DVC Dining Plan

[*NikkiBell*]

Hi there,

Anybody know if the Premium Dining Plan is offered to DVC members now too?

 

[junkman]

I had the same question yesterday (going to BCV Feb 4th). I called member services and was told that YES renters and II traders can add on dining after April 1st. Too, late for me, but it'll work for you!

 

[InstImpres]

If so, what do I need to do?

You need to contact the person you are renting from and ask them to add it to the reservation. It must be on the reservation before checkin but you pay at checkin,

 

[DebbieB]

Hi there,

Anybody know if the Premium Dining Plan is offered to DVC members now too?

No, not that has been announced. DVC is just offering the MYW dining add-on.

 

[DisneycrazedX6]

I called yesterday to clarify a few things and this is what I found out"

If I have two room ressies(2 studios) I can get the dining plan for the people in only one room if I like, the others do not have to get it.

When you get the dining plan, each person will have their own card with their own credits on it. An adult will have their own as well as a child. If four people are eating then you will give all four cards to the waiter. There will be no pooled credits therefore no cheating the system! This is different from what I have read on the boards and maybe only applied to DVC members, who knows. In the past, I have been given misinformation so I will try another CM in the future.

Let me know if you hear anything different!!!

 

[Dale-Not-Chip]

I have been given misinformation so I will try another CM in the future.

It's true. you have to keep asking untill you get the same 3 answers .

 

[pbharris4]

It's true. you have to keep asking untill you get the same 3 answers .

I totally agree. I have been given wrong 2x from MS about the plan. I think that THEY are still learning about it as well. One of the things they told me was that you can't use the DP for the Fantasmic dining pkg., luckily..I didn't cancel right then and called back to WDW-DINE and the CM said that INDEED it is included and is 1 TS credit per prson. He asked who told me such a thing and after telling him someone from MS, he seemed annoyed. Supposedly..it's the exact same as the DP for non-DVCers, but just that it isn't tied to hotel reservations or tickets. If anyone calls..I'd say ask to speak with either a manager or someone who is very well educated on the DP.

 

[Tiger926]

That's interesting since you can't use the DDE for Fantasmic package. Hmmm? That has me thinking now.

Tiger

 

[uncgsweetz16]

Hey everyone! I recently just found out that in April the Dining Plan would be available to DVC members. Does anyone know any specifics on this? Will they use points for it or do we have to pay out of pocket as well. Just curious. Is anyone considering this as an option?! I know there are mixed reviews so far. Hope all is well!

 

[Chuck S]

It is $37.99 per night for adults, $10.99 for those 3 - 9. It is identical to the Dining Plan offered on the CRO packages, except there is no ticket purchase requirement for DVCers. It is only available for stays at DVC resorts booked through Member Services, not regular WDW resorts.

You must book the plan prior to arrival at your resort (the MS person I spoke to the other day requested 48 hours notice) as it must be linked into the ressie. You pay for it at check-in, out of pocket, not points.

 

[Dean]

I called yesterday to clarify a few things and this is what I found out"

If I have two room ressies(2 studios) I can get the dining plan for the people in only one room if I like, the others do not have to get it.

When you get the dining plan, each person will have their own card with their own credits on it. An adult will have their own as well as a child. If four people are eating then you will give all four cards to the waiter. There will be no pooled credits therefore no cheating the system! This is different from what I have read on the boards and maybe only applied to DVC members, who knows. In the past, I have been given misinformation so I will try another CM in the future.

Let me know if you hear anything different!!!

Disney is not anything, if not inconsistent. Getting 1 card per guest wouldn't stop use or abuse unless Disney decided to match up cards and credits to the person involved. Even then there are ways to work around any road blocks this might present.

That's interesting since you can't use the DDE for Fantasmic package. Hmmm? That has me thinking now.

Tiger

Even under the version of the FnF plan where you paid $50 for an adult and got a credit of $55 (10%), you could not combine (officially) with the DDE. And they usually enforced it, but not always.

 

[unixadm]

I posted this in a different thread:

I just got off the phone with Member Services and the CM was very knowlegable of the plan. She gave me the specifics:

1. Members can start booking the meal plan starting 01/03/06 through Member Services.

2. The plan can be booked for reservations starting April 1st 2006.

3. The plan must be booked for the entire length of your stay at the resort

4. There is no minumum night stay....if you are staying 1 night at a DVC resort, you can get the meal plan for that 1 day.

5. If you are doing split stays, you can get the plan for the entire trip, provided you are doing DVC resorts for the entire trip. You would just book the plan for each reservation number.

6. Payment is not made until you check into the resort. Your credit card will be charged for the entire plan at check in (not at check out). For split stays, you pay for the 1st part of the plan at check-in at the first resort, the 2nd part of the plan at check-in at the 2nd resort, etc.

7. The plan will be available for cash reservations as well (again, only for DVC resorts)

8. You must book the plan through Member Services, and it can be booked anytime up until check-in. In my case, I am checking in on Sunday April 2nd, so the latest I could call and book would be that Friday, March 31st, since Member Services is not open on Sat and Sun. If I was checking in on Monday, I could call Monday morning before I check in and add the plan.

9. You cannot add the plan once you check in.

10. You can cancel the plan anytime before check-in with no penalty, but cannot cancel once you check in.

They are putting a formal announcement together for the website, but it probably won't be up until after the Holidays.

Hope that helps.

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.

 

[Tiger926]

Oh, I think you may have misunderstood me Dean - I wasn't thinking of using my DDE card or combining it as you mentioned - I just thought this info seemed a bit confusing since they didn't allow the DDE to be used with Fantasmic package, so I am wondering why allow it with DP?

Also, some of you may have seen my other posts regarding problems with MS - I would encourage all DVCers to call MS to utilize our 1800 # and then asksed to be transferred to Disney Dining. My MS rep was totally confused and didn't really know how to make ADRs, let alone answer DP questions. MS needs to be trained in the usage of DP and at this point, based on what the rep told me, they haven't had that training yet.

Tiger

 

[pbharris4]

Also, some of you may have seen my other posts regarding problems with MS - I would encourage all DVCers to call MS to utilize our 1800 # and then asksed to be transferred to Disney Dining. My MS rep was totally confused and didn't really know how to make ADRs, let alone answer DP questions. MS needs to be trained in the usage of DP and at this point, based on what the rep told me, they haven't had that training yet.

Tiger

Good idea. I'm sure some at MS know alot about the Dp and alot do not. If they have not had the training about the DP..they should have prior to making it available. They had to know they would be flooded with phone calls on the subject and should be giving out the right information. To be honest..until a few weeks ago, I didn't even know I could make ADRs, or any other type of reservations through MS.

 

[Dean]

Oh, I think you may have misunderstood me Dean - I wasn't thinking of using my DDE card or combining it as you mentioned - I just thought this info seemed a bit confusing since they didn't allow the DDE to be used with Fantasmic package, so I am wondering why allow it with DP?Tiger

It is interesting, confusing and inconsistent. That was one of the points I was making. The other was that Disney is very usually strict about combining "discounts" even when I wouldn't look at them as a discount like the FnF card with a cash balance.

 

[Tiger926]

Thanks for the clarification - we are on the same page! Very inconsistent and confusing, but that's pretty much my experience when calling Disney lately as there seems to be a million different answers given out at any given time in regards to the same topics!

Tiger

 

[kadaten]

Oh, I think you may have misunderstood me Dean - I wasn't thinking of using my DDE card or combining it as you mentioned - I just thought this info seemed a bit confusing since they didn't allow the DDE to be used with Fantasmic package, so I am wondering why allow it with DP?

FYI....I was able to use my DDE card with the Fantasmic package the week before Christmas. When I booked I was told "no discounts including DDE" but figured not having to stand in line was worth the cost of not getting the discount. I later had to change our dining time and that CM told me I COULD use my DDE for dinner with Fantasmic package....that the policy used to be no, but had been recently changed to allow it. I figured we'd try, but not be upset if they said no. CM at dinner was only too happy to apply our discount!


ETA...sorry if that makes it even MORE confusing, but that was our experience!
I was VERY happy to be able to use it with the package. That reserved seating is the only way we can see Fantasmic unless it's very low season (kids 3 & 7 aren't too hip to wait an hour in line for seats).

 

[Tiger926]

Thanks! That does make sense then in regards to allowing DP - they more than likely have changed it. Too bad they couldn't make the changes at the beginning and get the literature right so that everyone had access to all applicable policies and program stipulations at all times! Sorry, that's the English teacher in me coming out, but honestly, if all program rules and stipulations were changed anew at the beginning of the year, they could then make available online, fax, email, etc. and they could add periodic changes or additions throughout the year (have them available on a What's New page). This would not only help us guests, but CMs as well!

Tiger

 

[mickeyluv]

I'm looking at renting points for our upcoming trip to WDW. How do you purchase the DVC Dining Plan and how much does it cost? TIA!!

 

[Tinkaroo]

There is a link to this discussion in the sticky "Ongoing DVC Discussion Topics" at the top of the page.

It looks like the cost is the same as if you were purchasing the package with a regular room, and you must add it through DVC Member Services. Payable upon check-in.