Dining Plan Deadline

[maryisme]

Hi,

When I made my DVC ressies for this August I was told to add the dining plan when I checked in. I thought I read somewhere that there was a deadline for adding this. Can someone tell me how it works?

Thanks!

Mary

 

[LIFERBABE]

You need to add the Dining Plan, before you check in. That could be days, hours or minutes. Just do it before you check in.

Once you check in you will not be able to add it.

This is one of those things that work exactly as they state.

 

[maryisme]

Liferbabe,

Thanks for responding so quickly! I thought I had to tell them I wanted the DP by today.

Thanks for easing my mind.

Mary

 

[LakeAriel]

Hi,

When I made my DVC ressies for this August I was told to add the dining plan when I checked in. I thought I read somewhere that there was a deadline for adding this. Can someone tell me how it works?

Thanks!

Mary

I think you mean the deadline for free dining.

 

[Chuck S]

As liferbabe indicated the Dining Plan must be added and linked into the ressie before you arrive at the resort. Member Services (last time I talked to them) requested a 48 hour notice to be sure it was properly linked before check-in, longer if you are checking in immediately after a weekend, as Member Services is closed on weekends and the resorts do not have anyway to link the Dining into DVC ressies manually.

 

[Dean]

The DVC dining plan must be through MS and prior to checkin. That means to me that it could be hours or a couple of days depending on when you are checking in, holidays and the like.

 

[BCV23]

Someone reported on the DDP Restaurant forum that they added the plan at checkin. It's under a thread about the DDP and renting.

 

[maryisme]

Thanks for all the responses. I think I got confused with Disney's free dining plan. Last night, I saw the announcement "2 DAYS LEFT!! MAGIC YOUR WAY PACKAGE PLUS FREE DINING " on the dining board and started worrying that I hadn't officially added it to my ressie.

Thanks for clearing that up for me!

Mary

 

[zulaya]

Ok, so we have to tell MS we want the dining plan at least 48 hours before we check in?

I thought we had to tell them at check-in and then pay for it right at check-in?

Do we still pay for it at check-in or do we pay for it when we have MS add it?

 

[Chuck S]

You pay for it at check-in. It has to be coded into the computer system in advance so it will show up on your room keys.

 

[BCV23]

It has to be coded into the computer system in advance so it will show up on your room keys.

I'm not sure that is the reason. The keys are coded for room number, names, charging or not right at checkin. I would think the same is true of the dining plan.

And someone has reported adding the package at checkin as I noted before.

 

[Dean]

I'm not sure that is the reason. The keys are coded for room number, names, charging or not right at checkin. I would think the same is true of the dining plan.

And someone has reported adding the package at checkin as I noted before.

Disney is nothing, if not inconsistent, it had to happen eventually. MS is very clear though that not only does it need to be added prior, it cannot even be changed at check-in in any way. It will be interesting to see people's different experiences over the next year or so with the DVC version of this program. I'm sure we'll see an isolated time here and there where people added on or dropped someone at check in, added he program at check in, added someone later in the trip and got the DDP, or were able to shorted it for a single person and not for others. It's the Disney way. As an example, I'll reference all the variability with the LOS passes prior.

 

[BCV23]

It could also be that the DDP as administered for DVC is evolving.

In addition, when I was trying to decide whether to do the DDP for an April/May trip I knew my husband might need to leave early. I asked MS if he could do the DDP for only the days he would be there. I was put on hold and then the CM told me that I could ask at checkin. It would be up to the front desk to decide. This was at BCV so really BC checkin. We ended up not asking but perhaps I should have done so for research purposes.

I do wonder if it will vary between the DVC exclusive resorts versus the ones that are based at hotels. I'm sure that is not the intention though.

I also wonder if the "requirement" to prebook is an effort to make it more comparable to nonDVC DDP when it must be a part of a package. The last I knew WDW packages needed to be paid in full...usually around 30 days out.

Agreed that it will be interesting to see.

 

[luvsTink]

Is there such a thing as adding it too early? We would like it for our January trip, but I am wondering if the packages will be changing for next year.

Anne

 

[BCV23]

I don't think you can add it yet for 2007 trips...or at least I haven't seen anyone post that the prices are out yet.

I do know that I haven't been asked if I wanted to add it for the two trips we've so far planned in 2007.

BTW, I'm certainly not advocating waiting to add the plan. The guidelines do say it must be added in advance. I just find it interesting and wondered if that has changed. However, the DVC membersite still has the same warning about booking it ahead .

 

[Dean]

Is there such a thing as adding it too early? We would like it for our January trip, but I am wondering if the packages will be changing for next year.

Anne

Once they allow it to be added for 2007, assuming they do, there's no reason not to if you're planning it. You can always cancel or change it through MS prior to check in.

 

[NMW]

Disney is nothing, if not inconsistent, it had to happen eventually. MS is very clear though that not only does it need to be added prior, it cannot even be changed at check-in in any way. It will be interesting to see people's different experiences over the next year or so with the DVC version of this program. I'm sure we'll see an isolated time here and there where people added on or dropped someone at check in, added he program at check in, added someone later in the trip and got the DDP, or were able to shorted it for a single person and not for others. It's the Disney way. As an example, I'll reference all the variability with the LOS passes prior.

I agree with Disney not being very consistent. In the last few days I have read a couple of posts on the dining board about DVC members and renters adding and paying for the dining plan as they checked in. Some were renters who didn't realize they could purchase the plan until asked about it at the front desk. It seemed to mostly happen at the hotel based DVC resorts. So maybe those resorts can add it at check-in?

BTW there is seperate "Dining Plan" sub-forum apart from the main Dining Forum. This plan seems incredibly popular. I hardly read any restaurant reviews anymore that DON'T use the dining plan. I can't even make or change an ADR without being asked if I'm on the dining plan. I still don't understand how Disney is making money on this plan, but I guess they must be. I know our family will keep buying it!

 

[kathleena]

You can't add the DP or ME for 2007 DVC booking yet. I tried to add for my April trip and was told they can't do any until the 2007 rates are published.

 

[byoung]

I add as far in advance as I can.

 

[cruisin'Mike]

Once they allow it to be added for 2007, assuming they do, there's no reason not to if you're planning it. You can always cancel or change it through MS prior to check in.

That's good to know. I plan to add it for both parts of our split trip, but I'm a little concerned about the limited choices for kids at the CS restaurants. Although even if I have to spring for some extra adult items OOP, it should still work out to be a good deal. If I find that it's not working for us, then I'll just cancel the plan for the second half of the trip. Thanks for the info.

Mike