Dining Plan Dates for the Fall

[Takeitforgranite]

My mother-in-law got a PIN code for free dining in the fall with a couple of blackout arrival periods from 10/3 to 10/17 and 11/24 to 11/29.

According to others, this will be extended to all, eventually. We were planning on going at Thankgiving but decided to change to the Columbuc Day time period in October because it would be cheaper and less crowded. We were also hoping for free dining. Now, though, I am confused by the blackout dates. Why are two full weeks blacked out in October when only Columbus Day weekend are high crowd level days? Then, only one week is out for Thanksgiving when that whole week is very crowded? I thought those dates were based on crowd levels.

 

[Sweet Melissa]

It's usually based on hotel bookings. If they don't need to occupy rooms, they don't need to offer a discount. There could be large conventions or events that keep hotels full enough to black out those dates. There's the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic mid-October, plus the festival itself. Also, more public schools and universities do a fall break now. I don't know when those dates typically fall, but they could be affecting attendance too. We've gone in October/November every year since 2006, and every year it's more crowded than the last. October is certainly not low season anymore. With a recovering economy and more room for discretionary spending, it won't be long before we don't see these promotions at all.

 

[dreamfinder]

Opening stretch for F&W. No reason for them to push bookings as that is already a very popular time. The weekend of the 5th is also a RunDisney event.

 

[bethymouse]

How in the world is everybody getting these pin codes?

 

[Takeitforgranite]

How in the world is everybody getting these pin codes?

I don't know. We have been 4 times in the last 4 years, and have never gotten one. I have signed up for mailing lists and offers with multiple emails and have gotten nothing but Disney store coupons. My MIL goes once and gets one in the mail.

I guess I'm going to wait a few more days and see if there is a public extension of the free dining or something else. I've never had to pay full price for a trip, so this burns a little.

 

[bethymouse]

@Takeitforgranite
I know the feeling. The only time we paid full price I believe was back in 2007 when the discounts weren't so prevalent.

 

[Chabou]

I will be in the worl of magic from 18 to 25 august and i have FREE Dining but i had to made my reservation last August when i was still in Disney (we received à paper in our room with this special offer). I will be staying à Coronado Spring with Deluxe Dining (we upgrade for the deluxe plan). I don't know if they will have this special offer this year too!