DVC Question: Dining Plan

[HunnyJar]

My husband and I spoke with a DVC rep. last September during our vacation at WDW. During that time we asked if members are able to take advantage of booking the Disney Dining Plan, we were told "No." Now I'm seeing some conflicting information regarding that question. I'm hoping a DVC member out there might be able to shed some light. My husband and I always purchase the Dining Plan and it was one of the things that sort of swayed us not to purchase into the DVC in September. I'm hoping the rep was incorrect..

 

[DVC Jen]

Of course you can get the dining plan. You can not get free dining - but the 3 different dining plans are available to DVC members.

They are not sold as a package - but can be purchased. Payment is expected a the time it is added to your reservation and must be added no later than 2 weeks before you arrive.

 

[HunnyJar]

Of course you can get the dining plan. You can not get free dining - but the 3 different dining plans are available to DVC members.

They are not sold as a package - but can be purchased. Payment is expected a the time it is added to your reservation and must be added no later than 2 weeks before you arrive.

Thank you for the quick reply, I appreciate it.

I never even thought about the "Free Dining" since that is completely different. We were told flat out that the Dining Plans were for non-DVC guests. Ugh. Wish we would have known sooner.

We like to pre-pay our vacations ahead of time, so this is great news. Thanks again for the help.

 

[disneychick0412]

We have used the Disney Dining plan while staying on our points! We did it in february while staying at BCV, and have already paid for the DDP for our September trip to BLT!
I'm sorry you got the wrong information! We love using the DDP too!

 

[BestDadEver]

I thought the ddp was only made avalable recently . Do they may not have lied to you . But I could be wrong .

 

[erionm]

I thought the ddp was only made avalable recently . Do they may not have lied to you . But I could be wrong .

The DDP has been available on DVC reservations for at least 5 years. I have pdf versions of the DVC dining plan brochures going back to 2008.

 

[Dean]

My husband and I spoke with a DVC rep. last September during our vacation at WDW. During that time we asked if members are able to take advantage of booking the Disney Dining Plan, we were told "No." Now I'm seeing some conflicting information regarding that question. I'm hoping a DVC member out there might be able to shed some light. My husband and I always purchase the Dining Plan and it was one of the things that sort of swayed us not to purchase into the DVC in September. I'm hoping the rep was incorrect..

It sounds like he talked to an ASA, those are the ones that man the booths and desks to get people signed up to tour. As a rule, they are not very knowledgeable about the plan and are not in a position to impart information. One should not rely on any info they provide.

 

[com_op_2000]

Of course you can get the dining plan. You can not get free dining - but the 3 different dining plans are available to DVC members.

They are not sold as a package - but can be purchased. Payment is expected a the time it is added to your reservation and must be added no later than 2 weeks before you arrive.

...must be added no later than 2 weeks before you arrive.

Unless something has changed that I am not aware of, isn't it 2 DAYS before you arrive.

 

[Mike2023]

When we first got dvc it was not an option, so it's a "recent" addition.

If I recall, first it was only available to package stays, then annual passes could add it to there room only reservations, and then it was added to dvc as well.

 

[Sandisw]

...must be added no later than 2 weeks before you arrive.

Unless something has changed that I am not aware of, isn't it 2 DAYS before you arrive.

Yes...it is 48 hours prior to your trip that you must add it.

 

[kendzee94]

DDP has been available longer than last September to DVC members. I know it has been available for DVC members at least since 10/08. I don't think it was available on our 10/07 trip.

 

[HunnyJar]

It sounds like he talked to an ASA, those are the ones that man the booths and desks to get people signed up to tour. As a rule, they are not very knowledgeable about the plan and are not in a position to impart information. One should not rely on any info they provide.

The person we spoke with was a guide that we toured with at the Saratoga Springs Villas DVC building. We always pay for the Dining Plan and we were unsure if we could purchase the Dining Plan once we became DVC members.

 

[erionm]

The person we spoke with was a guide that we toured with at the Saratoga Springs Villas DVC building. We always pay for the Dining Plan and we were unsure if we could purchase the Dining Plan once we became DVC members.

Then you should say something so that the guide is given the correct information.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The person we spoke with was a guide that we toured with at the Saratoga Springs Villas DVC building. We always pay for the Dining Plan and we were unsure if we could purchase the Dining Plan once we became DVC members.

Unfortunately, the "guides" are not that knowledgeable at times. Some are better than others. But many of them just don't know the information very well.

 

[Dean]

The person we spoke with was a guide that we toured with at the Saratoga Springs Villas DVC building. We always pay for the Dining Plan and we were unsure if we could purchase the Dining Plan once we became DVC members.

Unfortunately the guides are often not knowledgeable about the functioning of the system.

 

[DVCismyhappyplace]

Just to add: DVC members are not subject to the increases in price for the DDP during holiday periods.

 

[cheezNE1]

Thanks for the info. This morning I logged on to check and was wondering why I didn't get charge for the peak price. I thought MS made a mistake or something. Perfect timing. Thanks again

Also, MS said they have to charge it to my CC at the time of adding it on the phone. I thought we don't have to pay till we check in. But she said that was a long time ago. Now they charge you at time of adding.

 

[standardgirl]

One thing to consider though is that as DVC members, you can purchase a TiW card at $100. A group of 4 people for one dinner at Victoria and Albert's will pretty much make the $100 cost already. And you might want to consider going for the TiW route instead of the dinning plan. Personally, TiW seems to be a much better deal than the DDP.

 

[HunnyJar]

I appreciate the replies regarding this subject. My husband and I didn't leave our DVC presentation feeling like all our questions had been answered. We are still trying to figure out if we should book another presentation during our next trip with a different guide or not. Becoming a DVC member is a big deal and I want to make sure we are fully informed.

 

[erionm]

I appreciate the replies regarding this subject. My husband and I didn't leave our DVC presentation feeling like all our questions had been answered. We are still trying to figure out if we should book another presentation during our next trip with a different guide or not. Becoming a DVC member is a big deal and I want to make sure we are fully informed.

Since you've met with someone already, that person is assigned as your guide and you would probably see them if you went back.

You would need to call the main sales number and ask for a manager then explain why would would like a different guide.