[REVISED] Free Disney Dining for dates into March 2012~

[disneymom2000]

Booking for Oct 7-11. A first time for two little boys 7&9. Can't wait to see their faces.

[mousetrapper]

So nice to get some good news (especially during these rather dismal times).

Thanks Wendy!

I'm debating whether to upgrade from basic to deluxe and whether paying the difference in cost is worth it.

Anyone want to comment on that?

[GSmortz]

Woo Who now I'm just waiting on my e-mail from Denise at MJ.

Denise is the bomb. she just booked my wife and I's anniversary trip at super short notice

[buzznwoodysmom]

Quick question. I know in the past you could get free dining for the entire stay as long as it was available on check in day. Is this still true? I know my neighbor is planning to go for Thanksgiving, and his daughter told me today he'll be coming over to ask me some questions soon. I'm thinking they'll be checking in on Nov. 19, staying through Thanksgiving week. It looks like the blackout dates begin on the 20th. I don't want to tell him they can get free dining if they can't. We've been using the military disocunt over the past few years so I haven't paid much attention to the rules for free dining.

[RedSoxFan]

Yes, they can. I am checking in to POFQ on 11/18 and have free dining for the 6 of us for the week.

[tinkerpharm]

I'm also excited in the fd. Woohoo staying dec-15-24 with fdp.:

[Tink1]

Disney has revised the dates for the Free Dining Packages.


Booking Dates: 8/24 - 10/29/11


2011: 10/1-10/6, 10/22-11/3, 11/12-11/17, 11/26-12/1, 12/10-12/15

2012: 1/8-1/12, 1/21-2/2, 2/11-2/16, 3/3-3/8, 3/24-3/29

I will ask one of our wonderful moderators to edit the original post to reflect these dates.

For those who are already booked under dates no longer available- Your reservation will not change unless you need to modify the package dates.

Nanc

[Djscherr]

Just a big thank you to Wendy at Magical Journeys. Don't want to sound like an advertisement, but people if you aren't using them you aren't making it as easy on yourself as you can. I've been to Disney maybe 15 or so times (I know not so much as other people). I don't need a map or anything to get around the parks, but I don't think I could manage accommodations as well as the team at Magical Journeys. I've worked with Wendy over my last few trips and she has made it painless and showed countless patience, and great customer focus. Even with all my what if questions, and changing my mind with trips she has given good advice, and snagged discounts before I ever even saw them. I highly recommend Magical Journeys to anyone I know is taking a trip.

[Adambomb85]

Just a big thank you to Wendy at Magical Journeys. Don't want to sound like an advertisement, but people if you aren't using them you aren't making it as easy on yourself as you can. I've been to Disney maybe 15 or so times (I know not so much as other people). I don't need a map or anything to get around the parks, but I don't think I could manage accommodations as well as the team at Magical Journeys. I've worked with Wendy over my last few trips and she has made it painless and showed countless patience, and great customer focus. Even with all my what if questions, and changing my mind with trips she has given good advice, and snagged discounts before I ever even saw them. I highly recommend Magical Journeys to anyone I know is taking a trip.

Agreed here totally. Wendy is just wonderful and Magical Journey's is just terrific. This is my first time using them and I can say they have made a lifelong client in me!

I woke up this morning with an email from Wendy letting me know that my December 10th check-in was eligible for the free dining package now! Now I don't have to juggle multiple reservations - a much easier way to travel - not to mention the savings!

Thank you Wendy @ Magical Journeys for the great news in my inbox this morning!

[beksy]

For those who are already booked under dates no longer available- Your reservation will not change unless you need to modify the package dates.

Nanc

Thanks for clarifying! I fall into this category and was worried.

[Dedivah]

For those who are already booked under dates no longer available- Your reservation will not change unless you need to modify the package dates.

Nanc

Thanks for clarifying! I fall into this category and was worried.

Thank Goodness!!! So do I!

[disneykid]

Hoping that someone out there has an answer for my question...I have looked everywhere! My husband will be attending a conference at the GF in January and the dates fall within the free dining offer. Since he is bringing me along and we are staying after the conference to enjoy the parks, can we get free dining? I would have contacted magical journeys but his company will be making the room ressies, the tickets are on us. Any help would be most appreciated!

[Tink1]

no, most likely the room will be booked under a convention rate, which is a whole 'nother ball of wax. The convention rates do not qualify for any further discounts.

Free Dining is a package deal. you have to do room and tickets and the free meal plan as a single component. The "free" part is tied to the room package booking, not the ticket.

Sorry!

Nanc

[Crow]

Can you still upgrade to the regular dining plan if you stay at a Value (and just pay the difference)?

Im wondering this too. Someone said that you could

[lighteningqueen]

YES YES YES even to the Deluxe you just pay the difference per day its 11.00 is what they told me per day per person adult think the kids stay the same unless you go deluxe.

[Bethis26fan]

Yes we pay the diffrence for the upgrade to reg DP.

[dmosher]

I know I will get blasted for this, but I do wish they would do away with or cut back on the free dining thing. During the times when it is not going, it is so much easier to get reservations, the general crowds are lighter and CMs are in much better spirits. Just looking forward to a time when this option goes away and things get back to normal.
.. ok bring the hate mail...
D

[lighteningqueen]

I guess ya'll make more money or your money is worth more over here in the US. But that food is expensive and even if they do away with it. It will not make it any better tasting and probably go up. You don't realize that when we get free dining that we spend more in the restaurant on other items like apps drinks etc. It does make more money for them in the long run because lets face it. Paying 22.00 for a plate of pasta that only cost them maybe a dollar to make is outrageous and they still make money. PLUS. did ya think maybe its the times you come over here that are busy and not just because of free dining. People are visiting the boards more and learning about Disney and how to work it thru others so they are booking their ressies only because they are told if they don't, they wont get to eat especially during busy times. No blasting here but look at the times you come over to the states, plus I bet you get to stay longer than most because its alot of value for your money in the exchange rate. Plus another fact. Many do not choose the free dining over a big discount on their rooms. Its just going to be busy no matter free or not peak season or near peak..

[lawgirl]

WE've never done the dining plan...Im just curious, did I read this right?? If you stay at a Value, you have to have the Magic your way package to get the dining plan.

If you stay at a deluxe or villa, you get the free dining plan. Period.? Do you have to purchase the non-discounted MYW package if you stay at the deluxe to get free dining?

Thanks for clearing it up!

[lawgirl]

I know I will get blasted for this, but I do wish they would do away with or cut back on the free dining thing. During the times when it is not going, it is so much easier to get reservations, the general crowds are lighter and CMs are in much better spirits. Just looking forward to a time when this option goes away and things get back to normal.
.. ok bring the hate mail...
D

No I have to totally agree with you on this. It just seems to get so crazy when its free dining! People just go nuts, and the restaurants are crazy busy (and I hate to say this, but it seems like people who would not normally be into "fine dining" eat at the best places and kinda ruin the atmosphere and everything else). People just get frantic with free dining, and it makes it really not so fun for people who don't buy into it.