DVC Dining Plan

[Chuck S]

We have never been on the dining plan since we joined DVC. How does that work if we have family that will be joining us for a portion of our trip? Do they also have to be on the dining plan and if so, if they are only there 4 out of the 6 nights that we will be can they just buy it for the 4 nights? It never even occurred to me when I added them to our reservation, that we may not be able to do the dining plan as a result.

The same rules apply as to a cash reservation. All guests must have the DDP for the entire length of the room reservation. You will need to pay for them at check-in. The only way to have the DDP for fewer nights/guests is to have separate rooms reservations for each portion of your stay.

 

[dawgs4disney]

When you say separate reservations, does that mean when you book do 2 nights without the other family? Then book a 4 night stay with the other family, and for that portion you would not do the dining plan. Also, would you have to change rooms or will they link them so that you would not have to move? I know this is a ridiculous question, but this is just our 2nd trip as DVC members.

 

[Chuck S]

Yes, the reservations would need to be separate for each portion of the stay AND you would need to check-out and in, and may be required to change rooms. If the reservations are for the same room trype and view category, they are often automatically linked, and would then be considered one reservation...thus, if staying at BWV for example, you'd need to have some nights in Boardwalk View and some nights in standard view, etc. Or, at some resorts you could have some nights in a dedicated two bedroom and other nights in a lock-off.

 

[JasonDVC]

I just want to add our DDP experience...

There were 8 of us total but my brother had his own room and did not use the DDP while the rest of us who stayed together did.

At the end of the trip I asked everyone what their thoughts were on using the DDP. Everyone agreed that they really liked it and listed the reasons why as:
1) It made it easy to dine without having to take their wallets out and break down the bill per person.
2) The cost of the DDP was considered part of the cost of the trip so from a certain mindset they were dining out with no, to little, additional cost
3) They ate at restaurants they would not have normally chosen to eat at...but they liked that! Because the DDP was thought of as part of the cost of the trip they were able to eat at the restaurant of their choice. Had they not been on the DDP they admitted that they would not have eaten at many of the restaurants we tried but that they would have wanted to!
4) Using 2 credits for a signature restaurant was not a good idea, maybe one, but thats it. Perhaps with the DxDP it may be ok to splurge, but not the regular plan
5) We kept the receipts and at the end of the trip we saved a total of around $175, so there was savings.
6) My brother, who was not on the plan, wished that he was

Because we were mostly adults, and mostly hungry, it worked out and it was unanimous that it works for us. I can see where a family with a 10 or 11 year old who doesn't each much but has to pay adult prices, might not work for them. All I know is that unless there are significant negative changes to the DDP in the furture we will likely use it again

 

[disneynutz]

The problem with the DDP is that it makes you eat when maybe you don't really want to and it makes you modify your normal eating habits. Many use the credits on items that they would never pay cash for but they don't want to leave credits on the table.

The only way to truly see if there is a cost savings is to eat as you normally would then compare prices. Paying cash, we don't get deserts everyday but on the DDP we always throw some away when we clean out the refrigerator on the last day.

Bill

 

[are we at wdw yet]

Yes, everyone has to be on the dining plan for the entire length of the stay. I found this out the hard way last year. My daughter and I were staying for 12 days, my sister came down for 3 of those days. I had to pay for the entire 12 days of dining for my sister. If I didn't, my daughter and myself could not be on the dining plan. Needless to say, we ate like kings!!!

 

[Pirate Granny]

I'm a renter...and i've noticed that renters have been calling MS and adding DP to their reservation...I thought MS wouldn't talk to renters...has this changed? How far in advance can I book the Dining Plan?
thanks for your help.

 

[disneynutz]

I'm a renter...and i've noticed that renters have been calling MS and adding DP to their reservation...I thought MS wouldn't talk to renters...has this changed? How far in advance can I book the Dining Plan?
thanks for your help.

Contact the Member that you are renting from and have them add the DDP to your reservation at least 48 hours prior to your arrival. MS is suppose to only talk to Members.

Bill

 

[hurleysweety]

We're 10 days out and I went to do on-line check-in for our trip. Everything looks correct but nowhere does it state that we have added the DDP. Should I be worried that the DDP is not listed on my reservation, or does this type of thing not show up?

Just want to make sure we have it. DH just added it last week and the call went very smoothly as the CM was very helpful to not-so-disney-savvy DH.

Thanks!

(Also, this is an RCI transfer if that makes any difference)

Just bumping my question...hoping someone can help me out? Thanks!

 

[Chuck S]

Just bumping my question...hoping someone can help me out? Thanks!

I don't have a definitive answer for you, as I've never used the DDP. However, as DVC reservations are technically a room only reservation, and not patr of a vacation package like cash reservations, it makes sense that the DDP would not show on the online check-in. You'll notice that other requests, like floor or building, also do not show on the check-in page. And the area to add requests for DVCers during the online check-in process is usually disabled.

 

[disneynutz]

Just bumping my question...hoping someone can help me out? Thanks!

The DDP is not visible.

I contact MS 30 days prior to check in verify our reservation and requests. 25% of the time we catch a mistake or omission.

Bill

 

[Leebee1253]

I have been planning to add the Disney Dining Plan to my vaction... we are going to Disney Aug 27th - Sept 5th... this will be our first time as members of the Disney Vacation Club...now that we see the Dining Plan is free during the dates we will be there..we called up Member Services and they said we aren't entitled to the free plan?????????? I am highly upset about this especially since we asked a bunch of times about it before we bought into the DV Club..... that was one of our major points, and we were told, that if it is free during that time, we will get it.... now I am told we don't get it?? I mean, we will be adding the Dining Plan to our vacation because it does work out better money wise..... but I just feel like I was lied to so that I would buy the property.. honestly, could go for cheaper with the free dining plan, don't understand....I was told this 3 times before i bought the property.. I also was told from a castmember a month ago when I booked a dinner reservation that.... you need to add the plan 48 hours in advance and if it is offered free then, you will be entitled to get it free..... so what is the deal here?? Does anyone have suggestions, comments, etc/?? Please advise..... otherwise, I am thinking of selling it already....... come on.. paid like 25,000 for it...... plus like 1,000 a year maintenance and they can't give me the free dining plan when they offer it? Please...........I do understand if I booked our trip and it wasn't offered......but if it is offered free during that time.....why shouldn't I get it.......especially when I was told from 3 different people before buying I would be entitled to it....plus, told from a Member Service Castmember last month, the same... I am sorry for venting, but not a happy camper....

 

[brandip22]

I have been planning to add the Disney Dining Plan to my vaction... we are going to Disney Aug 27th - Sept 5th... this will be our first time as members of the Disney Vacation Club...now that we see the Dining Plan is free during the dates we will be there..we called up Member Services and they said we aren't entitled to the free plan?????????? I am highly upset about this especially since we asked a bunch of times about it before we bought into the DV Club..... that was one of our major points, and we were told, that if it is free during that time, we will get it.... now I am told we don't get it?? I mean, we will be adding the Dining Plan to our vacation because it does work out better money wise..... but I just feel like I was lied to so that I would buy the property.. honestly, could go for cheaper with the free dining plan, don't understand....I was told this 3 times before i bought the property.. I also was told from a castmember a month ago when I booked a dinner reservation that.... you need to add the plan 48 hours in advance and if it is offered free then, you will be entitled to get it free..... so what is the deal here?? Does anyone have suggestions, comments, etc/?? Please advise..... otherwise, I am thinking of selling it already....... come on.. paid like 25,000 for it...... plus like 1,000 a year maintenance and they can't give me the free dining plan when they offer it? Please...........I do understand if I booked our trip and it wasn't offered......but if it is offered free during that time.....why shouldn't I get it.......especially when I was told from 3 different people before buying I would be entitled to it....plus, told from a Member Service Castmember last month, the same... I am sorry for venting, but not a happy camper....

You will get way more responses than from me, but we do not and never have received the DDP free. This is a promotion to lure in travellers during a slow time of the year. DVCers are not included in this. Did your guide tell you that you would get it free? If so, I'd just call them to complain, but it won't help as far as getting it. If it were just random cast members, then I wouldn't really trust them when it comes to all of the DVC perks or rules as they just don't know and aren't familiar enough with it. I'm sorry you are upset. But, if your purchase decision was based on getting free dining alone, then you probably did make a mistake as Disney doesn't guarantee they'll run the promo for regular guests- they just have happened to the last few years. Sorry about your frustration!

 

[keishashadow]

I have been planning to add the Disney Dining Plan to my vaction... we are going to Disney Aug 27th - Sept 5th... this will be our first time as members of the Disney Vacation Club...now that we see the Dining Plan is free during the dates we will be there..we called up Member Services and they said we aren't entitled to the free plan?????????? I am highly upset about this especially since we asked a bunch of times about it before we bought into the DV Club..... that was one of our major points, and we were told, that if it is free during that time, we will get it.... now I am told we don't get it?? I mean, we will be adding the Dining Plan to our vacation because it does work out better money wise..... but I just feel like I was lied to so that I would buy the property.. honestly, could go for cheaper with the free dining plan, don't understand....I was told this 3 times before i bought the property.. I also was told from a castmember a month ago when I booked a dinner reservation that.... you need to add the plan 48 hours in advance and if it is offered free then, you will be entitled to get it free..... so what is the deal here?? Does anyone have suggestions, comments, etc/?? Please advise..... otherwise, I am thinking of selling it already....... come on.. paid like 25,000 for it...... plus like 1,000 a year maintenance and they can't give me the free dining plan when they offer it? Please...........I do understand if I booked our trip and it wasn't offered......but if it is offered free during that time.....why shouldn't I get it.......especially when I was told from 3 different people before buying I would be entitled to it....plus, told from a Member Service Castmember last month, the same... I am sorry for venting, but not a happy camper....

I noticed your low post count. Perhaps it explains that you may not have done the research needed before such a large purchase (DVC) nor discovered the DISboard fountain of information that would've clearly indicated there is no free lunch w/DVC.

Just wondering...did you happen to jot down the name(s) of any of the CMs who gave you this information or get the guarantee of FD in writing from anybody representing DVC? Either would certainly help in supporting your recollection of events if you care to speak further to MS.

fyi, FDP is a promotion offered thru WDTC for packages vs room only reservations that require a 'stated' minimum # of nights/ticket media purchase.

many members lobbied for the perc of purchasing the DP when staying on points & it was graciously afforded to members in '06 without the tix purchase requirement for us or our guests.

 

[ses1230]

I have been planning to add the Disney Dining Plan to my vaction... we are going to Disney Aug 27th - Sept 5th... this will be our first time as members of the Disney Vacation Club...now that we see the Dining Plan is free during the dates we will be there..we called up Member Services and they said we aren't entitled to the free plan?????????? I am highly upset about this especially since we asked a bunch of times about it before we bought into the DV Club..... that was one of our major points, and we were told, that if it is free during that time, we will get it.... now I am told we don't get it?? I mean, we will be adding the Dining Plan to our vacation because it does work out better money wise..... but I just feel like I was lied to so that I would buy the property.. honestly, could go for cheaper with the free dining plan, don't understand....I was told this 3 times before i bought the property.. I also was told from a castmember a month ago when I booked a dinner reservation that.... you need to add the plan 48 hours in advance and if it is offered free then, you will be entitled to get it free..... so what is the deal here?? Does anyone have suggestions, comments, etc/?? Please advise..... otherwise, I am thinking of selling it already....... come on.. paid like 25,000 for it...... plus like 1,000 a year maintenance and they can't give me the free dining plan when they offer it? Please...........I do understand if I booked our trip and it wasn't offered......but if it is offered free during that time.....why shouldn't I get it.......especially when I was told from 3 different people before buying I would be entitled to it....plus, told from a Member Service Castmember last month, the same... I am sorry for venting, but not a happy camper....

Sorry, we do not get to take advantage of free dining as DVC members staying on a points reservation. As pp said, it is to lure people in. I'm sorry you were told that, that is just plain wrong. You can send a complaint letter and that is about your only recourse at this moment. Over the long run, we get deluxe accomodations at better prices by being DVC members.
As for the other point, yes you do need to add the dining plan at least 48 hours before your arrival date.

 

[NC State Tigger]

I will be staying at a DVC resort on rented points, if I add the dining plan, is it paid prior to arrival or at check in?

TIA

 

[disneynutz]

I will be staying at a DVC resort on rented points, if I add the dining plan, is it paid prior to arrival or at check in?

TIA

Check in.

Bill

 

[Tiger926]

Just a tip for those who are concerned about not seeing the DP listed on the reservation form.

Just book an online ADR, but make sure you are signed into your account, and if you are, a message will pop up under the appropriate restaurants, that you can use your DP. When we used to do the DP, we would get this message, as well as AP discount messages, as we also have our APs registered into our account as well.

If the DP has been added properly, the computer will alert you that the restaurant you have chosen will allow you to pay using a DP credit. You don't have to actually book though, as this is just a search. So, it gives a good amount of information if set up properly.

HTH, Tiger

 

[TDC Nala]

now that we see the Dining Plan is free during the dates we will be there..we called up Member Services and they said we aren't entitled to the free plan?????????? I am highly upset about this especially since we asked a bunch of times about it before we bought into the DV Club..... that was one of our major points, and we were told, that if it is free during that time, we will get it.... now I am told we don't get it?? I mean, we will be adding the Dining Plan to our vacation because it does work out better money wise..... but I just feel like I was lied to so that I would buy the property..

The free dining promotion is not meant for DVC members, and DVC members have never been eligible for this offer. It is an incentive to persons who would not normally book a trip to a Disney resort for slow season. If you prefer the free dining you can, of course, bank your points and use them for a larger room, a cruise, or some other vacation in future years. You can also sell your new membership if you prefer and just book free dining packages in the future, but if you bought it to have many upcoming years of prepaid vacations in deluxe accommodations, you are also on notice that Disney may not offer free dining in future years, and if they do, the offer (or the dining plan itself) may be altered so that the value is no longer what it is now. There are already possibly substantive rumors that that the dining plan will not include desserts in 2011.

I also think that if you had a guide who told you you would get dining free, you need to inform DVC that you had a guide who is using misinformation to sign customers.

 

[thesoldtrain]

Hi! Can someone advise if we can pay for the Disney Dining Plan at check-in with Disney gift cards? We have been collecting up Disney gift cards in anticipation of our trip, but cannot get a consistent answer from cast members about whether our gift cards can be used to pay for the Disney Dining Plan when we check-in? We are DVC members, and this is our first time using the plan so I want to make sure it is all taken care of. Don't want a ny surprises at checck-in . One cast member said I could send the payment in advance...is this true of DVC ressies? I thought that would only be for people booking through a package deal.

Thank you!