Dining plan and AP??

[Minnie1156]

Can you use the dining plan if you have an annual pass? I am going twice next year and it is cheaper to get the AP but I want the dining plan.

 

[jenjen212]

OK not sure if you are talking about having the dining plan while using AP park tickets, or using an AP room rate??

Technically...

The dining plan is only offered on a 'package deal', so you HAVE to buy tickets too. Everyone has to have the same ticket purchased. But you can buy everyone a 1 day ticket pass. So if you are staying for 7 days, you can buy a 1 day pass, and then get the meals for the 7 days. There are people who don't go to the parks everyday and just enjoy the resort for some of the days of their trip.

Then, you have to get the room at rack rate. You can't use any discounts applied to the rate of your room.

I think that it is a good deal, depending on how much you normally spend on food when you are there. If you normally do ADRs for at least 1 sit down meal a day, then it is worth it (even if you have to buy a 1 day pass). Depending on how long you will be there, and how much you normally spend on food while there, it is worth it. Calculate the math according to what you normally would be spending without the plan, and see if the difference is worth it.

We are going on the dining plan coming up, we purchased the 1 day passes. My DH and I are AP holders. We are giving our tickets to a family member who will be joining us who has to purchase tickets anyways, because he is not an AP holder. So they won't go to waste. Can't wait... only a few days more til we go!!!!

good luck, whatever you do!

 

[PrincessTrisha]

Then, you have to get the room at rack rate. You can't use any discounts applied to the rate of your room.

Actually, this is not true.

You can get a AAA discount (by using a AAA travel agent) and Disney has recently offered discounted packages as well (Next month I am saving $600 off the rack rates for my package).

The dining plan can not be combined with AP / Florida Resident or CM rates.

I would suggest looking at the OVERALL cost of your trips before getting an AP (rooms, tickets and food). Lately, the AP discount has been only a few dollars more that the GP rate.

Of course, if you do go the AP route, you can purchase the Disney Dining Experience Card for $60 (this gets you 20% off your food and alcohol).

 

[jenjen212]

really?? i didn't know about adding AAA discount in to the dining plan, good to know.

i know that Disney will randomly mail out offers for special package rates for certain times. For instance, i recently received an offer from disney as a florida resident to get fl resident prices (tickets and room) and get free dining(i am soooo excited and can't wait .

But that is not something that they give out all the time. Make sure you register with disneyworld.com, and keep your email and mailing address up to date. They will usually use that to mail out to selected guests special package rates that come with a pin number.

good luck!

 

[Minnie1156]

thanks for all the info

 

[PrincessTrisha]

i know that Disney will randomly mail out offers for special package rates for certain times. For instance, i recently received an offer from disney as a florida resident to get fl resident prices (tickets and room) and get free dining(i am soooo excited and can't wait .

But that is not something that they give out all the time. Make sure you register with disneyworld.com, and keep your email and mailing address up to date. They will usually use that to mail out to selected guests special package rates that come with a pin number.

good luck!

I was not referring to PIN codes (which despite having signed up for every single Disney related email, I have never gotten ).

For travel from October -December there is a General Public Code out which offers a savings on the MYW and MYW with dining packages.

They are available to anyone who knows enough to ask for a discount (thanks Mousesavers!) Of course, availability is limited, so some flexibility may be required.

 

[magsmom]

You can't get an AP discount off of the room and be eligible for dining. There are a couple of ways to get the dining if an AP holder, however...

1. Rent DVC points then add the dining (if not a DVC member)
2. Get the dining package but only request a 1 day base ticket. Then, use the 1 day base towards the purchase of your next AP (or just use the ticket).