How does DVC work with the new MyMagic+ and/or My Disney Experience?

[DivaNez]

Hi--

Planning to rent from a DVC member, and I'm confused about how the reservations do/don't link to the MyMagic+/My Disney Experience roll-out. Also have a couple of questions about DVC rental and ADRs. Some things I'm trying to figure out/confirm--are these things correct?

1) Once the DVC member gives me my confirmation number and then I get online and input my number on my own MDE account, do I take it from there or do I have to contact the DVC member if there are changes in the future? (See #6 for an example)

2) Once I get my confirmation number tied to my MDE account, I'm then able to then also link up my DDP to the MDE account, as well as link up my park tickets, correct?

3) Online check-in--DVC members/their guests are allowed to do online check-in starting 60 days out from the trip instead of only 10 days out. Is that right?

4) If I do online check-in at 60 days out (or any point after that before I arrive onsite), is all/some/any of my information able to be encoded on a MagicBand at that point? Is it able to be encoded on a MagicBand at all? I keep hearing something about DVC only being able to use KTTW and not MagicBands. We would like to get our customized bands instead of having to do it at check-in and only getting non-personalized gray bands.

5) I'm reading unclear or conflicting information everywhere about Fastpass+. I think that we are able to do Fastpass + when we arrive at the check-in onsite (is that right?), but I would like to do it much earlier than that (because from what I've been reading, if you don't reserve Fastpass+ choices until you're onsite, you are stuck with less-than-desirable options). Once I have my stay, the DDP and my tickets linked up, can I associate them with a MagicBand online?

6) As a renter, I'm told I get the same benefits that the member gets. How does that work with some of the options where there is Member-Only access? (example: we want to visit the Top Of The World Lounge in BLT.) I also know that the member has to be the one who adds DDP, but on the dining front, I'm specifically wondering about ADRs. I know that DVC members get to reserve at 190 days out instead of 180. How do I take advantage of that? Can I do it on my own based on having my confirmation number, or does the DVC member have to do something?

7) Assuming I'm able to do the 190-day ADRs, I want to reserve online to get the 1-hour advantage over calling. How does the website know you have DVC privileges and let you reserve for 190 days instead of 180?

A lot of Qs, I know--sorry!! I'm Type A...

 

[erionm]

1) Once the DVC member gives me my confirmation number and then I get online and input my number on my own MDE account, do I take it from there or do I have to contact the DVC member if there are changes in the future? (See #6 for an example)

Linking your room reservation to MDE does not allow you to modify the reservation. It still under control of the owner until to arrive at the resort.

2) Once I get my confirmation number tied to my MDE account, I'm then able to then also link up my DDP to the MDE account, as well as link up my park tickets, correct?

DDP has to be added by the owner you rent from at least 2 days prior to arrival. The DDP is tied to your room reservation and MDE has nothing to do with it.

You can link theme park admission to your MDE account at any time.

3) Online check-in--DVC members/their guests are allowed to do online check-in starting 60 days out from the trip instead of only 10 days out. Is that right?

All Disney Resort Reservations (except for the CA Resorts) are eligible for on-line check-in beginning 60 days from arrival. There will be a link on the MDE website once you reach the window for WDW Area Resorts.

4) If I do online check-in at 60 days out (or any point after that before I arrive onsite), is all/some/any of my information able to be encoded on a MagicBand at that point? Is it able to be encoded on a MagicBand at all? I keep hearing something about DVC only being able to use KTTW and not MagicBands. We would like to get our customized bands instead of having to do it at check-in and only getting non-personalized gray bands.

Nothing is actually stored on the MagicBand except for a unique id number. All information is stored in databases on Disney's servers and access when your MagicBand is scanned. Once MyMagic+ is fully rolled out, all Disney Resort guests will be able to select a color for their MagicBand and enter a name to have embossed on the underside. They can be mailed to US addresses, or shipped to the resort for pickup at check-in. Currently, only those staying at a test resort can customize MagicBands so there is no word on how far out this can be done once the program is fully rolled out.

5) I'm reading unclear or conflicting information everywhere about Fastpass+. I think that we are able to do Fastpass + when we arrive at the check-in onsite (is that right?), but I would like to do it much earlier than that (because from what I've been reading, if you don't reserve Fastpass+ choices until you're onsite, you are stuck with less-than-desirable options). Once I have my stay, the DDP and my tickets linked up, can I associate them with a MagicBand online?

FastPass+ selection will be made using MDE (website or app) no more than 60 days prior to arrival.

6) As a renter, I'm told I get the same benefits that the member gets. How does that work with some of the options where there is Member-Only access? (example: we want to visit the Top Of The World Lounge in BLT.) I also know that the member has to be the one who adds DDP, but on the dining front, I'm specifically wondering about ADRs. I know that DVC members get to reserve at 190 days out instead of 180. How do I take advantage of that? Can I do it on my own based on having my confirmation number, or does the DVC member have to do something?

TOTWL lounge is a member perk and not available to renters. You need to show a DVC Member ID to access it. Renters have the same benefits as any Disney Resort guest except for those that are specifically DVC Member only.

7) Assuming I'm able to do the 190-day ADRs, I want to reserve online to get the 1-hour advantage over calling. How does the website know you have DVC privileges and let you reserve for 190 days instead of 180?

All guests can begin to make dining reservations at 180 days from arrival. Disney Resort guests can make up to 10 days worth at the 180 day window. Having your room reservation linked to MDE will allow you to book up to 10 days at the 180 day window.

 

[Msmithmd]

FP+ is still in testing. Unknown if it will be operating for your travel dates. So several of your questions are not answerable based on info released by Disney as yet.

TOWL is members only, sorry. And DVC hasn't announced if it will still be open to all DVC members staying on site after Dec 31,2013. Those of us not booked to stay at BLT hope the availability will continue, but only Disney knows as of now.

Booking ADR is something you do yourself. The member purchases the DDP for you if you wish to pay in that way. You actually can book the ADR without the dining plan purchased and linked; this is simply how you pay when you arrive to the dining location.

And do the cost analysis versus your actual dining habits, before you purchase the dining plan. Disney has aggressively priced the value out of the cash purchase dining plan in recent years. Unless you always eat dessert twice a day and eat two snacks a day in addition, the DDP for cash probably isn't a savings in any meaningful way. But Disney marketing certainly makes you think it is something you want...

There is no difference in ADR booking for DVC members versus anyone else staying on-site. The rule is 180+10: 180 days from the first day of your reservation, and you can book ADR at that time for your entire Disney hotels (DVC or regular) length of stay, up to a ten day trip.

So if you're staying for a week on site, you can book the full week ADR on your 180 day mark from arrival day. But there is no such thing as 190 days, except for ten days out from your arrival date if you have a long trip. Thus, people tend to book the highest demand places later in their trip, on their 180+10 booking day. Hope this makes sense.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

6) As a renter, I'm told I get the same benefits that the member gets. How does that work with some of the options where there is Member-Only access? (example: we want to visit the Top Of The World Lounge in BLT.)

Not so. Dining, merchandise, recreation & tour discounts and TOWL access are for members only & require a blue member ID.

"Many special offers are available to Members at various times. Members
should visit dvcmember.com or contact Member Services for important
information. To receive any of these offers, you must present your Disney
Vacation Club® Member ID and current Key to the World Card. Disney
Vacation Club Member discounts cannot be used in conjunction with
any other discounts or promotions. Offers valid through December 31,
2013, unless otherwise noted. All offers are subject to availability,
change, and termination without notice."

Specific wording on TOWL:
"This perk is available exclusively to Members and those in their traveling party who are staying on that Member's reservation. At least one Member in the traveling party must accompany the group and present his or her current Key to the World card displaying a Disney Vacation Club Membership notation in order to gain admission to the lounge. If the Member's Key to the World card doesn't display a Membership notation, a Disney Vacation Club Member ID is required in addition to the Key to the World card to verify Membership."

 

[DivaNez]

Thanks, all! This is really helpful. With the TOTW, I think I misinterpreted what I was reading about members' guests having the same perks onsite.

We costed out DDR and it came up within $30 cheaper to pay for ourselves (we have decided to "eat 'round the World" while we're touring, ha), so we figured that the convenience of not having to track on paying out-of-pocket was worth it.

Booking the popular ones at the end of the trip makes sense after hearing you explain it...I was all set to try to get California Grill and BOG on the first and second day. Hope that saves some heartache!

 

[Lynne M]

Thanks, all! This is really helpful. With the TOTW, I think I misinterpreted what I was reading about members' guests having the same perks onsite.

Here's how it works out:

As a renter, since you're a registered guest of a Disney resort, you get all of the perks that any onsite guest gets. Free parking at theme parks, access to EMH, use of DME, ability to charge purchases to your KTTW, package delivery.

There are some perks that are offered specifically to DVC members...you don't get those. Most require you to show a DVC member ID card. These perks include: discounts on APs and some restaurants and shops, tours and golf. The ability to pool hop. Access to TOTW.