD promotion and the rest are regular priced.

I ask this because we are considering booking POFQ right NOW for the middle of September 2013 (lowest crowds of the year) and don't want to be told, once FD is released, that we either need to switch resorts or that we can't get the deal altogether. Thanks!

noahdove · 09-17-2012, 08:02 PM

I too am hoping for FD but in mid August. I am trying to plan a trip for myself and 3 friends...and FD would be great

BuzzandWoodyMom · 09-17-2012, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by serene56

i see free dining is offered this year until dec 15th and includes pop warner week.

but why only til the 15 th do crowds pick up by that date

This year's December free dining dates are December 10 - 20 and if you check in by December 20th they will apply the free dining discount to your entire stay, up to 14 nights.

Pop Warner is the first week of December, not during this year's free dining dates.

jorybella · 09-18-2012, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlelulu3

My DH will agree to go in February if they offer the free dining plan. We have been the last 2 years in January and have gotten the free dining plan. With a teenage football player and another almost teen boy, free food is a real blessing!!!

littlelulu3 this cracked me up AND of course I can feel your pain. I have a preteen (12) who literally eats us out of house and home. I grocery shop on Saturday and by Tuesday I need to go to the store again. So I agree we are all about the free food and going to the all you can eat buffets. Last year in Germany the boy at more than anyone else at the table. And I couldn't complain because he was eating food and not junk.

09-15-2012, 08:44 AM	#226
Zipears Fan "You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality." ~WD Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 63	I need some tips I couldn't locate this issue on any other thread. Moderators or experienced Disney-goers are welcome to answer this question I have regarding the timeline of planning our trip... My family and I want to plan our trip around when FD dates are available (ideally in September 2013). Therefore, the goal is to get FD. Having said that, I know the FD promotion for the fall doesn't typically get released until April, maybe May. However, March will be the start of when Disney guests arriving in September can make ADR's. I don't want to get "stuck" with our dates if FD falls outside the days we paid to stay. ON THE OTHER HAND, I want to take advantage of the 180 + 10 advance time that Disney guests can make ADRs - as I am well aware how fast they get taken up. How would you (or have you in the past) handled this "timeline" dilemma? THANKS EVERYONE! __________________ Me DW DM DF September 2013: Pop (Anniversary!) August 2010: Pop July 2009: ASSp (Engagement!) July 2003: ASMu May 2000: ASSp From 1985-1999, Offsite[/SIZE]

09-15-2012, 02:25 PM	#230
Suziewan Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2012 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 118	I see lots of free dining banners for November-December now, hope that has helped some of you. We are going over the holidays, so doubtful there will be any offers for our weeks. __________________ *Angie (42) , DS (8)* 2010-11 AS Movies 8 nights / 2012-04 AS Sports 7 nights / 2013-01 POP 9 nights / 2013-09 POP 8 nights 9/20-9/28 Shine On Harvest Moon - Sept '13 PTR

09-15-2012, 05:44 PM	#233
~Kristina~ DIS Veteran Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Lyon, MI Posts: 638	I decided to forego the free dining and stay at Ft. Wilderness again. That in its self saves us a lot of money. I hope you all are able to get free dining for the dates you're looking for! __________________ Kristina & Jesse Ayden 11 Kailey 9 Ashlyn 7 Dylan 5 & Riley 3 CSR 2/2004, 12/2004, 12/2005; AS Sports 11/2006; FW 4/2007 Loop 1500; POR 3/2009; FW 12/2011 Loop 200

09-15-2012, 07:38 PM	#234
littlelulu3 Earning My Ears Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NC Posts: 5	Hoping..... My DH will agree to go in February if they offer the free dining plan. We have been the last 2 years in January and have gotten the free dining plan. With a teenage football player and another almost teen boy, free food is a real blessing!!! __________________ WDW Mar 1979, WDW Oct 1989, WDW Sept1997, WDW June 2001, WDW PopCR Oct 2004, WDW ASM Aug 2009, WDW POR Jan 2011, WDW POR Jan 2012 and (fingers crossed) hoping WDW POR in Feb 2013!!!!

09-15-2012, 08:05 PM	#235
serene56 DIS Veteran Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 3,360	i see free dining is offered this year until dec 15th and includes pop warner week. but why only til the 15 th do crowds pick up by that date __________________ Epcot passports -ebay- Joephila1 our surprise day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2cIzwp4XWk&feature=plcp

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09-15-2012, 02:33 PM	#232
disneyfantotheend DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,748	The promotions going on now, are for this year. Those on this thread are looking for next year. I think the beginning of October there will be some sort of promotion announced for early 2013.

09-16-2012, 06:38 PM	#236
joell51868 Earning My Ears Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New Jersey Posts: 73	Our dates are set for jan 30-Feb 8th, I haven't booked air yet because I'm hoping for FD. I will be happy with any discount. __________________ http://

09-17-2012, 08:45 AM	#237
Zipears Fan "You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality." ~WD Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 63	Another question I know, I'm full of them, but this site is AMAZING! For you moderators and experienced Disney-goers, the following: During FD promotional periods, what resorts tend to fill/book the quickest? As I understand, Disney only allocates a percentage of each resort to the FD promotion and the rest are regular priced. I ask this because we are considering booking POFQ right NOW for the middle of September 2013 (lowest crowds of the year) and don't want to be told, once FD is released, that we either need to switch resorts or that we can't get the deal altogether. Thanks! __________________ Me DW DM DF September 2013: Pop (Anniversary!) August 2010: Pop July 2009: ASSp (Engagement!) July 2003: ASMu May 2000: ASSp From 1985-1999, Offsite[/SIZE]

09-17-2012, 08:02 PM	#238
noahdove DIS Veteran Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Finger Lakes region of NY Posts: 5,751	I too am hoping for FD but in mid August. I am trying to plan a trip for myself and 3 friends...and FD would be great __________________ God Bless You, Marilyn

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