Disney--DINING

[daveoc]

Some of you may know that this year Disney offered free dining to people who stayed at a Disney hotel(in Florida) and bought theme park tickets and visited between certain dates in August to September.

We plan to go in 2008 so I have been monitoring all the Disney boards to see if there is any mention of this for then.

Well, according to these boards, free dining is available again next year from mid August until September 22nd. As long as you arrive between those dates you get the free dining for your whole stay.

Disney credit card holders can book from today and everyone else can book from the 12th.

Presumably it will take a few days to filter thru to the likes of Virgin and Cosmos.

Sorry I was in such a hurry to post this info that I forgot to take the link details but there is a 25 page thread running on www.disboards.com.

I know what I'm doing next year!!

Dave

[ziggy]

Dave the free dining that is on offer at the moment is for this year 2007 and is for booking made via the USA.

[daveoc]

Dave the free dining that is on offer at the moment is for this year 2007 and is for booking made via the USA.


No, I'm talking about a brand new offer that has been, or is being announced this weekend for 2008.

If it follows this years offer than the like of Virgin will be offering it as well.

Dave

[ziggy]

Sorry, I'm a member of the disboards too and the only offer I can find is 26 August 2007 - 22 September 2007, I know because I really wanted to book it but the dates are no good to me. Is it in the UK section or the Codes and Rates section?

[daveoc]

Ziggy,

I owe you an apology. You're right, checked and this does refer to 2007.

Sorry, I too am desperate to book the free plan for 2008 and I guess I saw what I wanted to see.

Can a mod delete this thread please?

[ziggy]

Ziggy,

I owe you an apology. You're right, checked and this does refer to 2007.

Sorry, I too am desperate to book the free plan for 2008 and I guess I saw what I wanted to see.

Can a mod delete this thread please?

No problems I know that desperate feeling, I have missed on on the free dining by a week :pout:

[Flo]

Hopefully Disney will run the offer again for UK tour operators later in the year for 2008, last year I think the offer came out in Sept and you had to book by Nov.

[ziggy]

Hopefully Disney will run the offer again for UK tour operators later in the year for 2008, last year I think the offer came out in Sept and you had to book by Nov.

The offer came out while I was at Disney at the end of August last year :). There were some good deals, Virgin had a good offer on with every third night free on the Pop ( I think) and the Yacht Club and this included the free dining.

[Flo]

I'd love to stay at the Polynesian but unless we get some 2000 point codes with no minimum spedn its going to be Pop again. We will probably have to go school hols so I am hoping the free dining starts mid August, it will help subsidise the extra cost of going in the holidays.

[Gizmos]

Can a mod delete this thread please?

how about we just change it to Disney Dining - might help a few people looking at options :)

[daveoc]

I don't know if I'm going mad or not.

If you go to www.mousesavers.com on the front page they have a message saying that free dining is being announced over this weekend.

Also if you go to http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1401499&page=30 the topic started last year but has now changed to current posts.

Can someone please take a look as I don't trust myself!

Dave

Forget it. Just worked out that the deal is being announced this weekend but for stays this August/September, presumably aimed at us customers.

I really must stop watching these mouse sites as it's doing my head in!!!

[Gizmos]

I don't know if I'm going mad or not.

If you go to www.mousesavers.com on the front page they have a message saying that free dining is being announced over this weekend.

Also if you go to http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1401499&page=30 the topic started last year but has now changed to current posts.

Can someone please take a look as I don't trust myself!

Dave

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=17973991&postcount=432
is dated recently and states for this year

as does Mousesavers
A special "free dining" vacation package at Walt Disney World (for check-ins 8/26/07-9/22/07) is scheduled to be released for Disney Rewards Visa cardholders on Monday, April 9. The same package is expected to become available to the general public on Thursday, April 12. If the new package is similar to the one offered for the past two years, it will require you to purchase at least 3 consecutive hotel nights at an official Walt Disney World resort, plus at least a one-day theme park ticket, and you will get a FREE dining package (one counter service meal, one table service meal and one snack, per person, per day) for the length of your stay. This has been a very popular promotion in past years, so I expect rooms to sell out fast. Check back here on Monday for full details.

[Gizmos]

PS got confused on one site as the dates are in American format and thought Id been asleep for two months!

[cerys]

Hi
just got back from Florida and thought i'd post my opinion about disney dining.
we bookd a character meal with Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore at the Crystal palace or something. We had lunch and it was ok for dd but the time the characters actually spent with us was no different to that spent queing up in the parks for a meet and greet.
i wasn't overly impressed with the lunch menu either.
Maybe we expected too much from it. dd did enjoy the experience so all was not lost.
if i;ve posted this int he wrong place can an administrator pls move it.
thanks

[Belle]

Hello, just come off the phone from virgin and they tell me that in order to get the Disney Dining Plan IT MUST be bought with Disney park tickets!
I didnt know that but it is in their T's and C's.

[jasmine]

I read that in the small print, i think online...know you can't pay for park tickets with deals but can you pay for diney dining plan ? :confused: or is it classed as an extra ??

[Belle]

I read that in the small print, i think online...know you can't pay for park tickets with deals but can you pay for diney dining plan ? :confused: or is it classed as an extra ??


From what the opreator told me you can pay for disney dining wioth deals. just not the park vouchers.

[jasmine]

Thanks for that Belle, something to consider :)

[Khufu]

Watch out for the dining plan - kids are classed as adults over age 9 so you get a whopping charge for them - something like £24 per day and you know a ten year old won't eat that much!

[Belle]

I am waiting to find out if we can get DDP if we stay at two different disney hotels? has anyone done this?

[Flo]

If you are going next Aug or Sept then hopefully Virgin and Possibly Cosmos will soon announce free dining for new bookings.

[heatherbelle]

For the last 2 years, Virgin and all UK tour operators have offered free dining if you book usually between September and the begining of November.

You must stay on Disney property to qualify, and usually your stay is mid August to the end of September.

It all depends on how well Disney is selling their rooms, as to whether the deal is offered or not, so those planning for stays then, may want to hold fire with bookings.

If I read anything over on the DIS I will post on here.

[Flo]

The rumour on the dibb is that it will be offered for next year but only for moderate or delux disney hotels. Disney have officially announced changes to the dining plan for 08 tips are no longer included or appetisers. So I don't think I'd pay for it now but if its free then its not so bad.

[Flo]

Virgin should be announcing in a few weeks that free disney dining will available in Aug/Sept next year if you book a moderate or Delux disney hotel (it is rumoured that value hotels won't be included this time). Now I could book a moderate and pay £900 cash or the cheapest delux £1500 cash or I could wait for another couple of quarters forget about free dining and book my dream hotel the Polynesian for £0 cash. Decisions, decisions??

I will have £2400 in deals when I receive Augs deals, am I right in that the next deals then will be sent out in Nov, Feb and May. So with a bit of hard points collecting I could have £5000 worth in May just about enough for the Poly. As long as Virgin are still in of course.

[Flo]

Has anyone sent £5000 worth in one go to a hol company?

[Belle]

I am hoping to book for March next year, so the free dining plan prob isnt an option.
I have decided not to get the DDP as tips are not included and I do plan to eat off Disney sites a few times. So we will just book where was would like to eat before hand. I think it sounds like far too much food for 2 weeks.

[nixieh]

Hi Flo

We went to the Poly last year and absolutely loved it, we are trying Port Orleans this year as I couldn't afford the Poly again. Personally I would wait and go for the Poly even though we didn't do that I am now wishing we had!

Nicola

[Flo]

Which building did you think was best for staying in at the Poly. Does the Disney bus pick up and drop off at other resorts.

[nixieh]

We were lucky enough to stay Concierge so we were in the Hawaii building. We found that it was worth it for us as we are a family of 5 and found the evening snacks meant we spent a lot less on food than normal. As to the bus service, you can get the bus to all the parks and Downtown Disney but remember you can get the monorail or boat to the Magic Kingdom and the monorail to Epcot (by walking to the TTC). I don't think you can get a bus to other resorts but you could get the monorail to the TTC or MK and get a bus to other resorts from there. The Poly pool has a lovely slide and it is right next to the beach. The counter service restaurant Captain Cooks is good and there is also the wonderful Ohanas right there.

Any other questions just ask away, have you checked out Tikkimans website dedicated just to the Poly, it is great.

Nicola

[Flo]

Can you book concierge through Disney, I doubt I could afford it for thr fortnight, lol.

[Flo]

I have looked at tikkimans website, thanks, its great. DD is Stitch mad since going on the stitch ride last time. I also like the activities that kids can do around the hotel.

[JWM]

Go for the Poly! All 3 of us thought it was the best hotel we had ever stayed in, and you have the monorail of couse.

We were in Fiji, overlooking the harbour. We could sit on our balcony and watch the fireworks and see the castle changing colour.......I'm welling up just think about it!!

[Ladyshopper]

I have taken this straight from the Dibb site, but I thought it might be helpful to people who were looking to book for next year.

Please move if in wrong place!

Disney FREE Dine and FREE Nights offers available for new bookings made between the 23 August and 6 November 2007 for departures 10 August – 27 September 2008 only. Offers are subject to availability and Virgin Holidays standard terms and conditions. The offers cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions applicable within this period.


Disney Dining Plan ‘FREE DINE’ offer:

Offer applies to departures 10th Aug 2008 – 27th Sep 2008 ONLY. Eligible bookings MUST include at least a 5 night stay at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney’s Old Key West Resort, AND Disney’s Ultimate or Premium Tickets, for all people on the booking.

The accommodation and theme park tickets MUST both be booked through Virgin Holidays, and the Disney Dining Plan must be booked for all people on the booking, for every night of their stay at a Walt Disney Resort hotel. The free Dine offer is only available on single centre holidays, and is not valid on Disney Cruise Line bookings or wedding bookings. The free dine offer is only available at selected restaurants, full details can be provided on request. Children aged 3-9 must order from the children’s menu, where available. Children age 2 and under are not eligible to take advantage of this offer and must pay locally for any food/drink consumed.

You will NOT receive the free dining, if the above conditions are not complied with. In these circumstances we reserve the right to alter your booking accordingly.

Free Night Offer:

Offer applies to all departures 10th Aug 2008 – 27th Sep 2008 ONLY, when staying and paying for a minimum of 7 nights at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort or Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts - get up to two extra nights free. For example, stay 9 nights and pay for only 7. Discount will be deducted at the time of booking. Maximum of 2 free nights per booking. Maximum stay 21 nights inclusive of the 2 free nights. This offer is not applicable to accommodation only bookings.

Both the free night offer and Disney’s free dining promotion can only be combined when travelling on applicable departure dates and staying at the Disney resorts featuring both offers for the specified minimum stays. Please note that this cannot be combined on accommodation only bookings.

[Flo]

Last year people were able to book this with deals, this year there is some debate as to whether virgin will allow it. I doubt we will know for sure until the 23rd. I have ordered my deals tokens in case they do and if I have them all by the 23rd I will phone and try and book.

[Flo]

Free disney dining for next Aug/Sept goes on sale with virgin on thurs. There is a debate at the moment as to whether virgin will allow the free dining on clucard bookings. I thought some people had got the free dining for this year when paying with deals??

[Cat]

Free disney dining for next Aug/Sept goes on sale with virgin on thurs. There is a debate at the moment as to whether virgin will allow the free dining on clucard bookings. I thought some people had got the free dining for this year when paying with deals??

People definitely did get the deal for this year but it took virgin a long time to make up their minds if they would get it or not, in the end as the deal was from Disney and was not costing Virgin anything they allowed it.

[Flo]

Thats my feeling on it, I can't see how Virgin can remove it as Disney are bearing the cost. Really hope I can get it.

[lissadell]

I got it for this year Flo. We are flying out September 15th for 14 nights free DDP at POP and I'm still fiddling with my ADR s, have been since mid March ! Good luck for 2008 :-)

[Gizmos]

Lisa
If you want some Disney leaflets and other bits PM me I've a few I can send.

[Flo]

I got it for this year Flo. We are flying out September 15th for 14 nights free DDP at POP and I'm still fiddling with my ADR s, have been since mid March ! Good luck for 2008 :-)

Thanks, Pop isn't included for next year so I'm thinking of caribbean beach resort. Would love to fiddling with my ADRs now, lol. I love the disney restaurants so DDP will be a must whether free or not. Have a great holiday.:)

[lissadell]

Lisa
If you want some Disney leaflets and other bits PM me I've a few I can send.

Thx Giz, thats really kind, will pm you.

[Flo]

I am hoping to book this for next Aug but I'm waiting to receive my last deals orders in the next few days. If anyone is booking tomorrow or the next few days could they post and let me if they were able to get the free dining? Thanks.

[heatherbelle]

I received a mailing from Virgin today. Disney free dining bookings are now being taken until 06/11/07. You must depart between 10/08 and 27/09 to qualify and purchase the park tickets (Ultimate or premium tickets from Virgin). This offer does not include the tesco gift card!!! Read on.

Gift card of 100.00 for Tesco. Book your virgin holiday between 24/08 and 24/09/07 for departures between 01/05 and 31/10/08. This offer entiltles the lead passenger of each booking to a Tesco Gift Card to the value of £100.00 Exclusions apply see Virgin holidays.com/tesco.

Now who is going to book and let us all know that we can get 100.00 gift card!!!:D:D:D

[gh015c4116]

hi
although virgin dont seem to have free dinning on there main page you can find it by going to www.virginholidays.com/disneydining then when you price your holiday it will show you a box with the free dinning terms and conditions, if you tick the box it removes the cost of the dinning plan.

hope that helps

[Flo]

I have phone and wicked virgin witch said NO to deals and free dining, will phone again later and try again. If anyone succeeds could you get the name and extension number for who you speak to - I would be eternally grateful.
Thanks.

[gh015c4116]

its not advertised on disney uk yet but if you price up tickets and hotel it adds dining plan on for free.
im now tring to work out which would be better
(1) booking virgin and just paying my food costs
(2) booking virgins cheapest hotel and then booking through disney for hotel /ticket/and dining plan.

[pookienoodle]

virgin sent me a flyer today saying that all bookings before nov 07 for stays 10 aug to 27 sept 08 staying at selected disney resorts buying disneys ultimate or premium ticket qualify for free dining.
or if you book a virgin holiday before 24 sep t07 for travel 1 may to 31 oct 2008 you can have a £100 tesco gift voucher.
these discounts are available as well as your 10% frequent virgin discount.
so I would think it should be allowed with the deals.

[princessa]

We booked for next August a few weeks back and didn't know anything about free dining! Booked through Thomas Cook but with virgin. Know for next time though. Can you get this if paying with deals then?

[Flo]

The £100 tesco gift voucher has a large disclaimer on it on the website saying it cannot be used with free dining promotion and when I phoned this morning I was told I would not get free dining if I paid part of my holiday with tesco deals even when paying cash for park tickets.

[Flo]

Cosmos are supposed to be participating in the promotion aswell, so I'm about to phone them to see if they will accept deals with free dining.

[Flo]

I have spoken to Virgin twice now about the dining offer and been told not allowed with tesco deals but the gift voucher should be fine.

[Maverick]

I am finding virgin quite difficult to deal with if I am honest.

[Gizmos]

I phoned them about something and they seemed a distinct lack of interest

[Flo]

Cosmos said yes though but they are dearer and I really wanted to fly with virgin.

[Kina]

I am finding virgin quite difficult to deal with if I am honest.

Gizmos I phoned them about something and they seemed a distinct lack of interest

:(

Do you think it's because they're overloaded at the moment?

[Sunshinecoast]

:(

Do you think it's because they're overloaded at the moment?

I have had the same problems as Maverick, I think that they are really busy with the free dining plan, but my problems started b4 this!
I used to work for Virgin Atlantic on their telephone reservations and half the staff didn't know what they were talking about , Personally if I didn't know something I would make sure I got the right answear but I have heard people make up a load of rubbish just to get rid of people, this is why I don't trust call centers and why I always check my booking online. The people I have talked to at VH haven't listened to what I have asked for so be careful when you book and double check everything!
Regards Sunshinecoast:D

[UNCLEBUK]

From Virgin Holidays web site - today:
Eat with your favourite Disney characters on this amazing dining experience for all the family.

Virgin Holidays' guests staying at one of the Disney hotels with Disney theme park tickets* can now eat for FREE as part of this great deal.

* This offer is based on bookings made between 23rd August and 6th November 2007 for travel between 10th August and 27th September 2008. To find out more about the Disney Dining Plan and how you can eat for FREE

[Flo]

They won't allow you to have the free dining if you're using deals - I've tried.

[misscharlie]

http://www.cosmos.co.uk/destinations/USA-(Florida)/attractions/disneydining

[pookienoodle]

fab find have repped you.

[Flo]

Cosmos told me you can use Tesco vouchers and have free dining - Virgin won't allow it.

[nixieh]

Hi everyone,

I know there are a lot of people looking at booking Florida for next year so just wanted to remind you that if you are planning on going between 10th of Aug and 24th Sept 2008 and staying at a Disney resort, (not the value resorts like Pop Century and the All Star resorts), if you book the tickets and accommodation together you will get free Disney dining, which is the equivalent of a free counter service meal, a free table service meal (eg meal at a restaurant with waiters!) plus a free snack for every day you are there for every person on the booking. We had free dining this August and it saved us £1500 over 3 weeks!!

I am considering booking the accommodation and tickets directly with Disney.co.uk before 6th Nov (only £50 deposit per person) to get the free dining for next August and then booking the fly drive with Comos when I get the Nov mailing. For us it will work fine as we don't have enough deals to pay for the whole holiday in full anyway.

Hope this helps someone, any questions ask away.

[princessa]

I thought you couldn't get the disney dining plan if you were paying with deals?

[Khufu]

how can we book - the car deal is coming!

[nixieh]

I thought you couldn't get the disney dining plan if you were paying with deals?

Apparently not if you are booking with Virgin but as far as I know Cosmos are letting people have the free dining and we are booking (and paying with cash for) accommodation and tickets directly with Disney to get free dining and then getting fly drive with Cosmos with the deals.

As to the cars, I am much more excited about a holiday than a car as long as it gets me from A to B I am happy with my old car. Mind you I won't be telling my OH about the cars :nono: as he would probably prefer a new car to a holiday!!

[princessa]

Ah thanks! Will look into it, not gonna be booking till next year but the dining seems to be a yearly thing anyways. My Oh is at the moment looking for a car, he gets bored easily with them, so I don't think I'll be telling him about the deals and I'll carry on saving for a holiday.

[pokealotup]

I'm getting a little confused...(it doesn't take much!!)

Nixieh... are we able to use deals to book fly drive with Cosmos???.... I was under the impression you had to book the accomodation with them as well??

Poke x

[Flo]

Cosmos will let you book a flydrive. They have also said yes to the free dining but recently Heatherbelle reported that she had got free dining with virgin even though paying with deals.

[Khufu]

Come on tokens, come on tokens, they'll never arrive in time

[Flo]

I've given up now.

[heatherbelle]

Just to confirm, I have received free dining with Virgin, I had to book my park tickets with them though and they are more expensive, around £70.00. (I paid cash for the park tickets, which is part of the terms and conditions of paying with deals, everything else was paid for with deals, flight, and accomodation).

I think it was that you couldn't have the Tesco £100.00 gift card, if you had free dining. But that offer finished in September.

I am now trying to get them to honour their price match for park tickets, to see if they will do this. Letter sent yesterday. We are staying at the Old Key West Accomodation.

That's a good idea with Cosmos though, maybe consider that for another year, when DS is older. I'd like to know what it's like in the premium seats with Cosmos, as Economy don't have seat back TV's. Anyone tried it out?

[gh015c4116]

they offered us free dinning as well.
we didnt even need to ask for it as we are staying at a qualifying resort they said take the park tickets and you can have free dinning.

[pollyanna_11]

Cosmos will let you book a flydrive. They have also said yes to the free dining but recently Heatherbelle reported that she had got free dining with virgin even though paying with deals.

I am really confused now.... I was under the impression that you HAD to buy accommodation for both Virgin and Cosmos:confused: Can anyone tell me where it says that flydrive is possible? I am sure I read on their conditions it was subject to booking accomodation...if this is incorrect I am made up! I will have to save less than I thought!:D

[Irishsmurfy]

Cosmos allow flydrives only - but please remember they only fly to Florida May - October. You also have to pay the car insurance as that is in their terms (even if you don't require a car!!) but that is usually £280 - or £210 if on special!! I just booked a flydrive for 5 people with Cosmos for Florida and it was no problem at all!!!

PS I think the insurance has to paid in cash (not sure as I did not have enough anyway to pay in full!!)

[mummytotwo]

AM looking at going to Florida in November/December 2008 and wonder if it worth doing the Disney Dining Plan. I will not be able to use vouchers for this and the way I have worked it, it will cost about £25 each per day TBh seems quite high especially as the have now stopped the started and gratuities are no longer included.


The details are very vague on the virgin website and I am not sure if the deal is consistent will all the brochures of if Virgin is different from Cosmos etc.


If I don't do the dining plan I am thinking of going to the Hawthorne Suites or Holiday inn Sunspree resort. Any one know what these two hotels are like. Going with 3 children so hoping it will be good :lol:

[littlemissnaughty]

I'm not sure about the hotels. We are going to disney and doing the dining plan, I am just looking at the different restaurants we can book, looks absolutely fantastic. This is the site i'm looking at for all the meals. http://adisneyworld.disney.go.com/media/wdw/images2003/languagespecific/eng/nontheme/tickets/08Dining.pdf
The only problem I can find so far is that you need to prebook all the restaurants so need to be a bit organised:eek:

[nixieh]

We had the dining plan last year when the offer for free dining was on and we have booked this year again with free dining. The way to decide whether dining is worth it or not is to consider what your eating patterns would normally be. If you are likely to want to do a full table service meal (eg a meal with waiters/waitresses etc) at Disney every day then it is probably good value. Even though appetisers are no longer included we could never eat an appetiser, a main course and a dessert for each main meal anyway. You also get a counter service meal for every day which could be used for breakfast (like we did) or lunch at any of the counter service restaurants eg a meal like chicken strips and fries or a burger etc. You also get a snack each day which is usually anything $4 and less I think so it could be an extra drink or a cookie/popcorn/ice cream etc.

The dining plan does give you a lot of food if you are big eaters and don't mind making reservations in advance. Also it depends on the age of any kids going, the dining plan for under 9s is very cheap but from 9/10 upwards you pay full adult price and I know my 10 year old still eats like a kid not an adult! So I would say if you want to eat mostly onsite at Disney and you like nice meals then it is worth it but if you mostly eat counter service meals or you would like to eat offsite as well then it probably isn't worth it.

If you have any specific questions ask away...oh and the food courts at the Disney hotels I have stayed at (Port Orleans and Pop Century) have been great and there are also some wonderful restaurants at the Disney hotels and you don't have to be staying there to eat there.

[littlemissnaughty]

We had the dining plan last year when the offer for free dining was on and we have booked this year again with free dining. The way to decide whether dining is worth it or not is to consider what your eating patterns would normally be. If you are likely to want to do a full table service meal (eg a meal with waiters/waitresses etc) at Disney every day then it is probably good value. Even though appetisers are no longer included we could never eat an appetiser, a main course and a dessert for each main meal anyway. You also get a counter service meal for every day which could be used for breakfast (like we did) or lunch at any of the counter service restaurants eg a meal like chicken strips and fries or a burger etc. You also get a snack each day which is usually anything $4 and less I think so it could be an extra drink or a cookie/popcorn/ice cream etc.

The dining plan does give you a lot of food if you are big eaters and don't mind making reservations in advance. Also it depends on the age of any kids going, the dining plan for under 9s is very cheap but from 9/10 upwards you pay full adult price and I know my 10 year old still eats like a kid not an adult! So I would say if you want to eat mostly onsite at Disney and you like nice meals then it is worth it but if you mostly eat counter service meals or you would like to eat offsite as well then it probably isn't worth it.

If you have any specific questions ask away...oh and the food courts at the Disney hotels I have stayed at (Port Orleans and Pop Century) have been great and there are also some wonderful restaurants at the Disney hotels and you don't have to be staying there to eat there.

We have a 2 year old who we haven't paid for, I'm just hoping they will let us share a meal with her and let us have an extra plate as we don't really want to pay extra when we get there.

[heatherbelle]

Like some of the other posts have said, unless you are real big eaters and you want to spend time eating in resturants instead of doing the rides etc, then I would not recommend the dinning plan.

Last year, there were 3 of us and we spent around 600.00 on food, that included five fancy meals in Disney hotels/parks. It really is cheap to eat out.

I think the Hawthorn do free breakfast and snacks too don't they. Check out trip advisor for reviews of the hotel.

When the kids are older, and can eat loads, use the free dining plan in the school hols and then you can work out if it is for you. We're doing that this year, Mr T has paid for all the food, as the dining plan is free in August and Sept

[terriandaaron]

id avoid the sunspree, its very tired and run down.

[terriandaaron]

in most disney reasturants they do free food for under 3s. i quite often just bought plain buttered pasta for my 2 year old (also free) as hes fussy.

[fiona2277]

disney has no probs with under 3s sharing from your plate and will normally offer a spare plate for them

reservations are deff needed if you want to eat at the chacter experances ie cinderella royal table or chef mickeys but having said that we asked at hotel reception and naver had any probs getting what we wanted just be flexible with time and date

i would recomend the breakfast buffet at Animal Kingdom Lodge it is fantastic and the eve buffet at Cape May Café in the Beach Club Resort totally amazing food

hth
fionax

[littlemissnaughty]

We rang to prebook all our meals the other day. We are going mid feb so still a while away, so you would think that we'd get in no probs. Not the case, although we did manage to get into all 7 restaurants we wanted we could not get the times we wanted for any of them. Some only had availability after 9pm!
So let this be a warning, if anyone is going to disney book now. We are going off peak, just imagine what it's like during busier times!!:(

[nixieh]

You are able to book meals at Disney restaurants 180 days in advance and some of the best restaurants sell out very quickly so I would def recommend booking as early as possible. Remember at most restaurants you don't pay a deposit or anything so you can change your mind right up to the time of the reservation without penalty although it is good manners to cancel any reservation not used.

If you want to have breakfast or dinner at the Cinderellas Royal Table restaurant in the castle at the Magic Kingdom you will have to book virtually exactly 180 days out, it is that popular and it is one of the restaurants where a deposit is made when you make the reservation.

[fiona2277]

If you want to have breakfast or dinner at the Cinderellas Royal Table restaurant in the castle at the Magic Kingdom you will have to book virtually exactly 180 days out, it is that popular and it is one of the restaurants where a deposit is made when you make the reservation.

not sure they take a deposit? they only asked for creditcard number in case of not showing up with us? might have changed policy since sept though?

[GemLou]

I paid for 2 adult, 2 teens and an 11 yr old in 2006, stayed at Port orleans and was good value even tho not big eaters.

I don't recommend the table service restaurant in port orleans as was creole cooking and we just didn't like it but counter and restaurant service was good and food good at the help yourself restaurant.

Going again this yr in Aug and have free DDP, can't wait.

[GemLou]

They ask for a deposit if you are not on DDP they did this in 2006, in case you don't show up or not cancel with 48hrs notice but if you are on DDP they waive it, unless you don't show up, I believe IYSWIM.

[Khufu]

do you get vouchers for dining plan - if so can you sell the ones you don't want - and if so can I buy some!

[littlemissnaughty]

do you get vouchers for dining plan - if so can you sell the ones you don't want - and if so can I buy some!

No it's not vouchers, I think it is a card and it is only valid for the specified dates, sorry.

[GemLou]

It is a card that is loaded with your room key, park tickets and DDP.

Hope that helps.

[louisew]

We stayed in Port Orleans for 9 days last February. We considered the DDp, but as 2 of the kids were over 9, it would have cost £900. I could not see how we could possibly spend that amount on food. We can't eat 3 course meals every day. We decided against it, and we were right. We ate breakfst at Port Orleans every morning for around £20 a day, and we had a meal at the castle, and st Crystal Palace, a couple of times, and that was fine for us. Plenty of the fast food counters had healthy options, and we spent maybe £500 on our food. Mind you , I wouldn't have said 'no', if it was free. Unfortunately not in February.

[biggy h]

We rang to prebook all our meals the other day. We are going mid feb so still a while away, so you would think that we'd get in no probs. Not the case, although we did manage to get into all 7 restaurants we wanted we could not get the times we wanted for any of them. Some only had availability after 9pm!
So let this be a warning, if anyone is going to disney book now. We are going off peak, just imagine what it's like during busier times!!:(

I'm not supprised at all.

If you are planning to book meals at Disney you really need to book 180 days beforehand to get the times you want. This will be a must for those going during free dining periods.

We booked ours at the end of December for our July trip. It takes a bit of planning.

We always book dead on the 180 day mark. If staying on property you can book the next 10 days after your arrival day on the 180 day mark.

[Grandma]

We have considered DDP in the past and discounted it as we prefer not to be so regimented.

[mummytotwo]

Thank you for all your help. I have decided that we are going to stay in a villa so therefore we won't be able to get the dining plan.

[heatherbelle]

Thank you for all your help. I have decided that we are going to stay in a villa so therefore we won't be able to get the dining plan.


Never mind, the villa will be fab. There is a lovely chinese next door to the publix (in front of Regal Palms) on the H27 and a very nice pizza place too. Plus it's half the price as at home. The Publix also sells hot chicken and loads of yummy salads.

[Irishsmurfy]

Hi all

I'm thinking of going to Florida next year in August. I know that this year Disney were offering free Disney Dining for summer holidays. Question I have though is this: Is it for late booked holidays or is it available from when the brouchure is released (which I think is start of May). Also if I wanted to book 2 weeks at Disney and 1 week at Universal would I still be able to get Disney Dining for the 2 week part of my stay on Disney propery??

Thanks !!!!

[heatherbelle]

I take it you are after the free disney dinning.

To qualify for this the holiday must be booked when the free offer is on. Usually this is some time towards the end of July from memory, the offer usually finished early Nov.

The other point to qualify is that usually it is not available at the cheaper properties of pop or movie etc. Only the mid price ones and above.

You also have to have Disney park tickets for the whole of your stay on Disney property, according to Virgin anyway.

So so long as you stay on-site, and have park tickets, you will get your yummy free food.

When the offer was on last year, some DVC locations were also available at the time so I booked Old Key West. Sarasota springs was also available. So that may be worth thinking about too.

Usually Virgin send out a flyer to existing customers just before the offer goes on sale.

If you want to pay for the free dining, then you can as well. I think it's around $35.00 per day, but you have to book it when you book your accomodation I think.

[Gavvy]

I know with virgin at least you cannot book the dining plan if you are on a 2 centre holiday, so I assume the same will apply to the free dining promotion.

[Irishsmurfy]

I know with virgin at least you cannot book the dining plan if you are on a 2 centre holiday, so I assume the same will apply to the free dining promotion.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh - this I think is where my problem will be then!! I was hoping that as I was staying on site for 2 weeks that I would be able to have the free disney dining, but I'm sure you're right and the holiday I want will be classed as 2 centre. I wanted the Animal Kingdom for 2 weeks and Royal Pacific for 1 week.

Back to the drawing board unless anyone else has any suggestions??

[lissadell]

Ooh Irishsmurfy two weeks at AKL and a week at RPR ! All Disney / Universal holidays make me envious but the idea of that one turns me totally green . It sounds wonderful. :-)

Just some further comments in support of what Heatherbelle said. The first year free disney dining was available in the UK it was possible to stay at a value hotel and to get it with deals. The second year the hotel had to be a moderate or above and I seem to remember there was mixed luck getting free dining with deals.

If as seems likely dining/free dining isn't allowed on a Virgin two centre holiday you might want to keep an eye out for when/if free dining is made available for the US ( previously early April? I think). It's possible they may still allow free dining at a value hotel in which case although the saving would be much lower, in certain circumstances, it might be worth you booking a value room direct with Disney US for the Disney part of your stay , obtaining free dining and leaving the room unused while you stayed at AKL. Or if you have family who fancy a budget onsite stay they could buy cheap flights, occupy that room and as they wouldnt have the benefit of free dining eat a lot of counter service :-)

Actually , ethical dodginess aside, I don't think the second idea would work as you would need the room keys for the dining plan and they wouldnt be able to get in and out of the room or use EMH :-) :-)

[Irishsmurfy]

My dearest darling husband (anyone notice the slight sarcasm??) has now decided that if we can't get Disney Dining then he would like to spend MY tesco vouchers as follows:

1 week Animal Kingdom
1 week Royal Pacific
1 week Wildnerness Lodge

Very good of him to spend MY vouchers isn't it?? He moans like the clappers when he sees nappies, wipes, talcs, creams, lightbulbs lol but he has no objections to spending the proceeds!! Just aswell I love Florida too!!

I would have looked at booking just a flydrive with Cosmos and then paying cash for hotels so I could have used Disney Dining but we're trying to conserve cash - not spend much!! At least its fairly cheap to eat out in Orlando.

Thanks for all your help and advice though people - if anyone has any futher advice re disney dining I'd love to hear it!!

[Wishes]

Before you spend your money there take a look here. It's a US auction site that We'd defo use if we were flying into Florida. Unfortunately they don't do LA or MS so we use priceline or Hotwire here.
http://www.skyauction.com/action/search?cat=250&rcicostate=USA%7CFL&dmy=09%7C2008
I just put in September. I have seen MANY auctions being won for less than $100 for a weeks villa/aparthotel. There are taxes on top but they range from $145-$295 approx a week
That's dollars - NOT pounds

[dogfish]

Is it possible to pay for the disney dining plan with deals or would this have to paid as a cash extra when booking with Virgin?

Looking at non-free DD time, May 2009 so no chance of a freebie ;)

[heatherbelle]

You won't be able to pay for the DDP with deals sorry.:(

However, if you are going when it's free, you can obtain the free dining, when you pay cash for park tickets.

[ellienzaks]

You won't be able to pay for the DDP with deals sorry.:(

However, if you are going when it's free, you can obtain the free dining, when you pay cash for park tickets.

Hi
Can you please tell me when the the DDP is free? or am I being really silly and mis-reading this?:o
Thanks

[laalaa1983]

Disney Dining Plan has been offered free for the past few years.

Its usually last week or so in August til the last week in September.

Only applicable if you book before a certain time, usually the previous year.

[ellienzaks]

Disney Dining Plan has been offered free for the past few years.

Its usually last week or so in August til the last week in September.

Only applicable if you book before a certain time, usually the previous year.

Thanks for replying. Just about to book for August 2009 - do I need to ask when booking or will it be offered if it's available? Sorry for the questions, but there is soooo much to read and get my head round regarding Florida.

[heatherbelle]

Free disney dinning goes on sale at the end of August. Last year it was the 23/08/07. So if you book before the offer is available, you won't get it I'm afraid.

[ellienzaks]

Free disney dinning goes on sale at the end of August. Last year it was the 23/08/07. So if you book before the offer is available, you won't get it I'm afraid.

That's brilliant, thank you. I now have another decision to make - do I book now or wait and run the risk that the dates I want will sell out:help:

I never thought booking a free holiday could be so stressful! The more I read the harder it gets!!!:D

[baldybouncer]

have used the dining plan twice before (free with holiday) and it saves a fortune - we had loads of character breakfasts and ate in some of the more expensive restaurants!

The only problem is that to use them to there fullest you will need to book a table at the food place in advance (the earlier the better) otherwise you will struggle to use the table services up as they book up quickly

[f1owers]

Interesting thread....... I was thinking of booking our holiday later this month (once the latest lot of vouchers arrive).

I am looking to book for 6 of us travelling in Feb 09 stopping at the Disney All Stars.

Do I wait til August and hope to pick up free Disney Dining or do you think everything might have sold out by then.

Thanks for any advice

Flower

[GemLou]

You could try booking accommodation and flights with virgin and then wait to book tickets and hopefully get free DDP but would have to book with virgin again IYSWIM.

this might work HTH.

[GemLou]

sorry Free DDP is only available certain dates in Aug/Sept.

[busy000]

sorry Free DDP is only available certain dates in Aug/Sept.

sorry, so you have to go to disney aug sept ? or is that just would you may get free meal deal.

[GemLou]

free DDP - Is that what you needed to know.

[ellienzaks]

You could try booking accommodation and flights with virgin and then wait to book tickets and hopefully get free DDP but would have to book with virgin again IYSWIM.

this might work HTH.

Have you actually done this? If so that seems to be my answer - it would be worth paying the extra to virgin for my park txs if I got DDP.

[GemLou]

i paid for ddp in 2006 and at that time went with travel city direct, booked hol then later added tickets and paid for DDP so IYSWIM not all done at same time but with same company.

This time booked hol with disney and tickets got free DDP as booked within timeframe of before 1st Oct last year for this yr in August. Booked flights with cosmos as arive with flydrive with some from Mr T. Not saying wait but it might work.

[ellienzaks]

Thanks for your reply. I'm ready to book now, but have decided to hold out for DDP to become available.

[lisa]

You won't be able to pay for the DDP with deals sorry.:(

However, if you are going when it's free, you can obtain the free dining, when you pay cash for park tickets.

Is this available from lots of different places or just Virgin Hols?

[Flo]

It should be available with all tour operators but it will be available at the same time.

[JamesP]

It should be available with all tour operators but it will be available at the same time.

Hopefully finger crossed will be out this year as well

[Irishsmurfy]

Hi all

I need some help please re Disney Dining.

I've never been to Florida in the sumertime before (usually go in October) and I am planning to go next August for 3 weeks. Always assuming that I can get over the quote of £8412 that I've just had lol. Anyway - I've heard on here that Disney Dining is free in August but when I asked the lady at Virgin she said that it is never free unless there is a special offer available at the time of booking. She really wanted me to book today and said that she doesn't expect Disney Dining to be on offer free of charge next year. Now is she just trying to get a sale or is Disney Dining really only rarely available f.o.c.???

Advice needed please from all you experts out there!!

Thanks in advance.

[chirpy007]

Tis true that its not always available. It depends on booking numbers. Have you checked the Dibb. And btw what a price :eek::eek:

[chirpy007]

Ok, l have done some looking. If its going to be available it will be bookable from next month. Some people have booked and been told it will be added to their booking if it becomes available but l would only do that if it was in writing. I would hold off for a couple of weeks, l presume you may need this quarters mailings anyway so it would tie in nicely :D

[Irishsmurfy]

Thank you Chirpy!! With a quote like that it may take me until next quarters mailing to recover from the shock anyway!!

So now I've got 2 things to wait for - Mailings and Disney Dining packages lol.

Thanks again!!

[chirpy007]

Thank you Chirpy!! With a quote like that it may take me until next quarters mailing to recover from the shock anyway!!

So now I've got 2 things to wait for - Mailings and Disney Dining packages lol.

Thanks again!!


I think l may have fainted LOL

I just priced up a week in November 09 for me and oh !!!! staying on site £3000 for the GF :eek::nono::eek::nono::eek::nono:

[tabbycat]

I'm waiting to book for next August too. From what I can gather the free DDP has become available in August for the following August/September for the last two years. I spoke to Travel City Direct about two weeks ago (not going to book with them though) and they said they hadn't heard anything yet and usually they have by this time. I asked if I could add it on if I booked now and it became available and they said no. Let's keep fingers crossed:)

[floydy]

def great if u can get the free ddp, we went last year and ate in some really lovely restaurants, the flexibility is fab and u can bank ur meal allowance and go a la carte for a treat....would def try to get the same deal if we went again,

hth

[Dominic]

Even at that price you must have enough Deals to go and stay for a few months Irish?! ;)

[heatherbelle]

Hi

It has been reported over on the DIBB that free disney dining will go on sale from the 20/08/08.

For moderate properties you will be offered the new dining plan, which will consist of 2 counter service meals and 1 snack credit per day, also for AKL.

For OKW, SSR and delux, the nornal dining plan will be offered.

So get ready to book, if you want the free dining.

I expect Virgin will be issuing a flyer to us all like last year, with full details of the offer.


Udate, here's the offical link - http://www.virginholidays.co.uk/_assets/_promotions/disney_diningplan/content_0/?utm_source=homepage&utm_medium=promo_box_3a&utm_campaign=homepage_promos

[Irishsmurfy]

Hi

It has been reported over on the DIBB that free disney dining will go on sale from the 20/08/08.

For moderate properties you will be offered the new dining plan, which will consist of 2 counter service meals and 1 snack credit per day, also for AKL.

For OKW, SSR and delux, the nornal dining plan will be offered.

So get ready to book, if you want the free dining.

I expect Virgin will be issuing a flyer to us all like last year, with full details of the offer.


Heather

Sorry to be a pain but I wonder if you could please advise me?? I don't know all the shortened versions of the Disney Resort areas and if I list the hotels I'll be hopefully staying at could you please say if they are moderates, delux or not included?? Thanks!!

1 week Animal Kingdom
1 week Beach Club
1 week Disney Wildnersness Lodge.

Looking to go next August (8th - 29th) - would Disney Dining be on offer for that period do you know??

Sorry for all the questions but I'm so excited that I can't think!!

[Cyrano]

Heather

Sorry to be a pain but I wonder if you could please advise me?? I don't know all the shortened versions of the Disney Resort areas and if I list the hotels I'll be hopefully staying at could you please say if they are moderates, delux or not included?? Thanks!!

1 week Animal Kingdom
1 week Beach Club
1 week Disney Wildnersness Lodge.

Looking to go next August (8th - 29th) - would Disney Dining be on offer for that period do you know??

Sorry for all the questions but I'm so excited that I can't think!!
I'm sure these are all delux. Defo AK and WL both are :)
Really jealous of your choices :D

[Flo]

Heather

Sorry to be a pain but I wonder if you could please advise me?? I don't know all the shortened versions of the Disney Resort areas and if I list the hotels I'll be hopefully staying at could you please say if they are moderates, delux or not included?? Thanks!!

1 week Animal Kingdom
1 week Beach Club
1 week Disney Wildnersness Lodge.

Looking to go next August (8th - 29th) - would Disney Dining be on offer for that period do you know??

Sorry for all the questions but I'm so excited that I can't think!!


All 3 are delux but I think AK are only being given the quick service dining plan free the other 2 will get the dining plan with a full service and counter service meal a day.

You have one expensive holiday coming up if you are staying at those 3.:clap2:

Information as posted on the dibb was:


For bookings made between 20th Aug and 3rd Oct 2008

For travel between 2nd Aug and 3rd Oct 2009

Its different than previous years due to the new 'lower' option dining plan which is 2 x counter meals plus snack. This applies to all moderates and I believe AKL. The other delux and also SSR, OKW (not sure on the other DVCs) get the 1 x table, 1 x counter and 1 x snack plan.

This is Disney's information to First choice but assume its for all travel companies.

Hope that helps.

[Irishsmurfy]

Sorry Flo for all these questions but I'm a novice when it comes to Disney Dining. Do you know if it will cause any problem having 1 week in AKL and 2 weeks in Delux accomodation?? I mean from the point of view of qualifying for the Disney Dining. Do you think they would give 2 weeks of the table servie plan and 1 week of the counter service or would I be better advised to do all 3 weeks in Delux accomodation??

Got a quote 2 weeks ago and it was £8412 :eek: but that was obviously before Disney Dining so I don't know if they put the prices up even though its supposed to be free iykwim.

[Flo]

I don't know if you can stay in different hotels and get the free dining, I'm sure will come along who has either done this or tried to do it.

I am looking at possibly 3 weeks at the yacht or beach club for 2010 or 2011 and when I priced it for 2 Aug 09 for 21 nights its coming out at just over £6000 for 2 adults and 1 child.

[flossycandy]

I am sure that I remember someone having trouble and being told no when they tried to stay at two different resorts. I cant remember if it was someone here or someone on the Dibb.

[mummytotwo]

I think that you are right flossycandy. Not sure if it was staying at two different resorts or whether it was staying on site for a certain time and staying in a villa for the rest.

Will go and have a look on the Dibb and see if I can find it.- hmm can't find it I am afraid. maybe worth posting a question on the Dibb.

[Flo]

I think its already just been asked waiting for lovely dibbers answers now.

[heatherbelle]

Irish. I have replied to your PM.

You will not be able to have free Disney dining on a split stay holiday, based on last years offer. This included spending all your holiday between two different Disney resorts.

You also have to take Disney Park tickets for the whole of your stay and buy these from Virgin with cash.

OKW and SSR are not in the Virgin broucher, but they were included and available online to work out prices once the offer goes on sale. If you want to have a look at these resorts, then look on Tripadvisor where they have photo's and reviews.

We are staying at OKW in 2 weeks time (will be there this time next week), and are having the free dining.

It cost 3400.00 for 2A and 1 Child flying from Manchester, for a studio, which is one room, with a fridge, microwave and coffee pot in. There are 1 bed and 2 beds available, but from memory these were over 4000.00 for 3 of us.

I will post here, what I thought of it on my return.

[Irishsmurfy]

Hi all

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply to this thread. I have just come off the phone from Virgin who have confirmed that there is no way I can have disney dining if I am staying at multiple hotels - even if they were all delux hotels. Having had a chat with DH we have now decided to book for 3 weeks in the Disney Beach Club so fingers crossed we like it!!

The Virgin rep did not know if free dining would be available this year so I will just wait until the 20th to enquire again.

Am I right in thinking that if disney dining is available on the 20th that I will still be able to take advantage of it even though I would be using Deals to pay for most of the holiday?? The dibb seem to be saying that the free dining is never available if paying with deals but I thought people on here had definately managed to book it last year for this year using deals??

Thanks again!!

[Ladyshopper]

Hi all

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply to this thread. I have just come off the phone from Virgin who have confirmed that there is no way I can have disney dining if I am staying at multiple hotels - even if they were all delux hotels. Having had a chat with DH we have now decided to book for 3 weeks in the Disney Beach Club so fingers crossed we like it!!

The Virgin rep did not know if free dining would be available this year so I will just wait until the 20th to enquire again.

Am I right in thinking that if disney dining is available on the 20th that I will still be able to take advantage of it even though I would be using Deals to pay for most of the holiday?? The dibb seem to be saying that the free dining is never available if paying with deals but I thought people on here had definately managed to book it last year for this year using deals??

Thanks again!!

I may be completely wrong, but from memory I though people who booked through Virgin couldn't get the free dining, but people who booked with Cosmos did?

I may be completely wrong though, have got a memory like a sieve!!

[Mamzie]

I'm sure I remember reading that as well.

[lissadell]

I had free dining fom Virgin paid all in deals for September 07 but a lot has changed since then so it may no longer be possible.

We stayed at one of the value hotels (Pop) but the next time free dining was only available at moderates or above.

It looks like this time the deal will be even less enticing with moderates and possibly AKL receiving only the counter service plan .

I wonder what the offer directly from Disney to the US market will be ? They could still get free dining at the values this time. I have considered if it would be worth while booking fly drive with Cosmos, waiting for April? when free dining is generally offered to the US and then if still possible booking a value hotel with free dining direct from Disney. The stumbling block is always that it invoves parting with eeeeek! real money ! That part always puts me off :-)

[Flo]

People have reported recently being told that Cosmos will let you use deals for atraction tickets if a package is booked with them.

[velvet]

Irish. I have replied to your PM.

You will not be able to have free Disney dining on a split stay holiday, based on last years offer. This included spending all your holiday between two different Disney resorts.

You also have to take Disney Park tickets for the whole of your stay and buy these from Virgin with cash.

OKW and SSR are not in the Virgin broucher, but they were included and available online to work out prices once the offer goes on sale. If you want to have a look at these resorts, then look on Tripadvisor where they have photo's and reviews.

We are staying at OKW in 2 weeks time (will be there this time next week), and are having the free dining.

It cost 3400.00 for 2A and 1 Child flying from Manchester, for a studio, which is one room, with a fridge, microwave and coffee pot in. There are 1 bed and 2 beds available, but from memory these were over 4000.00 for 3 of us.

I will post here, what I thought of it on my return.

Hope you have a wonderful time Heatherbelle.

Will look forward to hearing all about it on your return.

Velvet

[heatherbelle]

You will be able to pay for your hotel with the free dining offer with your deals. You will have to pay cash for your park tickets, which must be paid for at the time of booking.

This is based on what happened to me last year. I paid in deals for the hotel and the free dining (3400.00) and had to pay with my credit card £597.00 for 14 days ultimate tickets at the time of booking.

If you are booking at any other time of year, other than when the free dining is on offer and you want the disney dining plan, then you have to pay cash for it, as it is counted as an extra.

So people on the DIBB are wrong, as my tickets definately say dining plan on them.

Hope this clears up the confusion.

We will have to wait until the 20/08 to see what actually happens though.

I won't be booking until we come back. Can't decide whether to stay on site or off, so we'll see what OKW is like and then decide. £4500 is a lot of deals to us for the beach club, when we can stay off site for around 2600 and then go again:D, but that free food might be too tempting.

[caravan502]

Rang virgin today and they say you must pay cash for meal deals even if they have the offer on the 20th...:(:(

[lilacfairystar]

Just wondering if my holiday starts on the 2nd/3rd of oct do I still get the free dining for the fortnight or only till the 3rd? IYSWIM

[heatherbelle]

Just wondering if my holiday starts on the 2nd/3rd of oct do I still get the free dining for the fortnight or only till the 3rd? IYSWIM


I am sure that you will, so long as your holiday starts before the free dining offer finishes. To be sure, pop over onto the Dibb and ask the question there, as there are lots of free dining experts over on those boards.

[lilacfairystar]

thankyou.

[rainbowhope]

...confused:

how can ''free'' dining go on ''sale'' ????

:der:

[heatherbelle]

Here is the official link now to the offer, I've also added it to my origianl post.

I phoned virgin yesterday. Yes we can have the free dining offer if paying with our deals, but we have to pay cash for our park tickets. So if one of the opeators say you can't ask to speak to a supervsior.

http://www.virginholidays.co.uk/_assets/_promotions/disney_diningplan/content_0/?utm_source=homepage&utm_medium=promo_box_3a&utm_campaign=homepage_promos

Beware though the prices have shot up. As already posted for thisyears holiday it cost 3400 for 3 of us. For the same accomodation next year, it's 4318.00, plus park tickets on top.:eek:

[lisa]

I know if you book with free ddp you can exchange 2 sit downs for a character meal.

Does anyone know if booking with the free quick service dining plan, can some of these be exchanged for character meals?

[suenkeith]

With Virgin the free counter service dining plan can be upgraded to Disney Dining Plan for £7.00 per person per day - (£98 for 14 day holiday) - then you can use 2 x table service for 1 character meal. Must do upgrade when booking. Hope this helps:clap2:

[nixieh]

I know if you book with free ddp you can exchange 2 sit downs for a character meal.

Does anyone know if booking with the free quick service dining plan, can some of these be exchanged for character meals?

This isn't quite correct, there are two types of meals table service meals (either a buffet or a waiter service meal where you choose the items) and quick or counter service meals where you order the items you want at the counter (usually burgers/hot dogs/chicken/sandwiches etc). If you are on the full dining plan like we were this year (free or paid) you get 1 table service and 1 counter service meal per day as well as a snack.

For next year apparently the dining plan is changing, you will have the same option as above and also a new quick service plan that gives you 2 counter service meals, 2 snacks and a refillable mug per day instead of any table service meals.

All character meals count as one table service meal except Cinderellas Royal Table (inside the castle at Magic Kingdom) which counts as 2 meals. There are also certain meals that count as signature dining in certain fancier restaurants (California Grill etc) which also need 2 table service meals.

Just to confuse things a bit more, with the free dining for 2009 I believe it depends on which hotel you book at as to which type of dining plan you get. Deluxe hotels get the table service dining plan and moderate or value restorts get the quick service/counter service dining plan.

I know it seems confusing but if you have any questions please ask away!

[diznemad]

This isn't quite correct, there are two types of meals table service meals (either a buffet or a waiter service meal where you choose the items) and quick or counter service meals where you order the items you want at the counter (usually burgers/hot dogs/chicken/sandwiches etc). If you are on the full dining plan like we were this year (free or paid) you get 1 table service and 1 counter service meal per day as well as a snack.

For next year apparently the dining plan is changing, you will have the same option as above and also a new quick service plan that gives you 2 counter service meals, 2 snacks and a refillable mug per day instead of any table service meals.

All character meals count as one table service meal except Cinderellas Royal Table (inside the castle at Magic Kingdom) which counts as 2 meals. There are also certain meals that count as signature dining in certain fancier restaurants (California Grill etc) which also need 2 table service meals.

Just to confuse things a bit more, with the free dining for 2009 I believe it depends on which hotel you book at as to which type of dining plan you get. Deluxe hotels get the table service dining plan and moderate or value restorts get the quick service/counter service dining plan.

I know it seems confusing but if you have any questions please ask away!

This comment above may be a little mis leading.
The new plan being offered at moderates is for counter service meals only, and these cannot be combined to gain a table meal.
As stated previous you can upgrade at time of booking(with Virgin maybe others not checked) for £7 a day and get the table and counter service option. This gives you the option of combining two table meals for the up graded signiture/castle meals.

[heatherbelle]

Just got back from Disney and used the free dining plan.

It was fab, very easy to use, infact we had too much food as we were left with 7 snack credits and 9 counter service credits. Used all of our table service though and had some fab meals. I booked all of these in advance 190 days before we travelled.

As posted earlier we stayed at Old key West, which is available this year on the free dining plan with table service option, as it is a delux resort.

We had a studio, small kitchen area, free washers and dryers to use around the pool area. Really liked the resort and would stay again. Also had a look around other resorts. Saratoga Springs was nice and we used their pool. It's more modern than Old Key West and had a better choice of counter service meals, but of the two, I personally liked Old Key West.

Now need to price up a cruise and the beach club for next year, to see if we can afford that.