Free Dining 2014 Discussion

[Fenway1970]

This probably means nothing, but for what it's worth I just checked POR, POFQ, CBR, and CSR for 9/13 through 9/21 (my dates) and standard rooms were available for all except POR, which still had garden view available. This was for four people.

May mean nothing but there's still inventory out there at least for mid-Sept. Hopefully it's a good sign for the PO resorts not to be excluded.

 

[jhaig]

We are currently booked at Port Orleans, but we are prepared to jump ship to Wilderness Lodge if Riverside is not included in the FD promo. I am tempted to just change to WL figuring that the free dining would include WL anyway.

Guess I'll just wait til tomorrow before changing anything?

 

[FuDog]

Good luck,everyone.

 

[mskermit]

well im still going anyway!! FD or not. This is my first getaway ever with no kids!!! whooo hooo

 

[deakam]

Last night I was playing around on the Disney website---checking different rooms and prices trying to figure the best fit for me. I don't know if this means anything but no matter what days I put in Riverside or FQ I got a message saying that these rooms are not available with the current offer. I was not checking on any specific offer. I just assumed they were testing the website for future offers. Today the message is gone.

 

[jezebel73]

So naturally most of us who are here are serious planners, myself included. And hearing that POR, my first choice, is likely excluded and then FQ, second choice was long gone - I have to admit to freaking out a little bit. BUT I've turned it around in my head and think this is just Disney magic making me try someplace new and not fall into a rut! Thinking about CSR now if POR desn't pan out and I feel good about it. New places to explore, new restaurants to try! I will definitely miss Yehaa Bob, though. Wondering if he is worth the cab ride...

 

[tdpolo26]

Has anyone stayed a csr....just curious what the plus minus is on it and what bussing is like

 

[2009CAN]

Black First, I want to say THANK YOU for all the hard, non-paid work you do for all of us. I really appreciate your time and info!

**************
As for me, If POR is not offered, I know I can do 2 connecting rooms at POP and upgrade the dining plan.

But this morning, I decided to take another route and use a family member's Cast Member discount of 40% off of AoA family suite. This will give us a huge savings, much more room ... AND, she said that typically our November rates change to 50% off of rooms about a month out and that we would like be able to use a F&F discount on the dining plan. So, that's what I'm hoping for at this point.

I will still be up early and will call tomorrow/see what others are saying here and if POR is offered, might do that. The free dining is a $1,500 "savings" for us.

 

[tiffanycholmes]

We are going in September, 6 of us (4 adults, and 2 children, ages 4 & 7). We were originally going to stay at POR as that is where I always stay, but my parents wanted to keep the costs down as much as possible. Since POR is sold out of Standard rooms, I used the CBR standard room rate. For 6 nights in a standard room at CBR with 6 day park tickets (no park hopper or waterpark), the cost would have been $4,312.18 (assuming free dining is offered). Going to POP now, and the cost is $3,367.26 for 2 standard rooms (assuming QSDP is offered), and to upgrade to the DDP, total cost would be $3,861.30. We would still be saving $450.88 by staying at POP...and more so if we moved to one of the AS resorts. I think when you have just one room, with older kids, moving up to the mod would be about the same price, but in our case, it works out cheaper to stay at POP. I know it's only $450...but that gives us more money to spend in the parks!!

YES! We are only staying three nights (we live nearby and can go several times per year!!). I just crunched the numbers again to compare value (with upgrade to DP) to moderate and will share below:

November 9-12 (3 nights) 2 adults and 2 children (8 and 4)

CBR Standard $610.89
All Star Sports Standard $332.22 + 126 = 458.22 (-152.67)
All Star Sports Preferred $386.46 + 126 = 512.46 (-98.43)
Pop Standard $364.50 + 126 = 490.50 (-120.39)
Pop Preferred $415.14 + 126 = 541.14 (-69.75)

The age of the children really is the real tipping point, I believe. Hope this example helps someone else make the decision between value and moderate. For $150, I'll stick with the value and let the kids have some awesome spending money. As I said, we get to go down several times a year (recently returned from a stay at BLT), so if this was our only trip, I'd certainly upgrade!

 

[aaarcher86]

This probably means nothing, but for what it's worth I just checked POR, POFQ, CBR, and CSR for 9/13 through 9/21 (my dates) and standard rooms were available for all except POR, which still had garden view available. This was for four people.

May mean nothing but there's still inventory out there at least for mid-Sept. Hopefully it's a good sign for the PO resorts not to be excluded.

Excluded for FD. Included for room only.

 

[jessicamouse]

I am curious about any potential changes in the date ranges that will be likely be released tomorrow. Is November still likely, or has the info on that changed?

Thanks again for the help - all of you

 

[Grimlock34a]

I don't think anyone should change their current reservations or book anything until the offer is officially announced by Disney. No need to cut off your nose to spite your face.

For us serious Disney planners I know this is throwing off our game a bit but relax....all will be fine in the end.

 

[Cintijen]

Called Chase Disney Rewards to ask a few questions about my new Disney Visa. Asked customer representative (who said she was new) if she knew of any promotions set to come out. She told me free dining for 8/31-10/3 is being released tomorrow and gave me a five digit code for it. Of course, I called Disney and they said the code was not valid today. No indication that I should try later but I believe I might just call again in the morning, lol.

 

[Dawn Dis]

So naturally most of us who are here are serious planners, myself included. And hearing that POR, my first choice, is likely excluded and then FQ, second choice was long gone - I have to admit to freaking out a little bit. BUT I've turned it around in my head and think this is just Disney magic making me try someplace new and not fall into a rut! Thinking about CSR now if POR desn't pan out and I feel good about it. New places to explore, new restaurants to try! I will definitely miss Yehaa Bob, though. Wondering if he is worth the cab ride...

My dates are sept. 19-27 CSR had no availability for 2 adults 2 children. Sorry

turning into a Disney fanatic

 

[LindseyLou2222]

Called Chase Disney Rewards to ask a few questions about my new Disney Visa. Asked customer representative (who said she was new) if she knew of any promotions set to come out. She told me free dining for 8/31-10/3 is being released tomorrow and gave me a five digit code for it. Of course, I called Disney and they said the code was not valid today. No indication that I should try later but I believe I might just call again in the morning, lol.

Oooooohhh! Sounds promising!!

 

[Melany502]

Speaking of, for you fellow families of 5 hoping for POR, what are your back-up plans? 2 rooms at a value? AoA? FW Cabins? Upgrade to a deluxe? Off-site?

My original plan was All Star Music...but I am worried I will hate it there :-/ I really don't know! I am having a huge debate with myself about going to a Deluxe and hope for a 30% discount. I just don't know if I can justify the cost when we plan on spending most of the time at the parks and it's not exactly swimming weather.

 

[mskermit]

Black First, I want to say THANK YOU for all the hard, non-paid work you do for all of us. I really appreciate your time and info!

**************
As for me, If POR is not offered, I know I can do 2 connecting rooms at POP and upgrade the dining plan.

But this morning, I decided to take another route and use a family member's Cast Member discount of 40% off of AoA family suite. This will give us a huge savings, much more room ... AND, she said that typically our November rates change to 50% off of rooms about a month out and that we would like be able to use a F&F discount on the dining plan. So, that's what I'm hoping for at this point.

I will still be up early and will call tomorrow/see what others are saying here and if POR is offered, might do that. The free dining is a $1,500 "savings" for us.

have you ever stayed at AOA?? I have twice now, in a suite in august and last month in LM...I love that resort!!!

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Called Chase Disney Rewards to ask a few questions about my new Disney Visa. Asked customer representative (who said she was new) if she knew of any promotions set to come out. She told me free dining for 8/31-10/3 is being released tomorrow and gave me a five digit code for it. Of course, I called Disney and they said the code was not valid today. No indication that I should try later but I believe I might just call again in the morning, lol.

I heard through the rest of the year?!? Why only til October 3rd?

 

[DreamingPink]

Called Chase Disney Rewards to ask a few questions about my new Disney Visa. Asked customer representative (who said she was new) if she knew of any promotions set to come out. She told me free dining for 8/31-10/3 is being released tomorrow and gave me a five digit code for it. Of course, I called Disney and they said the code was not valid today. No indication that I should try later but I believe I might just call again in the morning, lol.

What number did you call? Chase visa on the back of card?

 

[2009CAN]

have you ever stayed at AOA?? I have twice now, in a suite in august and last month in LM...I love that resort!!!

No, but we walked over from POP last year and were VERY impressed with their food court and my DS was in heaven from being able to hug all his Cars buddies.