Travel Dates: September 28 – October 11, November 9 – 22 and December 14 – 20, 2008
Walt Disney World has introduced an extension of the Free Dining program offered earlier this year for select dates through the end of the year solely for Disney VISA cardholders. Some dates may even include a room discount in addition to the free dining being offered.
You must purchase a Magic Your Way package that includes at least a three night stay and include at least a one day MYW park pass, and you will get the Disney Dining plan free for each person in your party for the length of your stay.
Availability is extremely limited. You must have a Disney VISA to book this special package, and the $200 deposit must be paid with your Disney VISA at time of booking (if you are traveling within 45 days of when you are booking, then the full amount must be paid with your Disney VISA at time of booking).
For more information, please contact our great sponsor Mouseketrips, and ask for code QXZ.
Patty says
September 24, 2008 at 5:58 pmWe already have three rooms booked as well as dining and park hopper passes starting November 9. We do not have a Disney Visa nor do we really want one since we are trying to do plastic surgery at our house. If the offer of free dining goes to the general public, will I be able to get a credit for the dining package I have already purchased and get the benefit of the free dining?
Keith says
September 24, 2008 at 9:57 pmPatty
I wouldn’t hold my breath, but yes, if it was extended to the general public, and if there was availability for your dates/resorts, you would get a credit for the cost of the dining plan.
michelle says
September 27, 2008 at 3:00 pmWe have a vacation booked for 11/28-12/6. I was told by disney cast memebers that this is one of the best times to visit because there are less crowds. Why would they not extend the free meal plan for a time when there are less crowds?
I have NEVER got any information about free dining and I have a Disney Credit card. How can I get this kind of information?
Thanks for your help.
Michelle
Keith says
September 27, 2008 at 4:28 pmMichelle
The cast member was correct, if they were talking about 2004. The last two years, the first 10 days of December had been completely sold out (and the parks have been packed), and will be again this year. For your dates, there are only a few rooms left available to book.
The free dining was introduced to push just a few slow weeks where there was plenty of availability, it would have been impossible to make it available for your dates, as there wouldn’t have been anything available to book.
The Disney VISA free dining was emailed to members a few days late, but was available on the Disney Rewards website.
Your best bet to keep on top of discounts like that would be to subscribe to our email service here, you will get a daily email with the latest discounts.
tara says
October 1, 2008 at 5:42 amdoes anyone know if I sign up for a disney visa would I get a pin number to receive free dining package? I am hearing conflicting stories. I want to travel between Oct. 23-30th. Can I get this signing up for a new visa account? thanks Tara
Keith says
October 1, 2008 at 8:31 amTara
The Disney VISA free dining does not require a PIN code, but you must have a Disney VISA card ready to go to pay the deposit, or in your case, the full amount at time of booking. Some people have had luck applying, getting approved, and getting Chase to give them their number in a matter of days, but most times, the process takes 2 – 3 weeks.
Please note the travel dates listed above, the dates you want to travel are not included in the available dates, so this is kind of a mute point.
Sheila says
November 7, 2008 at 6:34 pmI just booked a trip to disney and paid for the meal plan. I do have a Disney card, anyway I can get my $ back for the food part?
Keith says
November 7, 2008 at 11:16 pmIf your dates fit within the offer period, and there is availability, yes. You will need to call Disney, ask if they can apply the Free Disney VISA dining for you, and if available, they will apply the discount and refund the difference back to your card. Let us know how it goes.
cheryl says
November 9, 2008 at 6:12 pmI am attempting to plan a trip for August 2009, but I don’t even know where to start. Some people say to book everything separate and you will save, others say go through a Disney agent and you will save. All I know is I want a fair deal with hotel, flight and park hoppers for 2 adults and 2 children (15 and 5). I don’t want all the extra’s just the stay and park hoppers. What is the best choice?
Keith says
November 9, 2008 at 11:57 pmCheryl
It used to be true that doing everything separately was a better deal, but that has not been the case for years. Find yourself a good Disney travel agent, have them book the resort and tickets for you as part of a Magic Your Way package, then they can watch for discounts for you. They will make sure you get the best deal.
I would suggest you take care of your own flights. You have long enough before you go, you have time to watch for a decent fare. Figure out what a good rate is, and watch for something close, then book it.
Have fun planning!
Paul says
March 18, 2009 at 3:46 amI’m looking to book a trip from 9/12/09-9/20/09 I am a military member so I will be taking advantage of the 40% off roon rate and the magic your way stars & stripes tickets. I also am a Disney Visa card holder do I quailify for the free dining?
Lisa says
June 3, 2009 at 3:01 pmHi…recently booked a weeek stay at WDW Boardwalk Villas through a Disney Vacation Club member during one of the weeks listed for free dining…I haven’t added the meal plan yet and was just going to apply for the VISA to earn rewards…am I eligible for the free dining offer?
Keith says
June 4, 2009 at 9:59 amLisa
This offer you are asking about was for 2008, as is listed in the article. DVC resorts stays are not eligible for any free dining, or other discount, if you use points. You can only get them there if you pay cash. Since you used points to make the reservation through a member, you will need to pay for the dining plan if you want it.