New Dining Program for DVC members?

[MichelleB]

Any new news on the dining program and if it will be available to DVC members?

[mcr5298]

I am really pulling for this, but I seriously doubt that would happen.

But I can not figure out why.

It is not like it is a perk, we would be paying for that.

Crossing my fingers

[MichelleB]

We'll be arriving at WDW on 1/15 and I need to order some breakfast vouchers if this isn't going to happen so I'm sitting on pins and needles! I think the program would be wonderful and I can't see why we'd be excluded either. Means we'd eat onsite more!

[chris1gill]

I'm waiting for this answer too, maybe someone could call one of the DVC resorts directly to ask!

[Chuck S]

Dining package is not avaiable to "room only" ressies, or those using codes, only rack rate room packages...based upon that, I really doubt DVC stays will be able to get the Dining option...just as DVC was not eligible in the past. The Rack Rate for the room package helps Disney recoup the costs associated with the dining option.

[FamilyGuy]

I think Chuck S who posted above, got it spot on - I was thinking along the same lines. The (seemingly underpriced) dining options are available to make the package(s) more attractive.

[MrShiny]

It doesn't make a ton of sense why they don't offer this, since its easy for most DVC members to avoid eating onsite at all (there is that kitchen thing in the 1br and up). So you'd think they'd rather get even the discounted amoutn towards dining than less than that.

[CarolMN]

It doesn't make a ton of sense why they don't offer this, since its easy for most DVC members to avoid eating onsite at all (there is that kitchen thing in the 1br and up). So you'd think they'd rather get even the discounted amoutn towards dining than less than that. You're assuming that the discounted amount would still be profitable on its own - i.e., without the contributions made by the other package components. IMHO, that's debatable. I agree with Chuck S, too.

Best wishes -

[pkitty]

In a studio it's not as if your able to really cook anything...therefore you are still required to go out to eat. Once again it makes me question my DVC purchase (yup.... I said it out loud). The reason I say this is that I can stay at an on site for far less and enjoy the add ons such as this dining option. Instead because I chose DVC I'll have to pay full price to eat onsight. The last time we at Le Cellier at Epcot (which is now one of the resturants accepting this program) for Dh, myself and 10 year DD it was 80.00 US plus gratuities. If these are the types of resturants that they are offering the meal plan virtually pays for itself with dinner alone. Instead as a DVC owner I will be required to pay 30.00 for lunch 65.00 - 80.00 for a decent sit down meal and 15.00-20.00 for snacks daily while regular guests get to access this program. If you fly to WDW and stay at your DVC you eat onsight most of the time unless you've got a car rental. I just would appreciate a "practical" discount privilege for once instead of things like 10% off of a 150.00 round of golf or a 100.00 massage.Everybody needs to eat and I basically never have cooked on vacation and just because I've purchased a DVC that's not going to change just because I've got a kitchen staring me in the face. In the last 8 trips that we've been on to WDW in as many years, I can count on one hand the number of times I've gone off sight to eat. This topic just makes me irritable. Off course DVc is room only reservations...that's what the program is all about.The option isn't there to make our stays into "packages"...that's DVC stipulation, so why should this be held against DVC owners who would like to add this onto there room only ressies. It's not our problem at that point.Whereas if you are booking an onsite hotel it is your option to buy a package so if you turn it down then yes you should not be allowed to add the meal program on. That's what makes me annoyed! :mad:

[Chuck S]

But weren't we all aware of that when we purchased? You bought into DVC to save off of rack rate accomodations, we have a $100 AP Discount (Yay). You are more than welcome to pay rack rate in order to add a $35 per adult dining package, but I sure wouldn't do it.

If they were offering the dining pkg to discount code and room only ressies then , yes, DVC should be entitled to it. But since they are a full price package item, they are not discriminating against us at all.

The difference between Rack Rack and most discount codes, and the difference between rack rate and DVC accomodations more than makes up for savings of the dining package. If you choose to purchase an AP there are dining discounts associated with that, plus I hope DVC continues the few "special" dining discounts we had in 2004 (adding to them would be great ;) ).

[margaretCT]

I remember the Food & Fun option back in the mid-90's was offered to DVC members (even at a discount from the regular $58 to $47 for DVC members). I don't remember if this perk was part of a package or associated with rooms or tickets or just a perk in its own right. Loved F&F back then and would love the dining option now.

Margaret in CT

[Chuck S]

Food and Fun was not part of a Package, it was an add on option for all rooms, using codes or not. DVC was given a discount.

MYW Food plan is only available to full price packages.

[MichelleB]

Please, someone staying at WDW right now, let us know what the resorts are saying about this issue.

[FamilyGuy]

I suppose you could call MS in the morning.

[MDonley]

We use our DVC dining discounts as often as we can. We're looking forward to AP discounts now also. We'll sure think twice before eating at somewhere not giving a discount ... However, eating at home is a big part of why we belong to DVC. It sure beats standing in line ... even with PS.
I remember Food and Fun ... We'd pig out at a character breakfast, grab some extra fruit for our backpack lunch, and eat a big early supper. Hmmm... Maybe we're the cause of why it's no longer offered!

[Chuck S]

MichelleB, Since you're on a fairly tight schedule with your upcoming trip, and MS is closed today....you could call your home resort directly and ask.

[chris1gill]

Michelle, if you take Chuck's suggestion to call & ask your resort, please let us know what they say! :jumping4:

[DebbieB]

Are the guides working today? One of them might know if there are any plans to add it. If it hasn't been announced on the member page, I don't think it's available now for the resorts to know about it.

[Chuck S]

I doubt the guides would know anything definate, speculation maybe. Since guides don't actually work with the bookings. Since the "dining option" became "available" as of yesterday, if they were going to offer it to DVC, the resorts should know, they'd be the ones adding it to the room keys.

[zulaya]

Anyone know anything about this yet?

[MichelleB]

We're checking into VWL so I called them direct a few minutes ago. The lady I spoke with said she didn't have any information but the reservations personnel are the ones that add that for you so I would need to check with MS. Guess I'll call them in the morning, but thought I'd let everyone know what I found out so far.

[chris1gill]

Thanks for checking, that gives us one more day to hope!!!

[Codie]

I often stay in the studios also. I prefer to spend more nights and not have the kitchen and jacuzzi (although that jacuzzi makes it a tough choice). We eat a ton of meals in the room. I bring a large bowl, a hot plate skillet, and a can opener. You can make everything from spaghetti to stew to mac/cheese, etc. I bring the skillet in my suitcase along with the cans of food and pop...it always gets searched;-) Last time we took Happy Limo and stopped at the grocery store--definitely better than lugging cans of stew, applesauce, spaghetti sauce and pop in the suitcase:):)
I love Disney and if I didn't have my timeshare, I would never go as often as I do and I would never stay in the luxury resorts with the awesome pools that I do. I'd have to stay at the All-Stars and I'd be pinching pennies to go....this is SO MUCH better!!!

[mcr5298]

I went to dvcmember.com and email Member Services.

I have my flame resistant suit on :)

The more I think about this the more it burns me up on why they would or could not offer this plan to DVC members.

I doubt that the dining plan is a loss leader for Disney Packages.
You don't need to add the Dining option to book a package. I would like to know the percentage of packages that add the Dining Option.

I can't imagine Disney doing anything to loose money. They tell you that you save money by adding the dining plan, but they are trying to add on gross sales for people packing PB&J's to bring to the parks. These people are not going to eat at the California Grill. It might save some poeple money but it is still a revenue vehicle.

It is probably more a boundry issue then anything else.

We may never know why this is not offered.

Sorry, I guess I am feeling Grumpy today.

[sjdisneywedding]

I doubt that the dining plan is a loss leader for Disney Packages.
You don't need to add the Dining option to book a package. I would like to know the percentage of packages that add the Dining Option.

I can't imagine Disney doing anything to loose money. They tell you that you save money by adding the dining plan, but they are trying to add on gross sales for people packing PB&J's to bring to the parks. These people are not going to eat at the California Grill. It might save some poeple money but it is still a revenue vehicle.





I agree with your thoughts, thats why I also feel that the dining plans will be offered to dvc guests. i dont think meal plans, in general, need the extra revenue from rack rates to make them a worthwhile income producer. Some people will save money with them, but some will be spending money they never even planned on because now they will rethink cooking for themselves.

[Scratch42]

In a studio it's not as if your able to really cook anything...therefore you are still required to go out to eat. Once again it makes me question my DVC purchase (yup.... I said it out loud). The reason I say this is that I can stay at an on site for far less and enjoy the add ons such as this dining option. Instead because I chose DVC I'll have to pay full price to eat onsight. The last time we at Le Cellier at Epcot (which is now one of the resturants accepting this program) for Dh, myself and 10 year DD it was 80.00 US plus gratuities. If these are the types of resturants that they are offering the meal plan virtually pays for itself with dinner alone. Instead as a DVC owner I will be required to pay 30.00 for lunch 65.00 - 80.00 for a decent sit down meal and 15.00-20.00 for snacks daily while regular guests get to access this program. If you fly to WDW and stay at your DVC you eat onsight most of the time unless you've got a car rental. I just would appreciate a "practical" discount privilege for once instead of things like 10% off of a 150.00 round of golf or a 100.00 massage.Everybody needs to eat and I basically never have cooked on vacation and just because I've purchased a DVC that's not going to change just because I've got a kitchen staring me in the face. In the last 8 trips that we've been on to WDW in as many years, I can count on one hand the number of times I've gone off sight to eat. This topic just makes me irritable. Off course DVc is room only reservations...that's what the program is all about.The option isn't there to make our stays into "packages"...that's DVC stipulation, so why should this be held against DVC owners who would like to add this onto there room only ressies. It's not our problem at that point.Whereas if you are booking an onsite hotel it is your option to buy a package so if you turn it down then yes you should not be allowed to add the meal program on. That's what makes me annoyed! :mad:

Vouchers!

Plus when was the last time you went grocery shopping in a US store! You will definately be amazed at their selection of premade meals to what is available to us!LOL And it's all microwavable!

Scratch
pirate:

[Doctor P]

I'm going to bet that we cannot add the plans (at least yet), but agree that Disney might make some extra money if they found a way to add the plans for DVC members.

[canwegosoon]

First of all I wanted to say...Scratch that is exactly what I did...I got vouchers. I posted a similar thread on the DVC Community board. I do not understand why Disney doesn't offer this as an option, ( if you buy you tickets onsite you can add a meal plan for XXX) we are paying full rack rates. Makes sense to me.

I also have been reconsidering why did purchase DVC, only to then be charged top dollar. :guilty:

And sorry while initially excited about the DVC discount on the AP tickets, in the wake of the new MYW tickets there is no true savings, unless you make frequent small trips or a really long trip. This is not possible due to DH work schedule. (so you can say I am medium warm on the discount).

Ok...so I am a consumer, and I can let my dollars do the talking. But really think Disney would want to strengthen it's relationships with some of their best customers, not let them continue to feel..Why did I do this?

[chris1gill]

Nope, no go...

I just got off the phone with MS & as of right now there is no ability to add the dining program to DVC reservations... What a bummer :( We're booked for October, maybe they'll change their minds in the meantime :(

[canwegosoon]

Thanks for checking.

[crisi]

Its possible that these will be offered, but are being "piloted" as part of the package. We are all pretty well aware that some of Disneys computer systems don't talk well together, and its possible that adding this to a DVC reservation involves a bit of additional programming they haven't completed yet. Its also possible Disney wants to see the numbers on this. If it makes them more money, it may be opened up. If its wildly successful, they are going to have a problem - they don't have that many seats in sit down restaurants! - and we won't get it for DVC or AP holders.

And, while I would love this package that saves me money, the MYW passes are still cheaper than the UPHs I was getting (even with the discount), the room is still cheaper than I was getting, and I'm still saving money over staying at a Deluxe at rack rates - and don't need to watch codes to get it cheaper.

[Chuck S]

Canwegosoon...

How do you figure DVCers are paying rack rates? Figuring my initial purchase at $51.50 per point/ 49 years of the contract that was available in 1992, that is $1.05 per point per year. Add a little less than $4 dues, and figure $5 per point actual cost.

In June we have 9 nights in a one bedroom for 236 points of roughly $1180 An average of $131 per night. Way less than an AP discounted deluxe room. A studio is 118 points for those 9 nights, or less than $66 per night. Hmmm, a studio for less than a rack rate at a value resort. Including a Saturday and Sunday. IF it were weekdays only, $50 per night studio, $100 per night 1 bedroom.

[NMW]

I booked the first three nights of our Dec 2005 stay at BWV this morning with MS. I asked about a meal plan and was told (after being put on hold to check) that a meal plan for DVC members was in the works and that they were working really hard to work everything out with the plan and make it available as soon a possible. BTW, I was told the prices for the discounted AP's but was told that I would have to wait until Jan 10 to purchase them from MS. I was told that in the meantime they can be purchased at the DVC resorts. Just wanted to share. :flower:

[canwegosoon]

:flower1: Canwegosoon...

How do you figure DVCers are paying rack rates? Figuring my initial purchase at $51.50 per point/ 49 years of the contract that was available in 1992, that is $1.05 per point per year. Add a little less than $4 dues, and figure $5 per point actual cost.

In June we have 9 nights in a one bedroom for 236 points of roughly $1180 An average of $131 per night. Way less than an AP discounted deluxe room. A studio is 118 points for those 9 nights, or less than $66 per night. Hmmm, a studio for less than a rack rate at a value resort. Including a Saturday and Sunday. IF it were weekdays only, $50 per night studio, $100 per night 1 bedroom.

Chuck, while I appericate your view point, not everyone paid $51.50 a point (nor pay 118 points for a stuido), and from a financial numbers stand point you probably right or close to it, technically speaking. I know I am simplifing things by stating I feel like I am paying full rack rates, but in my mind it is due to 2 reasons. #1 is the points vary according to desired room requests, the dates change yearly to account for Easter and other school breaks. Yes I was fully aware of that when I signed on the bottom line, so no qualms about it. The 2# is that due to the fact that I have dollars invested in Disney, that prohibits me from taking advantage of "specials" that are being offered, in this case the packages that will now be including a totally revamped ticket structure, and a dining option. IMHO is seems that investors are being penalized, which from a marketing/mgt stand poink doesn't make sense. If you upset your corebase of customers, you can create devestating problems. Having said that, no I don't think Disney should give everything away for free, and I certainly don't think that DVC owners have the right to constantly demand more and more-I do understand Disney is a money making operation. But in this case, with the dining option, I feel that there should be an offer made available to DVC owners who can not qualify for it through normal channels. Secondly, Disney has stopped availibility for vouchers, thus closing off the only other option.
In my case FYI $87 per point(1.67+4.65*231=1476)comes to an average of $148 dollars (based on 10 nights) a night for a stuido SSR...In my mind close to rack rates, but can't check due to system being down(and I could be totally off on this one). Once again...jmo...but I can see yours too. :flower1:

[Chuck S]

DVCers can qualify for the dining program via "normal" channels, they can book a package through CRO.

But here is something interesting from another thread: now, it may be this person was given a FL res sleeve by mistake, if not, perhaps they are working on a simlar DDE for DVC.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=707764

[defos]

Please excuse my ignorance. What is CRO?

[Chuck S]

CRO - Central Reservations Office They handle the packages and room only cash ressies at the Disney resorts.

[crisi]

canwegosoon,

The "deal" gets better over time. When Chuck bought OKW you can bet rack rates weren't near what they are now....so his savings was significantly smaller years ago.

The first few years with DVC are break even. Its once hotel rates rise faster than dues that this becomes a better deal. And if Disney stops the heavy discounting, it will be a better deal. There is no guarentee that codes will be available five years from now, or that they will offer significant savings.

Chuck has a point - book your vacation through CRO and rent your points if you think you are getting a bad deal. You'll have everything the CRO package offers (remember you can't use codes and get the dining deal) - and, if you are right, come out ahead.

[DebbieB]

I could see being upset if CRO allowed the dining plan to be added to room only reservations. They are not. Disney has always offered packages with dining plans. It was previously the gold, silver or platnium plan. What they are doing this year is breaking the price out rather than rolling it into the package plan price.

By the way, I checked the rack rate for an SSR studio. It's $259 to $379 plus tax, depending on the season.

[Chuck S]

It is true, AP holders can get the DDE (20% off Breakfast Lunch and Dinner at most full service restaurants - Holiday blackout dates apply) for $50. I just ordered mine.

[CarolMN]

It is true, AP holders can get the DDE (20% off Breakfast Linch and Dinner and most full service restaurants - Holiday blackout dates apply) for $50. I just ordered mine. If you mean you don't also have to be a Florida resident, that's wonderful!!!

That just sounds too good to be true, though, and I'm having trouble believing it! Could it be an error on the website???

Best wishes -

[DebbieB]

It is true, AP holders can get the DDE (20% off Breakfast Lunch and Dinner and most full service restaurants - Holiday blackout dates apply) for $50. I just ordered mine.

Even non-Florida residents? That's great news!

[Tiger926]

More info on the DDE would be great - how did you order it?

Thanks, Tiger

[Chuck S]

Call 407-566-5858. The automated phone menu still says "Florida Resident", but I specifically asked when I called.

[chrissyk]

It is true, AP holders can get the DDE (20% off Breakfast Lunch and Dinner at most full service restaurants - Holiday blackout dates apply) for $50. I just ordered mine.

This is a great deal. I think that it's better than the DDE FL resident price...I swear that we paid more than $50 for ours.

[MichelleB]

Thanks ChuckS! I also called a little while ago and was told it's not possible at this time and that they were hoping to make it available in the future. We leave WDW on 1/22, so it'll be available on 1/23!! That's a joke! I didn't mean to open a can of worms with this topic so apologize to any that I got worked up. I was just hoping to get the dining option for our trip. By the way, what is DDE?

[Chuck S]

DDE is the Disney Dining Experience Card. It has always been for Florida residents ONLY. This year, it is available to all AP holders. 20% off Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at most full service restaurants for 1 year. The card (for AP holders) is $50, and is good for up to 10 people in your party. (I assume on the same check). Some Holiday blackout dates (Mothers Day, Easter, Christmas, New Years, etc).

[CarolMN]

This is from the Disney website on 2005 Passholder benefits:

Dining Discounts
Disney Dining Experience
Receive $25 off the regular price of the Disney Dining Experience Membership.
Benefits include:

20% discount on all food and beverages at over 70 participating Resort hotel and Theme Park restaurants (discount is valid for a party of up to 10 Guests).
Resort and Theme Park parking for dining purposes
Invitations to special member-only food and wine events, winemaker dinners and celebrity chef dinners
And more!
Call (407) 566-5858† (Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. E.S.T.) for more information or to purchase your annual membership at the Passholder price of $50 (plus tax). The Disney Dining Experience Membership card is not accepted on holidays, including New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Mother's Day, Easter, July 4, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.


Wow! Can't wait to take advantage of this offer - you break even after you spend $250. I know we spend way more than that on dining out at WDW. I'm sure that many of our favorite spots are included in the "more than 70 participating Resort Hotel and Theme Park locations".
THANKS FOR BRINGING THIS TO OUR ATTENTION, CHUCK!

[sarhenty]

I hope they will still come out with a meal plan for people who don't get APs...

[InstImpres]

DDE is the Disney Dining Experience Card. It has always been for Florida residents ONLY. This year, it is available to all AP holders. 20% off Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at most full service restaurants for 1 year. The card (for AP holders) is $50, and is good for up to 10 people in your party. (I assume on the same check). Some Holiday blackout dates (Mothers Day, Easter, Christmas, New Years, etc).

Chuck, this is great news, thanks it will save us a bundle!! Do you know is it a "year" from when you buy it or a calendar year?

TIA
Sandy

[goldilocks_63]

I wonder if the DVC meal plan will be the same?

Goldi

[DebbieB]

According to Deb Wills' site, it's 1 year from "date issued".

http://www.allearsnet.com/din/dde.htm

This is the 2004 info for Florida Residents.

[COACHSTING]

Thanks for the information Chuck.

I just called and ordered mine today and it expires on 1/31/06. It takes approximately 6 -8 weeks to receive the card. Since we will be there 2/10/05 they will email me a letter confirmation and I can use that just as I would the card itself until the card comes in. You can get two cards per household with the one $50 fee.

[Mike]

I just called and ordered mine today and it expires on 1/31/06.

Just curious - why does it expire on 1/31/06 and not on 1/4/06?

[DebbieB]

Maybe last day of the month?

[trampslady]

Just ordered mine too. She said 1/31/06. We arrive in March so we should have our cards before we leave. We will get at least two trips out of these cards and that is absolutely great news as we dine out at resorts just about every evening!

[psharrock]

This is great news about the DDE discount, we normally spent a small fortune in disney restaurants


I have just purchased our discount DVC annual passes, but will not be activating them until July, any ideas if I am going to be able to get a DDE card without an activated annual pass.

Regards

Paul

[DebbieB]

Do you have to be an AP holder to get the DDE card? Or do you just get the $25 discount with the AP, otherwise it's $75?

[deanna2426]

goldilocks_63-

I was wondering the same thing. I just hope we know before our June trip.

[Chuck S]

My understanding is you must be an AP holder -or- a FL resident. I don't think it is available to the general public for out-of-staters.

[Dean]

I doubt we'll see the add on plans for DVC units but we will see. These type of dining plans are usually only a savings for short trips and those that eat themselves silly. Industry studies show that most people eat aggressively for 3 days then taper off dramatically. Plus they assume you'll get an appetizer and a dessert every meal, something many don't do. In many ways it's like defining the value of DVC. If you compare to what you got and what it would have cost, there will be some savings. If you compare to what you would have ordered without the plan, it's usually not savings at all. Think of it like using the rack rates of DVC resorts to figure your savings with buying DVC, not a realistic way to value your purchase.

[DebbieB]

My understanding is you must be an AP holder -or- a FL resident. I don't think it is available to the general public for out-of-staters.

It's funny how disney keeps throwing curve balls on these tickets! First you are thrilled that DVC had an AP discount. Then they came out with MYW and some people thought that was better and were going that way. Now, to purchase the DDE, you need an AP. I'm glad I have an AP that I purchased last month so I don't have to make a decision!

I was never really interested in the $35 meal plan because when my mom and I go we don't eat both a counter service lunch and a full dinner. This DDE card seems more flexible for us. I can also use it on trips with my friends.

[bongo59]

watch CNBC in the morning and you will see the Disney execs on their explaining their goals on the new pricing.......it is to close the loss on tix.........and increase prices and encourage longer stays in the parks..........park revenue has been a drag on earning and that is the sole reason behind the changes.

[DebbieB]

They finally realized that they need to keep people on property to make more money. We have a rental car and don't think twice about eating off site (in the Crossroads area) because Disney restaurants are overpriced. Getting 20% off may make us change our mind.

I can't believe park revenue is a drag on earnings. I've always heard that it's the bright spot in disney corp's overall income. I've heard ABC is the big drag.

[CarolMN]

They finally realized that they need to keep people on property to make more money. We have a rental car and don't think twice about eating off site (in the Crossroads area) because Disney restaurants are overpriced. Getting 20% off may make us change our mind.

I can't believe park revenue is a drag on earnings. I've always heard that it's the bright spot in disney corp's overall income. I've heard ABC is the big drag.Ditto!

I don't really care why they did it, though. I'm just gald they did and that we are in a position to take advanatge of it. :teeth:

[profdsny]

Sure this hhas been asked before, but, if we just get one AP will that qualify or do we need to get one for each of our group?

[athenna]

Only 1 person needs to have the card. Discount for the food is up to 10 guests.

[goldilocks_63]

I know it's not good on major holidays, but what about the week around them?

Thanks, Goldi

[athenna]

It seems to only not be valid on the actual day of the holiday.

[Epcotkids]

You might consider the new Dining Experience discount card. It gives you 20% off of everything from drinks, apps. to dessert, for up to eight people. It is not as good a deal as the "add-on" dining option, but for $50.00 (AP get 50% off, ask if DVM's do, I can't remember) its better than nothing.

Oh, its is good at most anywhere, Disney Dining can give you more infomation and email a complete list of resturants.

[disneyberry]

Since this got bumped up, just wanted to mention again that DDE has made it very clear that only AP holders can buy the DDE membership.

So, DVC members who aren't AP holders are not eligible for the program. :( I've written DVC about this, in the hopes they'll change things and make DVC members eligible... but who knows if anyone up at DVC Mgmt actually cares or has pull to make such a change. *sigh*

[Epcotkids]

You're kidding?!?! Only AP holders can get this? I am sorry, I thought this was open to everyone. Wait, If it is only available to AP then why do AP's get 25.00 off the purchase of it? I did not mean to give false information, I will check into this. Sorry!

[zulaya]

This program was originally just for FL residents. They opened it up to ALL AP holders, not everyone on the planet. FL residents pay $75; if you are an AP holder you get $25 off.

[Dean]

You're kidding?!?! Only AP holders can get this? I am sorry, I thought this was open to everyone. Wait, If it is only available to AP then why do AP's get 25.00 off the purchase of it? I did not mean to give false information, I will check into this. Sorry!For a few days there was confusion including with DDE themselves. I believe that there were those on this board that successfully ordered the DDE without being a FL or AP pass holder. But they did clarify that it was only for pass holders and FL residents so no one else will get in without those qualifications it appears.

[jfis1020]

Food and Fun was the best. No more worrying about "how much did we spend"? Pay in advance was neat.

I think Disney should consider a "debit style" dining package for DVC members only. Kind of like our video store. I bought a $27 debit card for $20. Set it up to expire with your length of stay. Let us choose our amount the more you spend the better the deal. That way they are getting their money regardless.

[married@wdw]

A word on DDE. With the DVC AP Discount, the AP only cost me about $75 to upgrade from my 5-day MYW hopper ticket (without expiration or plus features). The DDE was another $50. Will 20% off dining at most sitdowns and lounges (as well as some counter service where sitdown isn't available) INCLUDING ALCOHOL (this really surprised me!) save you more than $125 in a year? If so, that's the way to go for you. It definitely was for us -- we took our family of 11 and saved $170 is he first three days of our eight day trip (I never figured out the total savings). We saved $65 at O'hana alone!

But it really just depends on how you vacation. We rarely eat fast food and usually eat at a nice sitdown almost every night.