AP's and dining plans

[karsen11]

question, can you still get a dining plan if you have AP's?

 

[mar7967]

I don't believe so, as you need to purchase a Magic Your Way package (room & ticket).

But really, why would you want to anyway? You'd be throwing out good dining discounts that come with your AP - 20% at 45 table service and quick service locations (through 9/30/2017) and 10% at almost every other TS restaurant... https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/p...lder-benefits-and-discounts/dining-discounts/

 

[HopperFan]

Yes, it's called a Ticketless Package with Dining. Call Disney to book.

 

[erionm]

question, can you still get a dining plan if you have AP's?

You can add a dining plan to a room only reservation without needing to purchased tickets.

 

[mar7967]

You can add a dining plan to a room only reservation without needing to purchased tickets.

Are you sure about this? Disney's website says otherwise: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/planning-guides/in-depth-advice/disney-dining-plan/

Disney dining plans are options available exclusively to Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels with Magic Your Way Vacation Packages.

To take advantage of a Disney dining plan, you must purchase one of the following Magic Your Way Vacation Packages that include a Disney dining plan.

 

[erionm]

Are you sure about this?

100% positive you can have a ticketless package which would be room & dining plan.

 

[mar7967]

100% positive you can have a ticketless package which would be room & dining plan.

If you say so...

I still contend that it probably doesn't make financial sense to do this, as I'm sure the AP discounts would outweigh any financial advantage provided by the dining plan.

 

[MomTo3PrincessesInNJ]

If you say so...

I still contend that it probably doesn't make financial sense to do this, as I'm sure the AP discounts would outweigh any financial advantage provided by the dining plan.

Yes, but you have to have a package -- as the PP mentioned it's called a "ticketless package." So, you are stuck to the package restrictions as opposed to a Room Only reservation.

We did it when we had APs because our TIW had blackouts during some of our visits and we were going to several character meals so the DDP saved up a lot of money.

 

[mar7967]

We did it when we had APs because our TIW had blackouts during some of our visits and we were going to several character meals so the DDP saved up a lot of money.

I suppose that specific situation may make sense. The AP Dining discount doesn't have blackout dates though, does it? Do the character restaurants not offer the 10% AP discount?

If the OP is planning to go anytime before 9/30/17, it likely does not make sense to do the DDP, but they would have to do the math themselves based on where they plan to eat, etc.

 

[jsbowl16]

Just to add to this conversation, we have done the dining plan some vacations and also skipped it others. I was very excited about the discounts with the AP when they were announced so I ran the numbers against what we normally eat at each restaurant we are going to eat at and we are still saving over $100 using the dining plan even with the new discounts over a nine day vacation with two adults and a child. Maybe it is just the restaurants we are eating at but there are scenarios where the dining plan saves money over oop with ap discounts.

It will be nice to get the discount if we decide to add an appetizer somewhere since we are on the one TS per day dining plan.

 

[mar7967]

Just to add to this conversation, we have done the dining plan some vacations and also skipped it others. I was very excited about the discounts with the AP when they were announced so I ran the numbers against what we normally eat at each restaurant we are going to eat at and we are still saving over $100 using the dining plan even with the new discounts over a nine day vacation with two adults and a child. Maybe it is just the restaurants we are eating at but there are scenarios where the dining plan saves money over oop with ap discounts.

It will be nice to get the discount if we decide to add an appetizer somewhere since we are on the one TS per day dining plan.

I'll just admit I was wrong about everything and see myself out.

I think we can all agree though, it is very dependent on your situation - totally depends on where/how you normally eat.

 

[eeyoreandtink]

We just bought AP's and are using a dining plan on our Feb trip. I ran the math, and based on where we want to eat we will save money. We will pay OOP for 20% restaurants and use TS where there is only 10% or no discount. We like a nice dinner every night, and like to snack/ get a bottled drink in the parks. It works for us, but not for everyone.

 

[HopperFan]

I suppose that specific situation may make sense. The AP Dining discount doesn't have blackout dates though, does it? Do the character restaurants not offer the 10% AP discount?

If the OP is planning to go anytime before 9/30/17, it likely does not make sense to do the DDP, but they would have to do the math themselves based on where they plan to eat, etc.

I'll just admit I was wrong about everything and see myself out.

I think we can all agree though, it is very dependent on your situation - totally depends on where/how you normally eat.

Our goal here it to make sure readers get all the information they need to make good choices for their trip. What might not be good for me, might be good for them. I've had DDP many times, have TiW, use AP Discount and even pack food to take in parks.

To answer the OP - Yes you can.

AP Discount & Disney Dining Plan BOTH have advantages depending on the guest's eating plan.

In DDP defense:
- Not all restaurants were given the new 20% off discount.
- Many of the character meals only get 10% which that alone can make DDP a better value.
- No snacks are included with the discounts unless you are buying something at qualifying QS...
- 2017 DDP includes 2 snacks per day so if you enjoy those, a total loss with AP discount.
- Most park QS do not have a discount so that part of your DDP would be a plus.
- DDP includes a refillable mug.

Important to do the math for your style, DDP in many cases can still be much better choice.

Just to add to this conversation, we have done the dining plan some vacations and also skipped it others. I was very excited about the discounts with the AP when they were announced so I ran the numbers against what we normally eat at each restaurant we are going to eat at and we are still saving over $100 using the dining plan even with the new discounts over a nine day vacation with two adults and a child. Maybe it is just the restaurants we are eating at but there are scenarios where the dining plan saves money over oop with ap discounts.

It will be nice to get the discount if we decide to add an appetizer somewhere since we are on the one TS per day dining plan.

Same, some trips it is a good value, some it isn't.
Agree, love the new discounts but see I'll have to use TiW some places that will still get only 10% etc.
Yes, DDP can still be a better value especially when adding in snacks, refillable mug and restaurant choices.

 

[csjordan]

mar7967 asked one of the same questions I have about the AP dining discounts...are there any block-out dates, and, also, I'm wondering whether they can be used on special dining, for example the Candlelight Processional? I know the TIW can't be used for that, but not sure about the AP discounts. Was debating on purchasing TIW before they announced the AP discounts. Now I'm definitely not going to be purchasing TIW.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

You can add DDP if you are staying in a DVC room.

 

[jsbowl16]

We also usually pick the most expensive or very close to the most expensive item on the menu so that makes the dining plan work for us even in this instance. As others have said it depends on each individual vacation and what they like to eat.

 

[karsen11]

Thank you all for your responses, last question...with APs what kind of room discount am I looking at? Also if I do the dining plan am I still eligible for a room discount?

 

[HopperFan]

Thank you all for your responses, last question...with APs what kind of room discount am I looking at? Also if I do the dining plan am I still eligible for a room discount?

Look here for historical discounts. They are not all the time, they are released just like General Public discounts. They are not always released very early but you can always book and then change when discounts open up.

http://www.mousesavers.com/historical-information-on-walt-disney-world-resort-discounts/

From Mousesavers -

Ticketless Packages with Dining Plan
Ticketless Packages with Dining are Magic Your Way packages that include a dining plan but no tickets. They are just like the Annual Passholder Packages, above, except that they don’t include the Annual Passholder room discounts. They can be booked any time, and when “room only” discounts are available, those discounts apply to the room portion of these packages. The Dining Plans are always full price and these packages are never eligible for “Free” dining, or other packages that involve reduced-price Dining Plan like “Stay, Play & Dine.” These bookings are subject to regular Walt Disney Travel Company package rules. Ticketless packages can only be booked through a travel agent or via calling the Disney Reservation Center; they are not available online.

Thanks to Small World Vacations for info.

 

[erionm]

I'm wondering whether they can be used on special dining, for example the Candlelight Processional?

No discounts available for CP dining packages.