DDE without buying AP..........???

[coasterbob]

Now that the Disney Dining Plan is being made available to DVCers WITHOUT any stipulations (i.e. tied into tickets, packages, etc.), it is time that we push for making the DDE available to us, without needing to purchase an AP. We are usually once-a-year visitors to the MOUSE, and just joined this fine community on New Years day, so an AP doesn't make sense for us at this time. I feel it only right that since one dining plan is being offered, it would be fair to offer the DDE to us. I would even accept a reasonably higher cost of the card to those of us who don't buy an AP.

What about it DVCers? If you agree then let DVC management know via email, fax or letters. I understand that this is the way we got the Dining Plan approved. I saw similar thoughts in another thread, and wanted to express my opinion Bob

 

[Melrosgirl]

I like the idea, but is the DDE run by Disney? For some reason I want to say it's not. A third party is in charge of it? Is that right?

 

[coasterbob]

I like the idea, but is the DDE run by Disney? For some reason I want to say it's not. A third party is in charge of it? Is that right?

I do believe Disney runs the program, but I was just speaking in general terms, and do not know enough about it. Just put it out for discussion..... Bob

 

[Sammy]

I have to agree with you on this. We try to get to WDW once a year, but now do not spend as much time in the parks....just a few days to get our "fix". We like to relax around the resorts, Boardwalk and DTS now, so APs are definitely not worthwhile for us. I would love to have access to some form of DDE.

 

[Mary Ellen]

Sorry Bob, we can't get behind you on this one. We also are once a year-ish, but we do manage to return just before our year is up on our APs. We get 2 stays of about 10-12 days each on our APs. It can be done. Disney is already selling us the DDE for less than the FL residents pay.

 

[coasterbob]

Sorry Bob, we can't get behind you on this one. We also are once a year-ish, but we do manage to return just before our year is up on our APs. We get 2 stays of about 10-12 days each on our APs. It can be done. Disney is already selling us the DDE for less than the FL residents pay.

I am glad you can get 10-12 days a year at WDW, and was just throwing this out there for discussion. I realize that DVCers can buy the DDE with the AP/Florida resident requierment, and that the Disney dining Plan has no stipulations now. I was just hoping that Disney might recognize all of our substantial (DVC) financial contributions $$$ to them , and offer us this perk, without stipulations, even if it would cost us a little more. Bob

 

[Mary Ellen]

I was just hoping that Disney might recognize all of our substantial (DVC) financial contributions $$$ to them

This is WHY we were offered the DDE in the first place. Many DVC grumbled about FL residents getting a discount while we, who have sunk $$$ into DVC didn't. DVC is now also getting a choice of the other dining plan without the pass/package restrictions. They ARE recognizing our substantial financial contributions.

 

[cobbler]

I too am up for this. This year we can't do the dining plan because we are staying at CR in the tower on points so can't do the dining plan. We have DDE but it will expire in October and our AP already expired. I don't think we will be going down enough this year to get an AP but might have to get one so we can renew DDE.

I think it would be nice to have without the AP.

I have already sent my comment about it through the dvcmember website. Not sure if there is a better avenue so if there is one I will send another one.

 

[JimMIA]

Despite being a Florida-resident AP holder, I'd also like to see DVC get the DDE. I don't see any reason why they couldn't offer it at the Florida Resident price of $75.

I don't think this is an issue of Disney valuing our contributions. It's a question of whether it is a money-maker for Disney. If either the dining plan or DDE gets us in their food outlets, that has to be a plus for them.

Keep in mind with the DDE that you only need one AP. You'll get two cards, and each card is good for up to ten people at each meal. The recipient of the second card does not have to be an AP holder.

 

[CarolA]

Well, I don't think the DDE addition was ever related in any way to DVC. ALL AP holders were offered the DDE it was never an DVC perk, but an AP perk.

To be honest this is why if I was DVC I would just quit giving perks.... All it does is open up more complaints.

 

[cobbler]

Me for one, I am not complaining, just think it would be nice.
I have no problem buying the one AP to get it. I just would be nice if I didn't have to.

Buy the way, as of now it isn't free for the second card. It's 60 for one card and 25 for each additional card.

 

[Mary Ellen]

That right, it is the AP that gets the DDE for $50 vs $75 for the FL residents. ( I do get confused by having SO many discounts, where each one comes from). BUT at a savings of $100 off an AP for DVC members, it doesn't take many park days to pay for the AP - and add in the DDE savings.....

To be honest this is why if I was DVC I would just quit giving perks.... All it does is open up more complaints.

This is why I can't get behind asking for more. More is never enough for some.

 

[Chuck S]

Me for one, I am not complaining, just think it would be nice.
I have no problem buying the one AP to get it. I just would be nice if I didn't have to.

Buy the way, as of now it isn't free for the second card. It's 60 for one card and 25 for each additional card.

True, the cost has gone up. As for the 2nd card, I wonder what percentage of people actually had any real "use" for the 2nd card? When I purchased last January, I was allowed a 2nd card for Mom (I know that has changed or was a mistake)...but the point is, she never used it anyway as we always dined together at Disney. For me, it was just nice having the 2nd card in case I misplaced mine. As for the OPs question about non-AP DVC families, I suspect with many families having at least one meal in the units, or those of us that find the portion just to large to justify appetizer, entree, beverage and dessert at every TS meal, it would be nice to have the DDE card as an option. But I also understand the point that Disney may feel no matter how many perks we get, we are always greedy for more. I really think having the DDE available to AP holders is a good non-DVC specific alternative...if you don't spend enough days at WDW to justify even one AP for your party, chances are you wouldn't save a whole lot of $$$ with a full price DDE.

 

[cobbler]

Right on the second card issue. Hubby always had his which was nice if I forgot mine. All this will mean now is that we will make sure we have the card with us instead of figuring the other person has theirs.

 

[dyingtodisney]

I would definitely buy the DDE vs the dining plan. I would be willing to pay FL resident price as well. THat being said I've been off the boards for about a year and I had forgotten about the DVC discount for AP's so I might purchase an AP again. Will we get a discount for AP's in 2006 as well, I believe onthe DVC website it says 2005...wasn't sure if it will continue?

 

[Chuck S]

I would definitely buy the DDE vs the dining plan. I would be willing to pay FL resident price as well. THat being said I've been off the boards for about a year and I had forgotten about the DVC discount for AP's so I might purchase an AP again. Will we get a discount for AP's in 2006 as well, I believe onthe DVC website it says 2005...wasn't sure if it will continue?

Yes, the discount for 2006 is in effect. Price has gone up some.