Does the DDP make sense when can not get reservations?

[Missing Mickey]

Hello everyone--

I am always a last minute planer(that always causes trouble for me) But now I am starting to get interested in the DDP-I tried to get some dinner reservations but can not for most nights at sit down resturants. I am concerned that if we did sign up for the DDP it would cause me all kinds of stress because we would not get into the table service resturants. Is the DDP better left to those who can plan out more than days ahead of time? (our trip start Saturday)

PS What percentage of dinners are planning 180 day ahead of schedule?-.

Any advice would be great

 

[bicker]

While there are a few restaurants where you do need to book long in advance if you want a reservation for dinner at a prime hour, generally that's not the case. As long as you are flexible with regard to both the time you eat and the restaurant you eat at, you can generally book most every meal even as little as a day or two prior.

 

[The Sweetness]

If you already have your resort res, see if you can book an ADR for each day of your vaca. If you think you will get your $$$ worth and enjoy your dining, get the DDP. If not, either keep the ADRs that you were able to make and enjoy them OOP, or cancel them, allowing the space to be avail. for other potential guests

 

[kcashner]

One can only guess what percentage of people book 180 days out....but I've never had a problem with booking in the 30-45 day range.

I'd do the DDP even if I couldn't get a lot of bookings ahead--at least if you are a small group. I've not had problems changing ressies after we arrive at WDW (but we are a party of 2). It seems that people are always cancelling and changing ressies, so things open up.

 

[MSSANDRA]

I'm not sure that I would book it with out some ADRs. YOu are going at a really busy time. We were there early December a few years ago and MANY resturants were not taking walk ups and that was before the DDP. I agree that I would see what you can get and then look at getting the plan. It is only good if you can use it!!!!!!

 

[Starr W.]

I'm not sure that I would book it with out some ADRs. YOu are going at a really busy time. We were there early December a few years ago and MANY resturants were not taking walk ups and that was before the DDP. I agree that I would see what you can get and then look at getting the plan. It is only good if you can use it!!!!!!

I'll second that! Saw a lot of people grousing about not getting TS walk ups or no one told them you should ADR. The DDP plan is a rip off, etc. This was Thanksgiving this year. We got a couple of ADR's about a month before we went. We had a great time, but for next year you bet I'll be calling around the 180 day mark. If you don't mind, it was very easy to get the early Hoopty Doo show on Thanksgiving.

 

[bicker]

The CMs at every restaurant should be trained to respond, "Sorry, but we can't fit any more guests in here, but let me help you find a restaurant to have dinner at this evening." If guests can't be bothered to have the CM help them find a place to go for dinner, then I'd figure that's their decision/their responsibility.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Hello everyone--

I am always a last minute planer(that always causes trouble for me) But now I am starting to get interested in the DDP-I tried to get some dinner reservations but can not for most nights at sit down resturants. ...

The thing to remember is that unless you are staying at a DVC resort on points through Member Services, you cannot just ADD the Dining Plan. It is purchased as part of a package deal - rack rate room and theme park tickets and dining plan for all members of your party for the entire stay.

So if you already have a room-only reservation, you can't just ADD the dining plan. You'll have to cancel that and do a package.

 

[bicker]

To be fair, as long as there is space available in eligible inventory, Disney does tend to make the switch from room-only to package very easy, almost unnoticeable (as long as you booked the room-only through them, instead of through a booking engine or travel agent).

 

[Luv2Roam]

I would say if a guest cannot make sit down meals, for whatever reason, then the DDP is not for them.

As someone stated IF you have a Room Only then you will need to switch to a package. And DDP has to be added 3 days/72 hours in advance of check-in date.

 

[JimMIA]

I would forget DDP for this trip. You will find many of the Epcot restaurants so overbooked with CP ADRs that they are not even accepting walkups. In fact, you are going to find many days when none of the theme park TS restaurants have any TS availability at all. Sure you might be able to get in at some of the resort venues or DTD, but without ADRs you like, I wouldn't chance DDP.

I think DDP works great for planners who can get what they want, but if you can't do that and you're going at a busy time, I think you're better off eating offsite.