Change to the DDP for DVC Members

[TwoGirlsandDisney]

I have atleast thought to add the regular DP and wait to upgrade to the DxDP.[/QUOTE]

Do you think that would work without canceling any of my reservations? If I add the regular DDP to my reservation, and then later on upgrade to the deluxe? I would hate to lose any of my reservations by changing DDPs.

Let me know if anyone has had experience with this, it may just work for me. Thanks for the idea.

 

[jodifla]

What would be GREAT is if they just got RID OF THE HORRIBLE DDP and all the free dining, and let decent meals return to WDW, and stop the drama that goes along with the DDP, including DVC members who always feel ripped off that they are not getting "Free" dining.

I bought DVC in large part to have access to a kitchen. We make great meals there, and then have a few meals at the few decent places left in WDW dining.

 

[bonrea]

What would be GREAT is if they just got RID OF THE HORRIBLE DDP and all the free dining, and let decent meals return to WDW, and stop the drama that goes along with the DDP, including DVC members who always feel ripped off that they are not getting "Free" dining.

I bought DVC in large part to have access to a kitchen. We make great meals there, and then have a few meals at the few decent places left in WDW dining.

I'd have to agree with jodifla's statement. However (correct me if I'm incorrect) isn't the inception of the DDP Disney's way to guarantee that the restaurants will have diners in most of the seats and easer to plan for wait staff, and isn't the reason for the DDP partly because the public or DVC'ers wanted something like it? In the beginning of the DDP it was great and if they didn't offer free dining packages it would still be a money saver for us.

On another note: How does one split the DDP plan up over a 6 night stay where I'd like the DDP on three of the nights but not consecutive? I called DVC MS and asked this question but the answer was at best confusing.

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

Does anyone know why they changed their policy? I called this morning to add on the DDP to my reservation, and was told that you have to pay the entire amount upfront now.
So, being a DVC member has no benefits when it comes to the DDP anymore. I am completely grumpy about this. Why do they keep changing?

Actually, that change in policy has been on the member website since BEFORE FEB 14, 2010.!!!!
I opened a thread about it back then.
That has given you almost 10 months to save up>

Many reponses at that time were that people preferred to pay ahead and have it all paid off. I never understood that. It is the same money six months from now, and may earn you a couple dollars of interest in your bank account.

 

[hakepb]

I'd have to agree with jodifla's statement. However (correct me if I'm incorrect) isn't the inception of the DDP Disney's way to guarantee that the restaurants will have diners in most of the seats and easer to plan for wait staff, and isn't the reason for the DDP partly because the public or DVC'ers wanted something like it? In the beginning of the DDP it was great and if they didn't offer free dining packages it would still be a money saver for us.

On another note: How does one split the DDP plan up over a 6 night stay where I'd like the DDP on three of the nights but not consecutive? I called DVC MS and asked this question but the answer was at best confusing.

I think the consecutive comment is correct as I don't think they would allow DDP on say, days 1 3 and 5. (Too much work in the system) I'd try to figure out 2 days that might best work for your schedule (especially if they fix credits to be valid until midnight of checkout day..)

 

[Deb & Bill]

...On another note: How does one split the DDP plan up over a 6 night stay where I'd like the DDP on three of the nights but not consecutive? I called DVC MS and asked this question but the answer was at best confusing.

It's my understanding that you have to check out and check back in for each change. I suppose you could get the dining plan for day 1, 3 and 5 and not for 2, 4 and 6. But you would have six reservations and have to check in and out daily.

 

[mybabesuz]

Do you think that would work without canceling any of my reservations? If I add the regular DDP to my reservation, and then later on upgrade to the deluxe? I would hate to lose any of my reservations by changing DDPs.

Let me know if anyone has had experience with this, it may just work for me. Thanks for the idea.

I have added, removed and upgraded the DDP many times.
It has never affected the actual reservation.
So unless you want to split up your reservation which in my opinion is not worth the hassle it has turned out to be for most people, you will be fine.
And when you make Dining reservation they are linked to your phone number so any changes will not affect your reservations either.

What would be GREAT is if they just got RID OF THE HORRIBLE DDP and all the free dining, and let decent meals return to WDW, and stop the drama that goes along with the DDP, including DVC members who always feel ripped off that they are not getting "Free" dining.

I bought DVC in large part to have access to a kitchen. We make great meals there, and then have a few meals at the few decent places left in WDW dining.

I agree... Even though we always get the DDP or the DxDP, only because we have three kids under 10 and we still do Character meals every day,
I would still rather see free dining and the DP end and bring back better quality and service to the restaurants.
We often feel that we are treated inferior because we are on the dining plan.
When our children start reaching 10yo. it will no longer be a good deal on the DDP for us.
I really is NOT a savings for adults. But it is a HUGE saving with 3 children.
Most of the TS meals we do cost between $15 and $21 per child add another $6 for CS meal and $2 or $3 for a snack.
So that's a $25 to $30 value for $12 a kid times 3 usually for a week!

 

[Sandisw]

I think the consecutive comment is correct as I don't think they would allow DDP on say, days 1 3 and 5. (Too much work in the system) I'd try to figure out 2 days that might best work for your schedule (especially if they fix credits to be valid until midnight of checkout day..)

It is tough, but you can do it. What you have to do is have MS segment your trip into basically 6 segments. Then you can add the DDP to whatever nights you want.

From what I understand, if you booked your reservation prior to Oct 14th, when the change went in, they can segment and there does not still need to be availability for what you booked since the ability to segment wasn't in place prior to that.

For those that have booked since the segmenting went in to effect, they will only segment after the initial call if there is still availability. Since I have not tried this, I don't know if this is true or not.

 

[ValpoCory]

... can do your reservations in segments so you no longer need to do the dining plan for the entire time (not sure if cash guests have that option).

Anyone know if cash guests can segment their trips for DDP purposes?

 

[Sandisw]

Anyone know if cash guests can segment their trips for DDP purposes?

I think if it is a cash reservation booked through MS, the rules would be the same.

If you have a cash reservation through Disney, then no--the ticket rule and the requirement of length of stay applies.

 

[LauraLea]

What would be GREAT is if they just got RID OF THE HORRIBLE DDP and all the free dining, and let decent meals return to WDW, and stop the drama that goes along with the DDP, including DVC members who always feel ripped off that they are not getting "Free" dining.

I totally agree.........Laura

 

[hakepb]

It is tough, but you can do it. What you have to do is have MS segment your trip into basically 6 segments. Then you can add the DDP to whatever nights you want.

From what I understand, if you booked your reservation prior to Oct 14th, when the change went in, they can segment and there does not still need to be availability for what you booked since the ability to segment wasn't in place prior to that.

For those that have booked since the segmenting went in to effect, they will only segment after the initial call if there is still availability. Since I have not tried this, I don't know if this is true or not.

Thanks for the clarification. I did think it was technically possible, but before they get split stays running more smoothly, I don't think it would be worth it. Now (beginning of this year) they are supposed to have the system in place to only need one room key to cover all segments. If they get that working smoothly (no check-in/check-outs) with dining credits that properly expire at midnight of segment 'check out'.. Then booking a bunch of segments with creative DDP credits may be recommended.

 

[cvjw]

I just had my June reservation segmented into 2 parts today. The CM initially didn't want to do it because I wasn't paying for the dining plan today - I still don't know if family will be joining us or not. She finally relented and had a manager to do the actual segmenting of the reservation. She didn't feel comfortable enough to do the actual transaction, as I could have lost my reservation. It all worked out fine, my two segments have the same reservation number and are linked, and I can add the DP later on if we want to.

 

[TwoGirlsandDisney]

Actually, that change in policy has been on the member website since BEFORE FEB 14, 2010.!!!!
I opened a thread about it back then.
That has given you almost 10 months to save up>

Which would be totally fine if I knew. I don't remember getting an e-mail from member services about the change, and unfortunately I usually check in on here when I am getting close to my next trip. I was in Disney Feb. 13-19 last year, and missed this since I planned everything months before.

Oh well, I think I got it all figured out today. Got a really nice person on the phone today that I was able to get the right answers.

 

[Sandisw]

Thanks for the clarification. I did think it was technically possible, but before they get split stays running more smoothly, I don't think it would be worth it. Now (beginning of this year) they are supposed to have the system in place to only need one room key to cover all segments. If they get that working smoothly (no check-in/check-outs) with dining credits that properly expire at midnight of segment 'check out'.. Then booking a bunch of segments with creative DDP credits may be recommended.

I am on the fence about segmenting as well right now. We got the last SV 2 bedroom at BLT for our August trip. I would hate to lose any of that. And, as you said, until the kinks are worked out, it seems a bit risky.

We are considering trying to change the first two nights to BWV, but only for a BW view room, very unlikely at 7 months. But, until I have an idea how that will play out, I hate to go to all the trouble to segment and then have that complicate things even more.

My 7 month window opens on Monday so we will see then.

 

[aggiemullins]

Does anyone know why they changed their policy? I called this morning to add on the DDP to my reservation, and was told that you have to pay the entire amount upfront now. Well, I am not able to do that, and usually save up until my vacation, and pay for it at check in. So, now I can make dining reservations on January 11th, but can't make them for Cinderella's Castle, Hoop Dee Doo Revue, or Spirit of Aloha show because without the DDP on your reservation, they require full payment at the time of reservation. So, being a DVC member has no benefits when it comes to the DDP anymore. I am completely grumpy about this. Why do they keep changing?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't we (DVC Members) required to pay by CC for Cindy's Castle, Hoop De Doo and Spirit before the DDP change? I seem to remember having to pay in advance for the dinner show and then once I was at the resort and paid for my DDP at Check-in, having to go to the concierge to switch the ressie to my DDP and refund my CC for my prior payment.

 

[aggiemullins]

I can totally relate to the frustration. We are new DVC members and I will get flamed for this but the deals are becoming so great for room only discounts and free dining discounts and the rooms being cleaned nightly for regular resort guest, along with all these crazy dining plan problems reported from those who split their dining up. I wonder what was I thinking. After 10 years of this I might be so tired of the drama and not want to go to Disney thus it could be a loosing proposition. I havent seen any benefits to DVC latley. People say you can stay deluxe without the cost well I'm still spending to the tune of 300 a month to use points every other year, just for a room. I must have been on something good when we went on the tour and decided to buy in. Go figure.

I've "run the numbers" more times then I can count for friends of mine looking to rent points. In my experience, if you value your points at $10/pt, and add in the cost of DDP for your trip, and compare it to Disney's best offers you consistently get a deluxe resort stay for the cost of a value resort stay. It's also pretty consistently about half the cost of what Disney asks for a deluxe stay.

"Free" DDP is never really free. They manipulate their numbers in other areas (raising hotel rates) so that you're always paying about the same. At least that's what I've always found.

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

Actually, that change in policy has been on the member website since BEFORE FEB 14, 2010.!!!!
I opened a thread about it back then.
That has given you almost 10 months to save up>

Which would be totally fine if I knew. I don't remember getting an e-mail from member services about the change, and unfortunately I usually check in on here when I am getting close to my next trip. I was in Disney Feb. 13-19 last year, and missed this since I planned everything months before.End Quote.


As I said, it WAS ON THE MEMBER WEBSITE since Feb 2010.
Posted by Deb & Bill on the Dsiboards DVC Planning thread Feb 16, 2010:


From the website:

"System enhancements to improve Member experience

This spring, system enhancements at Disneyland®, Walt Disney World® and Disney Vacation Club Resorts will aim to improve the Member and Guest experience through what's being described as one of the largest Information Technology efforts in the history of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

Here's a look at some of the changes Members will experience when the enhanced systems are in place:
...
•Members who prefer to pay for their Disney Dining Plan prior to arrival will be able to do so through Member Services when booking their reservation. Members who don't wish to pay in advance will still have the option of adding their Disney Dining Plan to their reservation as many as 48 hours prior to arrival and paying for the plan just prior to the start of their vacation."

 

[erionm]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't we (DVC Members) required to pay by CC for Cindy's Castle, Hoop De Doo and Spirit before the DDP change? I seem to remember having to pay in advance for the dinner show and then once I was at the resort and paid for my DDP at Check-in, having to go to the concierge to switch the ressie to my DDP and refund my CC for my prior payment.

I think the new dining reservation software has forced the pre-payment. I had seen posts where members would call MS to make an ADR for Cinderella's Royal Table and tell the CM they were going to added the dining plan later. The old system would let the CM make the ADR without the DDP being in place. Now the dining software the CM sees is the same as we can access online. The new system requires payment in full if the DDP is not on the room reservation.

 

[Sandisw]

Actually, that change in policy has been on the member website since BEFORE FEB 14, 2010.!!!!
I opened a thread about it back then.
That has given you almost 10 months to save up>

Which would be totally fine if I knew. I don't remember getting an e-mail from member services about the change, and unfortunately I usually check in on here when I am getting close to my next trip. I was in Disney Feb. 13-19 last year, and missed this since I planned everything months before.End Quote.


As I said, it WAS ON THE MEMBER WEBSITE since Feb 2010.
Posted by Deb & Bill on the Dsiboards DVC Planning thread Feb 16, 2010:


From the website:

"System enhancements to improve Member experience

This spring, system enhancements at Disneyland®, Walt Disney World® and Disney Vacation Club Resorts will aim to improve the Member and Guest experience through what's being described as one of the largest Information Technology efforts in the history of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

Here's a look at some of the changes Members will experience when the enhanced systems are in place:
...
•Members who prefer to pay for their Disney Dining Plan prior to arrival will be able to do so through Member Services when booking their reservation. Members who don't wish to pay in advance will still have the option of adding their Disney Dining Plan to their reservation as many as 48 hours prior to arrival and paying for the plan just prior to the start of their vacation."

It was also in the Spring (I believe ) copy of the Disney Files.