Disney Dining Plan for DVC members

[walter]

We will be visiting DL for the first time in late Sept. Is there a dining plan outside of package deals for DVC members? The one four day plan we saw did include 1 dinner that could be used at Napa Rose. Has anyone used this plan & Napa Rose and were your choices on their menu limited based on this plan? Also any other experiences or opinions on this plan would be appreciated.

 

[pixiewings71]

Most of us don't use any dining plans at DL, they are not the same as at WDW and the value is just not there.

 

[Califgirl]

Make sure you read the Disneyland Dining plan information carefully. Usually it is just vouchers that have a dollar amount. If you use less than your voucher amount, I believe you lose the remainder. If you go over the voucher amount, you pay the extra. It is not an inclusive dining plan like WDW has.

That said, things are always changing - so just be sure to read the fine print and know exactly what the dining plan covers and all the restrictions.

 

[DaddyDeuce]

Most of us don't use any dining plans at DL, they are not the same as at WDW and the value is just not there.

+1 to this. The DL plans don't really save you any money, and they reduce your flexibility.

 

[drag n' fly]

Op ask for a perks book at the hotel...assuming you are staying on points. This lists all the discounts available to DVC members at DL. Their are lots of discounts on places to eat onsite. The discounts are also listed on the DVC member website. There are also several great places (like Mimi's) that are within walking distance of the parks. The dining plan at DL is pre-paid vouchers and you do not get change back on your vouchers ( if you buy a 7 dollar item with a 10 dollar voucher you do not get your 3 bucks back).

 

[bumbershoot]

We will be visiting DL for the first time in late Sept. Is there a dining plan outside of package deals for DVC members? The one four day plan we saw did include 1 dinner that could be used at Napa Rose. Has anyone used this plan & Napa Rose and were your choices on their menu limited based on this plan? Also any other experiences or opinions on this plan would be appreciated.

Well, one person has mentioned being able to add the dining plan to a hotel only, without turning it into a package. She had to call. I don't know if it works that way for DVC members.

However, as everyone has said, it's not a value.

But looking into it for you taught me something new...the "Lunch or Dinner at a Table-Service Location**" thing was not there the last time I looked. And it does go on to say "Lunch or Dinner voucher accepted during lunch and dinner hours toward the purchase of one table-service Disney Dining experience, fine dining to casual dining, throughout the Disneyland® Resort, including Ariel's Disney Princess Celebration at Disney's California Adventure® Park. Daily operating hours may vary. Applicable Table Service locations include: Ariel's Grotto, Steakhouse 55, Hook's Pointe, Goofy's Kitchen, PCH Grill, Storyteller's Cafe, Napa Rose, Blue Bayou, Carnation Cafe and Wine Country Trattoria."

However, since it says it is accepted "toward" the purchase of a lunch or dinner, it's probably just another dollar-amount voucher. And it probably wouldn't go towards any wine etc you might want. Seems just like the "breakfast in the park" voucher, which kinda makes you think it goes towards the Minnie and Friends character b'fast, but it doesn't, it's just a dollar amount ($8 or $10 I believe).

Anyway, it's nice to have things pre-paid, but that's just about all you're doing with the dining plan...might as well just set the money aside, put it into giftcards or something, that you can then use for food.

 

[drag n' fly]

Well, one person has mentioned being able to add the dining plan to a hotel only, without turning it into a package. She had to call. I don't know if it works that way for DVC members.

However, as everyone has said, it's not a value.

But looking into it for you taught me something new...the "Lunch or Dinner at a Table-Service Location**" thing was not there the last time I looked. And it does go on to say "Lunch or Dinner voucher accepted during lunch and dinner hours toward the purchase of one table-service Disney Dining experience, fine dining to casual dining, throughout the Disneyland® Resort, including Ariel's Disney Princess Celebration at Disney's California Adventure® Park. Daily operating hours may vary. Applicable Table Service locations include: Ariel's Grotto, Steakhouse 55, Hook's Pointe, Goofy's Kitchen, PCH Grill, Storyteller's Cafe, Napa Rose, Blue Bayou, Carnation Cafe and Wine Country Trattoria."

However, since it says it is accepted "toward" the purchase of a lunch or dinner, it's probably just another dollar-amount voucher. And it probably wouldn't go towards any wine etc you might want. Seems just like the "breakfast in the park" voucher, which kinda makes you think it goes towards the Minnie and Friends character b'fast, but it doesn't, it's just a dollar amount ($8 or $10 I believe).

Anyway, it's nice to have things pre-paid, but that's just about all you're doing with the dining plan...might as well just set the money aside, put it into giftcards or something, that you can then use for food.

DVC members are allowed to add the WDW DDP w/no package up to 48 hrs prior to arrival but it must be done before you arrive. Since the DP at DL is just a pre-paid voucher anyone can get it with or without a package.
FYI op Gift cards sometimes cannot be read at some store registers (demagnitization etc). I would suggest Disney Dollars. You receive change back in US money and the Disney Dollars can be re-exchanged for US funds.

 

[pycees312]

i really with they would change the name of this plan at Disneyland. it's not really a plan to me.....and I can see who it can confuse other whom are used to Disneyworld. The way the dining plan is used in the World is awesome.

 

[bumbershoot]

DVC members are allowed to add the WDW DDP w/no package up to 48 hrs prior to arrival but it must be done before you arrive. Since the DP at DL is just a pre-paid voucher anyone can get it with or without a package.
FYI op Gift cards sometimes cannot be read at some store registers (demagnitization etc). I would suggest Disney Dollars. You receive change back in US money and the Disney Dollars can be re-exchanged for US funds.

I know how it works at WDW. But many things do not work the same at DLR as at WDW, and this might be one of the many (that DVC stays aren't allowed to get the plan).

I've had problems with my cards demagnetizing, and I just have the CM type in the numbers. Easy peasy. I won't do disney dollars, for one, because almost no giftshops sell them and even when they do they have to search for them...for two, they are the same as cash...I don't carry cash in the parks lest I lose my stuff. With the giftcard, I keep my initial receipt separate from my card, so that I can get it re-issued if I lose it.

In addition, the giftcards never expire, and can be used on disneyshopping.com if you have leftover money.

 

[drag n' fly]

i really with they would change the name of this plan at Disneyland. it's not really a plan to me.....and I can see who it can confuse other whom are used to Disneyworld. The way the dining plan is used in the World is awesome.

I agree

 

[Nikisha421]

I was coming over here to post the same question...I am DvC member and February 2010 will be my first time ever at DL and in California!!

So now I am totally confused about what I should do!?!??!

 

[DaddyDeuce]

I'll write the "general wisdom" on the DL dining plans again; they really aren't worth signing up for. The DL plan consists of a bunch of dining vouchers that you basically pay full price for. There is no discount built into this plan, and the vouchers have a combination of limitations on them (some are for character meals, some are for sit down dining only). You also don't get change back if your purchase isn't for the full amount of the voucher.

The only possible benefit I see to the DL plan is if you strongly prefer to pay for your meals ahead of time.

Take everyone's advice and avoid the plan unless Disney changes it.

You can typically get a 10% discount at various DLR restaurants in a few ways. Assuming you aren't an AP holder, the easiest include:

- AAA members get a 10% discount at Goofy's Kitchen, Plaza Inn, Ariel's Grotto, PCH Grill and the Wine Country Trattoria.
- Disney Rewards Visa cardholders get a 10% discount at Rancho del Zocalo, Carnation Cafe and Redd Rockett's Pizza Port, Pizza Oom Mow Mow, Wine Country Trattoria and The Vineyard Room; Steakhouse 55, Yamabuki and Disney's PCH Grill. (DRV has no annual fee).
- The Rainforest Cafe in DTD usually has a $10 off coupon you can download from their website.
- You can avoid the 25% uplift in "peak season" character meals by buying a character meal voucher from a travel agent. These are available without buying a complete package.
- Booking a package through a travel agency may include discount coupons for other dining options.