Dining Plan and Tickets

[Pooh_Girl]

I know this has been asked more than a dozen times, but I can't find it on here. How do you guys deal with dining and tickets on DVC?? Is there discounts?? Can you buy the dining plan by itself?? We're on the fence about DVC, and we're trying to find out as much as possible before we make the plunge.

 

[disneynutz]

When looking to determine if the DVC is for you, don't consider anything but pre-paid resort accommodations. Things like the DDP my not be offered next year. All perks can and do change.

With that being said, currently Members can participate in the DDP and pay for it at check in. Tickets are best purchased from a discount broker. AP's are currently available through Disney with a $100 discount on a adult pass for DVC Members.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I know this has been asked more than a dozen times, but I can't find it on here. How do you guys deal with dining and tickets on DVC?? Is there discounts?? Can you buy the dining plan by itself?? We're on the fence about DVC, and we're trying to find out as much as possible before we make the plunge.

I agree with disneynutz - don't buy DVC for anything other than prepaid lodging with annual fees that continue to go up each year. Whatever perks or benefits currently exist could vanish tomorrow. And you need to use those points at Disney at least every other year, every year would be better. Don't plan on using those DVC points outside of DVC on a regular basis.

Right now you can add the dining plan to your DVC reservation but it costs exactly the same as it costs anyone else. And the rules are pretty much the same - for the entire length of your stay (number of nights) and for every guest on the reservation.

If you are seriously considering DVC, make sure you buy at the resort you wouldn't mind staying at for every trip. As DVC membership grows, it gets more difficult to get the popular times at 7 months out or less. You are never guaranteed a reservation, but you do have the opportunity to make a reservation at your home resort at 11 months out. If you can't make a reservation any longer out than six or seven months, DVC might not be for you. If you want to go at school breaks (other than summer time), it gets tougher every year to get Spring Break, Christmas Break, Thanksgiving, etc. And the non-busy times for the standard vacationer through Disney Reservations Center, can often be extremely popular for DVC members - such as early December (you have to have that reservation at 11 months out).

 

[Pooh_Girl]

Gotcha. We were mainly wondering about the dining plan just to see what all our options would be. I think we've pretty much decided to do it. Now we just need to get the down payment!!!