Disney Dining Plan for DVC

[deide71]

Disney sets the rules and can even change them in the middle of your stay. Their rule is kids that pay the kids price eat from the kids menu. But it's their dime, unlike the occupancy discussion, and if they chose to or not to enforce it; that is their choice. However, IMO, this is he single largest item that killed the FnF plan we were discussing on another thread. So if Disney continues to play it lose, the risk of severely negative changes to the plan is much higher in the long run.

I truly don't understand the people that feel the need to use child's credits for adult meals and pay OOP for the kids to get "more bang for the buck".

We used the dining plan for our family (2A+2C) without any advance planning on the most expensive restaurants. We used aduld credits for adults and child credits for the kids, and our total receipts were still $300 less than if we had not purchased the plan.

Vacation budgeting was easier too, since we had pre paid our meals.

I hope that manipulation of the plan does not affect those of us that choose not to. Really, it's complicated enough as it is.


And, just an aside. DVC offering the dining plan to members staying on points is what pushed me over in my decision to add on 120 pts @SSR .

 

[Dean]

I truly don't understand the people that feel the need to use child's credits for adult meals and pay OOP for the kids to get "more bang for the buck".

We used the dining plan for our family (2A+2C) without any advance planning on the most expensive restaurants. We used aduld credits for adults and child credits for the kids, and our total receipts were still $300 less than if we had not purchased the plan.

Vacation budgeting was easier too, since we had pre paid our meals.

I hope that manipulation of the plan does not affect those of us that choose not to. Really, it's complicated enough as it is.


And, just an aside. DVC offering the dining plan to members staying on points is what pushed me over in my decision to add on 120 pts @SSR .

I'm not sure how your response relates mine that you quoted unless you're agreeing with me that Disney should enforce the rules of this plan. As to cost and savings, did you take into account that you may have ordered things you would not have and did you consider the potential discounts involved if you had not been using the DP.

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

I am renting points for my October 2006 stay at BCV. I called Member Services this morning, mainly for the purpose of confirming the ressie in my name. I asked if I would be able to add the dining plan myself, or if I would need the member to do it for me. The super-great CM I had told me she could add it for me. I wasn't required to give a credit card number. She gave me a total which will be paid at check-in. I was really surprised when she told me that she would be able to help me with ADRs at the 180 mark. But don't worry, I won't take advantage of Member Services for that, as you are the ones paying for that service. I will make my own ressies through Disney Dining. I just thought it was interesting that she offered, knowing that I am a renter instead of a member.

Since this is the first day of booking the dining plan, they are still working out a few kinks. She had to put me on hold for a minute while she figured out something. Still, I thought the process was very smooth.

I am very anxiously awaiting my first stay at a DVC resort! I'm hoping it will be what DH needs to convince him that we should buy in!

 

[unixadm]

The Member Website has the specifics...basically the same as the MYW terms:

Disney Dining Plan Now Available to Members
The Disney Dining Plan includes over 100 selected Counter Service and Table Service restaurants, including our legendary Disney Character Dining and select Downtown Disney® locations (payment of a surcharge is required for certain entrées at Planet Hollywood® and Wolfgang Puck® Café).

You can also find selected Snack locations throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort. Most cart locations selling frozen ice-cream novelties, popcorn or Coca-Cola products accept your Disney Dining Plan.

For each night on your reservation, you enjoy:

1 table-service meal including appetizer, entree, dessert (excluding breakfast), and nonalcoholic beverage and gratuity charge
1 counter-service meal including entree, dessert (excluding breakfast) and nonalcoholic beverage at select counter-service locations
1 snack, such as a frozen ice cream bar, box of popcorn, 20 oz bottle of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dasani water or a medium fountain soft drink at select snack cart locations
As an added benefit, you may exchange 2 table-service meals for either 1 Signature Dining Experience at one of our finest restaurants, such as the acclaimed California Grill or for 1 Disney Dinner Show, such as Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.
Children ages 3-9 must order from the Children's Menu if available.
Redeeming Your Meals
Present your Key to the World card to your server prior to ordering so your server knows to charge meals to your Disney Dining Plan. This will save time at check-out. Gratuities/service charges for Table Service meals are already included in your Disney Dining Plan.

The following are not included in the Disney Dining Plan:
Room service (in-room dining)
Pizza delivery
In-room mini-bars
Souvenir or refillable drink mugs
Children ages 3 to 9 must order from the Children's Menu where available. Children under the age of 3 may share from the adult's plate if desired.

Tracking Your Meals
Your meal usage will be tracked electronically to your reservation. Each time you redeem meals or snacks from your Disney Dining Plan, your server or cashier will provide you with a receipt showing your remaining balance for that portion of your Disney Dining Plan.

For example, if your party of four (4) started with 20 counter-service meals and everyone in the party used one (1) counter-service meal, your paid receipt from the cashier would indicate a balance of 16 counter-service meals for the remainder of your reservation.

Contact your hotel front desk at any time should you need assistance with your meal plan balance. All unused meals expire at midnight on your reservation check-out date.

Using Your Meals
Use your meals and snacks in any order and in any amount throughout your package stay until your total is depleted.

For example, on the day of check-in your party could use four (4) counter-service meals, and then on day 2 your party could use four (4) table-service meals, four (4) counter-service meals, and two (2) snacks. You can continue using meals any way you like for the rest of your package stay until the number of meals/snacks are depleted.

Disney Dining Plan may not be sold separately, transferred, refunded or redeemed for cash in whole or in part. Theme Park admission is required for some dining locations. Advance Reservations may be required at some restaurants included in the Disney Dining Plan. Operating hours, menus, entertainment, Characters, Disney Dining Plan locations, components and terms are subject to change without notice. Disney Dining Plan is based on the length of your reservation at your Disney Resort Hotel. The owners of the Walt Disney World Resort shall not be responsible for the non-utilization of package components due to refurbishing, capacity, inclement weather, or any circumstance beyond their control.

 

[BCVOwner2002]

Thanks for the information. I can't believe how much money was saved by using the dining plan. Annmarie