Florida resident room/dining plan

[tinker&belle]

Hi everyone, I am considering visiting a friend of mine in Florida for a quick disney weekend. We will miss free dining by a few days (two other girls are going and already have set plans) so I am looking at the most economical way to do this. We definately want the dining plan.

I found a room discount for FL residents, which my friend would qualify for, but if we get that does it work like a room only ressie so we would be disqualified for the dining plan?

She is the only FL resident so I don't think we can get discounted tickets.

One person is also already a AAA member so that is another possiblity, but I thought I would look into the FL resident possiblities. If anyone has any other suggestions for the best deal I would love the tips! We will stay at a Value, we want the dining plan, and she will have her car there (I can't remember if parking is free in a hotel or not since we used the buses last time.) TIA for the help!

 

[tinker&belle]

Anyone?

 

[justplaingoofy]

I believe the only way to get the dining plan is to buy a package and not a "room only"... unless you have a disney time share?

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

If your friend has a Florida resident seasonal pass, she can add the DDP to a room-only reservation. If she lives too far to go frequently, or only goes for a weekend here and there, it's not a good value for her, though. Even though we live 7 hours from WDW, we have the seasonal pass because we go for a week at a time and it's not much more than a 5 or 6 day PH pass.

Another idea would be for your friend to purchase the Disney Dining Experience card (I think it's $85 for FL residents, $65 for passholders), and that would save you 20% on your table-service dining and beverages. If you stay at a value resort, you could use it at the food court there, also.

 

[shoes99]

If your friend has a Florida resident seasonal pass, she can add the DDP to a room-only reservation. If she lives too far to go frequently, or only goes for a weekend here and there, it's not a good value for her, though. Even though we live 7 hours from WDW, we have the seasonal pass because we go for a week at a time and it's not much more than a 5 or 6 day PH pass.

There is another option new for 2008.
If one of your travelling party has an Annual Pass, and AP rates are available for your stay, you can book an AP package and pay for the dining plan....
This makes it a package, subject to package and change cancellation rules.

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

There is another option new for 2008.
If one of your travelling party has an Annual Pass, and AP rates are available for your stay, you can book an AP package and pay for the dining plan....
This makes it a package, subject to package and change cancellation rules.

Right. That's what I was suggesting. The Florida resident seasonal pass is considered an AP and the same benefits are available to us as such, but the pass costs less!

 

[Luv2Roam]

I don't know for sure, but maybe your friend as a FL resident can book multiple rooms. However this may not be the case. DH has a PAP, but we have not booked rooms under an AP discount for years. I have read many times an AP-er can only book one room per adult AP-er now.
And you have not mentioned anyone in your group has an AP. So assuming you do not.
A dining plan is part of a WDTC package, unless you are a DVC member.
WDTC now has ticketless packages for AP-ers. However it is not a matter of booking a room only and adding dining. It is booking a WDTC package and having to go by whatever policies and availability that come with that particular package.
Your best bet is to have your FL friend just call the Disney res line and ask a few questions.
Also have the AAA member call AAA and see what they offer.
AAA can book WDTC dining packages, even for AP-ers.