Any way around everyone having DDP for length of stay

[Ketchup]

May 2016 trip coming up in a 2 bedroom villa for 9 nights staying on our points - 6 people total.

1 set of grandparents (who are not DVC members) are on the reservation - but only staying for 4 or 5 nights in the middle of the trip. They have purchased their park tickets from a 3rd party.

The other 4 of us (DVC members) are considering purchasing DDP, but as per the rules we would have to purchase it for all 6 people on the reservation for all 9 nights.

Are there any creative ways around this? I thought about possibly removing the 1 set of grandparents from the reservation. If we did this, the 4 of us could get the 9 night DDP. Could the grandparents purchase magic bands and link their tickets to those instead? Would there by any way to get the room key linked to their bands? This would probably move them from being able to reserve FastPass+ at 60 days to only 30 days?

Anyone have any creative solutions for a situation like this?


Thanks!

 

[disneynutz]

If you really want the DDP, use the extra credits for a couple of signature meals.

Bill

 

[Ketchup]

Thought about that, but this would be over $600 in unneeded dining credits being purchased!

If you really want the DDP, use the extra credits for a couple of signature meals.

Bill

 

[gdrj]

May 2016 trip coming up in a 2 bedroom villa for 9 nights staying on our points - 6 people total.

1 set of grandparents (who are not DVC members) are on the reservation - but only staying for 4 or 5 nights in the middle of the trip. They have purchased their park tickets from a 3rd party.

The other 4 of us (DVC members) are considering purchasing DDP, but as per the rules we would have to purchase it for all 6 people on the reservation for all 9 nights.

Are there any creative ways around this? I thought about possibly removing the 1 set of grandparents from the reservation. If we did this, the 4 of us could get the 9 night DDP. Could the grandparents purchase magic bands and link their tickets to those instead? Would there by any way to get the room key linked to their bands? This would probably move them from being able to reserve FastPass+ at 60 days to only 30 days?

Anyone have any creative solutions for a situation like this?


Thanks!

I don't believe there is anyway to link the room to bands, if not on reservation. Plus the FP issue as well. Personally I would just not do DDP, I would guess over 9 days you would save money by just paying for meals. Use DVC discounts or Disney Visa discounts where you can. For the most part the DDP isn't going to save you money, or enough, to jump through hoops. Plus it puts the Grandparents in an awkward situation trying to sneak through the while room process. Add to that their parking, if they are driving, and loss of EMH's.

 

[snoopy5386]

Take them off the reservation and add them back on when you check in. You won't be able to put them on the dining plan at that point. Also if you don't care if they are on the ressie at all (ie don't need the EMH access or to take DME) and you have extra magic bands you can just give them spare bands to use as room keys. We have done this when my local SIL and BIL stay with us last minute.

 

[SuperRob]

In your case, I'd use Tables in Wonderland instead. DDP is just too complicated for your use case, and the savings / flexibility with TiW can extend even to the people that don't want the meal plan.

 

[ktate82]

Instead of getting a 2 bedroom, would getting a 1 bedroom for the whole stay and a studio for your grandparents for when they come be an option? May not be next to each, but you would be able to have the dining plan if you wanted.

 

[DVCMinnie2532]

In preparation for an upcoming visit, I could be in the same situation. I wondered if you reserve a two bedroom lock off, if you could possibly put anyone who is not on the Dining plan the full time be listed as in the studio side?

 

[erionm]

In preparation for an upcoming visit, I could be in the same situation. I wondered if you reserve a two bedroom lock off, if you could possibly put anyone who is not on the Dining plan the full time be listed as in the studio side?

For the dining plans, a 2-bedroom is a 2-bedroom. The only way to list people in the studio portion would be to reserve a 1-bedroom and a studio separately.

 

[BenandMorgsMom]

The Disney official answer is NO you can not do this. Giving out extra MB is not a good idea either, they show your name when scanned. Just don't do the DDP and go with the TIW card. Adding people as a Day Guest and having them stay 4-5 days is not a way around the official Disney Policy whether people say they do it or not successfully. As Disney lovers we should all promote the official policies so someone doesn't get surprised when they are told no or they get caught and charged for things they thought they could "get around" without cost.

 

[Nikisha421]

May 2016 trip coming up in a 2 bedroom villa for 9 nights staying on our points - 6 people total.

1 set of grandparents (who are not DVC members) are on the reservation - but only staying for 4 or 5 nights in the middle of the trip. They have purchased their park tickets from a 3rd party.

The other 4 of us (DVC members) are considering purchasing DDP, but as per the rules we would have to purchase it for all 6 people on the reservation for all 9 nights.

Are there any creative ways around this? I thought about possibly removing the 1 set of grandparents from the reservation. If we did this, the 4 of us could get the 9 night DDP. Could the grandparents purchase magic bands and link their tickets to those instead? Would there by any way to get the room key linked to their bands? This would probably move them from being able to reserve FastPass+ at 60 days to only 30 days?

Anyone have any creative solutions for a situation like this?


Thanks!

So in the spirit of promoting honesty....and not trying to get around...i had a ten day trip with two kids planned...when I got to florida a younger niece of mine wanted to visit for the weekend...we already had the dining plan...when the niece arrived I brought her right to the front desk and told ask nicely if she could be added to the room and given a key to the world card with her tickets added...I even brought of the idea of how to work the dining plan as she would only be there for the weekend and I was told it was not an issue. so just ask when you get there and see what they say...just ask...

 

[Minniesgal]

I think the idea of booking a 1 bedroom and a separate studio was the best one

 

[Pirate Granny]

They are no longer allowing to book someone in once at the resort and NOT pay in full for the dining plan...don't try it

 

[cel_disney]

They are no longer allowing to book someone in once at the resort and NOT pay in full for the dining plan...don't try it

When did this start?

 

[heynowirv]

Or you can do a split stay.That would involve moving while they are there.

 

[Dean]

May 2016 trip coming up in a 2 bedroom villa for 9 nights staying on our points - 6 people total.

1 set of grandparents (who are not DVC members) are on the reservation - but only staying for 4 or 5 nights in the middle of the trip. They have purchased their park tickets from a 3rd party.

The other 4 of us (DVC members) are considering purchasing DDP, but as per the rules we would have to purchase it for all 6 people on the reservation for all 9 nights.

Are there any creative ways around this? I thought about possibly removing the 1 set of grandparents from the reservation. If we did this, the 4 of us could get the 9 night DDP. Could the grandparents purchase magic bands and link their tickets to those instead? Would there by any way to get the room key linked to their bands? This would probably move them from being able to reserve FastPass+ at 60 days to only 30 days?

Anyone have any creative solutions for a situation like this?


Thanks!

Not honestly and ethically for the current room. You could do a split stay or separate rooms for them and that would work. You could get a 1 BR for you and a studio for them when they are there and just get the DP for you. You could even pay for them when they are there. It's possible you could add them at check in but it might take them a while to do it as my understanding is they have to cancel and rebook and that would be risky IMO.

 

[Chereya]

I've been wondering a similar question. I have 5 nights in a 2BR booked for 3 adults, 3 kids and 2 grandparents booked into a Studio. I was thinking it might be beneficial to have the grandparents get the DDP to have the credits to share around. We will definitely not be eating all of the credits for the whole group but could shave off some costs by having a few pre-paid? For ressies, we've booked a lunch at BOG, dinner at Rose & Crown, a Fantasmic dinner at Mama Melrose's, and a dinner at Sci Fi.

Planning this trip has felt so overwhelming to me that I haven't even wanted to deal with the idea of DDP. We haven't been to WDW in 12 years and everything has changed! I could really use some logical thinking help.

 

[Dean]

I've been wondering a similar question. I have 5 nights in a 2BR booked for 3 adults, 3 kids and 2 grandparents booked into a Studio. I was thinking it might be beneficial to have the grandparents get the DDP to have the credits to share around. We will definitely not be eating all of the credits for the whole group but could shave off some costs by having a few pre-paid? For ressies, we've booked a lunch at BOG, dinner at Rose & Crown, a Fantasmic dinner at Mama Melrose's, and a dinner at Sci Fi.

Planning this trip has felt so overwhelming to me that I haven't even wanted to deal with the idea of DDP. We haven't been to WDW in 12 years and everything has changed! I could really use some logical thinking help.

You won't be able to do that with the DP. I'd get the Tables in Wonderland if you are eligible or if you'll have a pass, there are some discounts there. I assume you're not a DVC member if you haven't been in that long.

 

[Chereya]

I forgot to mention that we are on two separate reservations if that makes any difference?

 

[Dean]

I forgot to mention that we are on two separate reservations if that makes any difference?

It does, sorry I missed that portion. Under the current rules that would work. I'd get the deluxe plan for the GP and possibly put a child or 2 in their room and cherry pick where to use them in that situation.