Free dining plan

[CindiR]

First of all, are you eligible for the free dining if you are staying at a disney timeshare rather than purchasing a package deal at the hotels?

If so, how do you know if/and/ when they would have the free dining plan available??

I am assuming from what I have read that the dining plan is only in sept??

Do you make your timeshare reservation for then and just hope they offer the free dining plan and also hope that somehow you find out and will be eligible?

In other words, total novice here. How does this all work??

 

[ajleone]

The dining plan is offered to DVC members all year round- As for it being free the last two years they've offered it for free for stays toward the end of august and into sept. and chances are they will offer it again but it's not definate. It will be at least May before its offered. And to be totally honest I'm not sure wether DVC can get the free dining.

 

[PoohHappens]

I am guessing that by timeshare you mean Disney Vacation Club (DVC) as of now DVC has never been eligible for the free dinning plan promotion. It has only been offered the last 2 years for stays from mid august through september booked withing the offering period (has been april-june that you had to book) and you had to book a package at a Disney resort with a minimum of 1 day tickets. Hope this helps answer your question. DVC is eligible to purchase the DDP at full price without buying tickets.

 

[CindiR]

Yes, I did mean the DVC resort collection.

I guess I don't have to worry so much about being right on top of the free dining plan then.

 

[bicker]

In order to qualify for the free dining plan you have to pay rack rate for your hotel room.

 

[CindiR]

Well, heck, then you can't even get a discounted hotel room then either.

 

[Seahunt]

Well, heck, then you can't even get a discounted hotel room then either.

Actually, as of April 2006 you can now pay for and add the dining plan to DVC ressies without the "regular" package requirements, see the info here:

As of April 1, 2006, DVC members and their guests may choose to purchase the Dining Plan when staying on "points" at a DVC resort. The Dining Plan is available to the general public only as part of a vacation package, so this is a nice benefit for those DVC members who enjoy the convenience and value of the Dining Plan.
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and here:

The only exception to the "must buy with a vacation package" rule is that Disney Vacation Club members and their guests, when staying on "points" at a DVC resort, may purchase the Dining Plan for stays beginning April 1, 2006.

The additional cost for the Dining Plan is $37.99 per night per adult or junior (ages 10-17), $10.99 per night for children (ages 3-9). You get one table service meal, one counter service meal and one snack per day. You must purchase the plan for your entire stay and for each person staying in your hotel room.
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I think that you have to request the dining plan before you arrive on your DVC ressies and then you pay for it when you check in, but you should check this out on the DVC board here on the DIS to be sure how that works

 

[bicker]

Seahunt: DVC reservations are not eligible for the free dining plan.