Dining Plan vent

[JoanneNC]

Let me start off by saying I am VERY appreciative of the recent military' offers and because of them we went from no trips in 2009 to 2. So great marketing by Disney. However, I am a bit disappointed and I admit confused over the dining plan limitations being offered in conjunction with the 40% room rate deal.

We are doing a Grand Gathering in December and was most looking forward to sharing all the meal experiences with our family since it won't be commando style park venturing. We wanted to enjoy and relax through table service meals and since DH and I were footing the bill - I would prefer initial sticker shock that comes with prepaying for the food opposed to at each and every meal. BUT the military discount is being limited to the Basic Dining plan. I don't understand why? When special 40% pin codes are sent out- DxDPP is allowed. Bounce Back offers allow for the DxDPP, even free dining allows the upgarde to be purchased. So this restriction is boggling my mind. At first I thought it had to do with the waiver of the mandatory park tickets - but I am buying park tickets.. I have emailed Disney's generic email address but not holding my breath on anything more then this is just what we did.

Can anyone here think of why they might have done this?

 

[goin2themouse]

From what I've seen, the military 40% off dates have significantly more latitude than the 40% off pin offers floating around. So, even if you did receive a 40% off pin code, it's doubtful that it would work with your December dates.

It sounds like perhaps the Basic Dining Plan may not be the best fit for your family, as you'd be "stuck" with all those QS credits. Book room only, pay for the meals you'd like to out of pocket (figure out your expenses using the menus if you need to and set those funds aside), and celebrate the fact that you got 40% off a room in December!

Or, you mention that you're buying park tickets. For however many days you're booking those tickets, make a separate reservation, booking a rack rate room and add on the Deluxe Dining Plan to that. Sure, it might not be exactly what you want, but I'm sure those who "only" get 40% off pin codes would love the more flexible dates that we're offered.

 

[JoanneNC]

Granted - the military black out dates possible were less than normal 40% off pins and bouce backs. My dates are 100% flexible - I just opted for the end of year value season - so for me - yes it would work better for me to get a generic 40% off pin and add DxDPP..

Again - I am not asking for anything additional discounted or free, etc just the ability to pay full price for a different dining plan..

 

[goin2themouse]

I guess it's because the Deluxe Dining Plan is a larger savings overall, so even if you're willing to pay full price, it probably puts them under a certain profit sector should everyone wish to use it. Not that everyone using a 40% off military code would use it, but I'm sure their numbers crunchers have their reasons. KWIM?

 

[squirrel]

If you were paying for everyones DP-I really don't think the other family members can complain. I would be happy with the regular DP if some else is paying for it.

I wouldn't want to waste that much park time eating TS meals anyway.

 

[JoanneNC]

I guess it's because the Deluxe Dining Plan is a larger savings overall, so even if you're willing to pay full price, it probably puts them under a certain profit sector should everyone wish to use it. Not that everyone using a 40% off military code would use it, but I'm sure their numbers crunchers have their reasons. KWIM?

Absolutely agree with this concept and if they didn't always allow this plan with other 30$-40% pins and bounce backs and allow upgrading on free dining, etc - I never would have thought twice..

Being someone that has paid 100% rack rate for each of my last 2 trips - I am definitely appreciative - guess I just would have liked to have the same options..

Oh well - we will have fun regardless

Thanks