If you follow Disney discount trends, you know that last year free dining for the October through December period was announced on July 5th. This year, the 5th fell on a Tuesday, which from observation seems to be a popular day for Disney to make big announcements. Those of us who watch discounts carefully were waiting all day yesterday hoping to hear some good news. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.
Now truthfully, I’m not surprised. It seems like Disney has been difficult to predict in the last year or so and this summer seems to be bearing that out. Some estimate that free dining will come out this Friday because a number of pin codes expire that day. Others think it will be this upcoming Monday. Remember, this is all opinion; no one really knows but Disney. I say, if you’re watching for free dining for this period, be especially careful in the next two weeks. I suspect if it comes out, it will be out by then. Check all your usual sources in the morning; people usually start reporting discounts hours before Disney has it up on their site. I think this is especially critical given that we’re being told that new promotions will be much more limited in the furture. Whether it’s true or just a marketing ploy (they know we’re going to pass this information onto our clients!), no one knows. However, as a general rule, while free dining doesn’t sell out for every date, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get your reservation booked first thing. That means before noon the day it comes out, if possible.
When we, as travel agents, call Disney these days we hear a lot of rumors. Most cast members are telling us that we shouldn’t expect free dining this fall. I’m not so sure I believe that, given that the United Kingdom was already offered free dining several months ago for this period and into most of 2012. If Disney does what they do most years, they’ll offer US and Canadian residents a similar, but not identical, promotion. What we’re hoping for is a free dining announcement soon, following by a bigger announcement in August of discounts for next year, much like they did last year on August 14.
No matter what happens, we’ll keep you posted.
Related articles
- Ask a Disney Questions: Any Rumored Deals for October and Beyond? (chipandco.com)
- Disney Confidential – Free Dining for all! (chipandco.com)
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I am hoping they will have a great deal for next year.