DVC Member and dining

[minpin3]

So I know we are not eligible for the free dining plan as DVC members. Are the other, basic and deluxe, dining plans are only other options for savings??

Thanks!

 

[sleepydog25]

So I know we are not eligible for the free dining plan as DVC members. Are the other, basic and deluxe, dining plans are only other options for savings??

Thanks!

Depending on how often you visit, you might consider buying an annual pass (discounted for DVC members) and purchase a TIW card which gives you a 20% discount on food AND drinks. And there are quite a few restaurants that give a 10% discount to DVC owners who pay OOP. Beyond those secondary options, that's pretty much it.

 

[gillep]

If you area talking about staying on points then you can get the quick service plan and the regular dining plan as well as the deluxe dining plan (you can also get the wine and dine add on with either the regular or deluxe dining plans). Since you are staying on points you also would not need to buy park tickets in order to get dining.

If you have APs you can also get the TIW card for an additional fee which allows you 20% off at many restaurants including alcohol.

Additionally you could also book a cash reservation through CRO to take advantage of deals like free dining, and some DVC members do this while others feel like free dining is not worth it when they can just use points and get the TIW card or cook in the villas.

 

[jshuff1]

we should receivethe dinning plan for free

 

[Anthony1971]

we should receivethe dinning plan for free

Why you are already getting a discount?
In most cases the discount makes it far cheaper if you own DVC and pay for the DP then to pay full rate for a DVC room and get the DP for free......... which by the way you can do.. just bank or rent your points

 

[stichy]

It's not cheaper if we use our points. We all paid a ton of money up front for our points and we pay member fees every year. This year we did get a small discount because our rate was locked in for 09 and 10. Our rates went up for 11 but we don't have to pay for the holiday surcharge.

 

[Deb & Bill]

we should receivethe dinning plan for free

Why? Did you book a package through Disney Reservations? If so and it's free dining, I agree.

But if you are staying on points, you aren't paying rack rate. You're not buying the required tickets. You don't get it for free.

This isn't a bonus. It's just a way to fill rooms that normally wouldn't get filled. DVC rooms are always filled.

 

[kdfogliano]

It's not cheaper if we use our points. We all paid a ton of money up front for our points and we pay member fees every year. This year we did get a small discount because our rate was locked in for 09 and 10. Our rates went up for 11 but we don't have to pay for the holiday surcharge.

but it was your choice to buy the DVC

 

[minpin3]

Thanks to everyone for their input. I see all sides with this. Yes, it was our choice to purchase membership and thus we know all the Ts & Cs that come with ownership. But I guess it would also be nice to extend some of the additional perks as well. Someone booking their vacation through and getting the free dining plan may be a one-time transaction. We as members continue to pay regardless.

I'm all about getting free food...but it doesn't change my opinion....once a fan, always a fan!! I love the Mouse!!

 

[Debbie Jean]

but it was your choice to buy the DVC

Yup, they don't need to offer you an incentive to come spend your money... you already drank the Kool-Aid!

 

[Anthony1971]

It's not cheaper if we use our points. We all paid a ton of money up front for our points and we pay member fees every year. This year we did get a small discount because our rate was locked in for 09 and 10. Our rates went up for 11 but we don't have to pay for the holiday surcharge.

I do not understand how the rates went up??? they reallocated points which in most cases if you stay a full week is the same as before...
In any event if you were to figure out what you paid perpoint and multiply that by the number of points for a week and then add the dinning plan it will most likely be much cheaper than paying rack rate for the SAME room to get the free dinning...
if you are looking at value or moderate prices yes it will be cheaper but not by a whole lot and in a reasonable number of cases it will cost more when using the moderate rates.

 

[Pumbaa_]

folks this isn't the DVC debate board

 

[Ohio Disney Girl]

Yep- that's why we haven't bought DVC...yet. Our best friends are DVC members and we take the DVC tours nearly every year we go, and we go almost every year. However, when I can stay at a Value Resort with tickets and food for a family of 4 for $1700 for a week each year, I just can't justify the cost of DVC, as the yearly fees are almost that much, and I do so knowing that additionally, I still would have to buy my tickets and food each time which there really isn't a "break" on (even with TIW, it's not saving much). If/when free dining goes away, or if/when I decide I want a "better hotel" then a Value resort, maybe I'll sign. Until then, Free Dining at the Values makes much more sense for my family. I LOVE the resorts my friends stay at for DVC, but that's our choice and exactly why we do so!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Depending on how often you visit, you might consider buying an annual pass (discounted for DVC members) and purchase a TIW card which gives you a 20% discount on food AND drinks. And there are quite a few restaurants that give a 10% discount to DVC owners who pay OOP. Beyond those secondary options, that's pretty much it.

This is what we do. We schedule 2 trips, juuust barely w/i a year of each other, making the AP with DVC discount totally worth it. We get TIW and enjoy the discount for both trips, too.

This next trip, I'm looking forward to using the UT iPhone app... clearly lists which discounts are offered at each dining location (DVC, TIW, APD, DDP). (incidentally, the WDW Dining App lists these as well)