DDP change for DVC Members

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

I just received an email from DVC with the following news story. It's unclear on the topic, but I assume it's refering to stays on points only.

Disney Dining Plan available to more Members than ever

The Disney Dining Plan, previously available to Disney Vacation Club Members only when staying in a Disney Vacation Club Resort at the Walt Disney World® Resort, now is available to Members staying in Walt Disney World

"We're extremely excited about this," said Marcy Reed, Manager of Member Services. "The Disney Dining Plan has proven to be extremely popular with our Member families, and now more Members will be able to enjoy this offering than ever before."

The Disney Dining Plan helps families save money on dining by pre-purchasing one of three packages that include a daily combination of meals, snacks and, in the case of Disney's Plus Wine and Dine Package, a nightly bottle of wine. More than 100 Walt Disney World dining locations participate in the plan, allowing Guests to meet their family's ever-changing tastes throughout their vacation.

Remember that Disney Vacation Club Members may book the Disney Dining Plan only if they do so at least 48 hours before arriving at their resort. Call Member Services for more details.

 

[Marshay]

Yeah, I was wondering about this too. It would be really nice if we can stay at any WDW resort using cash and still get the DDP...that would open up some new possibilities for us. But I'm afraid they meant "on points"...not just showing them your DVC card...

 

[emma'smom]

What if we book a cash reservation with the DVC discount (at a DVC resort)?

 

[mikeandkarla]

Do you think Disney is letting us DVC members use the DDP plan at all Disney Resorts because with the 2008 DDP not as good as of a deal than previous years(no app., tip, snack reduction) because they think less people will purchase it? Compared to our Dec. 2007 trip with the DDP, subtracting tip and appetizers, not to mention the luxury of purchasing 1/2 gallon milk, boxes of entenmans donuts, etc.. the current 2008 DDP would have costed us $200 more out of our pocket and into Disney's.

 

[Marshay]

Do you think Disney is letting us DVC members use the DDP plan at all Disney Resorts because with the 2008 DDP not as good as of a deal than previous years(no app., tip, snack reduction) because they think less people will purchase it? Compared to our Dec. 2007 trip with the DDP, subtracting tip and appetizers, not to mention the luxury of purchasing 1/2 gallon milk, boxes of entenmans donuts, etc.. the current 2008 DDP would have costed us $200 more out of our pocket and into Disney's.

Yes, I believe with all the complaints about the plan, they are trying to reach a larger audience to buy it.

I thought the 2007 plan was a Great Deal -- definitely the way to go and was extremely popular. I think the 2008 plan is merely a fair deal -- if you do a sit-down everyday and choose the more expensive entrees, it is still cheaper than paying OOP but many people will say, no thanks...I don't need a sit-down every day. I'm personally hoping that many folks will not do the plan so maybe Disney will change back again.

One can hope...

 

[epicureangirl]

Do you think Disney is letting us DVC members use the DDP plan at all Disney Resorts because with the 2008 DDP not as good as of a deal than previous years(no app., tip, snack reduction) because they think less people will purchase it? Compared to our Dec. 2007 trip with the DDP, subtracting tip and appetizers, not to mention the luxury of purchasing 1/2 gallon milk, boxes of entenmans donuts, etc.. the current 2008 DDP would have costed us $200 more out of our pocket and into Disney's.

I think less people will purchase it (at least those who have in previous years may have been put-off from doing it again), but it still pays for Disney to open up the deal to more people, as there will still be many (especially with the changes) who will not get the value out of the dining plan. Not everyone picks the most expensive restaurants, entrees or uses all their credits. More importantly though, if Disney can keep you a happy captive, the $$$ goes in to their pocket instead of to groceries or off-site dining. Especially since they make EVERYONE on the reservation take the dining plan, they are bound to do quite well -- i.e. my 10 year old daughter will have to pay an adult price, but eats like a bird and will order the cheapest burger or pasta available!

I haven't bought the Dining Plan previously (I didn't even know about it until finding these forums), but will do so for our next trip. The meals I plan to have at Epcot alone will pay for the plan... the lunches and snacks will be as-good-as free.

 

[cobbler]

What if we book a cash reservation with the DVC discount (at a DVC resort)?

If you book a cash reservation with the DVC discount at a DVC resort through MS you can add the dining plan.

And yes the dining plan would be avail to add if you are using your points to stay at a WDW/non DVC hotel. Before you didn't have that option, now you do. But not for cash stays.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I don't thnk Disney can arbitrarily change it back. These changes were part of union negotiations for their most recent contract.

I do believe they are reaching for the larger masses to make up for those ditching the plan. I hate it though. This means it will probably be even more crowded (more tables squeezed in) and more difficult to make ADRs.

I think they may pick up more customers than they lost.

 

[Tinker74]

Do DVC members still have to pay for the plan at check in?....i hate this..I prefer to pay for my dining months in advance so it out of the way..if I take the cash with me to pay at check in I might as well not do the plan and use the cash to pay oop. Especially now the deal is not as good.

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

A little OT: I wonder if this was the big announcement due out this week that was rumored???

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

A little OT: I wonder if this was the big announcement due out this week that was rumored???

If so, then all I can say is...whoop-dee-do.

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

If so, then all I can say is...whoop-dee-do.

At least it wasn't an announcement that the planners would not be in our hands by 12/31!

 

[Marshay]

A little OT: I wonder if this was the big announcement due out this week that was rumored???

Well, considering it's Friday, I think so...no change for me. Now if they add tip back into the plan, that would be a HUGE announcement for me!

 

[dunbarfamily]

I know this is a little off topic, but forgive me as I'm new to DVC!

I thought DDP was available to ALL guests staying on WDW property. I'm confused as to why there was an annoucement made about it being available to members staying on property. I thought that was always the case.

Maybe my brain isn't working well today! Or, maybe its a blond thing!

 

[CarolAnnC]

I know this is a little off topic, but forgive me as I'm new to DVC!

I thought DDP was available to ALL guests staying on WDW property. I'm confused as to why there was an annoucement made about it being available to members staying on property. I thought that was always the case.

Maybe my brain isn't working well today! Or, maybe its a blond thing!

DDP was not available to DVC Members before. Then they made it available to DVC Members staying at DVC Resorts; and now they are making it available to DVC Members staying at the Disney Collection resorts on points.

Other than that, you need to purchase DDP when staying in a WDW Resort paying rack rate and must purchase park tickets for everyone, too.