How to get free dining?

[Figaro0826]

Ok, booked next trip for sept. 2009. If im lucky and they offer free dining .

Do I have to call Disney direct ask them for it?

Booked on-line with Walt Disney .

How does that work?

[spgale]

If they are going to have free dining next year which is likely. Keep an eye on this site around march-April 2009 and you will see it announced. At that time you can phone Disney and tell them you heard that they have the free dining when you are due to go, Ask them to please add this to your reservation and if it is available they will. This is exactly how it has worked for the past 3 years that I know of. I have done it twice this way myself with absolutely no problem.

[Vito]

As the previous person said, you basically have to wait until they announce the special. When they do, you'll have a chance to call and have them "upgrade" your reservation to the free dining, if they have it available for your chosen resort and/or package.

Keep in mind that if you booked at any special rate, you'll lose that rate and pay whatever the rack rate for the free dining plan is. I think you will also have to purchase Magic Your Way base tickets for anyone wanting the free dining add-on.

Basically, keep tabs here on Intercot and watch for the announcement. While it's not guaranteed to come, I think Disney has had success with it and will likely offer it again.

Unfortunately we just missed out on the free dining booking "window" for our trip next week, as our trip was planned in mid-July as almost a "last minute" thing, but at least we got the highly discounted room rate

[Mickey 101]

The most reliable and hassle-free way of getting discounts for Disney trips is to support the Intercot sponsor, Magical Journeys. I've never taken advantage of free dining, but we always book our resort stay through Melissa and then when discounts are released down the line, we don't have to do a thing. She automatically converts our reservation over to the discounted rate for us and just lets us know about the savings. Personally, I would contact Magical Journeys and see whether free dining is something they monitor and automatically add on when it becomes available. You can always cancel your existing reservation. That way, you're sure not to miss the boat. Happy planning!

[BMan62]

One thing... Make sure that if/when you change your reservation over to one with the "Free DDP" you are sure that this is the best option for you/your family. Often, when you get into the Moderate and Deluxe resorts, the Room Only discount available is a better deal. Also, if I understand correctly, the "Free DDP" for next year will be the "QS Only" version.

Again, I would suggest transferring your reservation to one of the wonderful agents at Magical Journeys and allow them to take care of finding the best situation for you/your family.

[Strmchsr]

Personally, I would contact Magical Journeys and see whether free dining is something they monitor and automatically add on when it becomes available. You can always cancel your existing reservation.

I totally agree about Magical Journeys!!! Wendy has booked 3 trips for us now, including one this weekend when I got a "free" dining pin code for the first week of October (first time I've ever gotten a pin code offer!! ). It's nice to see her come through even when the trip is being booked less than a month before we leave!

You usually don't have to cancel your existing reservation, however, to book with MJ. They can generally just transfer it over. Just contact them and they'll let you know the process. Then when whatever fall discount is released next year, whether it be "free" dining or something else, they will automatically get you the best deal.

[Figaro0826]

If I have already paid 1800.00 on my trip, can I still transfer it to magical Journeys?

I booked magic your way park hopper tickets with the full rack rate for sept . 2009.


8 nights.

[Strmchsr]

If I have already paid 1800.00 on my trip, can I still transfer it to magical Journeys?

I believe you can. Just go to their site here, request a quote and they'll get with you quickly.

[PittFan]

Also, if I understand correctly, the "Free DDP" for next year will be the "QS Only" version.

I booked with the BounceBack Free Dining offer last week and as of right now,the Free Dining Package is not the QS, it is the same as it has been in the past. That doesn't mean that they won't offer the QS as the Free Dining Package at a later date though. I'm really interested to see if they offer it again in the spring myself.