Is this something that is advertised, the free dining plan, that is? We are planning on going Sept 09 for our first time, and as a first timer I am not sure what I am supposed to be looking for for the free dining plan. Any tips here? My wife is just getting out of University before we go, so any $$ we can save the better. We were thinking of staying at one of the value resorts, does the free dining plan (one quick service, one sit down) apply to these resorts. Sorry if these are all rookie questions, I am just getting into learning the ropes now, so any advice you veterans can give me is very much appreciated.
Thanks
CD72
Yes it is advertised....usually in early April, so be sure to check these boards as the folks here seem to know about it before I get my emails from Disney, lol.
Typically, they offer it first to Disney VISA holders (so you might consider applying for the card), then sometimes to the Annual Passholders before the General Public. The price is typically the same for all groups, but of course the rooms are limited so being able to call first means a better selection of room availablity. The offer usually ends in late June, but by then the only thing left is the super expensive deluxe rooms, lol.....so you definitely want to call whenever your category is first announced.
Now, of course, this is all subject to Disney's whims, so it's probably best to watch the boards from now until then, because they could pull a surprise and announce it early (or late). As an example of surprises....for as long as they've been offering free dining it's always been in August/September/early October, and that's it. This year in August I think it was, they announced new dates in October, and then also announced dates in November and December, which has never ever happened before. BUT...these extra dates were only for Disney VISA holders, so another reason to consider getting the card. I use my card for anything and everything so that I can earn reward dollars to use while I'm there....and getting the free dining freed up hundreds of more dollars for my budget so I'm thrilled. The Disney VISA doesn't have an annual fee, so that's a big plus. I got my card last year in late October or early November while Christmas shopping at Disneyshopping.com...they were offering $50 gift card if you were accepted and used your card once. That alone was worth it, lol. Plus when you go to WDW there is a special meet-greet with characters for Disney VISA holders only and a free photo too.
As for what dining plan will be offered, again, Disney can change things whenever they want of course, but the people who went to free dining THIS year get what's called a "bounce back offer"....meaning while they're at the resort if they book for the following years free dining they not only get the free dining, but they get a room discount usually (the rest of us have to pay rack rate to get the free dining). So based on the reports of bounce back free dining, it appears that the offer is the same as it's always been...the free dining is the basic plan, 1 Table Service, 1 Counter Service and 1 snack per person per night. In 2009 they are introducing a new dining plan called the Quick Service which is 2 Counter Service and 2 snacks (no Table Services), and there was a lot of speculation when it was announced that this would be the new free dining plan, but it doesn't appear to be so at least based on the bounce backs. There is also a Deluxe Dining Plan which is 3 meals a day at your choice of TS or CS and I think it's also 2 snacks and a refillable mug.......and apparently you can upgrade from the free dining to the Deluxe for the difference in price of the two plans, which is in the $32 range I believe.
Hopefully that answered your questions without confusing you! I was on these board for about 14 months before our first trip and it was the best time I ever spent.....got to know a LOT about Disney that you can't find in all the guidebooks and brochures out there....and it made it possible for us to save a lot of money and enjoy things I'd have completely missed without DIS. So stick around and keep reading....and start a file now for all the tidbits that you'll be learning!
