2016 Free Dining Watch ~ Part 2

[Wood Nymph]

I have a friend who is at and will be in Disney at
POR. On Monday Can she book for me at the resort of I can't get thru ? Would it be faster ?

You could ask them to call extension 8844 from their resort room phone. They will get the bounce back reservation department but they might be able to get the FD offer for you.

Our dates are somewhere between 12/13 and 12/22. There isn't a RO discount (yet) and I'm stressing about not getting FD and then there not being a RO discount. If I book on Monday so that all of the rooms don't fill up and we don't end up getting FD, can a RO discount be added later after the reservation is booked?..

If you don't end up getting a free dining offer on Monday and decide to book a package at full price, then, if a room only offer comes out later then you will be able to apply the room only discount to your package reservation as long as there is availability for your dates and resort.

Ok so here's the deal... And hubby is no help at all... I'm debating between Pop and POR... Staying at Pop saves us $300... But we don't want to be highly disappointed by staying at a value resort... We aren't gonna swim most likely so pools aren't that big of a deal... It will be me, dh, dd age 4 and dd age 2... Never stayed at either... Need help

POR is very pretty. There is also a boat that goes to Disney Springs, which is really nice and Pop doesn't have it.

I know credible sources here have forecast a straight to GP release, but now this has got me wondering if a DV pre-release is not entirely out of the realm of possibilities.

I would listen to the credible sources and forget what some random travel agent has said.

Hello, new here and had a question? We currently have 4 rooms booked at POR in Sept and with FD coming, hopefully what are the chances of us getting the FD added? I would have my TA do it for me, but would she have to call? I haven't had a chance to ask her..

Your TA would have to call for you. I would think that you would have to notify them ahead of time that you want the FD deal.

We have 2 rooms at POFQ booked for 11/30-12/6 under the magical deal, upgraded to DxDDP (2 adults, 1 Disney adult, 3 kids), no hoppers, for $6,314. I emailed my TA about changing to 11/28 to get the FD, and she said to watch for emails from her when it drops. I did a mock reservation, and when I add in the cost of hoppers, though, I don't think getting FD will be much of a savings over what I have. And we get to be at POFQ, which we love, although I wonder if we should explore other resorts... I'm enjoying the FD Watch, but is it going to make a difference for us? DH and I already figured it has to be some serious savings to switch resorts.

I would keep what you have if you love POFQ. My two daughters have a magical deal for POFQ, too, and they are very happy about it.

Help please- I currently have three rooms checking in on Nov 28-supposedly free dining dates in general. They are preferrred rooms at POR which I was hoping to switch to free dining (a $2430 savings for us). I see where POFQ is not included but I am not seeing POR being excluded for the whole time.

You won't know until the offer is released. But I would have a backup plan just in case.

Are any of the studio or one bedroom villas included in the FD?

Yes, studios and 1 and 2 BR villas should be included except the ones at Poly, BLT, and ? maybe GFV.

RE_ POR and Free dining--If i am going to need to go in and modify anyhow to get free dining- is there any benefit to me switching to another resort now that most likely will have free dining and then Monday switching to free dining?

No, there is no benefit at all. You can do all the modifications when free dining is announced.

sorry if this is a duplicate question, the pages keep growing and trying to find an answer can sometimes be overlooked when I start to read-and read-and read.....I have gone on line and logged into my MDE, I look to see if I can modify(hoping that I could go this way IF/WHEN fd is released. all I get when I pull up our reservation is that I have to call. is this because we have 2 rooms with our resi? I would love to do one room but with 2 teenage girls we need/like the extra room and bathrooms for comfort and sanity(some think its wrong, Ive heard it but it is what it is and it makes us a better traveling family) not sure if the resi will change and allow us to modify-anyone ever have this issue?

No one knows whether the change buttons will be there on Monday morning. You'l have to wait and see and hope for the best.

 

[deakam]

I am reading these pages and everyone is freaking out about not getting free dining. In all the years we have been doing this I have never met anyone that did not get free dining when they wanted to get free dining. You may have to pay more for a different room category. You may have to stay at a resort you did not initially want to stay at or you may have to tweak your days here and there but the chances of getting free dining if you want it is pretty good. This promo sits on the website for months after initial release---there are thousands upon thousands of people that book this promo without ever coming to this website. Stay calm---relax and get your behind up before the crack of dawn and all will be well. I have booked free dining since it was first offered. Sad year for me. Not going during free dining.

 

[SJSloan]

sooooo......while we are waiting.....whats everyones plan...up all night? or multiple alarms and try to sleep in between? im just curious

I am pulling my first all-nighter since college…

Free dining dance off?

 

[DennisandAngel]

I am reading these pages and everyone is freaking out about not getting free dining. In all the years we have been doing this I have never met anyone that did not get free dining when they wanted to get free dining. You may have to pay more for a different room category. You may have to stay at a resort you did not initially want to stay at or you may have to tweak your days here and there but the chances of getting free dining if you want it is pretty good. This promo sits on the website for months after initial release---there are thousands upon thousands of people that book this promo without ever coming to this website. Stay calm---relax and get your behind up before the crack of dawn and all will be well. I have booked free dining since it was first offered. Sad year for me. Not going during free dining.

How dare you speak the truth!!! Hahahahahahaha

 

[SJSloan]

I am reading these pages and everyone is freaking out about not getting free dining. In all the years we have been doing this I have never met anyone that did not get free dining when they wanted to get free dining. You may have to pay more for a different room category. You may have to stay at a resort you did not initially want to stay at or you may have to tweak your days here and there but the chances of getting free dining if you want it is pretty good. This promo sits on the website for months after initial release---there are thousands upon thousands of people that book this promo without ever coming to this website. Stay calm---relax and get your behind up before the crack of dawn and all will be well. I have booked free dining since it was first offered. Sad year for me. Not going during free dining.

That help my anxiety some, but I am still freaking out. There is no other resort that is an option for us that would be cheaper with our current offer, which was booked before the price increase but at the same resort. Our dates are also not flexible with the exception of possible arriving one day later but then would could not add a day onto the end. The only options for us are to change room categories. I need a third job...

 

[deakam]

Testing testing 1-2-3. Can anyone see this or are all of my questions intentionally getting ignored? I know the page moves fast but the last 3 or 4 times I've posted, I've not gotten a reply. I don't mean to be a bother, I just need to know my options for Monday.

You can change any reservation to a new discount at any time prior to the 45 day mark with no penalty. As far as the other thing I do not know---earlier they said to google magical vacations.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

You can change any reservation to a new discount at any time prior to the 45 day mark with no penalty. As far as the other thing I do not know---earlier they said to google magical vacations.

I think it's within 30 days now.

 

[deakam]

That help my anxiety some, but I am still freaking out. There is no other resort that is an option for us that would be cheaper with our current offer, which was booked before the price increase but at the same resort. Our dates are also not flexible with the exception of possible arriving one day later but then would could not add a day onto the end. The only options for us are to change room categories. I need a third job...

Maybe free dining is not the best option for you. Truly nothing is ever really free---it just is a good deal some times. If you can not work it out to be a lower price then stick with what you have. We stopped paying for a dining plan because it was more food than we eat. We did do free dining because we were going anyway and at the time it was the best deal. Now that we are pass holders the room only discount at a deluxe usually covers our dining.

 

[twoolle]

Ok guys, am I crazy to want to try a deluxe? Currently I have 9 nights booked at POR 9/6-15. We are going regardless of free dining, but it would be nice to get. If we can get the FD, I am thinking of doing a split stay, 6 nights POR and 3 either at YC or BWV. There are 6 of us: 2 adults, DD8, DS 7, DS4, and DD2. This would be only year that we could afford a deluxe since we can still do a 5 person room. I was thinking of doing the 6 nights free dining (hopefully) with a 7 day water park and more ticket and 3 nights deluxe at a RO discount and OOP for food. This would add about 1200 to the price. We would be able to get most of our table service and character dining out of the way with free dining and would probably just do qs for the last 3 days. I guess my question is, do you all think the extra $1200 to stay for 3 nights at a deluxe is worth it? We have only ever stayed at POR and love it. After this year, I just cannot ever see us splurging for a deluxe to fit our family. What would you guys do?? Any advice? Thank you!!

I am wanting to ask a similar question. We were originally thinking of booking a mod, but have decided to go with the Yc instead if we can. In my mind I think it is worth it to be able to walk to Epcot and walk back for a swim during the day. Would be interested to read other people's thoughts.

I'm both a parent to four with the smallest still "free," which is why we are making a trip this year, AND a devotee of split stays. I also have a plan with the DDP part of my stay including our three character meals, Ohana, and Boma. So I say, Go for it! You're totally right about how awful (read: $$$$ and limited) the choices are for parties of 6+. You're making me re-think my own plans, because I, too, would love a deluxe.

Also a parent of 4 here and I agree. ..if you can do it go for the deluxe! We did it our first trip in 2014, stayed at (GF) thanks to mom and dad and it was amazjng. Last year we did POR. It was good but oh how I missed relaxing on that balcony while the little ones slept!

This year I'm still trying to convince DH to go back. Debating POR or CBR to try something new.

I think your split stay would be awesome!

 

[deakam]

I'm sure this has been asked before, but I can't find any info. I am looking at arriving on September 30th and staying until October 9th. Will this still qualify? Or does the entire duration have to be within the free dining dates?

thanks in advance!!!

Your check in dates fall into the promo so yes---you get it for the entire trip.

 

[deakam]

We have 2 rooms at POFQ booked for 11/30-12/6 under the magical deal, upgraded to DxDDP (2 adults, 1 Disney adult, 3 kids), no hoppers, for $6,314. I emailed my TA about changing to 11/28 to get the FD, and she said to watch for emails from her when it drops. I did a mock reservation, and when I add in the cost of hoppers, though, I don't think getting FD will be much of a savings over what I have. And we get to be at POFQ, which we love, although I wonder if we should explore other resorts... I'm enjoying the FD Watch, but is it going to make a difference for us? DH and I already figured it has to be some serious savings to switch resorts.

French Quarter is not included in fee dining. In order to "add" this you would need a whole new reservation at a different resort. You can only add free dining to reservations that have it available.

 

[Duckiedee]

I have a question... I'm using a Travel Agent - who will be moving everything around for us to get the FD in the anticipated case it is coming out. They are also Disney Specialists, so I'm not very concerned about errors. Just wondering - do they work with a separate set of rooms/numbers as the ones readily available online? I know they do have a better set of "Back end" tools than what the consumer sees from the Webpage.

 

[Burlingtondw]

Can anyone still see the Air Canada offers? I wanted to see how the deal compared with booking directly with Disney, but as far as I can tell, the AC offers have disappeared. Maybe the Mouse didn't like the sneak peak...! I can't believe that for my last two trips (neophyte that I am), I somehow managed to casually book free dining offers without any preplanning, drama or stress. I had no idea how fortunate I had been! Now I'm sharing in the stress/excitement/anticipation with the lot of you (which really, is all part of the journey, isn't it?) <3

I think it was pulled

 

[Burlingtondw]

I'm up all night, baby! Woo! Party in the free dining thread!

DITTO!!!

 

[deakam]

Does anyone know if admission to Disneyquest is still included in the "Water Parks and More" ticket? It no longer mentions it on their site. I can find the price to purchase them separately, but $43 is too steep for something like that.

I thought Disney Quest closed---something about an NBA eatery.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Ok guys, am I crazy to want to try a deluxe? Currently I have 9 nights booked at POR 9/6-15. We are going regardless of free dining, but it would be nice to get. If we can get the FD, I am thinking of doing a split stay, 6 nights POR and 3 either at YC or BWV. There are 6 of us: 2 adults, DD8, DS 7, DS4, and DD2. This would be only year that we could afford a deluxe since we can still do a 5 person room. I was thinking of doing the 6 nights free dining (hopefully) with a 7 day water park and more ticket and 3 nights deluxe at a RO discount and OOP for food. This would add about 1200 to the price. We would be able to get most of our table service and character dining out of the way with free dining and would probably just do qs for the last 3 days. I guess my question is, do you all think the extra $1200 to stay for 3 nights at a deluxe is worth it? We have only ever stayed at POR and love it. After this year, I just cannot ever see us splurging for a deluxe to fit our family. What would you guys do?? Any advice? Thank you!!

I can't crunch the numbers for you right now but it would not be an additonal $1200 to stay at the YC for three nights instead of at POR for three nights. It would be the difference between paying full price for a POR room vs getting a YC room with a discount. Usually the discount is 30%.

 

[deakam]

Ok guys, am I crazy to want to try a deluxe? Currently I have 9 nights booked at POR 9/6-15. We are going regardless of free dining, but it would be nice to get. If we can get the FD, I am thinking of doing a split stay, 6 nights POR and 3 either at YC or BWV. There are 6 of us: 2 adults, DD8, DS 7, DS4, and DD2. This would be only year that we could afford a deluxe since we can still do a 5 person room. I was thinking of doing the 6 nights free dining (hopefully) with a 7 day water park and more ticket and 3 nights deluxe at a RO discount and OOP for food. This would add about 1200 to the price. We would be able to get most of our table service and character dining out of the way with free dining and would probably just do qs for the last 3 days. I guess my question is, do you all think the extra $1200 to stay for 3 nights at a deluxe is worth it? We have only ever stayed at POR and love it. After this year, I just cannot ever see us splurging for a deluxe to fit our family. What would you guys do?? Any advice? Thank you!!

Not crazy at all----I have stayed deluxe several times and I am doing 9 nights at the Wilderness this October for my daughter's wedding. I love deluxe. The rooms are bigger so you are not stepping on each other. I think the biggest rooms are the Garden wing rooms at the Contemporary.

 

[aaarcher86]

I have a question... I'm using a Travel Agent - who will be moving everything around for us to get the FD in the anticipated case it is coming out. They are also Disney Specialists, so I'm not very concerned about errors. Just wondering - do they work with a separate set of rooms/numbers as the ones readily available online? I know they do have a better set of "Back end" tools than what the consumer sees from the Webpage.

No special inventory.

I thought Disney Quest closed---something about an NBA eatery.

It was supposed to close, but I guess that contract fell through so it's still open as of now.

 

[carlys13]

Having travelled with free dining a few times I just thought I would throw this out there. If it drops Monday and you can't get the resort you want, don't panic! People will be changing existing reservations like crazy. I've booked a couple of times at resorts I didn't really want because what I did want had no availability but I kept checking, eventually somehow I ended up finding availability and switching. So all is not lost if at first you don't succeed, keep checking back! Once the craziness dies down you may be able to get what you wanted!

 

[carlys13]

Anybody know off hand what the difference is between Deluxe dining and regular is per day? I'm trying to figure out if I can throw around some pixie dust and make deluxe dining at a deluxe comparable to deluxe dining at a moderate lol. I'm probably delusional