I want to do the DxDDP

[mommy2_3]

We are looking into doing the DxDDP in april '11. can i only get this if i book a vacation package? i am wanting to book our room tomorrow. would this still be possiable? i was really wanting to do everything sepert, like tickets from undercover tourist, ect....

 

[Faldred]

You can only order a dining plan with a "package" reservation, which includes a minimum 1-day MYW ticket per person. (Since you mention buying tickets elsewhere, I'll skip the annual passholder issues.)

The exception is if you're staying at DVC on points, then you can add a dining plan without a ticket or package.

You will not be able to add any dining plan if you book now for 2011 -- dining plan details have not been released yet, and likely won't until early August, for 2011. You can book the resort now and later add on the rest of the package, once the plans are available.

Edit: In theory, of course, since 2011 details have not been released, they may change the requirements for needing to book a "package", but this seems highly unlikely, and the best bet for planning purposes is to assume that 2011 will be the same as 2010.

 

[catne]

We are looking into doing the DxDDP in april '11. can i only get this if i book a vacation package? i am wanting to book our room tomorrow. would this still be possiable? i was really wanting to do everything sepert, like tickets from undercover tourist, ect....

Has to be a room & tickets package, booked through Disney , or one of their authorized travel agents. (cannot book this through discount on-line brokers like expedia or travelocity) If you're a AAA member, you can book a package through them and get the 20% room discount from AAA. If you want to get a room now, go ahead...but keep watching the Disney website & checking the "special offers" section for discounts...none are out yet for next April but there may be something eventually. You could book the room only now through Disney, then call later to change it to a package & add the dining plan (can do that up to 72 hours before arrival.)

If you book separately, you are "locked" into that booking...no flexibility if something better comes along later. If you book through Disney and later see a better discount from them, typically you can call and get the better discount applied to your booking (or they will cancel & re-book at the new rate for you.)

 

[TDC Nala]

The dining plan is a package add-on, so to get it you must book a package through Disney.

You can't book a package through Disney until sometime in August, when the 2011 package details will be released. Right now the best you can do is book a room-only at 2010 prices and change it to a package when the packages are released for booking (prices will be increased accordingly)

And you cannot book a package with dining without booking at least a one-day park ticket for everyone on the reservation, so you won't be able to get Undercover Tourist tickets unless you buy a one-day ticket through Disney PLUS Undercover Tourist tickets for the rest of the stay, and there isn't a lot of sense in doing that as buying the one-day ticket would negate any savings you got as far as buying the discounted tickets.

If you buy the room and tickets separately, you are not eligible for the dining plan unless you are a DVC member booking through DVC Member Services.

 

[mommy2_3]

ok thanks! i am going to call tomorrow and book our room then in Aug. get the package for the room, tickets, and DxDDP on the disney site. now say if they have a special for the room in like Feb for april would i be able to call and get that discount even though i have a package?

 

[TDC Nala]

now say if they have a special for the room in like Feb for april would i be able to call and get that discount even though i have a package?

yes, if the discount applies to package reservations and your reservation falls within the promotion period.

I do not know if you will be able to adjust a reservation online. You could make a new package reservation and then cancel the room-only but I don't know if you can convert to a package online, you may have to call.

 

[Cafeen]

yes, if the discount applies to package reservations and your reservation falls within the promotion period.

I do not know if you will be able to adjust a reservation online. You could make a new package reservation and then cancel the room-only but I don't know if you can convert to a package online, you may have to call.

As of right now, you can't. You can only modify a current reservation over the phone.

One thing to note about making these plans now. When you book a room-only for a time period that the rates have not yet been released for, you will be quoted this year's maximum rate for the room type. This means Holiday pricing/Weekend Rates. The deposit required will be one night stay on these rates. The total cost would be changed to reflect correct pricing once the 2011 rates are released to the public (sometime in Aug).

What the OPs process will be is:
1) Book Room-only for dates right now. Pay 1 night maximum price for room deposit.
2) Wait until August or so until pricing is announced
3) Call Disney and modify reservation to package. Note that there is (at least as of this year, it could change) a 200$ deposit required to book a package. If this is higher than your room-only deposit, you will be required to pay the difference at time of booking. If lower, they can apply your room-only toward it.
4) If any promotions come up for your travel dates, call Disney again and check if a) there's availability and b) what the cost will then be. They will apply discount codes to existing reservations if there's room and if you're booking would qualify. Also note that only one discount per reservation will apply.

 

[mommy2_3]

As of right now, you can't. You can only modify a current reservation over the phone.

One thing to note about making these plans now. When you book a room-only for a time period that the rates have not yet been released for, you will be quoted this year's maximum rate for the room type. This means Holiday pricing/Weekend Rates. The deposit required will be one night stay on these rates. The total cost would be changed to reflect correct pricing once the 2011 rates are released to the public (sometime in Aug).

What the OPs process will be is:
1) Book Room-only for dates right now. Pay 1 night maximum price for room deposit.
2) Wait until August or so until pricing is announced
3) Call Disney and modify reservation to package. Note that there is (at least as of this year, it could change) a 200$ deposit required to book a package. If this is higher than your room-only deposit, you will be required to pay the difference at time of booking. If lower, they can apply your room-only toward it.
4) If any promotions come up for your travel dates, call Disney again and check if a) there's availability and b) what the cost will then be. They will apply discount codes to existing reservations if there's room and if you're booking would qualify. Also note that only one discount per reservation will apply.

Awesome! thanks alot everyone! its alot more clearer now! cant wait to book tomorrow!! we are so excited about going and booking our room will be even more exciting! YAY!!

 

[Luv2Roam]

I don't think this mentioned, but also a room only reservation and a WDTC package are two different creatures. They have different deposit requirements, ticket purchases, possible minimum and maximum stays, and refund/cancellation/payment policies.
My suggestion is for you to just wait a bit until 2011 WDTC packages are released, and then book what you really want in the first place.
This is what you may be putting yourself into --
Book a room only res.
Call up later and want that turned into a WDTC package.
You will book your package, paying a $200 deposit.
Then, cancel your room only res, and receive a refund on what you paid on the room only res.

Unless something changes for 2011 travel, the funds from the room only reservation cannot be transferred to the WDTC package. (Room only is not sold by WDTC.)

To me there is no benefit of booking a room only now if you know you want a package later for the same trip.