DDP Does it require advance ressies???

[lizanne]

I just read in another post that advance reservations are necessary when using the DDP.

We have the DDE card, but my husband wanted to use the DDP for the second part of our next trip (changing DVC resorts). We usually don't make advance ressies and if they're necessary that may factor into our decision.


Does someone know for sure?

 

[Chuck S]

Dining reservations are not a requirement for the dining plan. However, because of the popularity of the dining plan, I would recommend them for evening meals at full service restaurants, whether you're on the plan or not. I usually made same day or next day evening ressies from our room if we decided we wanted dinner out. On our last trip, I did find some restaurants that were impossible to get last minute. We had no problems, though, getting next day ressies for lunch times, if we were a little flexible on the exact times.

You may want to consider full service lunches and counter service dinners if you don't want to do any advance ressies.

The DDP must be added to your DVC room ressie prior to you arrival at the resort. You pay for the plan when you check-in.

 

[kimberh]

You can always change your ADR's if your plans change but I find that if you are wanting a popular restuarant or a popular time you need one. The parks have been much fuller lately. A party of 2 will have a better chance over a larger party but I think the days of just walking in are just about over. I did find last year at AKL that even calling on the road could not get me a ADR at Boma's but the the CM told me that since I was staying there to go the the desk and see if they could get me one and they did. Last year at LTT we heard the CM tell a couple that there wasn't a table for 3 days and then we had a problem with my ticket giving a fast pass so we had to go to guest services and a couple was in there and Guest Service's got them a table at LTT within the hour so go figure, either someone cancelled or guest services can get a few tables. I guess it never pays to ask but it was a different couple.

 

[Boston5602]

up untill last year I never made plans for meals in advance ,except for Hoop Dee Doo . We used the plan last fall and this past Feb and many times while waiting to be seated walkins would come in inquire about eating a meal and were told nothing available unless you had a ADR. This summer I'm going down without the plan and I made ressies for at least 1 meal everyday . I don't want to be left out of eating a decent meal in WDW.

 

[byoung]

It's better to make your adr's. unless ou don't care what time you eat.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I've been calling Disney regarding ADR for trips in the next 6 months, and I'm always asked if I have a dining plan. I don't call MS because it's usually over the weekend that I can discuss talk things over with DH. Do you think they keep some reservations for people without the dining plan, or do you think they try to squeeze in as many dining people as possible to avoid disappointment with the plan? Or do you think it doesn't matter, it's just for general information.

I've been finding it very difficult to get seating for 6 or more, even as far out as October. The LLT said all they had available was 4:15 for 7, for October 23rd when I called this past Saturday.

We don't use a dining plan, the DDE card seems to work best for us, at least for this year and next when we'll have the AP's. I wonder if seating would be easier for us with the plan.

Bobbi

 

[bicker]

Do you think they keep some reservations for people without the dining plan, or do you think they try to squeeze in as many dining people as possible to avoid disappointment with the plan?

There is no correlation between the Dining Plan and ADRs, in the manner you suggest. Any guest can book ADRs regardless of participation in the Dining Plan. It is very competitive because the Dining Plan is prompting more guests to patronize table-service restaurants, however. They don't hold back any tables for "non-Dining Plan" folks. There are some restaurants that release some tables at various times after the 180/190 day point, but generally that's not the case, and you should plan on booking your ADRs as early as you can if you wish to avoid disappointment as much as possible.