DDP Denied

[GoofyKidd]

We are coming in Oct with a convention, staying at CR. When I tried to add the DDP for our family of 4, I was told that I could not since we were getting a break on the room rate. I thought I could get the DDP as long as we were staying at a Disney resort. Does anyone know of any way to get the DDP added? We really loved it in the past.

[Laura]

If you're getting a convention rate on CR, then no, you can't add the DDP because that's considered having two discounts. You can book it with a MYW package through AAA to get a discount, or you can be a DVC member and book through the member services. Otherwise, you book through Disney the regular way.

[Hopefully]

The DDP is part of the Magic Your Way package. With this package you have to pay Rack Rate for your room as well as at least a one day base ticket for each member of your party.
If you are getting a convention rate on your room you are not eligible for the DDP. Just the way it is.

[pooch]

you can't double dip discounts when you get the DDP free but the OP isn't looking for free DDP (at least I don't think so). My guess is the problem is you aren't actually booking the stay. It's being done through whomever is running the convention. You can't make changes because you don't own the reservation, the convention does.

You could try just calling and inquiring how much it would be to stay at CR with DDP for the time you're going, outside of the convention. Perhaps there will be special going on that would be comparable to the convention price. Could you book your own package and still attend the convention?


I know someone will correct me here if I'm wrong.

[JimMIA]

I know someone will correct me here if I'm wrong.::yes:: Sorry, but somebody's gotta do it!

You can only get DDP as part of a package, as the other posters noted -- unless you are staying at a DVC resort on points. The package includes rack rate room, and at least a one-day base park ticket for each member of the party. The only discounted rooms I've seen eligible have been packages booked through an AAA travel agent (not flashing an AAA card at checkin, but booking through AAA).

OP can't get DDP because they are not paying rack rate.

[pooch]

but you can get packages without paying rack rates, can't you? A package only refers to getting room and tickets together as opposed to room-only rates.

If, for example, Disney is doing their Waterparks & more add-on which is a package, you can still BUY the DDP. This isn't double dipping. You are PAYING for the DDP. You aren't getting 2 discounts.

I have only seen the requirement for rack rates when getting FREE dining.

I'm still confused.:confused3

[JimMIA]

but you can get packages without paying rack rates, can't you? A package only refers to getting room and tickets together as opposed to room-only rates.

If, for example, Disney is doing their Waterparks & more add-on which is a package, you can still BUY the DDP. This isn't double dipping. You are PAYING for the DDP. You aren't getting 2 discounts.

I have only seen the requirement for rack rates when getting FREE dining.

I'm still confused.:confused3
With the exception of a brief and very limited "40% off" promotion by Disney CRO, I don't think there have been any DDP packages that did not include a room at rack rate or AAA booking discount. DDP is first and foremost a hotel promotion, not a dining promotion.

As far as I know, the MYW DDP packages have always included a room at a certain rate, park tickets, and DDP at a certain price. Free DDP is a promotion for hurricane season, pure and simple.

[TatenEly]

We are going in December and getting 40% off our room rate and can still get the DDP.....basically it is one discount per package, meaning no free dining with a discounted room ..... I think the OP is having trouble because of the convention aspect of the reservation, like a group booking.

just wanted to give my .02 about the discounted room and still getting the ddp!

[septbaby]

Book a trip online with DDP and compare that to your convention plan making assumptions regarding meals.

Not sure if your expenses are being picked up by the company, but it will be easier to get reimbursed for meals if you pay OOP. Generally companies don't cover the cost of feeding family travelling with you. If this is your own business covering this trip, you can handle your own accounting either way.

For conventions Disney will discount room rates in the hope that food, park tickets, spa services, etc. more than make up for this discount. The DDP is essentially a food discount(most save money, that's why we buy it).

[pooch]

We are going in December and getting 40% off our room rate and can still get the DDP.....basically it is one discount per package, meaning no free dining with a discounted room ..... I think the OP is having trouble because of the convention aspect of the reservation, like a group booking.

just wanted to give my .02 about the discounted room and still getting the ddp!


And here I thought I was crazy!!! Glad someone else thinks like I do!

[Luv2Roam]

I don't think anyone here has read of a convention group, in part or whole, being able to buy the DDP.
The DDP is part of a WDTC package, which I doubt the convention group has purchased for anyone, or was even given the option.
I would guess the convention is a special group rate.

[dqpowell]

We are going in December and getting 40% off our room rate and can still get the DDP.....basically it is one discount per package, meaning no free dining with a discounted room ..... I think the OP is having trouble because of the convention aspect of the reservation, like a group booking. I'd be interested to hear how you're getting a 40% room discount and still be eligible to get the DDP. As it has been explained to me, and also documented in the Unofficial Guide, you must pay rack rate if you want to add the DDP. (I'm not talking about the free dining promotion. I'm talking about paying for the DDP.)

David

[jcemom]

There was a code out via email and postcard in February that gave a 40% discount off the room portion of a package. It had to be booked by early March. You could get the package with or without dining, but it was definitely a package including a discounted room. It was also offered to a limited number of people, not general public.

I would say the OP cannot add dining because they did not book their package via WDTC or AAA. It was booked as a special convention rate, probably with a large block of rooms, probably specially priced. It's not a 'regular' package, and probably is room only.

[CanadianGuy]

I can confirm the 40% off room discount was available in 'package' form.

I know. I booked it... had a marvelous time.

:)

Knox

[momof296&02]

I'd be interested to hear how you're getting a 40% room discount and still be eligible to get the DDP. As it has been explained to me, and also documented in the Unofficial Guide, you must pay rack rate if you want to add the DDP. (I'm not talking about the free dining promotion. I'm talking about paying for the DDP.)

David

I did this in March. I had the % off the room & paid for DDP. I had to purchase atleast a one day MYW ticket for everyone in my room in order to purchase the DDP.

[traci]

:confused3 now I'm confused!
We got the 40% off room pin...initially I didn't have DDP, but we did add it later (not free dining mind you).

[disneyjunkie]

I'd be interested to hear how you're getting a 40% room discount and still be eligible to get the DDP. As it has been explained to me, and also documented in the Unofficial Guide, you must pay rack rate if you want to add the DDP. (I'm not talking about the free dining promotion. I'm talking about paying for the DDP.)

David

You can book the dining plan with SOME discounted room rates. I was able to book the dining plan with a discounted room rate for our April 2005 trip. (I believe I paid $65.00 per night for Pop)

Whenever Disney releases a room only code (email or general public) there's a dining code that goes along with it. Sometimes the room only code will have three letters and the dining code will have four letters. At times both codes will have three letters.

Last spring there was one code for a 40% room only discount and one for a 40% discount + the dining plan.

For some odd reason they will not allow you to add dining to a group rate.:confused3

[Lewisc]

When the current DDP was introduced in 2005 AAA was the only discounted room rate you could combine with dining.

Many (most) of the PIN codes now allow guests to add dining. Guests staying at a DVC resort (on points) can buy dining without even having to buy tickets.

It looks like guests booking AP,group rates (such as convention) and possibly FL resident/CM rates still can't add dining.

[dolly-dawne]

Yeah...pooh-pooh I am still waiting for the day disney offers dining to those of us who have APs. Or even those of us who have a residence in Florida.

[BroadwayGirl]

I'd be interested to hear how you're getting a 40% room discount and still be eligible to get the DDP. As it has been explained to me, and also documented in the Unofficial Guide, you must pay rack rate if you want to add the DDP. (I'm not talking about the free dining promotion. I'm talking about paying for the DDP.)

David
Gee, the unofficial guide is wrong yet again?? What a shock!! :rolleyes:

The DDP can be added to most WDTC vacation packages, sometimes including those with discounted room rates or other special promotions. Each promotion is different as far as whether the the DDP is an option. If you receive a PIN offer and it is marketing a room only discount don't hesitate to ask if there is an accompanying WDTC package upgrade so you can get the DDP. More often than not they will have one.

The OP, however, has booked his reservation through a convention. Convention reservations are not WDTC packages and therefore are not eligible for the DDP. Same holds true for FL resident rates and AP rates (although they did try once to do a WDTC package for FL residents with the dining which didn't seem to work because it was never repeated).

[skater]

Yeah...pooh-pooh I am still waiting for the day disney offers dining to those of us who have APs. Or even those of us who have a residence in Florida.


This is exactly why I decided not to purchase an AP. I am planning two trips this year, but would like to use the DDP for both of them. It just doesn't make sense to purchase an AP and then have to buy a ticket just for the "privilege" of purchasing the DDP.

[pooch]

so was I right after all?!?!? Probably the first time!!!!:rotfl2:

[GoofyKidd]

I'm not trying to get the DP for free. The room is the only thing that is covered, we need to buy tickets and the DDP-and I am more than willing to pay. We loved the DDP in the past and I am so disappointed, and surprised, that I am trying to hand Disney over $800 and they won't let me!! I was interested in one of the posts that I may be able to buy a package thru AAA with tickets and the DDP, but not the room-if I understood that correctly. Part of the problem is that I do not have a Disney reservation # yet since the room was booked thru the conference. I will get one a few weeks before. So I may still try at that point, but from everything I'm reading and hearing from calling Disney directly, I may just be out of luck on this one.

I sure do appreciate everyone's input and interest. Thank you so very much for your guidance-I'm still learning!!

The only other thing I'm wondering is how you lucky ones got those postcards with the promotion?????

[Luv2Roam]

DDP is in a WDTC package. This package would include (at minimum) the room, 1 day park ticket per guest and the DDP per guest.
At this time no one can buy just the DDP unless they are DVC. The other option is buy a package that includes room, tickets and DDP.

[goofy4tink]

Yeah...pooh-pooh I am still waiting for the day disney offers dining to those of us who have APs. Or even those of us who have a residence in Florida.

This is exactly why I decided not to purchase an AP. I am planning two trips this year, but would like to use the DDP for both of them. It just doesn't make sense to purchase an AP and then have to buy a ticket just for the "privilege" of purchasing the DDP.

I love my DDE discount...it actually comes within about $50 of the DDP in savings, and that is after the initial $65 fee to buy it. I have to sit down each trip and compare food costs...DDE vs DDP...to see which one is going to be cheaper for me. Those that have APs, as well as Fl residents are entitled to buy it. I can't for the life of me understand why someone wouldn't buy one if they are going to be in WDW several times a year.

[momma23boys]

:confused3 Just wondering how you go about getting one of those discounts through email or postcard. Would love to receive that email.:banana: :confused3 now I'm confused!
We got the 40% off room pin...initially I didn't have DDP, but we did add it later (not free dining mind you).

[WDWBetsy]

[QUOTE=GoofyKidd;19409384] I was interested in one of the posts that I may be able to buy a package thru AAA with tickets and the DDP, but not the room-if I understood that correctly. /QUOTE]


You can buy a package with room, tickets & dining plan and get a AAA discount (subject to resort/room type availability) by booking directly through a AAA travel agency. However, you already have the room booked at the conference rate so unfortunately Disney won't let you add on the dining plan. You can't just buy a package of tickets & dining only.

That said, if you're a AAA member, you could call and get a quote on a package (room, tickets & dining) - perhaps it would be less than or comparable to the conference rate - since you're not going until October, you could cancel the other conference reservation and go with the AAA package instead. You'll just have to weigh the pros/cons of conference rate alone or AAA rate/tickets/dining plan. Just remember resorts & room types at the AAA rate are limited.

Hope this helps! :wizard:

[disprincess2002]

I know I'm a newbie here, but I wanted to share my experience.
Last May we were free upgraded from POP to OKW 1 bedroom.
We were allowed to add the dining plan to our room and tickets and make it a package.1 CM had a problem with it,several others did not. Could it help to keep calling back? Worked for me!:goodvibes

[Rantybaby]

I purchased a MYW package + DDP w/1 day Base ticket for 10 day at CSR for $2,093.71. (Room per night was quoted @ $161.64). Paid off reservation on 1/31/07. Placed ALL my ADR's on 2/9/07. Convention rates were not released to my group until 3/15/07. It was worth my paying regular price for peace of mind not to worry about where I would eat. I think the convention bureau should explain about onsite dining & ADRs.

[GoofyKidd]

Perhaps the demand is not great enough, but I wish there was a forum for Disney conventions to help with all of these questions. There is a conventionears site, but it offers little assistance.

By the way, I did call AAA, and there is no ticket and DDP package to purchase-it must include the room, which in essence is what I want to do since we're staying at the CR!! Maybe once I get the Disney reservation # I can get somewhere, but at this point, I'm not very hopeful.

[WDWBetsy]

Perhaps the demand is not great enough, but I wish there was a forum for Disney conventions to help with all of these questions. There is a conventionears site, but it offers little assistance.

By the way, I did call AAA, and there is no ticket and DDP package to purchase-it must include the room, which in essence is what I want to do since we're staying at the CR!! Maybe once I get the Disney reservation # I can get somewhere, but at this point, I'm not very hopeful.

As I suggested in an earlier post, call AAA and ask for a quote for room, tickets & dining. Then compare the cost of that entire package vs. paying out of pocket for food and tickets using your convention rate. Hope this helps!

[JimMIA]

By the way, I did call AAA, and there is no ticket and DDP package to purchase-it must include the room, which in essence is what I want to do since we're staying at the CR!! Maybe once I get the Disney reservation # I can get somewhere, but at this point, I'm not very hopeful.I'd compare the AAA package price with the convention rate. Sometimes you get a great price with convention rates and sometimes you only get a very modest discount.

You may be better off with AAA, provided you can get out of your convention ressie (shouldn't be difficult at this early date), and also provided your employer is okay with the change. You'd think they wouldn't care as long as it wasn't costing them extra, but sometimes policies are policies. :rolleyes:

[goofy4tink]

The issue is that you can not have a discounted room and still be able to add the DDP. You can do it if you book through AAA...their room discount and the DDP are available. Also, there seems to be a few exceptions....that 40% post card discount. But, basically, you have to pay rack rate for a room in order to get the DDP added to it. If you are booked through a convention, then you most likely are not going to be able to get DDP.

[LilGMom]

When the current DDP was introduced in 2005 AAA was the only discounted room rate you could combine with dining.

Many (most) of the PIN codes now allow guests to add dining. Guests staying at a DVC resort (on points) can buy dining without even having to buy tickets.

It looks like guests booking AP,group rates (such as convention) and possibly FL resident/CM rates still can't add dining.

As far as I know, and have experienced, this is definately true. Prior to this last trip we have always used a FL resident discount on our rooms and we have Seasonal passes. When we went in December with some family we booked their rooms with our FL Res. discount which then meant that they couldn't get the DDP even though they were paying normal price for tickets.

We were going to buy one day passes once in order to get the DDP but because we were going to use the FL res. discount on our rooms we couldn't get the DDP. And yes, DVC members can purchase the DDP if staying on points without having to buy tickets.

[daisy112878]

I'll be at a conference at CR the last week of Oct. I have a disney reservation # and was told that you can not add DDP to any conference rate room. So you might want to do what someone else suggested in contact AAA and comparing.