Can I add a Premium or Platinum Dining Plan while staying on points?

[Jeanieblue114]

I am getting conflicting answers even from DVC staff.

I would like to book the Platinum Dining Plan for an upcoming trip because we want to spend out time doing tours and enjoying the fine dining and many tours are included on the Platinum Plan.

I called DVC and the woman (rare DVC CM who didn't seem to know much of anything) said I couldn't add it to a trip while staying on points. She said I could only chose quick, basic, or deluxe.

I was just at Disney this weekend and I talked to some DVC staff and they said I definitely could add it. But the concierge at the Contemporary said he didn't think I could.

I know that generally, the Platinum (and Premium) plans require that you are staying at a deluxe resort or villa to be able to add them, but I will be...just not on cash.

So, can I add the Platinum Dining Plan to my trip if I am staying on points??

Have any of you ever done this??

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Premium and Platinum plans are only available through CRO on Cash Reservations. The only plans available through DVC are Quick Service, Basic Dining Plan and Deluxe Dining Plan.

The price increase for Platinum over the Basic Dining Plan on a cash basis, per night, per person is about $180.00, this is in addition to the $40.00 price for the Basic Dining Plan (Total $220). The Premium Plan runs about $164.00 total. Keep in mind, neither of these include tips, and the wine plan is still additional.

Side note, did you talk to one of the DVC Podium workers when you asked about the Premium/Platinum plans, if so, that can explain a lot. They really do not fully understand the concept of DVC, their main goal is to get you interested to take a tour.

 

[DenLo]

As jlewisinsyr states you are limited on the Dining Plans at the DVC. In addition to the above listed dining plans there is an option to add a bottle of wine. I don't have any idea if it would be worth it and sort shied away from it when they mentioned a designated wine list and some locations don't accept it, etc.

2010 Disney Wine & Dine Plan
Add a daily bottle of fine wine to your Disney Dining Plan. Choose from a variety of premium wines at select Table-Service or Signature Dining Experience restaurants. Wine may also be redeemed at a number of merchandise locations.

Disney Wine & Dine Plan Pricing:
$39.99 per room, per night
(Two-Bedroom Vacation Homes, Treehouse Villas, and Grand Villas are counted as one room for the Disney Wine & Dine Plan)

NOTE: Disney Wine & Dine Plan must be purchased in conjunction with either 2010 Disney Dining Plan or 2010 Disney Deluxe Dining Plan.

See the 2010 Disney Wine & Dine Plan Guide (includes listing of available redemption locations)

The Disney Wine & Dine Plan includes one bottle of wine per room per night of your reserved stay. Certain select wines may require the use of two entitlements.
Two-Bedroom Vacation Homes, Treehouse Villas, and Grand Villas are counted as one room for the Disney Wine & Dine Plan.
Bottles of wine must be selected from a designated wine list.
Wine entitlements are redeemable from the Guest's Key to the World card.
Wine is not available at Magic Kingdom® Park restaurants or dinner shows.
Entitlements are flexible and may be used any time throughout the stay. Wine may be redeemed over each night, or multiple redemptions may be used at one time.
Wine entitlements are not transferable to non-party guests and they expire at midnight on the day of checkout.
Applicable taxes are included.
Gratuities are not included.

Here's the link to the Wine and Dine guide: http://advc.disney.go.com/media/dvc...ydiningplan/2010_DisneyWineDineDiningPlan.pdf

 

[Jeanieblue114]

ok thanks...yeah, the podium people seemed to just be saying 'yes' to whatever I said even though I told them I'm already and owner and they didn't have to sell me anything...lol. I guess there's always the attempt at another 'points add on'.

I did price it out (what tours we would take, value of cirque tickets, fireworks cruise, private fishing excursions, spa treatments, vic & al dinner, included recreational activities) and those came to pretty much the cost of the plan per day before even adding on the included meals so I find it to be a value if you want to spend the trip doing daily tours (or two) and take advantage of all the activities available and forego the rides at the park. Several of the included tours are over $200 each and don't require an additional park ticket.
It can be a great value actually, so it doesn't surprise me that you can't stay on points and get it. It requires staying at a deluxe resort on cash and buying at least a one day ticket. Still might try it that way, just wanted to make sure how it had to be done.

thanks again.

 

[disneynutz]

Side note, did you talk to one of the DVC Podium workers when you asked about the Premium/Platinum plans, if so, that can explain a lot. They really do not fully understand the concept of DVC, their main goal is to get you interested to take a tour.

Their only goal is to refer you to a Guide and set you up for an appointment.

Bill