Free Dining

[capecoddisneyfamily]

Can some one please explain the free dining promo for Sept. Was this a one time thing or does it happen every Sept.? Also can DVC members use it? Any info would be appreciated.

 

[chalee94]

1) it has happened the last few years in one form or another, IIRC. the deal was that if you paid full rack rates for your room and bought MYW tickets for the length of your stay for everyone in the room, then disney threw in free dining plans for those in the room.

(it'll be interesting this year since the dining plan doesn't include tips...but i digress...)

2) DVC members can use it if they pay full cash prices for their onsite rooms and buy MYW tickets.

3) DVC members don't get free dining on stay paid for with points, and most likely never will. OTOH, they can pay regular prices for the dining plan on points stays without having to pay extra for tickets...(and they've already paid for their points, anyway.)

most info on free dining will be over on the dining boards. they keep a close eye on what will be offered when. edited to add a link.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Actually you only had to buy a 1 day base ticket for each person in the room (this was great for people that already had tickets/APs to use, as the 1 day tickets could be used later or be credited towards the cost of a higher priced ticket).

 

[Goldilocks07]

I am really new to this, and attempting to plan my first trip in August/September.

Can anyone explain this to me?

"3) DVC members don't get free dining on stay paid for with points, and most likely never will. OTOH, they can pay regular prices for the dining plan on points stays without having to pay extra for tickets...(and they've already paid for their points, anyway.)"

And what is this about the cost of a higher priced ticket?

HUH????

 

[crisi]

I am really new to this, and attempting to plan my first trip in August/September.

Can anyone explain this to me?

"3) DVC members don't get free dining on stay paid for with points, and most likely never will. OTOH, they can pay regular prices for the dining plan on points stays without having to pay extra for tickets...(and they've already paid for their points, anyway.)"

And what is this about the cost of a higher priced ticket?

HUH????

A few DVCers would take trips without using their membership or points at all for free dining. An old fashioned cash reservation like those pre-DVC days! Some of them would then rent out their points to cover their September trip, others would just do a "quick cheapie" as an extra trip.

The one day ticket they just wouldn't use and they'd hang onto - since many of the people doing this had APs. Eventually they'd show up without an AP or with a guest who wanted a five day hopper or something and use it to upgrade.

 

[chalee94]

Actually you only had to buy a 1 day base ticket for each person in the room (this was great for people that already had tickets/APs to use, as the 1 day tickets could be used later or be credited towards the cost of a higher priced ticket).

oops. i believe you're right.

"3) DVC members don't get free dining on stay paid for with points, and most likely never will. OTOH, they can pay regular prices for the dining plan on points stays without having to pay extra for tickets...(and they've already paid for their points, anyway.)"

And what is this about the cost of a higher priced ticket?

HUH????

a lot of DVC members use the AP discount to buy annual passes. others like me already have 10-day non-expire tickets. there's no need to buy another 1-day base ticket in order to get the dining plan.

but if you don't already have tickets lined up, they don't cost more for DVCers staying on points or anything.

 

[DebbieB]

I am really new to this, and attempting to plan my first trip in August/September.

Can anyone explain this to me?

"3) DVC members don't get free dining on stay paid for with points, and most likely never will. OTOH, they can pay regular prices for the dining plan on points stays without having to pay extra for tickets...(and they've already paid for their points, anyway.)"

And what is this about the cost of a higher priced ticket?

HUH????

DVC members staying on points can get the dining plan without buying tickets. If you book the dining plan through CRO, you must buy at least a 1 day ticket.

 

[Goldilocks07]

Thank you all!

I think I get it: You have to have Disney Park tickets to get on the dining plan. But some people come to Disney NOT to go to the parks, but to just hang out, but they still want the dining plan.

I swear I study these forums... I obviously need to get the book "Disney Vacation Club for Dummies"!!!

(ok, so what is "AP" and "CRO"?)

 

[DebbieB]

Thank you all!

I think I get it: You have to have Disney Park tickets to get on the dining plan. But some people come to Disney NOT to go to the parks, but to just hang out, but they still want the dining plan.

I swear I study these forums... I obviously need to get the book "Disney Vacation Club for Dummies"!!!

(ok, so what is "AP" and "CRO"?)

AP is annual pass
CRO is Central Reservations Office, where non-members make reservations for Disney resorts

The ticket situation with the dining plan comes into play because many members buy annual passes. If you book the dining plan with CRO (even free dining), you must buy at least a 1 day regular pass, even if you have or are buying an AP. With DVC, there is no pass requirement so you can book the dining plan without a regular ticket purchase.

 

[Goldilocks07]

Thank you so much Debbie!

I get it now...