2006 Disney Dining Plan FAQ

[jjohnson]

I was wondering if anyone has any information about the free dining plan being free last Sept-October? When it started? When it was announce? My neighbor went the same week we went October1-9 and she got the food plan free. I could not get it because I am a DVC owner. But I am trying to plan a trip for friends. Thank you!

The free dining promotion came out on 6/2 & could be booked thru 8/20. The promotion was for reservations 8/21-10/4.

 

[HaleyB]

Here is a link to the historical data on discount codes. It lists when the offer was released, who could use it, and what travel dates it was valid for. It is on mousesavers.com

http://www.mousesavers.com/faq.html#codechart

I would not expect it to be offered again. I would bet that something will be offered for some of huricane season, but there is no saying what. Last years offer was very good, and I wonder if that had something to do with last years forecasts for a very bad huricane season (which it was). Not to mention Charlie the year before...

 

[KJHawley]

This FAQ says that DVC owners & renters will be able to get this as of 4/1/06. Not that I think this would be an April Fool's Day joke or anything, but I can't find that nugget of info anywhere else. I'm especially concerned because as a renter, most of the DVC benefits don't seem to apply to renters. Have any renters out there confirmed this?

 

[mcarthur205]

Yes. We are renting points for a stay at BWV from April 2-7th and we added the dining plan to our reservation back in January. We pay for it at check in.

 

[bicker]

Does anyone know what is the deadline for DVC members adding the Dining Plan to their reservations? Does it have to be done at time of original booking, or can we do it later, and if so, until how long before our arrival?

 

[Simba's Mom]

I know you can do it later. I didn't book it for my September trip, yet, but MS said I could call back to add it if I decide to do it. I don't remember if she said it had to be added at least 31 or 3 days before the trip.

 

[bicker]

I'll be sure to ask when I call to make my DVC reservations this week. Did I read correctly -- even if we add it now, they won't charge us for it until we arrive?

As folks can see, I'm now very close to deciding to with the dining plan, despite discarding the idea several times over our deliberations during the last month or so since we got back from our last visit (during which we weren't eligible).

 

[Lewisc]

I'll be sure to ask when I call to make my DVC reservations this week. Did I read correctly -- even if we add it now, they won't charge us for it until we arrive?

As folks can see, I'm now very close to deciding to with the dining plan, despite discarding the idea several times over our deliberations during the last month or so since we got back from our last visit (during which we weren't eligible).

Double check but I think the dining can be added, or deleted, up to 5 days in advance. I'm not sure what Disney would do if you wanted to drop it at checkin and refused to pay.

Despite the long threads about exclusions the truth is there aren't any at Disney owned restaurants and very few at the non-Disney restaurants. There were more times in which I was surprised to find out something wasn't excluded than the reverse.

IMHO the dining plan gives less value at the 2 credit restaurants and dinner shows than at the better 1 credit restaurants. The water parks, and maybe some other CS restaurants, give you a token so you can get your ice cream dessert later in the day.

Bicker the only way the plan wouldn't work for your group is if you routinely share one appetizer and one dessert for your table. Even then the numbers might work but you might be tempted to eat more than you want to.

 

[intheworks]

Hi, guys! Been reading this thread and it is very helpful. I purchased the DP for our stay in June and am getting ready to call and make my reservations.
My 11 yo DS is EXTREMELY picky and won't eat from the adult menu at most of the places we are going. I plan to let him try and order from the kids' menu if the CM's will let him, has anyone had experience with these restaraunts in particular and were you allowed to pay OOP for a kids meal or did you have to use the TS credit? The restaraunts are-LeCellier,Concourse, and WCC. TIA!

 

[kutchyone]

You can always pay out of pocket, they can't make you use a dining plan credit.

 

[MJB]

What is this meal with pictures?? CRT character breakfast/lunch/dinner with photo package (Magic Kingdom)

 

[jjohnson]

I'll be sure to ask when I call to make my DVC reservations this week. Did I read correctly -- even if we add it now, they won't charge us for it until we arrive?

As folks can see, I'm now very close to deciding to with the dining plan, despite discarding the idea several times over our deliberations during the last month or so since we got back from our last visit (during which we weren't eligible).

I did read on the DVC boards that you pay for your dining plan when you check in. I hope you decide on the plan. I would love to hear your thoughts on the plan when you arrive home.

 

[dumby]

What is this meal with pictures?? CRT character breakfast/lunch/dinner with photo package (Magic Kingdom)

Not sure what you are asking but we did the CRT breakfast Feb 16. It was suppose to be 2 table service credits but we got it for 1. They will probably have the kinks worked out by now to charge 2 TS. You get a picture with Cinderella (I think 5x7) and then four smaller ones and another picture of the Castle in a folder. The food was absoultely wonderful and the service was great A very magical experience. The girls got a wand and the boys got a sword and then a small wishing star that lights up. The two children with us loved this. Also there are 3-4 princesses and the Fairy Godmother who comes to the table for pics and autographs. This is something we would not have done had we not been on the meal plan. The pictures come with the package at no additional cost. We loved this meal and my children thought it was wonderful to eat in the Castle. Hope this answers your question.

I think each meal is different. I am not sure if they have the princesses at the lunch/dinner meals or not.

 

[jjohnson]

What is this meal with pictures?? CRT character breakfast/lunch/dinner with photo package (Magic Kingdom)

This may help:

http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menu_crd.htm

 

[Candi]

OK I really need help. I thought I had made up my mind.........But here I go again!!

OK We have a family of six. We are going to Disney June 25-July 8. I have been going back and forth over the dining plan. We are staying @ Fort Wilderness for 13 nights and have a 10 park hopper. The first reason We had decided not to use the plan is due to having to have it for the entire stay instead of just the days in the park. we would lose 3 days. Is that right? Then I started looking at the menus online and it looked as if all that is offered on childrens menus is pb&j, tenders, hot dogs or mac and cheese. I really can't see feeding the two younger ones that for 2 weeks for lunch and supper. Did I over look restaurants that offer more?

Please help us make up our minds!!!!! We have gone to Disney 6 times. This is the first time we are staying on site!!! We have booked 3 character meals Crystal palace, Chef Mickey,Mickeys backyard BBQ and 50's prime time cafe.

 

[ziggy14]

I have read the posts here but have not seen my question answered. I hope i have not overlooked the answer. Any way, here is my question.

I just did an exchange through Interval International for a week at Saratoga Springs. Here is what it said on my confirmation page.

SURCHARGES (energy, accommodations/occupancy tax, bed tax or similar) ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OCCUPANT AND ARE PAYABLE DIRECTLY TO THE RESORT. Surcharges are subject to change without notice. A pre-paid, non-refundable 95 USD resort services fee, per unit is required. This fee covers the use of DVC Member Services for making advance dining reservations, golf tee times and other vacation planning. For PAYMENT and inquires about other Disney programs, such as Disney's Dining Plan and the Magical Express airport transportation service,which must be reserved prior to arrival, call 800-******** or 407-566-3800 and select option 3 for Member Services. ‚ PAYMENT OF RESORT SERVICES FEE MUST BE RECEIVED NO LESS THAN 48 HOURS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL.

I realize I can call Disney in the morning, but I thought I would ask here first. Does anyone know if I can sign up for the dining plan with this reservation? It will only be me and my two boys. Thank you.

 

[DebIreland]

Ziggy,
I think you'd get the answer you need over on the DVC Planning Board. Click here - there is a DVC Dining Plan thread on there already too but it might be wise to post a fresh thread so people will see it. Your confirmation sounds like you are eligible for the dining plan but the people over on the DVC board would know more. Good luck!

 

[ziggy14]

Thank you so much for taking your time to respond. I will check out the board you suggested.

 

[jloz]

Candi,

I was just adding up my reciepts from our trip in Feb for 5 days with 2 adults and 2 kids and just 5CS and 5TS would have cost us $757 (not including 15 snacks which would be another $30-40) but with DDP was $450. If you are not using TS for certain days, you can always use for Signature dining that are 2TS/meal like Cinderella breakfast, Hoop de Do review or Calf. Grill in Contempory. You can use CS for breakfast also which would make several days all meals included. If you are staying at Campground, be sure to make dinner reservations at Whispering Canyon at WL, it is a great time for all ages and boat from campground go directly there.

 

[jann1033]

OK I really need help. I thought I had made up my mind.........But here I go again!!

Wilderness for 13 nights and have a 10 park hopper. The first reason We had decided not to use the plan is due to having to have it for the entire stay instead of just the days in the park. we would lose 3 days.

\confused as to why you think you would lose 3 days??? you can eat at a resort those 3 days you are not going to a park and use the credits there.

i do have a question though about the cs entree vs combo..would an entree include something like the swarma platter at tangerine cafe while the combo would be a burger and fries? little confused about the difference as you would still get a main dish/sandwich and a side ie couscous/fries, dessert and drink with both right?

and may not be the right place to ask but has anyone figuered out the savings in tickets at say mousesavers prices vs dining plan savings...dp would still be cheaper even if you have to pay full price for tickets via disney?( lazy today but could get out the calculator if need be )

thanks for all your hard work jjohnson, helped a lot!