DVC Dining Plan

[BCV23]

No, what I meant is that for Disney to prevent one ordering a dessert meant for two, they'd either have to specifically state this is not possible within the rules OR they'd have to offer the same dessert for one as an alternative. I haven't seen the paperwork that accompanies the DP, with previous programs, it was usually far more specific than anything else out there.

I disagree. I think that the stipulation on the menu that a course is for two people is sufficient to preclude someone being allowed to order it for one.

I haven't seen the paperwork for this plan either but have for the old Gold Plans, Gold Key plans, etc.. I'll have to look at them but don't recall any thing that speciifc in them. But it is just common sense.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Sorry if this has been asked.

Is there a minimum stay you need to stay at a DVC to use the Dining Plan?

In otherwords. We are staying one night on points at BCV after our Disney Cruise. Can I get the dining plan for that one night?
Thanks,
DJ

I believe I read on another post that someone was successful getting the plan for a one night stay. Be sure and post if you call MS and get a different response.

 

[Pembo]

I have it for a 2 night stay.

 

[DebIreland]

Sorry if this has been asked.

Is there a minimum stay you need to stay at a DVC to use the Dining Plan?

In otherwords. We are staying one night on points at BCV after our Disney Cruise. Can I get the dining plan for that one night?
Thanks,
DJ

I'm not certain but I know that if you get a quote on the Disney website for one night at a resort it gives you the option of the Dining Plan. I presume it's the same for DVC.

 

[Dean]

this looks like a situation where YMMV dependent upon the exact situation ~ there are so many variables (DVC owner, exchange, etc)
my "situation": DH & i (the DVC owners) are going 8/27 thru 9/1 (BWV studio, with DP). DH leaves on 9/1 when my parents & DB & family come down (using our points, into a BWV 2bdrm with DP) for 8 days. i'm staying in their villa the first 2 or 3 nights of their vacation.....

MS said to add myself to their ressie (for partial stay) at their check-in, without DP, but with ME (which i really WANT ).
they said i canNOT get DP for the few days in their villa (no biggie, i'll pay cash ), & that it won't affect their DP arrangements.

I have no doubt. Just like the LOS admission was for well, LOS. But DVC would let you drop the first or last day and frequently both. My guess is the norm is that they will force you to pay for anyone on the ressie at check in but not worry about anyone added later. I doubt they'd have a way to even do it for the day after check in other than canceling and redoing the reservation and starting all over. It will be interesting to see the posts once this gets started. I'm sure experiences will be all over the place.

 

[Dean]

I disagree. I think that the stipulation on the menu that a course is for two people is sufficient to preclude someone being allowed to order it for one.

I haven't seen the paperwork for this plan either but have for the old Gold Plans, Gold Key plans, etc.. I'll have to look at them but don't recall any thing that speciifc in them. But it is just common sense.

OK to disagree, and we do. I'd be willing to bet my membership against yours that I could get that very dessert unless the paperwork specifically precluded it though possibly a smaller version.

 

[BCV23]

Sorry I bet only when I'm certain of the outcome.

So do you also protest menus that state no substitutions?

 

[Dean]

Sorry I bet only when I'm certain of the outcome.

So do you also protest menus that state no substitutions?

Me too other than maybe just for fun, like in Trading places, and no to your menu question.

 

[DebbieB]

Sorry if this has been asked.

Is there a minimum stay you need to stay at a DVC to use the Dining Plan?

In otherwords. We are staying one night on points at BCV after our Disney Cruise. Can I get the dining plan for that one night?
Thanks,
DJ

I was just looking at the announcement on the member website. It doesn't say anything about a minimum stay.

We ate at Alfredo's on the CP Package in 12/04 and they had a dessert sampler, the waiter specifically said it could only be used with the package if shared by 2 people.

 

[BCV23]

this looks like a situation where YMMV dependent upon the exact situation ~ there are so many variables (DVC owner, exchange, etc)
my "situation": DH & i (the DVC owners) are going 8/27 thru 9/1 (BWV studio, with DP). DH leaves on 9/1 when my parents & DB & family come down (using our points, into a BWV 2bdrm with DP) for 8 days. i'm staying in their villa the first 2 or 3 nights of their vacation.....

MS said to add myself to their ressie (for partial stay) at their check-in, without DP, but with ME (which i really WANT ).
they said i canNOT get DP for the few days in their villa (no biggie, i'll pay cash ), & that it won't affect their DP arrangements.

<crossing fingers>

As I posted somewhere in this thread we may have a similar situation and I got conflicting advice from MS.

On a future trip my DH may only be there for the first night of the reservation. I was told we couldn't do the plan unless it was as the rules state: everyone on the reservation for every night of the stay.

But who knows maybe I asked the questions differently or DVC/Disney Dining is making adjustments already. When did you call Lschrow? I called a week and a half ago or so.

 

[n2mm]

I believe the credits are used per restaurant. You should be able to order anything on the menu at a 1 TS restaurant for 1 TS credit. If the restaurant is 2 TS credits then that should be what you are charged. Am I right?

Actually there are exceptions to what can be ordered on the dining plan. Even last week while at LeCellier, the server was explaining to the table next to us, what was "allowed" on the plan. Deserts for 2--sampler tray--could be ordered but will require 2 desert credits--meaning it has to be split by 2 people. I found when we use the DDP, it's easier to tell the server at the beginning and they will tell you what you can and cannot order. At one place we were able to add shrimp on the side (kona), and at another place (concourse) it would cost extra. Most of the servers are great about the DDP now and will guide you so that there are no surprises. We plan to do it again in April, but used it last year during their free dining special. It was great.

 

[RichieGraciemom]

YOu must be it for the entire stay of your dvc ressie. it is counted by the nights you stay and starts at checkin.

 

[LSchrow]

As I posted somewhere in this thread we may have a similar situation and I got conflicting advice from MS.

On a future trip my DH may only be there for the first night of the reservation. I was told we couldn't do the plan unless it was as the rules state: everyone on the reservation for every night of the stay.

But who knows maybe I asked the questions differently or DVC/Disney Dining is making adjustments already. When did you call Lschrow? I called a week and a half ago or so.

actually i saw your post, & wondered why the diff answers from MS......
i called about 2 weeks ago. the only real "variable" i can see is that i'll be there (with the DP, on a diff ressie) PRIOR to staying as a guest with my parents/DB.

i'll prob call again (this time making a note of the person i speak to), just to verify.

 

[BCV23]

actually i saw your post, & wondered why the diff answers from MS......
i called about 2 weeks ago. the only real "variable" i can see is that i'll be there (with the DP, on a diff ressie) PRIOR to staying as a guest with my parents/DB.

i'll prob call again (this time making a note of the person i speak to), just to verify.

That is interesting. I won't bother MS again until my husband's plans are more certain but will you please let us know what you learn if you do call again?

I still haven't made ARs because they will be different if we do try the DP. Perhaps I should just for get about it this trip.

I would not think the earlier reservation would matter since it is a seperate reservation.

 

[Sammie]

Now that DVC can get the Dining Plan I have studied and studied this situation, read every thread I can find on the Restaurants Board including a very interesting one that lists the best CS meals to get the most food and I see a reoccurring problem, Too Much Food.

One of the things we love most about DVC and going to Disney often is the ability to have a light breakfast in our villa and tour the parks with no plan or schedule. Certainly we plan some special FS meals but not every night. We almost always go in the summer due to jobs and extended family with kids coming and going during our stay. With the heat, I just cannot imagine eating an appetizer, entree and dessert every night and then going to a park and riding.

Usually our family might share an appetizer especially if we plan to get a dessert or even share that. I just cannot see all of us with appetizer, entree and dessert I think we would feel like Henry VIII and begin to look like him.

Am I in the minority here, do people really go to Disney and eat 3 full meals every day? I know it is a huge savings if you truly eat that much, but I am not sure that we would use all of the food or at least would feel guilty for wasting it, or miserable for eating it all.

Also do any of you feel your leisurely touring the parks will be hindered by nightly ADRs at FS restaurants. The weather is a huge consideration for us too. In the summer I would hate to have an ADR at the Contemporary, staying at SSR, and need to be there during a major thunderstorm and can't cancel because I need to eat this meal.

Any thoughts?

 

[bobbiwoz]

Isn't it 1 table service, 1 counter service and 1 snack per day? We have an annual pass and bought the DDE card, and it seems to work for us. Very often we have leftovers, or at least I do, from our table service dinner and that mostly serves for my lunch, and we have breakfast in the room. Yes, I think that the dining plan would be too much food for us.

Bobbi

 

[jekjones1558]

ADRs were the deciding factor for us. We usually book 2 or more rooms and we could choose to get the dining plan for the occupants of one room and not the other, then, essentially share the dining credits if we wished. (I posted this scenario and called MS and was told it is legal to do this). This would take care of the "too much food" issue. But the deal breaker for us was being tied to ADRs. We have come to greatly dislike being tied to any kind of schedule. We often eat off-site in order to NOT have to deal with making ressies way in advance. I realize that for many folks ADRs are no problem at all, but for us flexibility during vacation is a top priority. That is why we got a DDE card instead. We figure we'll easily get $60 worth of benefit with it and still have complete freedom in dining.

 

[Sammie]

Isn't it 1 table service, 1 counter service and 1 snack per day? We have an annual pass and bought the DDE card, and it seems to work for us. Very often we have leftovers, or at least I do, from our table service dinner and that mostly serves for my lunch, and we have breakfast in the room. Yes, I think that the dining plan would be too much food for us.

Bobbi

You are correct. For one person during a 5 night stay it would be.
5CS meals: entree, dessert and drink
5FS: appetizer, entree, dessert, and drink
5 snacks.

I think the DDE card is sounding more like what we need.

 

[Sammie]

ADRs were the deciding factor for us. We usually book 2 or more rooms and we could choose to get the dining plan for the occupants of one room and not the other, then, essentially share the dining credits if we wished. (I posted this scenario and called MS and was told it is legal to do this). This would take care of the "too much food" issue. But the deal breaker for us was being tied to ADRs. We have come to greatly dislike being tied to any kind of schedule. We often eat off-site in order to NOT have to deal with making ressies way in advance. I realize that for many folks ADRs are no problem at all, but for us flexibility during vacation is a top priority. That is why we got a DDE card instead. We figure we'll easily get $60 worth of benefit with it and still have complete freedom in dining.

This sounds like us. In a 10 night stay I might book 2 or 3 ADRs before I arrive, the rest we decide on when we arrive or even that day. Also having a car we do go off site to eat also, especially to Panerra Bread.

 

[pamjb]

DH and I were the recipient of the free dining plan when it was offered in the fall. Since we made bery few in the park TS meals. We did take the no-kids opportunity to visit some different resorts and used our table service credits there. For us, it was too much food. We used most of our snack credits at Epcot at the F&W kiosks. Had a few snack and counter service left the last day that we used to get a meal for our plane trip home. I am going againto WDW in March and have decided against the dining plan, using our DDE instead.