Disney Dining Plan and HDDMR

[LCoulter]

My family will be paying out of pocket while the other family joining us will have the basic Disney Dining Plan (which they aren't purchasing until closer to the travel date). I am the one who is planning the trip and have never had to deal with the dining plan when planning. I know that for the first two shows, we will need to select between Cat 2 or 3 since they are on the dining plan, which is fine but my question is, can I book HDDMR on-line or do I need to call. Will the system ask if we are on the dining plan or doesn't it matter as long as we select the proper category? Technically, they won't be on the dining plan when I make the ADR because they aren't purchasing it yet.

It's my understanding that I would need to pay for all of us at the time I make the reservation and then get reimbursed when we are there.

I hope all this makes sense

 

[Figmentmommy]

My family will be paying out of pocket while the other family joining us will have the basic Disney Dining Plan (which they aren't purchasing until closer to the travel date). I am the one who is planning the trip and have never had to deal with the dining plan when planning. I know that for the first two shows, we will need to select between Cat 2 or 3 since they are on the dining plan, which is fine but my question is, can I book HDDMR on-line or do I need to call. Will the system ask if we are on the dining plan or doesn't it matter as long as we select the proper category? Technically, they won't be on the dining plan when I make the ADR because they aren't purchasing it yet.

It's my understanding that I would need to pay for all of us at the time I make the reservation and then get reimbursed when we are there.

I hope all this makes sense

Yes you can make your ADR online. As you stated, you will need to pay upon making your ADR but can have that adjusted to the Dining Plan later on. As long as you pick the appropriate Category, given some in your party will eventually use the Plan credits, there shouldn't be an issue. I don't think it will ask you about the Dining Plan - assuming you are making the ADR through your MDE - unless you already have the plan. In case you aren't aware, you can select Cat 1 for the 8:30 show.

 

[LCoulter]

Yes you can make your ADR online. As you stated, you will need to pay upon making your ADR but can have that adjusted to the Dining Plan later on. As long as you pick the appropriate Category, given some in your party will eventually use the Plan credits, there shouldn't be an issue. I don't think it will ask you about the Dining Plan - assuming you are making the ADR through your MDE - unless you already have the plan. In case you aren't aware, you can select Cat 1 for the 8:30 show.

Yes, thanks, I do know about the 8:30 show that can book Category 1. We will have two 6 year olds in the other family and the Mom doesn't think they will do well that late. We've tried all three categories and all though 1 is our favorite, the other two are fine.

 

[Figmentmommy]

Yes, thanks, I do know about the 8:30 show that can book Category 1. We will have two 6 year olds in the other family and the Mom doesn't think they will do well that late. We've tried all three categories and all though 1 is our favorite, the other two are fine.

I agree - all categories are good at HDDR. We've only ever sat in Cat 2 and our seats were excellent!

 

[Sarahboo]

When I booked HDDR on DDP, I did not have to pay, MDE allowed me to reserve category 1 for the late show with DDP.

 

[Hopefully]

When I booked HDDR on DDP, I did not have to pay, MDE allowed me to reserve category 1 for the late show with DDP.

Your scenario is more complex than most since you are 2 families wanting to pay in different ways.
In order to use DDP credits, as above, they would have already have to have purchased the DDP and have it associated to their account.
Since you will be booking for all, you will need to pay OOP upfront on booking. On arrival at Pioneer Hall (leave extra time that day) you can have the cost of their meals applied using credits and you will have your credit card account credited that cost.