DDP and discount tickets

[pbrim]

I am trying to figure out how this works. I understand that in order to get the DDP you need a reservation at a Disney Resort and at least a 2 day base ticket. Is there a way to get the DDP if you buy your tickets from some other source? Can you add it on arrival when you show up with your ticket in hand? Or do you have to buy your tickets from Disney to get the DDP?

 

[plutolovr]

You must buy your tickets as part of a package from Disney. You cannot get the Dining Plan without purchasing tickets unless you're an AP holder and book an AP discounted room or a DVC member staying on points.

 

[vicki_c]

And you can't add it on arrival, even if you already have a room+tickets package booked. It has to be added at least 72 hours in advance of your arrival date.

 

[TDC Nala]

You need at least a two day base ticket for the free dining promotion, and at least a one day base ticket for a regular package reservation with paid dining.

You could theoretically take the two or one day ticket and either supplement it with discounted tickets bought from another source (in that case you would be buying two shorter tickets instead of one long one and that would negate the discount you got from buying the second ticket elsewhere, because Disney multi-day tickets get cheaper per day the more days you add) or keep the two or one day ticket for a future trip and just use the discount ones. These are not options that would save anyone money. If you want a dining plan your best option is probably to buy a length of stay, non-discounted ticket from Disney, unless you really want to keep the tickets you had to buy with your package for another trip.

Or, if it's not free dining you are after, you can rent points from a DVC member - no ticket purchase at all is required to add a dining plan to a DVC reservation.