2016 Free Dining Watch

[4funwithmickey]

So if I book now, based on the dates we expect to see the FD, at one if the mods that are typically FD, with PH, can I go online and modify that reservation at 4:30AM on the date it's released to a dining package? Or is it better to wait until it's released and book a brand new reservation online / phone call? I've always waited until the morning it's released and called in. But it would be sooo much nicer to have the option of modifying a reservation online at 4:30am!! Almost too good to be true!

 

[Funfire240]

I have seen stated on this thread that when the FD is announced, you can modify the existing reservation online and others stating that you would need to call in to modify. Since the announcement is released before the phone lines open, I might try to modify online but if I did my math correctly, I would need to upgrade to a moderate and that I believe I would have to call to modify-anyway you look at it, I am so ready for this to be OVER!!!!! Come on Free Dining!!!!

Try online - you should be able to switch resorts online. Last year when I went online the morning it was rumored, I was able to modify and change to free dining. We were originally booked at All Star Sports with preferred. When I changed to free dining I also changed to standard (to try to get baseball room for DS) However, a week later after discussion we decided to try POP (SIL and DB decided to come along with SIL didn't want sports theme but anyways...) I was also able to modify and change the resort right online. Also, each time I modified it showed the quick service as being included but also gave the option to upgrade to one of the other plans so that was all taken care of too.

 

[vrajewski10513]

So my husband and I have absolutely no plans on going back to WDW next year. But, we both agreed this morning that when we go in September if there's a FD BB were gonna put a deposit down on it just in case so I never have to do this whole free dining hunger games again!

 

[Confederate Scott]

So my husband and I have absolutely no plans on going back to WDW next year. But, we both agreed this morning that when we go in September if there's a FD BB were gonna put a deposit down on it just in case so I never have to do this whole free dining hunger games again!

I think that is a great idea. Even if there is a room discount on BB perhaps book it. You can always cancel if you truly decide not to go in 2017.

 

[mmafan]

Would love to stay at AK, might have to look at those numbers for us. We are two adults and one child.

us too.....party of 3

 

[NicoleLarson]

Good to see I'm not the only one crunching numbers with the assumption of last year's rules for FD (3+ nights, PH tickets, Mods get DDP, etc.). After things quieted down here last night around midnight, I looked at my party of six (2 adults, 1 junior, 2 children, and 1 free toddler) staying seven nights in two rooms at some Values and upgrading to the DDP, staying in suites at ASM or AoA and upgrading to DDP, and staying at the Cabins at FW, the only Moderate we can stay at. (I have decided against squishing us into POR, even though Disney will allow it, and we can't afford two rooms at any Mod.) The dining upgrade would be just over $70/day for three adults + two kids, or $491 for the week.
Here's what I got using WDWInfo's rack rates, adding in the 12.5% tax, adding in approx. $40/day for tips at our TS meals (3-4 of which will be character meals, plus a couple AYCE meals at TE and WCC), as Disney will automatically add 18% for our party of six:


The off-site comparison with no FD is at WBC where we have a $139/night offer for a 2-bdrm condo. I added in $20/day for parking at Disney parks for eight days (we are driving, so no rental car involved), $300/day for food, and discounted 7-day PHs from Undercover Tourist that save us $250.
WBC $140x7 for 1257sqft 2-bdrm apt with washer-dryer = $980 + $300x7 for food (mimicking $250/day for DDP plus tip at daily TS meal) + $160 Disney parking = $3240
$3240 + $1900 7-day PH from Undercover Tourist = $5140

Your thoughts? Glaring errors or omissions?

So for WBC you don't have tax or a resort/parking fee or anything? All I saw was that included the $139/night room rate. Just my 2 cents, I would stay at a WDW resort, probably 2 Value rooms.

 

[NicoleLarson]

Seven of us (myself, wife, 2 daughters, son-in-law, 2 grandkids) looking at a 2-bdrm villa at OKW from 11/11-20. Any experienced travelers out there think we have a shot at FD given the leaked dates? If it's 11/15-21 and not 11/11-21 we're snookered, but my TA has said that scoring FD at OKW has been a hit-or-miss proposition historically anyway. Would we have a better shot if we booked Saratoga Springs instead?

OKW Has larger rooms but I think SSR is nicer and the pools are way better. So I think either would be a good option.

 

[gskywalker]

We are on a BB for Sept 25 To Oct 7. One person said it costs them about $100 to upgrade their tickets to AP. Is the discount for renewals that much, or am I missing something? 10 day passes are $400 and AP's are $749, how can it be $100, instead of $349 per person? At $100-$150 I would love to get annual passes but at $349, its almost the same cost as two 10 days passes

Anyone understand how my math is so different than others who said it cost them $100 to upgrade to AP?

 

[gabieb]

Anyone understand how my math is so different than others who said it cost them $100 to upgrade to AP?

They could also be including cost of park hoppers, water park or both, the memory maker if they were going to buy it since it is included in pass now. Maybe they are going for more then 10 days. We are going with 7 day tickets/park hoppers and it would cost us about $390 a ticket to upgrade. I think when people get close to 14 day tickets there is very little difference in upgrading to AP

 

[anneboleyn]

Typically you are able to.

Does anyone know what would happen if you modify your reservation that included an already paid for dining plan? Would I get a credit on my account that I could use for MNSSHP tickets or does it get refunded to my bank account?

I am crossing my fingers that I can do it all online...last year I called off work so that I could stay on the phone for 4 hours and get Free Dining. Because, you know, priorities lol

 

[dizneygirl55]

Try online - you should be able to switch resorts online. Last year when I went online the morning it was rumored, I was able to modify and change to free dining. We were originally booked at All Star Sports with preferred. When I changed to free dining I also changed to standard (to try to get baseball room for DS) However, a week later after discussion we decided to try POP (SIL and DB decided to come along with SIL didn't want sports theme but anyways...) I was also able to modify and change the resort right online. Also, each time I modified it showed the quick service as being included but also gave the option to upgrade to one of the other plans so that was all taken care of too.

Thanks, Funfire240! I just can't wait to get this part of the trip all set! Then on to the rest of the planning! But then what will I do with my time??? LOL!

 

[slbgnb]

Ugh! I'm so ready for this to be over. Last night Orlando By Joe said on FB to expect very limited availability.

This is the part that has me so stressed. I've always felt they will offer the FD - even if it's not as good a deal as it once was. But, I've heard such horror stories of the limited availability that it seems so few actually get it anymore. I just want this over and done already!

Kind of like I just want Soarin' to open and Frozen and A/E to open, so I can see how they are going to do the new FP tiers.
Kind of like I want to know if they are going to be adding these After Dark and Early Mornings in Sept, so I can be aware.
Kind of like I want to know what the price is going to be for MNSSHP - so I can see if it's a possibility this year.
Kind of like I want this whole 4th FP on the app to work itself out, so it IS possible to get a 4th FP when we go.

Soooooo many things up in the air!

 

[Mandoo]

So my husband and I have absolutely no plans on going back to WDW next year. But, we both agreed this morning that when we go in September if there's a FD BB were gonna put a deposit down on it just in case so I never have to do this whole free dining hunger games again!

I convinced my husband to do the same thing yesterday! We dont usually go every year, but booking a BB seems like much less stress! (Also the fact that you added this photo made my day!)

 

[vrajewski10513]

I convinced my husband to do the same thing yesterday! We dont usually go every year, but booking a BB seems like much less stress! (Also the fact that you added this photo made my day!)

It's a very fair comparison lol

 

[RedWolf95]

So if I book now, based on the dates we expect to see the FD, at one if the mods that are typically FD, with PH, can I go online and modify that reservation at 4:30AM on the date it's released to a dining package? Or is it better to wait until it's released and book a brand new reservation online / phone call? I've always waited until the morning it's released and called in. But it would be sooo much nicer to have the option of modifying a reservation online at 4:30am!! Almost too good to be true!

You don't have to call in just because you did not book a reservation in advance. You can go online the morning it is released and make a new reservation just as easy as you can modify an existing reservation. Many here, including myself, believe it is better to wait (and that is what I have done for all 5 times I've done FD) so that Disney does not feel they do not need to offer the discount. That opinion is of course debatable but the point is you can go online and book the reservation and do not have to call in. The only reason you would have to call in is for Disney Visa advanced released but in that case you would have to call whether you had booked in advance or not (i.e. if there is an advanced release you cannot modify an existing reservation online during the Disney Visa advanced release). Also, the 4:30am was just what it was last year, it has varied from year to year. Hope that helps.

 

[KearneyFam02]

I posted last night about my 2 year old and want to say thank you all for your replies!

Another question regarding her, is she included in the dining plan or not since she gets into the park for free? It doesn't really matter, she eats like a bird and there is plenty of food between the 4 of us to share with her.

 

[Jacie]

I posted last night about my 2 year old and want to say thank you all for your replies!

Another question regarding her, is she included in the dining plan or not since she gets into the park for free? It doesn't really matter, she eats like a bird and there is plenty of food between the 4 of us to share with her.

She would not be included in the dining plan. They expect that parents would share with children under 3. She does, however, get her own magic band!

 

[4funwithmickey]

You don't have to call in just because you did not book a reservation in advance. You can go online the morning it is released and make a new reservation just as easy as you can modify an existing reservation. Many here, including myself, believe it is better to wait (and that is what I have done for all 5 times I've done FD) so that Disney does not feel they do not need to offer the discount. That opinion is of course debatable but the point is you can go online and book the reservation and do not have to call in. The only reason you would have to call in is for Disney Visa advanced released but in that case you would have to call whether you had booked in advance or not (i.e. if there is an advanced release you cannot modify an existing reservation online during the Disney Visa advanced release). Also, the 4:30am was just what it was last year, it has varied from year to year. Hope that helps.

This is exactly why I've always waited until the day of release. I'm going to do the same this year. Just wait it out. A couple of years ago I tried multiple times-couldn't get anything online. Had to wait to call. Hoping 1-I get free dining!! 2-I can book online on release date!!!
Thanks for your reply.

 

[KearneyFam02]

She would not be included in the dining plan. They expect that parents would share with children under 3. She does, however, get her own magic band!

Perfect! I would hate to waste all that food!!

 

[Jacie]

Perfect! I would hate to waste all that food!!

I understand completely! For my son (even now) we usually just bring him a sandwich and snacky stuff into the parks. He'd prefer that anyway!