Got the upgrade QS to DDP pin -- do I want it? Opinions on both plans wanted please

[wdwlovin'family]

I don't know why this has turned into a delimma, but it is. I got a 15 digit pin last night and called on it this morning. It's an upgrade from our free QSP to the regular dining plan. At first, my dh said NO because he doesn't want to be tied to reservations the whole time. That's why we chose the QSP before it was ever free. I was okay with that. We had thought of doing a character dinner but decided to try to get an illuminations cruise instead since we had all of our meals already paid for. (hopefully, we can get a cruise on Sept. 6th, our 90 day mark) Once again, I was okay with that plan (but secretly would like a character dinner too). But now, Disney has dangled that little carrot in front of my nose and I don't know what to do!

So here's some questions:
I asked the CM this morning if we can use TS credits for CS meals and she said "of course you can!" My dh just does not want all of thos TS meals, so if we can downgrade them, taking the plan would be an option. Does anyone have verification on this? I know that sometimes you get different answers from different people when it comes to the resort reservation CM's. If you did downgrade a meal, is it a hard process, or can you just walk up to the CS line and say "I want to use my TS credit instead" Also, is it true that if you downgrade a meal, you get an extra snack? I know doing all of this isn't the best use of your credits, but if it's free, why not?

Secondly, can you use your dining plan credits for the Candlelight Processional and how many credits does the CP take up?

Lastly, my sister and her dh are going to be staying at Pop the same time we are and during two days of that week, my grandpapa will be staying at Pop. I asked if they could use the pin and was told that as long as they will be there the same time we are, yes. Can I just give my family the pin # for them to use or do I have to call and change everybodys reservation myself? Having everyone on the same dining plan is a must.

I'm sure I'll have more questions as time goes by. In some ways, it seems like a no-brainer, but we were so set on the QSDP for such a while now, that I just don't know. It would be fun to have a table service meal or two during the stay though.

 

[marcielm]

Congrats on the PIN! If it were me, I'd take it, and use the TS credits to pay for the couple of meals you are looking to do. To answer some of your questions:

You can use a TS for a QS if you choose. I'm not sure if you downgrade a meal if you get an extra snack... I may have seen that mentioned here, but I don't know if it can be done or not.

The Candlelight Processional is 2 TS credits, no matter which location or time you choose.

You can apply the PIN for up to 3 rooms... so long as they have overlapping dates (like you mentioned that you have). YOU need to call and have it applied to their reservations, so be sure and have that number along with the lead name on the reservation when you call. AND they might want to make your party a Grand Gathering (if there will be 8 or more people on at least 1 night). There are additional GG events (a character breakfast & an EPCOT dinner, to name a few) that you can also use TS credits for (1 for the breakfast, 2 for the EPCOT dinner).

 

[wdwlovin'family]

The Candlelight Processional is 2 TS credits, no matter which location or time you choose.

Thank you for your reply. I was reading the wdwinfo.com site about the CP after posting this and to quote them: "All dining will be scheduled prior to the performance time chosen. Separate lunch pricing for the 5:00pm Candlelight Processional Guests who have the Magic Your Way Dining Package or MYW Premium or Platinum packages will use 2 dinner entitlements regardless of which restaurant is chosen." Now, to me this sounds like if you have the DDP, you have to eat lunch for the CP, not dinner. Is there better clarification on this somewhere?

 

[clanmcculloch]

On the Dining Plan board, many people have reported that they've been told that they can do a 1 for 1 TS to CS exchange. The additional snack credits that they've offered with the exchange in past years does not seem to be offered this year.

On the DDP you will only get 1 snack credit per person/per day and you will not get the refillable mugs. What you will get is the TS credits. If you were planning to go to a couple of TS meals then add up the price of those TS meals and compare that to the price of the mugs (if you will buy them anyway) and the extra snacks (beyond the 1 per day) that you'll buy. This will determine which is the better way to go for your family.

If you'll go to the latest CP show then you can get an early dinner reservation for CP. There are two different lunch time CP seatings for the earlier two CP shows. Regardless of which one of the three seatings you choose and regardless of which tier of restaurant you choose, your meal will cost 2 TS credits.

 

[marcielm]

Hmmm, well I just tried to call the dining line and see if I could get a more definite answer (as I'm going to want to know on Monday when I make ADR's!) and I got cut off TWICE (on my cell). I may to try to call again later.