Do you think Disney will extend the DDP to non-resort guests?

[nicdanh]

We are staying at the Dolphin in September. I am so disappointed that I can not purchase the DDP. You would think that they would have maybe a different rate for non-resort guest. I know that Swan and Dolphin are not Disney owned. They do get the other disney benefits why not the dining plan???

 

[DebbieB]

I think part of what makes the dining plan profitable is you usually have to pay full price for the room. Since Disney is not getting money for the room, I don't see them offering the dining plan. Plus expanding the plan outside the onsite resorts would make the restaurants more crowded.

 

[bicker]

I agree that Disney has been trying to find more ways to make their own resorts more attractive to folks who would otherwise stay at the Swan, Dolphin, DTD resorts, or off-site. They've apparently hit a home run with the Dining Plan in that regard, as load-levels are quite high this year, and participation in the Dining Plan is one reason why.

 

[katebeth]

It sounds like they have a lot of people who take adavantage of the plan (even during non-free dining periods). It also sounds like that because of that, restaurants are EXTREMELY crowded...especially during busy times of year.

I think offering it to outside guests would just add to the crowded restaurants (TS restaurants especially) Disney probably realizes this.

BUT...... with that being said, Disney is probably making quite a bit of money with the dining plan and offering it to outside guests would, more than likely, help them make even more.

If money is an incentive, then offering it to outside guests could definatly be a possibility.

Just my thoughts

 

[Lewisc]

Disney says people who pay for the dining plan save about 40%. That number seems in line for guests who use all their credits. I can't see Disney extending that savings to guests who aren't staying onsite. Disney is using the plan to persuade guests into staying onsite and into paying more for their room.

S/D guests don't get to ride DME and can't charge back to their room at WDW restaurants. Disney guests dining at S/D restaurants can't charge back to their room. A better question is if the S/D sees the need to do something to compete with Disney what could they do? S/D has restaurants. They could do something like give guests one or two buffet meals per day.