Dining plan questions

[Pooh2]

We've never done the dining plan before but are considering it for an 8 day stay coming up for the convenience factor.
Can we wait until we arrive at the resort and add the dining plan at check-in?
Or does it have to be added before the trip?

I assume you have to call to add it?
Did not see the option to add to reservation.

Usually we get a disney gift card and pay as we go with our annual pass discount.
The dining now covers an alcohol drink or specialty drink, was wondering if that made it more worth while.

Thanks for any input!

 

[ErinsMommy]

I believe it has to be added before the trip.

This was from the Disney Mom Panel:
The Disney Dining Plans are very convenient and they make it possible to enjoy pre-paid meals throughout your vacation. ... If you are an Annual Passholder or Disney Vacation Club Member, you can also add a Dining Plan. However, you still must do so at least 48 hours prior to your arrival.Feb 10, 2018

 

[KayaWildfire]

You need to add it at least 3 days prior to check in, I believe that is the current number. Since you have annual passes, you will have to call to add it. This will make your reservation at ticketless package so will be subject to package rules like a $200 deposit and must be paid in full 30 days out.

 

[Pooh2]

Thank you.
One more question:
Does the $75.49 for regular dining plan include the tax?
Wish they would put that info right on the chart!

 

[ErinsMommy]

Thank you.
One more question:
Does the $75.49 for regular dining plan include the tax?
Wish they would put that info right on the chart!

IME most prices quoted are pre-tax, but if you call to add it or ask more info about it, i would ask rep.

 

[WIll C]

Also beware that if you have a room-only reservation and add the dining plan, it changes to a package which then changes the payment and cancellation dates.

 

[sharonabe]

Thank you.
One more question:
Does the $75.49 for regular dining plan include the tax?
Wish they would put that info right on the chart!

YES that does include tax. The only thing you would have to pay at the table is tip and anything you buy outside of the plan.

Your total cost for the dining plan should be $75.49 per night, per adult.

 

[nikkita]

We are going without it for the first time this trip. Past 2 we have gotten the DDP
I did some time working the math and, theoretically we should save money, even with the recent slight increases

 

[Mazz519]

Same here this December we are not doing the DP...last trip it was so much food that we paid for and didnt eat.... Gets more and more expensive

 

[Christine]

We've never done the dining plan before but are considering it for an 8 day stay coming up for the convenience factor.
Can we wait until we arrive at the resort and add the dining plan at check-in?
Or does it have to be added before the trip?

I assume you have to call to add it?
Did not see the option to add to reservation.

Usually we get a disney gift card and pay as we go with our annual pass discount.
The dining now covers an alcohol drink or specialty drink, was wondering if that made it more worth while.

Thanks for any input!

OP, have you looked at the costs for your planned dining? Not sure what the AP discount gets you while dining but you should consider that if you get one.

 

[Pooh2]

Not sure how to go about estimating the dining costs without the dining plan without spending hours going over menus.
I think the AP discount is usually about 10 percent at table service, I don't believe any counter service or food courts give an Ap discount.

 

[Christine]

Not sure how to go about estimating the dining costs without the dining plan without spending hours going over menus.
I think the AP discount is usually about 10 percent at table service, I don't believe any counter service or food courts give an Ap discount.

It's fairly easy to do once you have your dining plans nailed down. You don't have to go over things in minute detail but it's pretty easy to eyeball it. If you can come out ahead on your table service meal, you don't really need to micromanage the other meals. On the standard plan, a "fair deal" on a the table service credit (or it's value) is about $45. If you take a quick look at the menus, it's pretty easy to see if you'll hit the $45 dollars between your cocktail, entree, and dessert. If you're going to a buffet, SUPER easy! But if you start looking at menus and realize that you're going for the vegetarian entree or the chicken/pasta and your dinners are coming in at, say, $35 per TS, then the plan might not be for you. Or if you are coming in close to $45 but you get a 10% discount, that's something to think about. That is, if you're concerned with getting monetary value out of the plan. Many people are not.