How Do I Sign Up For Disney Dining?

[DisneyFans4]

I purchased annual passes since we'll be going at least 3or 4 times this year and will also be going shortly. How do I sign up for the dining plan? Is this something that can only be purchased with Disney vacation packages or can I sign up separately for our upcoming stay?

 

[Deb & Bill]

You must purchase a complete package from Disney which includes rack rate room (or AAA discount if you have AAA and it is available), tickets for everyone in your party and the dining plan for everyone in your party.

If you are a DVC member staying on points, you can purchase the dining plan for your entire party without getting tickets.

 

[DisneyFans4]

So I guess I can't purchase the DDP separately. I just read a thread about the Disney Dining Experience and wonder if this would be better?

 

[Uncleromulus]

Depends. For us, it is certainly much better. We never do counter service, never have snacks, never (well-almost never ) eat lunch. We eat dinner and breakfast and always have a drink or two at dinner. The DDE includes drinks, and no need to worry about "credits", or trying to eat too much food just to get your $$$ worth from DDP.

 

[TenThousandVolts]

So I guess I can't purchase the DDP separately. I just read a thread about the Disney Dining Experience and wonder if this would be better?

If you are staying at a DVC resort on points you can purchase the dining plan- it is around $40 per day for an adult- around $12 a day ages 3-9. You do not need to be a DVC owner- but whoever is the member- must tell member services that you want the ddp before check-in.

Personally- I would rather get a discount card instead of force feeding myself for a week on the ddp- ordering too much food just to get my $$$ worth. I did it last year- on free dining- too much food- too much planning- too many adrs for my style.

 

[DisneyFans4]

I think the DDE sounds like a better plan because I too cannot force myself to eat 3 meals. If I have a good breakfast I never eat lunch. Does the DDE have discounts on all food and beverages? Is it good everywhere?

 

[Luv2Roam]

The DDP would not actually be three meals. It is per person on the res, Per NIGHT, 1 snack, 1 counter service meal, 1 table service meal.
SInce you have an AP already, and most likely have an AP or discounted rate, I would just stay with the DDE. (Which is what we use.)
Under usual conditions we don't order appetizers and dessert along with our meals anywhere. Quite often we just eat the main course. At most share a dessert or appetizer.

The DDE is generally not good at most counter services. (I have gotten the DDE discount at the value and POR/FQ food courts.)

 

[Deb & Bill]

The DDE is good at most table service restaurants, but not all. I think Teppanyaki was one not on the list. You also get a discount on your alcoholic beverages if you purchase them.

 

[glparcher]

Do you have to go through a AAA travel agency in order to get the AAA discount or can any TA apply it to your reservation if you have your member ID number?

 

[DisneyFans4]

Does each member of the family need to have a DDE card or can you purchase one and it covers a family of 4?

 

[TenThousandVolts]

Disney Fan- you can buy just 1 card.

 

[goofy4tink]

Having done the DDP twice now....I think I will stick with my DDE card. Yes, I realize that you certainly do not have to eat everything offered on the dining plan. But, it does seem wasteful to me. My family usually eats one table service meal a day and sometimes an early counter lunch. For us, the DDE card will work out better.

 

[DisneyFans4]

I sent an e-mail to guest services and they told me I could only sign up by phone and I couldn't purchase the DDE at guest relations so I guess it's too late for my upcoming trip.

How does activation work, is it like the pass and the time doesn't start counting until you activate the card? That means if I bought it now for our August trip the one year wouldn't start until August?

 

[Luv2Roam]

If you are asking about the activation on DDE, it starts once you purchase the card, not at first use.
But from what I have read and experienced, guest pretty much get at least 13 months against their DDE card.
The DDE is for the person who bought the membership and up to 10 people on one card. If you buy it under your name, you will need to be present at the meal.
It use to be a second DDE card for the member's spouse was free. But now the second card costs extra, due to what I figure stemmed from abuse by other members.

 

[DisneyFans4]

Before I do this I have to consider something. Don't you already get discounts as a AP holder at restaurants? I thought I read you get 10% off. Is it worth to spend the extra money to get the DDE?

 

[Luv2Roam]

The AP meal discounts are mostly for lunch, and 10%. I think HoB offers 20%, which is probably the best deal.
You would need to read from the web site to see what the details are, as they are always subject to change.
One place I know does not honor the DDE is the Pepper Market.