Dining plan dilemma question

[msvlg]

I have a few questions about the dining plan. Do the seasonal rates apply to people staying at DVC resorts? We are staying at BCV April 11-18. This timeframe is within regular season for dining plan. I am thinking of adding on another night April 10, however the 10th falls in the peak season timeframe. If I add the 10th on will I have to pay peak season for the entire stay or just on the 10th? Could I book the one night as a separate ressie without the dining plan? We certainly could live without it for one day. I would any appreciate feedback on this matter. THANKS!

 

[Sandisw]

From what is posted on the DVC member website (and what some members have been told by MS), there is no price difference for the dining plan for DVC members.

Of course, until someone goes in 2010 during one of those times, no one knows for sure. Even if it turns out there is, you would only pay the higher price for the night of the 10th per the information I have read.

You can book the last night as separate ressie and not get the DDP. It can not be linked to the first reservation so you would have to check out and back in and most likely have to move rooms.

 

[JimMIA]

I don't know the specific answer to your question, but generally the rate that applies to the beginning of DDP carries through until you leave. This usually comes into play over the New Years period when the price of DDP changes.

I think the only way to really tell is to call Disney Dining directly and ask them. I doubt if MS will know, and as mentioned above, this is a whole new ballgame.

On the bright side, depending on the size of your family, you're probably talking about <$20 max.

 

[twoehr]

Going back to the original question, it seems to be asking about a price change to the dining plan in April. It is my understanding that the dining plan is a fixed cost per day and does not vary with the DVC point "seasons". It may change year-to-year, as the follow-up mentions. So, I'd say you'll have no issue in April with the rate of your DDP changing during your stay.

 

[Chuck S]

Going back to the original question, it seems to be asking about a price change to the dining plan in April. It is my understanding that the dining plan is a fixed cost per day and does not vary with the DVC point "seasons". It may change year-to-year, as the follow-up mentions. So, I'd say you'll have no issue in April with the rate of your DDP changing during your stay.

The 2010 DDP has "seasons" of its own, separate from resort seasons. This is to extend the "peak seasonal" dining upcharge that has been applied to non-DDP cash restaurant folks at buffets and chracter meals. As to whether they will apply that DDP upcharge to DVC guests, MS is saying no, but I still can't imagine charging cash package guests the upcharge for DDP and not DVC.

 

[miprender]

Is this new "The Seasons"because everytime we booked as a cash customer with the package the price is always the same.

Since I will be renting DVC points for our upcoming trip for April 15-24, what "Season" would I fall under?

 

[CarolMN]

.......(snip)....Since I will be renting DVC points for our upcoming trip for April 15-24, what "Season" would I fall under?

In 2010, those dates all fall within Magic Season. At the top of the Forum you will find a link to the DVC Point Charts. You can figure the amount using the charts. Note that the charts are different for each resort and that the 2009 charts are different from the 2010 charts.

 

[JimMIA]

Is this new "The Seasons"because everytime we booked as a cash customer with the package the price is always the same.

Yes, it's new for 2010. If you look back at the history of DDP, you will see first a gradual increase in pricing, and over the last 3 years or so a rapid, BIG increase in pricing.

The best place to get accurate info on DDP is the DIS's Disney Dining Plan forum. Many of the folks over there really follow DDP very closely, and can usually give you pretty good information.

To decide whether DDP is worthwhile for your family, I think it is important to compare the DDP price to what you actually think you would really spend if you were paying cash. If you compare DDP to the inflated menu prices, of course it will look cheaper -- but if you compare it to the real world, you may get a very different picture.

Using honest comparisons back in the heyday of DDP, we saved only a modest amount. We haven't done DDP in 3 years, and in fact have rarely eaten onsite since we freed ourselves from DDP.

 

[miprender]

Believe it or not, I am one of the few who love the Dining Plan. When we went in April during Easter week, we saved since they had the surcharge on all the restuarants.

We eat at alot of the character meals and since we have some little ones it comes to only $10 per child/day which is still a good deal for our family.

We will still get the dining plan again for this trip, but it just worried me about the "seasons" since I have never heard of this before. Since this will be the first time using rented DVC points.

I'll have to check out the Dining Thread.

Thanks everyone.

 

[Sandisw]

Believe it or not, I am one of the few who love the Dining Plan. When we went in April during Easter week, we saved since they had the surcharge on all the restuarants.

We eat at alot of the character meals and since we have some little ones it comes to only $10 per child/day which is still a good deal for our family.

We will still get the dining plan again for this trip, but it just worried me about the "seasons" since I have never heard of this before. Since this will be the first time using rented DVC points.

I'll have to check out the Dining Thread.

Thanks everyone.

I may be misreading your post, so forgive me if I am misunderstanding. But I think you are confusing two different "seasons".

DVC has seasons that determine the point values for rooms during a stay. For your DVC rental, the dates you will be going are during "Magic Season".

The 2010 DDP now has "seasons" associated with it. Prior to this, the DDP was one set price the entire year---2009 it was $39.99 per night (adult).

In 2010, the regular season price for the DDP is $41.99 per night (adult). However, there is now a "peak season" for the DDP and the cost goes up to $46.99 per night (adult).

What you pay will now be based on the dates you go. From what I read, if your trip overlaps the regular and peak season, you will be charged differently for each night.

Now, since you will be on a DVC points reservation, according to what has been published for DVC members, you will NOT be charged the "peak season" DDP rate--you will pay the $41.99 per night (adult) for your entire stay. Does anyone know for sure this won't change? No, but that is what we are being told right now.