Short story is I was pleasently suprised to be allowed to NOT have to purchase the Dining Plan when I stayed with my sister for 2 nights of her seven night (with dining plan) stay!
I think this will really be a "your milage may vary" sitiuation", but here is my story for what it may be worth to others.
My sister and step-sister rented my points for a 7 night stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I added the dining plan for them ahead of time and they paid for it at check-in.
They arrived on Tuesday and that Thursday I decided I couldn't stand not being with them at all, but I could only get down there Friday night through Sunday night.
I called Member Services to have myself added to the room for those two nights and to register for Magical Express. As I was calling it was occuring to me that the Dining Plan might be a problem and a deal breaker. I couldn't bring myself to pay for 7 nights of dining when I would be there only two nights and I didn't even think they would be able to use up ALL those extra credits.
I spoke to a wonderful cast member who understood my problem. He put me on hold for awhile, called the resort and spoke to a manager. When he came back he said it was all set. I was on the reservation for the days I would be there, I did not have to buy the dining plan and he gave me the name of the manager he spoke to if there was any problems checking in.
I checked in on Friday night, no problem, no dining plan!
So I guess this was the exception that proves the rule!
BTW - I had an awesome 41 hours at Disney with my sisters!
I think this will really be a "your milage may vary" sitiuation", but here is my story for what it may be worth to others.
My sister and step-sister rented my points for a 7 night stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I added the dining plan for them ahead of time and they paid for it at check-in.
They arrived on Tuesday and that Thursday I decided I couldn't stand not being with them at all, but I could only get down there Friday night through Sunday night.
I called Member Services to have myself added to the room for those two nights and to register for Magical Express. As I was calling it was occuring to me that the Dining Plan might be a problem and a deal breaker. I couldn't bring myself to pay for 7 nights of dining when I would be there only two nights and I didn't even think they would be able to use up ALL those extra credits.
I spoke to a wonderful cast member who understood my problem. He put me on hold for awhile, called the resort and spoke to a manager. When he came back he said it was all set. I was on the reservation for the days I would be there, I did not have to buy the dining plan and he gave me the name of the manager he spoke to if there was any problems checking in.
I checked in on Friday night, no problem, no dining plan!
So I guess this was the exception that proves the rule!
BTW - I had an awesome 41 hours at Disney with my sisters!