DDP Questions...

[hbarr11]

Im planning our first family trip to WDW and have a few questions about the DDP. We are planning to stay at Art of Animation in mid October 2014.

1. Im planning to book Disney hotel on expedia or orbitz, will I still be eligible for the DDP? If so, how do I sign up for it?

2. Can I wait to add the DDP to my reservation? Im just not sure yet if I want to purchase it.

3. We are planning our trip for October, do they ever offer the free DDP at all during that time of year?

4. If I buy the DDP and then its offered for free, can I change it to the free one?

Sorry for all the questions, I just want to make sure I understand all the options

 

[smitch425]

Im planning our first family trip to WDW and have a few questions about the DDP. We are planning to stay at Art of Animation in mid October 2014.

1. Im planning to book Disney hotel on expedia or orbitz, will I still be eligible for the DDP? If so, how do I sign up for it?

2. Can I wait to add the DDP to my reservation? Im just not sure yet if I want to purchase it.

3. We are planning our trip for October, do they ever offer the free DDP at all during that time of year?

4. If I buy the DDP and then its offered for free, can I change it to the free one?

Sorry for all the questions, I just want to make sure I understand all the options

1. Not sure, but if you are hoping for FD, it would be easiest to book direct through Disney. Hopefully someone else can give you a good answer to this one.

2. Dining plans must be added at least 72 hours prior to your check in date. Not sure how that is handled with an outside booking like Expedia, though.


3. FD is typically offered in Oct, but there are blackout dates. What is your desired check in date?

4. A discount can be added later if there is availability at your resort. Only a certain amount of rooms are included in each deal, and certain room types/resorts are excluded. The sooner you call once the deal goes live, the better your chances are at getting it added to your reservation. Again, not sure how this is handled with an outside booking.

 

[sharonabe]

You will only get FD if you book directly through Disney or an approved Disney travel agent. I'm pretty sure Expedia does not qualify for that.

Even though they have started offering paid dining without tickets, I think that still has to be done directly through Disney. It's still considered a package deal.

 

[mickeynut1]

I agree with the pp. From what I understand, the DDP is not available when booking through a third party. Also, in order to get FD, you must book through Disney (or an approved Disney TA), purchase a minimum 2 day park ticket for everyone on the reservation, and pay rack rate for the room.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

No DDP available when booking through a third party broker/reseller. These are room-only reservations not packages. DDP is available only with packages.

You must book directly through Disney to book a package with DDP, or use a travel agent who books through Disney on your behalf.

Also, in order to get FD, you must book through Disney (or an approved Disney TA), purchase a minimum 2 day park ticket for everyone on the reservation, and pay rack rate for the room.

This is exactly what you must book for free dining (also 3 night minimum). You will not be able to get dining, free or otherwise, on a third party reservation.

 

[hbarr11]

Thank you everyone for the responses. So glad I asked these questions before booking with a third party. I guess its booking through Disney after all. Thanks again!!