2012 Free Disney Dining

I called about the free dining and disney said that it’s not open to the public today????

AP Grove

Why exclude any specific rooms or resorts?

Kim

Felicia, I just went online and booked with free dining this morning. So they misinformed you.

Colby Vendt

Yay! I’ve been waiting for this to be announced. I called to change me existing reservation, at Port Orleans French Quarter, and it is no longer available for the discount (this was at 8am this morning, so my guess is that it was never offered) so I switched to Port Orleans Riverside which still has availability. So does Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs! Just passing info on 🙂

Sherri

Do you think that Disney will offer discounts for the beginning of August? We have a trip planned Aug. 2-12, 2012 and would LOVE some discounts>

Keith

Felicia – Definitely available, make sure your travel dates fit with what has been made available.

AP Grove – They exclude resorts because they feel they don’t need any help booking those up. Since Art of Animation is brand new, and in September will only be partially open, they obviously feel there isn’t any need to offer a discount there.

Kim and Colby – Thanks!

Sherri – Probably, at some point we should see some sort of summer deal, though I wouldn’t expect a huge deal.

Amanda

Wondering on what you think the chance is for them to expand the offer into later fall like they did last year? We are planning for the week after Thanksgiving and would love to have free dining!

Keith

Amanda – At this point, I would say less than 50/50 it will be extended. If so, it will be very much like 2011, just a week here and a week there.

kathy

If they did open this up to earlier dates, any idea when they would announce it? We are booked for the week before 🙁

Keith

March 5, 2012

Kathy – This will not open up to earlier dates. We may see an alternate deal for earlier dates but not free dining.

Brandee – Have you considered a room at Port Orleans Riverside or two connecting rooms at another value resort? Those options are quite a bit cheaper and available with free dining.

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Brandee V

I’m so bummed! We were COUNTING on using either the free dining or SOMETHING when we booked our FIRST family vacation. We are staying at the art of animation because we area family of 5, and to find out that it ‘s excluded is HEARTBREAKING! Do you think there is ANY chance this will change? We may have to cancel and I will be so sad…

FYI, I’ve heard people say that Port Orleans French Quarter doesn’t have availability – I just booked there for the end of the promotion (stay starting 9/29 – 10/13/12). This is still available at the Disney reservations site… Are people working under the assumption that the dates end on 9/27 (like stated in the Visa eMail) or 9/29 (as stated on the Disney reservations site)?

Keith

March 5, 2012

Ed – Yes, French Quarter is included, just very limited. Glad you were able to get it, my favorite moderate by far. Both deals run through September 29th.

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Tawnie

I was just wondering if the free dining is available for Canadians. I go on to the Disney site and there is nothing there about it?

thanks
Tawnie

Keith

March 5, 2012

Tawnie – This free dining promotion is available to everyone, regardless of where you live. Not sure why the Canadian site doesn’t have any info.

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Nick

Just call and had them apply this discount to my reservation. Savings of just about 18% for two of us… counting the days till we are back (173).

Keith

March 5, 2012

Nick – You saved just enough to take me with you! Have a great trip.

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Lisa

Hello. The info on your site says 3 night 2 day pass min, but the WDW site says min 5 night 6 day pass. Would you be able to confirm if a 3 night booking does actually qualify. Thanks in advance for your help.

Keith

March 6, 2012

Lisa – My information is correct. No where on the Disney site does it say what is required, it only gives 5 nights/6 days as a pricing example. Go ahead and price out a 3 night stay, it works, but a 2 night stay does not.

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Tim

Just booked value and wanted Pop Century….not available. Had to do All Star Sports. Not my favorite, but worth with the free dining, with an upgrade to the next dining level. If anyone hears about Pop opening, I would switch in a heartbeat.

Jenn

Had anyone tried adding this to existing vacations that fall u der the military promotion?

Keith

Tim – Check back again, I checked very early this morning for a few dates, and Pop was available for all of them, when it was previously not available.

Jenn – Disney will not let you combine discounts, so it would either be the military discount or room only, never both.

Tim

Switched to POP this morning. Thank you.

Keith

March 6, 2012

Tim – Yah! Your bill is in the mail 😉

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Tim

Keith – thanks and the check is in the mail.also….lol

Kris

Do they ever do discounts the first week on Jan? Like dining?

Keith

March 7, 2012

Kris – January discounts are kind of a given each year, it is a pretty slow time to go. However, Disney has been excluding very early January the last few years, as more and more schools start later in the month. For 2012 however, the Winter discount started January 2.

We did see free dining in January 2012 (and 2011 if I remember), though in 2012, you had to check in January 8 or later.

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Matt

March 7, 2012

Keith, I just wanted to give a big shout out to you and say thank you!! Because of your information and great website I was able to book the French Quarter for the dates we wanted. Without it I wouldn’t have known to wake up at 6 am (CST) on Monday when the deal first opened!!

I’ll be sure to pass your website along to all family and friends!!
Thanks!

Keith

March 7, 2012

Matt – Glad we could help out, hope you have a fantastic trip!

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Kelley

March 8, 2012

Keith, do you think they’ll extend this offer to include the last week in October like they did last year? (Around Oct 20-27)?

Keith

March 8, 2012

Kelley – I think it is less than 50/50 the free dining will be extended past September. If they do, it should be similar to 2011 where they included a few days here and there, it won’t cover all dates.

March 11, 2012

Do they or have they offred free dining in dec?

Keith

March 11, 2012

D – They have in the past, for some dates. No idea if they will do so again this year, we will have to wait and see.

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Kristen

March 11, 2012

We are planning a trip to Disney for June 2012. I’m disappointed that free dining is being offered so late in August because it won’t work for families. So, I’m trying to break down prices based upon menus to figure out if paying for the meal plan is really worth it. We wouldn’t normally get dessert for a meal; however we would get fruit or veggies. I can’t tell from looking at the menus if most of these quick-service restaurants have fresh fruit or even apple slices/carrots that could be substituted for dessert. Does anyone know if that is an available swap at most of these places. That “might” make getting the quick service plan worth it. Otherwise, I think we’ll save money by not getting it. Thanks for your help 🙂

Keith

March 11, 2012

Kristen – Well, Disney does release discounts during “slow” times to increase attendance and hotel bookings. Really doesn’t make much sense to release their best discount of the year during a time that is historically super crowded.

Most quick service meals have a fruit option if they come with a side for adults, all kid’s stuff includes fruits and veggies as a side automatically.

Gwen

Two questions for you – I notice you keep mentioning that you think the chances are less than 50/50 they will extend the dining deal into later fall. Why do you think this? We were hoping to see it extended like it has in previous years, but now you have us thinking we might not hold out hope! Secondly, if we make a reservation for the current free dining period and then the free dining is extended to later in the fall, can we change our reservation? We weren’t sure how much “modifying” is allowed.

Thanks for all the information you provide!

Keith

March 12, 2012

Gwen – I say this as Disney is releasing fewer and fewer public discounts, and they have told me personally they want to get away from free dining completely (though the past few years would contradict that statement). I think there is a chance, but slightly less than 50/50 at this point.

Yes, you can make any changes you want to a reservation, including moving dates, up until 45 days before travel. Even inside of that time, you can still move the reservation. October is more expensive than September, so even inside of 45 days, there shouldn’t be any fees to move, you will just have to pay the difference in cost.

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Brenda

We are Canadian, and our travel agent said she hasnt heard of free dining being offered…odd! We really want to go, and stay at a deluxe resort.

Keith

March 12, 2012

Brenda – Find another travel agent, definitely available. Get a hold of Mouseketrips, they can help you get it booked.

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Brenda

Do they deal with Canadians? I will def. Look into them! I loved our agent that only dealt with disney (she managed to book our restaurants we wanted for us, in the past!).

Keith

March 12, 2012

Brenda – Absolutely, they can help anyone regardless of where they live, and can take care of anything you need help with.

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cyndy

Hi Everyone, I’m planning our first trip to Disneyland in California for this summer. Do any of you know if they ever have this Free dining promotion at this resort?

Thanks,

Keith

March 12, 2012

Cyndy – Never have at Disneyland, very unlikely we ever will. The dining plans at DL are so different, they basically hand you vouchers rather than entire meal credits, the plans just don’t lend themselves to being offered for free. Plus, there are only so many Disney rooms there with the three hotels, they tend to stick with room % discounts and fourth night free type of deals.

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Kevin

March 17, 2012

Looking to book for last weekend is August at a value resort. Is free dining one of Disney’s better promotions? Is there a good chance I might find a better deal (e.g., lower overall package price) if I wait to book?

Keith

March 17, 2012

Kevin – Nothing comes close. The only time there is a better deal is sometimes at a deluxe resort, a percentage off deal is slightly better. There will not be a better deal for those dates at a value resort.

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Kim Edwards

March 19, 2012

Hi Keith,
My reservation is already booked and paid for in full. I have already paid for the quick service dining plan but am in a moderate resort. Do you think they will refund me the money back if I call and upgrade my dining plan?
Thanks!
Kim

Keith

March 19, 2012

Kim – If you are traveling during the free dining dates, then yes, if available, Disney will apply the free dining for you and refund you any difference back to you.

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caron

March 19, 2012

Are they offering any free dining Easter weekend 2012?

Keith

March 19, 2012

Caron – Easter week is the second busiest week of the year to Christmas week. Disney did not offer any discounts for Easter week 2012 at all.

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annie

March 20, 2012

Do you know if they are going to have any free dining plan offers for October?

Elizabeth

March 20, 2012

Hi Keith,
I am planning a trip to WDW mid September, possibly September 13-18. I was planning to wait to book it until I had found a good deal on flights, but I was reading through some of your comments here and saw that you said you can change your reservation up to 45 days in advance. So if I booked my trip now, but later found better flights for say the 14-19, would I be able to change my stay? And if so what if it’s after the expiration date of free dining in the end of May? On another note, when do they usually release the dates for the Not So Scary Halloween Party? Not sure if we’ll be attending or not yet, but want to plan dinner reservations and an itinerary. Thanks!!
Elizabeth

Elizabeth

March 20, 2012

One more thing, we stayed at Port Orleans Riverside on our first family visit and I felt like we walked for forever!! Would upgrading to a preferred room put us closer to the dining hall and bus stops?

Keith

March 21, 2012

Annie – No idea, we probably will not see October deals until sometime this summer, so we will just have to wait and see.

Elizabeth – Go ahead and book now, you can always cancel later if things don’t work out and get your money back, just cancel before the balance due date, which is 45 days before travel. Yes, you can move your dates even after the deal has expired, though it will depend on availability, so if your resort is sold out with the discount for your new dates, you will not be able to move your trip.

Halloween and Christmas party dates are usually announced the first week of May, and tickets go on sale shortly after.

Yes, preferred location rooms are going to get you right by the main building/bus stop.

kaccey

March 21, 2012

I just read that DISNEY pictures has announced an estimated $200 million loss, from the $300+million to produce movie john carter(which is considered a boxoffice flop in $ term’s)! Would this make extended free dining at WDW ,more or less likely? It’s not as if the U.S economy is completely recovered yet either!

Keith

March 22, 2012

Kaccey – LOL, now that is a stretch. Disney only releases package discounts when they are trying to increase the percentage of rooms they have booked for certain time period. Whether ABC, ESPN or a certain movie does well or bombs has absolutely nothing at all to do with Disney World package prices.

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amy

March 22, 2012

where is the best place to find coupons or discounts for dining and souveniors at disney?

Alyssa

March 22, 2012

Could anyone recommend me a website where I can swap dinner reservations? I have a dining reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table but it is at a late time – especially for my young child. I was hoping maybe I can switch with someone with a breakfast / lunch reservation? Thanks!

Keith

March 22, 2012

Amy – No such thing. From time to time, Disney does release 10% off counter service dining coupons, but we haven’t seen them for quite some time, and they are usually just during super busy times like Christmas or Easter, to get people to eat lunch at like 2PM or so.

Alyssa – Disney doesn’t allow you to swap. For Cinderella’s, Disney requires that the person who books the reservation is the same person who provides the credit card and the same person who checks in. You can’t call up and change names/credit cards on a reservation like that. Your best bet is to keep checking back and see if anything opens up.

Lori

March 25, 2012

Last year around March 23rd they opened free dining for our summer vacation. I see you posted that you don’t think they will have free dining during the summer this year. What are you basing your information on? We would like to go back for our 7th trip but have gotten so used to the free dining that it would be hard to go back without it.

Keith

March 25, 2012

Lori – Disney had very limited free dining during June, 2011, which I believe was released in August, 2010. I am not aware of any other summer free dining, so not sure what you are referring to. If we see any discounts this summer, it will likely be for a room only deal, we will not see free dining..

Lori

March 25, 2012

Perhaps for the general public that was true, but we got an e-mail on March 29, 2011 announcing free dining from June, 3, 2011 through August 13, 2011. I also know of other families who received the same offer. So I guess I will continue to hold out hope that the same will happen again this year. When we booked our trip at the beginning of April last year we had no problem getting the free dining at the resort of our choice.

Sakura

March 26, 2012

Is there a way of reserving table dinners without giving credit card info? And can the travel agent help with reservations? Thank you

Keith

March 26, 2012

Sakura – Disney now requires a credit card guarantee for all character meals and most of the nicer signature restaurants. Disney will soon add all table service locations to that list. They do not charge you, but you are required to provide a credit card as a guarantee.

Toni

March 29, 2012

Is it true if you are at Disney and rebook for another stay you save 40% on your next trip?

Keith

March 29, 2012

Toni – That depends. Disney does offer from time to time Bounce Back offers. There will be something in your room about it if it is available. Typically, it is during limited dates, and the savings is on the hotel only, not on park passes or dining plans.

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Kristen

April 2, 2012

I was planning on booking Animal Kingdom Lodge during the free dining promotion. Now it appears that the Savannah view rooms are sold out. If I book a standard view, do you think I can get an upgrade to a Savannah view when I get there? I’m traveling middle of September, which is their slow season.

Keith

April 2, 2012

Kristen – Unlikely, though possible. What are your travel dates?

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Kim

April 2, 2012

Hi. Been reading through your comments. I’m a newspaper editor and I do lots of pieces on WDW. My husband is retired military, and in 2010, 2011 and this year, we’ll be staying at the Poly on the military room discount, with the military tickets. I’m curious, though – do you think we’d get a better deal paying full rack rate and getting the free dining? We’d have to upgrade to deluxe dining, because we prefer to eat two sit-down meals per day, and we favor the signature dining experiences.

Keith

April 3, 2012

Kim – Very likely the military deal is better for you, but without knowing who is in your group, I can’t do the math. If you have 2 adults, your dining savings is about $100 per night. The military room savings for you should be around $175 per night, plus your ticket savings, etc.

The only way to know is to figure out what your costs are now with the dining plan, and then price out a free dining package including the same inclusions and see which one is cheaper.

brian

April 4, 2012

I finally got a pin code, but it was for 30% off the room, not the dining : (

We want to stay at a moderate, but that only saves 700 vs. the 1400 we’d save on free dining (2 kids, 4 adults). I think we’ll book, but with one eye toward more deals.

Anyhow, why are they now taking AOA discounts for that offer, but not for the Pin Codes? Seems to me more people would book free dining in September than people with pins would in November (week after TG).

Keith

April 4, 2012

Brian – The Art of Animation was just added today to the free dining. It is possible we may see it added to the Summer deal and other deals at some point, guess we will have to wait and see.

Brenda

April 4, 2012

Silly question, but we were looking at a deluxe resort..wondering if we should wait…maybe a room is cheaper discount thhan free dining?

Keith

April 4, 2012

Brenda – Book the free dining now, if a better deal like a room discount comes out for your dates, you can always switch to the better deal. If you wait, you may miss out on free dining, and it may be your best deal.

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Shelly

April 5, 2012

KEITH…………. I must speak up here. I firmly know that Disney representatives are saying NOTHING about when, how many, etc. about the free dining. THEY DO EVEN KNOW. So to say that Disney is trying to get away from public discounts and 50/50 chance is very inaccurate information. If Disney customer service reps dont know, then I would assume there’s a pretty high chance you don’t know either

Frankly, it seems as if you are discouraging a lot of great people on here trying to plan their family vacations.

Keith

April 5, 2012

Shelley – No one knows what will happen after September. I am asked what I think, at this point, I think it is less than 50% chance it will be extended. That is my opinion, based on experience and what I am seeing in the marketplace. It is completely possible it will be extended, and complete possible we will see zero discounts for October and beyond. I am very clear that I have no idea what will happen for Fall dates or for any future dates.

I am not sure what you want me to answer people who ask about free dining being extended. My guess is Disney doesn’t even know at this point.

By the way, Cast Members are the last to know about discounts, they are often not told until after a deal is released.

I am not discouraging anyone. I strongly suggest people plan their vacations now, any future deals, free dining or not, can be applied later on. The last thing I want to do is to start telling people that free dining is coming out for sure, and have people plan, and then nothing comes out.

And it is 100% true that Disney is trying to get away from discounts. I have been told numerous times by those in charge of making the discounts. However, they will continue to offer discounts as needed. Even when rates were going up 15% per year, they still offered AP discounts, so it is very likely they will go away all together.

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Allie

April 6, 2012

Traveling to WDW October 15-October 25. Have they ever offered free dining that week. We are staying at Pop Century? 192 days and counting.

Keith

April 6, 2012

Allie – It was not included in 2011 or 2010, both of those years were pretty limited as to when it was offered after September. 2009 was the last year those dates were included.

Please keep in mind only your check in date matters, it has to be offered for the day you check in, the rest of your days are irrelevant.

LaTerese

April 6, 2012

Any updates on whether the free dining plan dates will be extended to other dates during early August? Last year this time, the deal was announced by now.

Keith

April 6, 2012

LaTerese – Really, really unlikely free dining will be added to any earlier dates in August. Much more likely we will see some other sort of package discount for August dates. We probably won’t see that for a while.

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Allie

April 7, 2012

Thanks for your response. I was hoping for some kind of discount. I heard about pin codes, maybe I’ll get one of those. We are celebrating our 40th anniversary and one could only hope for a discount.. Again thanks for checking on the free dinning for me.

Christy

April 10, 2012

Hi Keith, do you know if there are still rooms with free dining? When I go to the Specal Offer page, there is nothing about it – even though I followed a link from a google search to that page. I am inquiring from Canada, so wondering if the website detects where I’m from and disables this offer.

Keith

April 10, 2012

Christy – For some reason, if you are from Canada, when you go to the WDW website, it forces you to the .CA website, and they have not put the free dining info online.

Yes, plenty of availability. Contact a travel agent in the US, they will be able to book it for you, or check on prices/availability.

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Tim

April 11, 2012

Switched once again….from Pop to Art of Animation. Free dining…we are upgrading though, as we like the one sit down. AOA standard rooms open Sept. 15, we get there the18th. Looks like it may be a little walk from Mermaid to busses and such, but well woth staying in the new resort. My parents will be with us… 65 and 75. Both very active, so walk shouldn’t be too bad. Any more information on Art from anyone would be great. Thanks.

Tina

April 11, 2012

We are wanting to go to WDW the first week in Dec. waiting to see if they might have a free dining plan then. Do they offer this during this time of year and it is busy then. Thanks

Keith

April 12, 2012

Tim – Not much has been made available from Disney about Art of Animation. They are leaking things out slowly, and I would assume once the resort opens in May we will get a flood of information.

Tina – In 2011, the free dining was blacked out between December 2 – 9. For 2010, it was about the same dates blacked out. We have not seen anything for 2012, but if we do, I would expect it to follow the same schedule.

In years past, early December was the best time to go, great weather, super low crowds and all the Holiday stuff you could handle. However, since the internet and guide books have become popular, everyone realized that was the best time to go, and the last 4 – 5 years, it has been super crowded.

If there is any way you can go in the middle of the month, you will give yourself a better chance at a discount, and you will have much lower crowds.

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Sarah

April 16, 2012

My travel agent mentioned that sometimes after the May 18 booking date they expand the free dining plan out a couple of weeks in both directions, we are going on the19th-26th of August, how likely does it look that they might expand to that week?

Keith

April 16, 2012

Sarah – In the past, they have extended to some dates in the Fall after September. I don’t ever remember them adding earlier dates, and this year, that would be very unlikely, though I guess possible.

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Jeff

We’re going to WDW 8/24-8/31 staying at Orleans Riverside because my wife saw they remodeled the rooms. Booked the room in Feb. Just saw the Free Dining Plan and called. They said there are no more rooms available there with the free dining even though I had a room already booked. Do you know if there will be any other discounts for the time we’re going and the resort we’re staying? Thanks.

Keith

April 17, 2012

Jeff – There are no rooms because the discount starts 8/25, checking in 8/24 excludes you from the deal. Consider booking a one night room only reservation for the night of 8/25 then the free dining package for the rest of your stay.

It is very likely we will see a secondary discount for these dates sometime in the next few months. It is very likely it will not be as good as the free dining, that is usually the case.

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Jeff

They offered to book a one night for the 24 and then the package for 25-31, but not at Riverside. They said we would have to switch to Carribean Beach. My wife wanted Riverside because they’re newly renovated and she’s a clean freak. Also, we stayed at Carribean before and thought it was just OK.

Keith

Jeff – Coronado and French Quarter have also been recently done, they are working on Caribbean Beach next.

jeff

Do you sent out any notice on this blog when the next discount occurs?

Keith

Jeff – At the end of each post, there is a red letter logo that says “subscribe” next to it and a box to input your email address. Just put your email address in there and you will be notified of any new discount released.

susan

April 19, 2012

I am booking Sep 23-28 with free dining today, online.We would rather go in October, so if they open up October/Nov. dates with free dining later will I be able to call reservations and have mine changed to the later date with my money paid just being applied to new reservation…or is it more complicated than that?

Keith

April 19, 2012

Susan – I strongly suggest you get a hold of a Disney Specialist, they will be able to make the change for you when the time comes. Mouseketrips is great, no extra fees, tons of free services.

If you book online with Disney, yes, you will be able to change later on, you will just have to call into Disney and have them switch dates, as long as it is done at least 45 days before your September trip, they will transfer the money and there won’t be a change fee or anything.

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barb

April 24, 2012

Hi Keith,

We’ve only been to DW one time before, and when we booked we were already well within the 180 day restaurant ressies. So, it was tough to get into places. We’re going in Nov. (week after TG). Memorial day happens to fall right there. So, my question: Does only one day open at a time for the trip? Meaning, I’m arriving on Nov. 24th, so that day opens on Memorial day, and each subsequent day opens the next day for ressies? Or is it a week by week thing? TIA!

Keith

April 24, 2012

Barb – If you are staying on Disney property, you can book all your reservations 180 days out from the day you check in, as long as you aren’t staying longer than 10 nights. So, figure out the 180 day point from your check in day, and you can book everything then.

If you are staying off property, then it opens one day at a time.

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Barb

April 24, 2012

Thanks Keith!!! On property!!!

Russ

April 25, 2012

Keith – Thanks for all the great information! Here’s a quick one for you. We’re reserved for the week after Thanksgiving this year and will be making out ADR’s 180 days out, but our trip is only 4 nights, so other people who are arriving up to 6 days before us will be able to make their ADR’s for the same restaurants we’re hoping to book a full 6 days before we can.

Is it possible to change our reservation to a 10 night reservation, arriving 6 days before our actual intended arrival date, make our ADR’s for the days we’re actually going to be there 180 days before our “pretend” arrival date (6 days before we would otherwise be able to make our ADR’s), and then cancel our first 6 nights’ reservations, bringing our trip back to our actual intended travel dates only with our ADR’s having already been booked? Will that work or will cancelling those first 6 nights after making the ADR’s wipe out the ADR’s? What if we wait to cancel those 6 nights until after our actual 180 day point?

Just curious if that would be a workaround if we’re really nervous about getting certain ADR’s for certain days? Thanks!

Keith

April 25, 2012

Russ – Wow, seems like a ton of work. Since Disney went to 180 days, and now requires a credit card for all character and signature restaurants, we have not seen any problems getting reservations at all, as long as you do it at the 180 day point. The only exception might be Le Cellier.

If you do extend your trip to start earlier just to book dining, I would wait a week or two before changing back. The change will not alter any dining reservations you have made.

Kristie

April 25, 2012

Hi, was wondering if you have ever seen the free meal plan offered in late Feb, early March? We are looking to book for 2013 but of course no dates are out yet.

Thank you!

Keith

April 25, 2012

Kristie – Yes, there was free dining for some dates this Spring:

2012 and 2012 Disney World Free Dining

I believe this year has been the only year that we have seen it made available in the spring.

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Allie

April 26, 2012

Have you heard anything about free dining in October? We will be arriving October 15th. I was listening to MouseChat and they think something might come up for the fall. I don’t want to miss out if they offer it. We are staying at Pop Century. I do not hold a Disney Visa,Card, is that something I should consider applying for to maybe get free Disney Dining? Thanks for your help.

Keith

April 26, 2012

Allie – No, we have not heard anything, and probably will not for some time. Last year, it was extended in early August, so I wouldn’t expect to hear anything until at least early Summer.

Lately, Disney has been offering many of the discounts to Disney VISA cardholders first, but it really hasn’t made much of a difference for everyone else, you just have to wait a few extra days to book.

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Kailey

April 30, 2012

Hi Keith,

Just got off the phone a a nice CM. She said she’d been hearing there is a great chance we’ll be seeing FD offered in November. Of course, she also said “nothing here is ever set in stone”
Anyway, other than that, I’ve been checking out those new AOA rooms. They are awesome!!! We’re gonna stay there Free Dining or not! Did they announce which are the best for the bussing?

D Buono

April 30, 2012

We are scheduled for Disney World Trip from August 17 to 27, staying at POP. This seems to be the one time in the summer that Disney is not offering a discount. Does anyone know if they still may be adding more dates to the dining plan or offering any other discounts for that time period?

Keith

April 30, 2012

Kaily – Rule #1 of MouseMisers – CMs know absolutely nothing, they are told of discounts right before they are released, and are never involved in conversations, planning, etc. 99% of the time they know considerably less than I do when I call. What she is hearing is people calling daily to ask if it has been extended since they have been seeing things online that it may be extended.

D Buono – Free dining will not be added to earlier dates, it hasn’t happened in the past, not likely to happen this year. However, it is likely we will see another deal that will cover the missing August dates and September that will be a room only deal or something similar. I would expect to see that at some point before the end of May.

brian

May 1, 2012

Dang, you good…

That offer you spoke of comes out the day after you say it : )

Now, come on November!

Carl

May 5, 2012

Holding out for the Free Dining plan covering dates in December. Anyone have any idea when Disney will announce it?? I booked early and put a de[osit down but waiting for this freebee is holding up all our other reservations associated. May cancel alltogether. Loosing interest. Suggestions?

HUNTER

May 5, 2012

Keith we are going to DW the last week of August. I have stayed at CBR, both FQ and Riverside, and Fort Wilderness. French Quarter is my favorite by far! I can’t decide if I should just pay the extra money and stay there or get free dining and stay somewhere else?? Do you think i should just go ahead and book FQ?

Keith

May 5, 2012

Carl – Last year, the extension was announced the first week of August. If it is extended this year, I would expect about the same timing, possibly a bit earlier.

Hunter – I prefer French Quarter too over the other moderates, but I really don’t feel there is that much difference between them to pay a substantial premium to stay there. Try Coronado Springs, you haven’t been there yet, and I really like it.

Casie

May 7, 2012

We are planning to go November 8-12. We are holding out for the free dining so our dates may be flexible. Our 180 day mark is coming up this weekend so we will book our dining reservations, but should we book the actual reservations at Port of Orleans also? I was told by one rep if i didnt book dining, i had to call each day for my reservations . Whats been your experience and can you change your dates of your dining package after the fact? Free dining deals are associated with P of Orleans, right?

Casie

May 7, 2012

Oh and we are thinking Riverside b/c we have 5 of us and well it’s the best rate I can get. Any experience with riverside?

Shannon

Would love to go Dec 15-21. Do you know if free dining has been available in recent past at that time? In your opinion what is really the least crowded time to go?

Keith

Casie – If you have an existing hotel reservation, you can book all your dining 180 days before the date of your check in. If you do not, you can book your dining 180 days before the date of your meal, meaning if you want to book everything as early as you can, you would have to call back each day. I strongly suggest to get your reservation booked now, you can always apply any future discount to your reservation.

Yes, Riverside has been included in all the past deals, French Quarter has been excluded though.

Shannon – Yes, it was available in 2011 for those dates, and that is a great time to go, though your last day or two may start to get a bit crowded.

Kailey

Hi Keith,
Not really a free dining question, but hope you answer…

I’ve only been to DW one time. It was last June (17th-24th). It didn’t seem TERRIBLY crowded most days, but as the week went on it was certainly noticable (180 minute plus wait for Toy Story Mania).

We are going Nov. 24th-30th this year. I’ve heard people say this is a good time to go. On a scale of one to ten, where would you put that 3rd week of June vs. the week after Thanksgiving on the “crowded” meter?

Keith

Kailey – Those June dates would probably be a 7 or an 8. Your November dates will vary, that Thanksgiving weekend is going to be a 10, once you get to Tuesday, you can figure on a 2.

Carl

May 14, 2012

I booked Disney but if they dont come up with more free dining plans to balance the costs I will have to cancel the whole trip. Waiting for a break. The airfare has skyrocketed. “Quadrupling” over past seasons. In fact, less flight routes are available to Orlando than ever before because the cost is a joke for the average family.

Bdid

May 14, 2012

Yeah, we’ve decided on the Auto Train. Takes a lot longer, but much cheaper, plus we get our car and two meals both ways. Family of four is 800.
Also, on the free dining stuff…
Unless I’m reading it wrong… last year the August/Sept. announcement only was made in May. This year it was made in march, which gives me hope we’ll hear about Oct-December dates much earlier than August.

Keith

May 14, 2012

Carl – Free dining is available right now for quite a few dates in 2012, any reason why you don’t just go then?

Bdid – The first round was actually announced very early, in August, 2010. The May release was the second time it was released for August/September, so not sure that really counts.

Sherri

May 15, 2012

We have a family of 7 arriving August 2-12, 2012. Any news about upcoming discounts? We would love to have free dining….any chance?

Keith

May 15, 2012

Sherri – Disney released an early August discount a while back, the Summer Savings offer. We will not see free dining for early August, and my guess is the current deal is going to be as good as it gets.

Reply

Tracie

May 16, 2012

Do you know when Disney starts taking reservations for March 2013?

Keith

May 16, 2012

Tracie – Disney World will announce 2013 packages and room rates at some point this summer. Historically, it is in early August, however, in 2011, they did announce them a bit earlier, in mid-June if I remember correctly. I would expect to see 2013 stuff sometime around that same date, so another month or so. Once that information is announced, you can start booking packages for anytime in 2013.

Reply

Tim

We are taking advantage of the Free Dining in September. My mom and step dad are going for their first time. They originally booked for less days than us. If they decide to stay longer while we are there, will the free dining real extend with the extra days or do we need to change now. We are staying at Art of Animation, 3 days after the regular rooms open. I notice if I try for extended dates at this time only the suites are available.

Keith

Keith,

Looking for an unbiased opinion here. We have been to WDW 5 times, always stayed at Value resort. Going again in August, my daughter’s last time before High School. If we don’t get the Waterpark & More option, it’s not that much more to upgrade to a Moderate. She’s a fish and loves to lounge by the pool, but also loves the wave pools. Is the Moderate that much better than the Value, or stick with the fun of the Water Parks?

Keith

Tim – Probably not. The packages usually have to be set in stone a few days before arrival. If they try to add on nights after you arrive, most likely they will be a new room only reservation, without any dining. Honestly, I am not really sure about this. I might suggest you call one of the Disney hotels and ask, as Art of Animation is not yet open, they all operate by the same rules.

Keith – If you use the water parks quite a bit during your stay, then stay at a value. The moderates are nicer, bigger rooms, bigger beds, everything is just nicer, plus the pools are considerably better. Personally, I would do the moderate, but my kids prefer to spend time in the parks, not the water parks.

Marcio

Hi, Keith! I´m from Brazil. I´ve booked my family´s vacation from 12/11/2012 to 12/29/2012. Do you know if is there free dining plan for this period ? Thanks a lot !

Keith

Marcio – Welcome! At this point, we have yet to see any discounts past the end of September, so nothing yet for December. Check back later this Summer, we should see December discounts (free dining or other) by then.

Márcio

May 18, 2012

Ok, Keith! Thank you very much ! I hope for good news….bye

Leeann

May 20, 2012

Hi Keith,
What is the best week to book during the free dining promo in Aug/Sept. We booked 9/9 for the week. I was told that if we wanted to go the end of Sept that we could extend the free dining into Oct. But I was told that it was real busy for that week and that alot of people were doing that. Is that true?? I didn’t book airfare yet cause if the Oct. free dining offer is released I may change to Oct. What are your thoughts on that happening soon?
Thanks!

Keith

May 20, 2012

Leeann – The week you have booked is probably the best as far as crowds go. October gets a bit better with the weather, but the room rates go up quite a bit, and it is definitely more crowded.

Reply

Leeann

May 20, 2012

Thanks Keith…thats good. I can’t wait to go. Do you have any suggestions on the best dining sit down restaurants to book with the free dining??

mark

May 21, 2012

We are flying in from Australia on 26 November for approx two weeks. This will be our first Disney World visit. We are unsure whether to book early or can we expect any better discounts by booking later in the year and closer to our arrival date. I beleive that as we arrive the day after Thanksgiving it will be a quiter time of the year.

Thanks

Debbie

May 21, 2012

can vacation club memembers get free dining when its available

Keith

May 21, 2012

Leann – No suggestions really. Well, my one suggest would be to book a few places that you may not eat at while at home. I love most of the Epcot restaurants, take a look at those and pick a few that sound interesting.

Mark – Your first few days are going to be packed, Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest of the year. After that, it does quiet down a bit. Go ahead and book now, any future discounts can be applied to your reservations, no need to wait for a discount to book.

Debbie – Yes, but not using points. The only way to get free dining or another discount is to book a package that includes the Disney hotel and park passes, you can’t book a DVC vacation using your points and get any of the discounts offered.

Debbie

Disney World has sent out some free dining pin codes for later fall dates. My family got one on Thursday, May 24.

Leeann

May 24, 2012

Hi,
What are the dates for the free dining offer that they are emailing out??

Reply
1. Keith
  
  May 24, 2012
  
  Debbie – Thanks, we have been tracking this for a few days over on our Facebook page.
  
  Leann – Here are the available check in dates:
  
  9/30 – 10/4/12
  10/19 – 11/1/12
  11/9 – 11/15/12
  11/23 – 11/29/12
  12/10 – 12/13/12
  
  Reply

Leeann

Thanks! Is there a code for it?

Keith

May 24, 2012

Leeann – This is not an available discount. This is a PIN code, you must receive it directly from Disney, either via email or snail mail to get the discount. Disney picks limited people and contacts them directly. This discount is not available to the general public at this point.

Reply

Heidi

I got one of these emails but already have a trip booked for October that doesn’t include these dates and it will be too much to change the airfare. If any other discounts are offered do you think it will be with the same set of dates. I am bracing myself for the fact I might be paying full price

Keith

Heidi – Hard to say. Last year for October, Disney had very limited free dining, but nothing else at all. If the free dining stays as a PIN code, then it is likely we will see some sort of general discount for all or most dates in October. It may be a while before we see them though.

Barb

May 25, 2012

So, do they USUALLY (no guarantees) make discounts like the FD available? The wording on the Pin is “Get a First look”, which makes it sound like they just get first dibs on the resort choice, but it will become General later. Opinion?

Keith

May 25, 2012

Barb – Very interesting, I hadn’t noticed the “Get a first look” wording on the PIN codes I had seen, but there it is. Usually, no, PIN codes are released to control the number of people who can book, and so they rarely are released to the general public later on. It has happened in the past, and that wording does make it sound like it is a possibility. Guess we will have to wait and see.

Reply
1. Leeann
  
  May 25, 2012
  
  Well, originally I really wanted to go in Oct. or Nov. hoping to get the free dining offer. I did not recieve the email about it but I did however get the free dining for a week in Sept. After doing some extensive research and asking of course on mousemisers.com, I am going to stay with the Sept. deal we have booked…even if the Oct. November offer is released. It appears it of course will still be hot but the crowd level shows a level 1 which is real low, so now just hoping to get a good deal on airfare. lol.
  
  Reply

Leeann

May 25, 2012

October showed a 3-4 so your right it will be a bit busier.

Penni

May 28, 2012

Just got back from POR with the free dining…..We want to book another free dining vacation…Any word yet on when or whether the offer will be coming out soon?….We are very flexible….so dates don’t really matter to us….Is there anyone to contact so that I can get a pin offer?….the last one we booked was sent to our daughter….luckily she was going with us so we were able to use her offer…..We have not received any offers via email although we have been to WDW many many times over the years……

Keith

May 28, 2012

Penni – At this point, there are not any free dining discounts available. The only thing is the PIN code Disney is sending out. No one knows exactly how to get one, just kind of luck. You can’t request one, Disney must “target” you.

I have never received a PIN code personally, and I have been to Disney at least 6 times a year for the last 10+ years. I guess they have us both hooked.

Karen

May 30, 2012

We’re staying at the new Art of Animation this Oct. We currently have the Little Mermaid section booked, but wanted to know how far (walking distance – in minutes) it would take to get to the main building and main big pool?

Keith

May 30, 2012

Karen – The Little Mermaid rooms are the furthest from the main building/pool. Based on my history with Pop Century, I would think you will be about a 3 – 5 minute walk, depending on which building your room is in. Looks like a fantastic hotel!

Caroline

June 1, 2012

My family of 5 is planning a vacation to Disney in late May of 2013. Are there any deals or specials I can be looking for, for this time of the year?

Keith

June 4, 2012

Caroline – We will most likely see discounts for next May, but probably not until early next year, so you have some time to wait.

Craig Chambers

June 4, 2012

Free dining dates in Nov..

2 Of my friends both got Pin #’s for Oct . Nov. Dec. Free dining ..They both stayed at Moderate resorts last time. We have stayed at all the values so far ..I wonder if they dont offer Pin #’s to the people who are staying at value resorts?
Hope for free dining in Nov..magical day to all

Karen

June 4, 2012

Craig
We also have stayed at all the All Star resorts and I just received a PIN Code
for free dining Oct., Nov & Dec.

Reply

Caroline

June 4, 2012

Can anybody use a pin code for free dining? Like if my friend gets one and isn’t using it can I use hers?

Keith

June 4, 2012

Caroline – No, you must receive one personally directly from Disney, and the person who it is addressed to must be traveling. They are super picky about who uses them.

Reply

Jane

June 5, 2012

How are you notified about PIN codes?

Keith

June 5, 2012

Jane – Disney sends them directly from you, either by email or by postcard. You must receive one personally from Disney, it has to have your name on it in order to use it.

Alternatively, things do get lost, you can call Disney to see if there is a PIN code assigned to your name. You can’t ask for one, you can’t beg. If they have one, then great, if not, you will have to wait for a general discount.

Reply

Bernard

June 6, 2012

Any chance the late summer to early fall free dining will be available again? We did not plan a trip to WDW until after May 18.

Keith

June 7, 2012

Bernard – We may see it come back for some dates in August/September, if Disney feels those dates need another push in bookings. We may see it for some dates in the later Fall too, but that is also not very likely.

Bernard

June 8, 2012

Thank you Keith.

Lance

June 8, 2012

Does anyone know if they will offer free dining again for 1 week in December and what week it would probably be offered if they do?

Keith

June 8, 2012

Lance – Disney has been sending out PIN codes to guests for free dining in the Fall. You have to get one directly from Disney. It is possible they may release the same or similar dates to the public, though in my opinion, it isn’t likely. Here are the dates:

9/30 – 10/4/12
10/19 – 11/1/12
11/9 – 11/15/12
11/23 – 11/29/12
12/10 – 12/13/12

You must check in on an available date, the rest of your travel dates do not matter.

Reply

Gloria

June 12, 2012

How do you get PIN codes for the free dining in the Fall?

Keith

June 12, 2012

Gloria – You have to be chosen by Disney to receive one, you can’t just get one. You will receive an email or post card from Disney. If you do, you can then book free dining, if not, you are out of luck for now.

Some people have had luck ordering the planning DVDs from the WDW websites, others have ordered the custom maps. Some have booked and cancelled reservations for their travel dates. No one knows for sure how you get on the list, I have never received a PIN code.

Reply

Jennifer

June 12, 2012

Keith: Can I still book for free dining for Canadians at the end of Aug. early September? Thanks!!

Keith

June 12, 2012

Jennifer – Yes, if you are Canadian of course. I was just released, and can be booked through the middle of September.

Disney World Free Dining for Canadians

Reply

Keith B.

June 13, 2012

Keith,

Do you have any contact numbers for higher-ups at customer service? I’m having trouble with Disney Travel honoring a flight price they have listed on their website. Disney tells me that the proce has to go through to a full reservation before they honor it, but when I go from the “Customize your trip” page to the “select this offer” page, the price changes by over $400. I spent 45 minutes this morning on the phone and got no where. Any other options?

Thanks

Keith

Keith

June 13, 2012

Keith – Disney published an airfare on their site? I highly doubt that, it would never, ever get by legal. Flight prices change by the minute, if you saw a price online, but you were unable to book it, that really isn’t Disney’s fault, the price may have changed. Where did you see the price posted?

Reply

Keith B

June 13, 2012

Keith – I misspoke. When I go to book the reservation (room, tix, dining), they give the package price, then I select the flights and the the airfare is included in the new price. So, but subtraction, you get the part of the package that is airfare. When I went through all of the selections to “customize my trip”, including the flights I selected, the total was $3,304.21. When I click “select this offer”, the total changes to $3,721.81 – and I didn’t change anything about the package. I just did the process again, with the same results I get last night and this morning, so it’s not a price change issue. Disney is refusing to honor the amount listed on the “customize” page. It’s an error on the website, but aren’t they obligated to honor the “advertised package price”?

Emily C

June 13, 2012

Is WDW sending out free dining pin # on more than one date or do we know if it was just a one shot deal on a certain date?

Keith

June 15, 2012

Keith – Well, a published price would be what they advertise on TV for package deals, like “From $69 per night per person, based on quad occupancy”. I would keep trying to see if you can get it to work, I really doubt you will get anyone at Disney to get this corrected for you.

Emily – Typically, the PIN codes are sent out in waves, so a big first wave, they wait and see how it does, then release follow up waves until they get the result they want.

Jan

June 15, 2012

We booked a vacation with an October 19th arrival date at Port Orleans Riverside. Anyone think free dining will be offered to the public as I did not receive a PIN code?

Keith

June 15, 2012

Jan – Probably not likely at this point. I never really thought it was likely, but with the PIN code out, that makes it even less likely that we will see free dining. It is possible we may see other discounts though.

Jan

June 16, 2012

Keith I saw that pin codes were sent for free dining for 10/19 – 11/1 so I was thinking that maybe those weeks would be offered to the public for free dining. We arrive on the 19th, what do you think the chances are?

Keith

June 16, 2012

Jan – I have been saying for months that late Fall free dining is not very likely, less than 50% chance. Once those PIN codes came out, I felt the chances fell, so at this point, probably a 25% chance the public will see free dining.

If released to the public, is is very likely the dates that were released for the PIN codes will be very similar to what everyone else sees.

Reply

Laura

June 17, 2012

Keith,

Yesterday I received a pin code for the free dining plan which did include the dates we were hoping for in December! However it did state the offer was for a 4 day/5 night package. We were planning to stay longer. Do they consider the 4 night/5 day as a minimum and can I get the DP to extend out for our entire 8 day trip or is it offered for only that 5 day span? Thanks!

Keith

June 17, 2012

Laura – The dates are just put in there for legal reasons by Disney attorneys. If you look at any package discount that is announced by Disney, they will all have a number of days and nights listed, it has nothing to do with the actual discount details.

On most free dining deals, there is a minimum stay of 3 nights, a maximum of 14 nights. As long as there is availability at the hotel, you can stay 8 nights, and you will receive free dining for all 8 nights.

Reply
1. Laura
  
  June 17, 2012
  
  That is Wonderful! Thanks Keith! Disney, here we come 12/13-12/21!
  
  Reply

Keith

June 17, 2012

Laura – Please report back with availability and your resort, once you are booked, if you don’t mind. Have fun planning!

Denise

June 17, 2012

Hi there,

Could you tell me how to request a PIN code for the free dining ? I am booke for 6 nights staying at a value resort from 11/4-11/10 and was desperately hoping for the free meal plan to be extended. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Keith

June 17, 2012

Denise – You can’t request a PIN code, Disney has to choose you. You can call Disney reservations and see if they have a PIN code attached to your name, but if not, not much you can do.

Reply

Laura

June 18, 2012

I was able to book 2 rooms with no problems at POR. My post card with the PIN did also say that the Art of Animation Family Suites were included. But no other suites, villas or campsites are eligible. Hope this helps! Good luck all!

Laura

June 18, 2012

AND our trip is booked for 12/13-12/21 at POR. I suppose that may be helpful to know also…. 😉

Reply

Susan

June 18, 2012

Hi Keith- last year (this year) they offered free dining as early as jan. 1 any idea how early free dining will be coming for 2013?

Keith

June 18, 2012

Laura – Thanks for the follow up, I love POR, have a great trip!

Susan – Actually, there were 2012 free dining dates released as early as August, 2011. I doubt we will see that again, but I guess it is possible. More likely, it will be a normal schedule, if released, sometime in late March or early April. We really feel Disney is going away from discounts, and any future deals are going to be limited compared to past years.

Carl

June 20, 2012

I see slow but big differences since 2007 in Disney increasing their revenue by putting more costs on the patrons. 1. In 2007 all your “Tips” to waiters were INCLUDED in any dining plan you chose. Doesn’t exsist anymore. 2. Dining plans increased some table service meals to (2) from (1). 3. Less ” free dining” promotions to the public reduced to more narrow pin number selections. 4. Overall cost for a dining plan is considerably more than in 2007. 5. Adding insult to injury you no longer get “close stage” seating if you book early. That is now a privalege for guests taking the Premium dining plans! Paying more for less? Family friendly? Where am I missing the value? I’m all Mickey “ears”? Thx.

Emily C

June 20, 2012

Just got Pin in the mail and booked POP for 11/9-11/16 ..Upgraded dining to plus. so they still have some rooms..noticed Dining is hard to come by. Book now if you can.. Flight prices are real bad .. Oh well ..Mickey here we come “again”

Keith

June 20, 2012

Carl – Yep, it has changed each year, and mostly for the worse. However, Disney is a business, they exist to make money, not to make you or anyone else happy. Each year they adjust to try to lower their costs while increasing profits. Every business does it. And technically, there are far more free dining promotions now compared to 2007, that year, it was August and September only. Room prices go up each year. Ticket prices increase, food prices increase, why shouldn’t the dining plan costs increase too?

Emily – Congrats, glad you were able to get a PIN code, have a great trip!

Kate

June 21, 2012

Looking to book an anniversary trip for me and the hubby 10/4 – 10/8. Should I move the trip up a week to get the free dining or have I missed out?

Sherry

June 21, 2012

Taking my family 11/15-11/21 booked Art of Animation Little Mermaid Room, wondering if you think its possible that Free Dining will be offered for these dates without the PIN? My Travel Agent told me she had clients that were signing up on the disney website and were receiving the PIN #s in the mail shortly after.

Keith

June 21, 2012

Kate – This free dining offer expired on May 18, so you missed it by a month or so, no longer available. You will have better luck getting a discount for the October dates at this point I think.

Sherry – Without the PIN? Unlikely, I have been saying that all year. Likely we will see some discount available to the public, just not likely to be free dining.

Casie

Signing up for what? We are booked for Nov 7-13 and my hopes of free dining are dwindling!! For my family of 3 it would save us 700!!

Tim

June 23, 2012

Received pin number in the mail last week for several dates this fall…already was taking advantage of free dining in September at Art of Animation….3 days after the Mermaid rooms open. So excited….my little one thinks we are staying at All Star Sports. She is going to be so surprised. Wish I could afford to go back again using my pin, but only 1 trip this year.

Reply

Jan

We are going Oct 19-27 and I hold out no hope for free dining. Pin codes went out already for that time and we received none

Leeann

Jan…just a note, my sisters friend just recieved her pin email 2 days ago and booked for the free dining in December…so they are still sending them out here and there. Hope that helps.

BTW Does anyone know the school starting dates in Sept for most of the US and Canada? I must confess, I am hoping that its not gotta be packed in mid september because that coupled with the heat may not be to desireable. I booked for mid sept. I never received a pin code though to make it later.

Keith

Casie – Some people have received PIN codes after they went to the Disney World website and requested DVDs, did custom park maps, etc. Most do not.

Jan – As I have been saying all year, free dining for the Fall is very unlikely, though we should see some other type of discount at some point.

Leeann – September is dead, which is why they offer such great deals. Hot and dead. Most schools now start in the middle of August.

Keith

June 23, 2012

Tim – Well, the good news is that you got one, which means there is a decent chance you will receive one for a future trip. Have fun planning!

Kari

June 23, 2012

My Disney travel agent said we should book now for our trip Nov 3-9 and IF any discounts are offered, she will “try” to get them added. Any idea if this usually works?

Keith

June 23, 2012

Kari – it works most of the time. Three things need to happen though.

1. A discount has to be released for your dates.
2. The discount must include your resort. Disney has been excluding resorts this year, so a deal may be released, but not for your hotel.
3. There needs to be availability. Disney limits rooms that are discounted. Usually what happens is that your view may be gone, but your agent can just move you to another view that has the discount.

This is the best way to do it though, much better than sitting around and checking for discounts daily. If you have a decent TA, they will take care of you.

Reply

Kari

June 26, 2012

Thanks for the response. If we book Art of Animation and a discount comes out that excludes that hotel, are we able to change? We were going to book a “preferred room” since i heard they are typically closer to the bus stops. Does that “view” change anything when it comes to discounts?

Keith

June 26, 2012

Kari – There are not preferred rooms at Art of Animation. All of the standard rooms are Little Mermaid rooms, are in all in one area. The family suites, you can choose the theme, but again, they are all together (by theme).

Disney sometimes excludes “views” at resorts, but not at the value resorts.

Angel

June 28, 2012

Hi,
Is there anyway that i can find out which resorts are being excluded from the free dining pass offer? We are going for our first time in december and i am trying to learn some pointers.

Keith

June 28, 2012

Angel – The last free dining excluded all family suites originally, though Art of Animation was added later on. For the most part, all resorts were included. On some of the recent room only discounts, Disney has been excluding a ton of resorts, but those discounts were during busy times like the middle of the Summer.

Reply

Sabrina

July 2, 2012

My family and I have booked for nov 15-21 and we were wrondering if the dining plan was free for that time. Thanks

Keith

July 2, 2012

Sabrina – Nope, we have not seen any public discounts for October or later, still waiting.

Reply

Melissa Crowe

July 6, 2012

Do you have any idea when January 2013 free-dining plans would be announced if they did them again?

Keith

July 6, 2012

Melissa – Really, really doubtful. Hard to say if they are released though. For 2012, it was combined with Fall dates, in early August, though that will not happen this year. If we see them, it will probably not be until any Fall deals expire so late September or October? Really just a guess.

Reply

Geoff

July 9, 2012

Keith,

You still think its less than 50/50 for free dining this fall? You lost a lot of credibility by telling everyone your “sources” told you it probably wasn’t going to happen. Why wouldn’t Disney continue to offer the free dining? Everyone knows its not “free” and it’s probably one of their biggest money makers. It’s a great way to get people in the resorts/gates during slow times, without it their attendance would take a dramatic hit during those times. We all know more attendance means more money

I’m not a Disney expert like you, nor do I have “sources” but I think this Free dining will be a continuing promotion.

Keith

July 9, 2012

Geoff – Actually, I said it was about 50/50 until the PIN code was released, then I said less than 50/50. I never said it wouldn’t be released. I never said I had any sources that told me anything. Anything I post here are simply my thoughts of where Disney discounts stand. Notice as early as March, I was posting this:

“I think it is less than 50/50 the free dining will be extended past September. If they do, it should be similar to 2011 where they included a few days here and there, it won’t cover all dates.”

Sounds like exactly what happened. Not sure how I lose credibility by basically predicting what would happen, even if I wasn’t sure about it or not. One thing about Disney discounts, no one knows what is going to happen in the future, not even Disney.

I have been told personally by Disney management they want to get away from free dining. That was 2+ years ago. Obviously, what they are saying doesn’t fit with what they are doing. They may want to get away from it, but as you say, it is a good deal for many people, and for Disney.

I do think we will continue to see free dining in the early Fall time frame (September) for the foreseeable future. As for any other time of the year, I still think it is doubtful (other than the limited dates they just released for this Fall). Please note, doubtful doesn’t mean I am saying it isn’t going to happen, just less likely to see free dining that some other promotion.

Marion

July 9, 2012

What are the chances of receiving a free dining PIN after you already booked your vacation?

Keith

July 9, 2012

Marion – Sure, possible, however, the free dining discount released today are for the exact same dates as the PIN code, so the PIN code becomes redundant. If you are talking about booking sometime in 2013, then yes, there is a possibility you may get a PIN code or a discount may be released after you book.

Reply
1. Karen
  
  July 10, 2012
  
  I have a PIN for free Dining and would like to book hotel for 10 days.
  But only want 7 day park passes. Do I need to book the full 10 days hotel to include park passes to get 10 days free dining?
  
  Reply

Andi

We have booked a vacation in October and were sooo hoping for the free dining to be announced. However, the visa holders free dining discount that was announced was not during the week we check in 🙁 . Is there any chance that they will add a few more days in October for free dining? Like maybe when they announce it for the public, and not just the visa card holders?

Monty

I have all star movie booked 10-23-11-2… Already purchased deluxe dining plan will I be able to receive a credit for the difference
Of the quick service
Dining plan?

Keith

Andi – Nope, no additional dates will be added.

Karen – Nope, the requirement is minimum 2 day park pass, the dining plan is based on the nights in the hotel and has nothing at all to do with your tickets.

Monty – If there is availability for your dates and hotel, yes, you will get a credit towards the value of the quick service dining plan.

Karen

July 10, 2012

I have a PIN code for free dining for Oct. 4th – My question is can I book 2 rooms on for myself and one for my Son’s room

Reply
1. Keith
  
  July 10, 2012
  
  Karen – Yes, with the PIN code, you can book up to 3 rooms, as long as you are traveling and it is your PIN code. Please note free dining is going to made available to everyone on Thursday, so pretty soon, no one will need a PIN.
  
  Reply
  1. Karen
    
    July 10, 2012
    
    Thanks Keith
    As for Thursday, I thought a person had to have a Disney Visa Card?
    Or will “free dining” open up to general public?
    
    Reply
    1. Keith
      
      July 10, 2012
      
      Karen – Free dining is currently available to Disney VISA cardholders only, it should open to everyone on Thursday.

Karen

Thanks again Keith
Do you know the dates that will offer free dining?
I was hoping for Oct. 7 to 14

Keith