Free Dining and DVC

[Anna114]

I have a question. There is a good chance that they will be offering free dining during my December stay. I'm staying on my own points at VWL. I have a Disney Visa if I purchase 3 2 day passes for us will I qualify for free Disney dining? TIA!

 

[supersnoop]

No. Free dining only applies to full-price Disney resort reservations, not DVC.

 

[Anna114]

Well poop. That's what I figured... was just hoping out loud. Thanks.

 

[MouseMomx2]

Well poop. That's what I figured... was just hoping out loud. Thanks.

The "Free" Dining program is a way for Disney to fill hotel rooms. You must pay full price for your room and park tickets to get the "free" dining.

As a DVC member, you are saving more by using your membership for your accommodations and buying your own park tickets and meals.

 

[wnielsen1]

You could always book FD at a resort and rent out your DVC points. Run the numbers and see if it makes sense. It probably doesn't if you want to stay Deluxe, but it might if you are willing to stay in a Moderate.

 

[Anna114]

The "Free" Dining program is a way for Disney to fill hotel rooms. You must pay full price for your room and park tickets to get the "free" dining.

As a DVC member, you are saving more by using your membership for your accommodations and buying your own park tickets and meals.

I do know that lol. It wouldn't be a bad idea if they gave DVC a discounted DDP. A momentary lapse of thinking Disney appreciates us (DVC members)

 

[tjkraz]

A momentary lapse of thinking Disney appreciates us (DVC members)

Doesn't DVC already give owners significant discounts off regular room rates?

And park admission discounts...and restaurant discounts...and shopping discounts...and recreation discounts...

 

[DebbieB]

Doesn't DVC already give owners significant discounts off regular room rates?

And park admission discounts...and restaurant discounts...and shopping discounts...and recreation discounts...

I don't think people who have been members for awhile realize how high cash rates have gotten.

I stayed in a BWV studio last November and couldn't get a points room at first. My options were free dining for over $400 a night and 2 day tickets (I had an AP). Second option was an AP discount room only for $285. Luckily a points room came through for 15 points a night. 15 points vs $400 a night with free dining, make your choice. Getting a $400+ a night room for 15 points is a good deal no matter how you slice it.

 

[supersnoop]

I do know that lol. It wouldn't be a bad idea if they gave DVC a discounted DDP. A momentary lapse of thinking Disney appreciates us (DVC members)

We get access to the Tables in Wonderland discount card, which will is a darn nice discount on dining. Frankly, the dining plans aren't worth the money at regular price even without comparing it to any of the discounts that we get. Add in those discounts and even "free" dining (foregoing room discounts) doesn't make sense.

 

[LisaS]

It wouldn't be a bad idea if they gave DVC a discounted DDP.

Don't we already get a type of discount on the DDP? Isn't there a seasonal surcharge on the DDP at certain times of the year but guests booking a DVC resort on points don't have to pay that surcharge? I thought I read that somewhere but it was quite a while ago. Maybe DDP doesn't have seasonal surcharges any more.

 

[nalajms]

Don't we already get a type of discount on the DDP?

Prices went up in March for everyone except DVC. We still get the old price through the end of the year, maybe. I don't think there's a seasonal charge anymore. They just raise the prices permanently

 

[MickeyOCD]

Prices went up in March for everyone except DVC. We still get the old price through the end of the year, maybe. I don't think there's a seasonal charge anymore. They just raise the prices permanently

So is it $34.99 per night per person for the DVC DDP then? I didn't know we got a discount on the DDP.

 

[nalajms]

So is it $34.99 per night per person for the DVC DDP then? I didn't know we got a discount on the DDP.

I think that was the price 2-3 years ago!

QS is 41.99 and DVC charges 39.64. That's more than 5% less.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3172886

 

[MickeyOCD]

Thank you for answering, seems I had old pricing. We had just gone over Spring Break and our most expensive day (2 QS meals & snacks) was only $126 for 3 adults & 1 child. Was thinking of doing the DDP for ease but it was break even when I thought it was $34.99. But we usually eat less than that so, at $41.99 it's not worth it for how we eat.

 

[pkelly4576]

So is it $34.99 per night per person for the DVC DDP then? I didn't know we got a discount on the DDP.

I booked the DDP a couple of weeks ago and I don't think we got a discount.

 

[DebbieB]

I booked the DDP a couple of weeks ago and I don't think we got a discount.

The dining plan prices went up in March. DVC is still charging the old price. See this thread for prices:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3172886