DDP must be added to package 3 days prior to arrival?

[lizandjason]

I just called the Disney Travel Company and asked if we could add the DDP at check-in, and the answer was no...we would have to add the DDP 3 days prior to arrival if we wanted it.

I wanted to use the $300 gift card that we'll be receiving with the new promotion to pay for this upgrade when we check in (so, we'd add the dining plan at the check-in desk, they would give us the gift card, and then we'd immediately use the gift card to pay for the majority of the dining plan) but it seems that I won't be able to do this...can anyone else verify this? I keep getting conflicting info from Disney so I wanted to check with the REAL experts here. ;)

[TDC Nala]

Yes, it's true that you cannot make any changes to your package reservation within 3 days of arrival, and you cannot add or pay for a dining plan at check-in. You would need to have your full package paid off before you arrive.

[MaumeeMom]

Nope, the GC can't be used for the dining plan but you can use it for related things like the tips at TS meals if you are on the regular DDP. We are planning to use ours for tips, the occasional adult beverage and to upgrade from regular day tickets to park hoppers (this can be done after checking in).

[lizandjason]

Yes, it's true that you cannot make any changes to your package reservation within 3 days of arrival, and you cannot add or pay for a dining plan at check-in. You would need to have your full package paid off before you arrive.

Thank you AGAIN, TDC Nala! :worship: I just did the math and we'll be fine without the dining plan. I've accounted for six CS meals at an average of $20 for 2 adults per day plus 5 TS meals ('Ohana, Boma, Planet Hollywood with the $15 voucher, Cape May Breakfast Buffet and lunch at Biergarten instead of dinner, which saves almost $25)...and we're coming in UNDER what the DDP would cost. I still expect to pay some OOP but this should work fine.

I obviously have no problem trying to figure sneaky ways to save money at Disney...and they are brilliant for being so prepared to protect themselves from people like me! :laughing:

[lizandjason]

Nope, the GC can't be used for the dining plan but you can use it for related things like the tips at TS meals if you are on the regular DDP. We are planning to use ours for tips, the occasional adult beverage and to upgrade from regular day tickets to park hoppers (this can be done after checking in).

Great idea! We're just going to use the gift card for meals as we go.

And this is funny...we'll be in near Toledo (Grand Rapids, OH to be exact, staying in Bowling Green, my alma mater) for a New Years wedding, and we'll be at WDW just a few days before you'll be there. I hope you have a wonderful time...we're really looking forward to the low crowds!