a few ???

[MrsBanks]

We purchased our points directly from Disney (just this past Thursday) - our guide said we should be "in the system" in a few days, so we are planning a trip for mid-July

Anywho, question #1 - we are going to purchase the dining plan - I read somewhere that we just let them know when we reserve the room and pay upon arrival - Is this correct?

Question #2 - if the dining plan is offered for free (I know it's been offered for Aug/Sept), are DVC owners staying on points eligible to get it? or since we are not "on a package" do we not get it?

Question #3 - we haven't yet decided if we're getting AP's or just length of stay hoppers - either way, do we purchase these in advance (when making our ressies) or do we wait until we check in?

Question #4 - Is mid-July a busy time?

Question #5 - are our room keys, passes and dining plan all on the same card (like when you're on a package) and are they credit card type (hard plastic)?

And, are there any other tips or things I should know? We've never stayed at a DVC resort. Our home resort is SSR. Kids will be 5 & 4 by July but we've done Disney a zillion times with them and alone (slight exaggeration).

Thanks everyone!

PS - is this font color annoying or difficult to read?

 

[bobbiwoz]

Your identity makes me smile!

1. Yes, order it before your trip and pay upon arrival.

2. We do not get the free dining plan when staying on points.

3. I would purchase in advance, either from a ticket broker or at the very least from Disney to get a discount.

4. Don't know.

5. I have experience with dining plan on room key that is like a credit card. We have AP's, and before that we would buy tickets in advance for multiple trips, non-expiring, park hoppers.

You will love SSR and your kids are at a great age for you to begin your DVC experience! We're empty nesters with DGC just a bit younger than your DC! As far as font/color, maybe a bit hard for me, but still...readable.

Bobbi

 

[BlakeNJ]

Am I mistaken or do you have to at least buy a 1day park ticket to get the dining plan. Maybe it's different for DVC members but when I stayed at WL as a "non-member" we had to buy at least a 1day park ticket to get the dining plan. We did have everything (park tickets/room key & dining plan) on our little plastic "keys to the world" card.

Good luck and have a wonderful trip home!

 

[Chuck S]

DVC members, staying on points at a DVC resort, may purchase the dining plan without the park ticket requirement...you can get tickets anywhere you wish.

A better option for you, depending upon your family's dining habits and whether or not you purchase an AP, may be the Disney Dining Experience card. It is available to Annual Passholders or Florida residents only. It is $60 (unless it went up this year) and gives you a 20% discount at virtually all Disney operated table service restaurants, buffets and bars/lounges (including adult beverages). One card is good for up to 10 people in your party, as long as you dine together and are on one check.

 

[CarolMN]

...(snip).....PS - is this font color annoying or difficult to read?

Yes, it is difficult to read - as are most colors other than black. FWIW, I generally do not read posts that are entirely in a light color. Too hard on my eyes. I don't mind posts that use color to emphasize something, though. But that's me.

Congratulations on your purchase -and Welcome Home!

 

[MrsBanks]

Your identity makes me smile!

Thanks Bobbi - I'm actually in Joisey, I see you have Cape May listed in your locations. My in-laws moved there when they retired and lived there (in the Victorian Towers) for about 15 years before they passed. I have many fond memories of being there with them (God I miss them). We still visit often.

I see Blake is from Jersey too! Hi - we're in Middlesex county

Thanks Chuck for the heads up on the discount card - I'm gonna check that out to see which way we would save more

Hi Carol, thanks for the welcome

 

[BlakeNJ]

Ok, in the last hour (since my above post) I have learned lots about DVC and the DP. My post above is incorrect. I'd delet it if I knew how.

Yes, I'm from Jersey too. Didn't have big hair in the '80s & '90s but I sure do love Bon Jovi! I'm in Essex County but grew up in Somerset County.

Let's go Mets!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I'm from New Jersey, born in Newark...lived in Bayonne, went to Trenton State and stayed around the Trenton area, including Yardley PA until DH's GM plant closed and we moved to Ohio. The Cape May home is one we bought with my DSis 8 years ago! I LOVE the shore...and feel like a millionaire when I'm on the beach...really pinch me, we really own just a wee piece of that heaven!! My DMom moved to Cape May 8 years ago, (she fell in love with our little house, and bought one just 2 doors down) she's a senior (87) and has many friends from the Cape May County lunch program who live in the Victorian Towers.

I'd love to meet you someday...we could set up a mini meet in Cape May! There are more of us around.

Bobbi

PS. And also check out the DVC discounts. For instance 20% off lunch at Fulton's and some restaurants/cafeteria at the Swan and Dolphin also offer 20%, and there's lots more. We forgot to use it at AK's Rainforest Cafe in December. We also use the DDE card, as we very often have family/friends with us on vacation.

 

[byoung]

Hamilton Township here! Mid July will be crowded.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Hamilton Township here! Mid July will be crowded.

Hamilton Township in Mercer county? I taught in Hamilton High West until I had my DS. Did student teaching at Grice!
Bobbi

 

[byoung]

Hamilton Township in Mercer county? I taught in Hamilton High West until I had my DS. Did student teaching at Grice!
Bobbi

Yes in Mercer County, I graduated from West.