First time book.. couple questions

[bonnielynn]

Do I have to do the dinning through DVC or can I book that through Disney?

Getting an annual pass for my family and a 4 day hopper for a friend's son, can I buy these through Disney or it all has to be purchased through DVC?

 

[Disney_Villain]

To get the member discount on the AP's you can go online to order them through the member website. The regular passes (like the 4-day park hopper) can be bought from Disney - through the WDW website or at the parks/hotels.

When adding the DP to your DVC stay, you also call MS.

 

[JaxFLBear]

DDP must be added/removed from your reservation by calling MS at least 48 hours prior to your checkin date. You will have to get it for all people listed on the reservation for the entire length of stay. You pay for it at checkin.

You and your immediate family living at your residence are entitled to discounted APs. There are several ways to get the APs. You can call MS, purchase on the member website or buy at WDW. If you pre-purchase you will receive exchange certificates that you will need to present at guest services along with ids (for all adults) and your membership card to get your APs.

There is no discount on the 4 day MYW tickets.

 

[bonnielynn]

where on the website can you purchase the annual pass (am looking now)

And shouldn't you buy your dp ahead of time so you can make reservations?

 

[JaxFLBear]

Member Privileges/
Member Perks/
Walt Disney World Resort/
Walt Disney World Annual Pass Savings and More Disney Magic/
Walt Disney World Annual Pass Savings/
Walt Disney World Ticket Store

MS is not setup to take payment for the DDP, you have to pay at checkin. You can still make your dining reservations. Just tell them you are using the dining plan.

 

[bonnielynn]

Oh so I can call dinning now and say I am using the dinning plan and make the reservations and then buy the dp..

Wow you guys are so on the money.. thanks for the info.

 

[bonnielynn]

Since I am staying in a Studio and getting the dinning plan.. any advice on things I should bring. .something I should know..?

 

[JaxFLBear]

Thinking about it, you don't even have to tell them you are on the dining plan. You could make your dinner reservations and then add the ddp to the reservation at a later date. The only thing to be aware of is what meals would be two credits.

 

[bookwormde]

IF you have an AP you might want to look at the DDE as an alternative to DDP. Since I tip well the out 18% gratuity is not a problem and the DDP value has been reduced significantly this year. It gives you a lot more flexibility.

bookwormde

 

[bonnielynn]

What is the DDE and how do I get information on it?

I haven't bought the DDP yet, but have booked the reservations.. we got
LeCellier, Ohana, Kona and Ragland Road...

Sounded good to me.

 

[JaxFLBear]

DDE = Disney Dining Experience

Benefits include:

20% discount on all food and beverages at over 70 participating Resort hotel and Theme Park restaurants (discount is valid for a party of up to 10 Guests).
Resort and Theme Park parking for dining purposes
Invitations to special member-only food and wine events, winemaker dinners and celebrity chef dinners
And more!

You must be either a Florida Resident or Annual Passholder to purchase the DDE card. You can purchase at any guest services location. The cost is $60 for AP holders or $85 for non-passholder FL resident.

 

[bonnielynn]

So what is the better way to go.. with the DDP I dont have to worry about cost because its paid up front...
is the DDE worth it?

I have purchased an annual pass.

 

[JaxFLBear]

Not really sure. I've seen posts that go either way. I'm leaning towards the DDE. The DDE will have an automatic 18% tip added to the bill. The DDP does not include a tip. I have a feeling that some people on the DDP will not tip at all.

 

[bonnielynn]

I always tip... I can't imagine people doing that.