Just a tidbit if you plan on using the dinning plan.

[offtheice]

Just to make this short and sweet, If you add the meal plan and want to cancel , the resorts can no longer do it. They started a new rule that you must do it within 72 hrs of your start and it must be done by member services. kinda of screwed us up because we didnt need the plan on our last two days which where a different ressie.

 

[n2mm]

Thanks for the info! I usually wait until about a week before arriving before I even add it.

 

[dianeschlicht]

That has always been the rule. You can not drop days from the plan either. You must buy it for ALL people for the WHOLE trip.

 

[bsusanmb]

Well, I bet if you didn't have the money to pay for the meal plan they would let you drop it!!!! What is this all about? If you don't want something, you shouldn't have to pay for it. You're going to pay the mouse anyway, and probably more without the meal plan. I don't see how they can enforce this, and particularly if you don't have the cash or the credit to pay for it.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Well, I bet if you didn't have the money to pay for the meal plan they would let you drop it!!!! What is this all about? If you don't want something, you shouldn't have to pay for it. You're going to pay the mouse anyway, and probably more without the meal plan. I don't see how they can enforce this, and particularly if you don't have the cash or the credit to pay for it.

So are you going to be the first to try just to see what happens?

 

[BCV23]

72 hours is new as far as I know. All info I've seen from DVC just said prior to checkin.

 

[LisaS]

There have been a couple of reports about it taking over an hour for the front desk to correct problems with the dining plan for DVC members. It sounds like the computer systems are separate so front desk staff cannot just go in and change things. So maybe this new rule is to prevent this sort of problem from happening in the future by having members make any necessary changes to the DDP arrangements before they get to the check-in desk so the front desk doesn't get tied up for long periods trying to sort things out.

As to what they would do if you show up and refuse to pay, I imagine it just gets added to your bill and you would be prevented from making any DVC reservations in the future until you cleared up the debt.

 

[rlduvall]

Just to make this short and sweet, If you add the meal plan and want to cancel , the resorts can no longer do it. They started a new rule that you must do it within 72 hrs of your start and it must be done by member services. kinda of screwed us up because we didnt need the plan on our last two days which where a different ressie.

I note that the OP said the last two days were on a different ressie. That's probably why they were surprised they couldn't drop the plan - [for the last 2 days on a different reservation]

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

You will be charged (even if you make the reservation for check in on the SAME day of check in). You cannot cancel it. I tried. I was cited the three day policy rule. I even spoke with the manager of OKW who confirmed that I could not cancel the DDP.

Be very careful. I was asked by my DVC MS CM if I wanted the plan. I expressed curiosity. The CM took that as confirmation and attached the DDP to my reservation. I was surprised at check in to learn that I had it on my reservation. So be very clear if you don't want it when you are making your DVC accomodations.

 

[kimberh]

72 hrs is news to me. I have cancelled one person the day before check in. This was through MS. Everytime I have added the DDP to a reservation, I get the $ amount of the plan. I would be upset, if I did not add it and get a $ amount, then it was on my reservation.

 

[dvc at last !]

You will be charged (even if you make the reservation for check in on the SAME day of check in). You cannot cancel it. I tried. I was cited the three day policy rule. I even spoke with the manager of OKW who confirmed that I could not cancel the DDP.

Be very careful. I was asked by my DVC MS CM if I wanted the plan. I expressed curiosity. The CM took that as confirmation and attached the DDP to my reservation. I was surprised at check in to learn that I had it on my reservation. So be very clear if you don't want it when you are making your DVC accomodations.

Yes be careful...
A few weeks ago I spoke with MS to inquire about two different
5 day stays one in September and one a week later in October.
When I called MS back a day later to make the one reservation I was told I already had reservations for a 5 day stay in September and a
5 day stay in October ( the dates I had inquired about).
It took some time talking with the CM and then her manager to get this corrected.

 

[VLee]

When we went in December, there were just two adults. Originally, I had booked for 4 total, including two children. I had changed the ressie through MS to relfect only two adults, but they forgot to change the Dining Plan and the resort started to charge us for the children.

They took the children off, but it took quite a few minutes to do so.

 

[bsusanmb]

I have cancelled upon arrival. The CM had to go into the back and it took a while, but it was taken off.

I had an incident in June at VWL and this is what I am referring to in my comment....DH, DD and I were staying 2 weeks. We were all on the dining plan. I wrote a check for the amount and my check was refused by telecheck. I was really angry, as my checking account is direct debited for my loan and my maintenance fees each month...never a problem. The reason was a code that was a miscellaneous code. I didn't have enough cash, and I didn't bring a high credit limit card with me. So, I had a choice to either pay immediately or cancel the plan. I managed to pull it together, and paid the money. However, there was no dining plan without paying up front. By the way, telecheck couldn't give me an answer why my check was declined - could be one of many reasons, too high a check number (it was 11000 something), too high an amount, might not recognize my credit union, and sometimes it just declines for no reason....not a pleasant experience.

If you aren't aware of new rules, Disney shouldn't hold you responsible, IMHO

 

[pbharris4]

Last June when we stayed at BCV and OKW we were told if we wanted to cancel the Dp we had to do so 3 days prior to check in. I've also read it somewhere on the DIS as well. So that rule has been around..maybe they are just now reinforcing it. Also, if you have a split stay (a few days at 1 resort and a few days at another...you do not have to have the DP for both stays. you can have it for the first week and then not the second. we're doing that this summer.

 

[bsusanmb]

I have not seen the rule printed anywhere yet. It isn't on the brochure, on the web sites, not in any information at all. So, if they want to enforce a rule, they should make it well known.

My last stay was Dec, and next is in April/May. We are going with the dining plan, but I am going to ask at check in and ask where this is written....we shall see.

 

[disneynutz]

You must buy it for ALL people for the WHOLE trip.

Technically that is not correct. You must buy it for ALL people for the WHOLE reservation. If you are staying at WDW for 12 days and you only want the DDP for six of the days, book two separate reservations. Do not let MS or the front desk link the reservations. We have done this several times without a problem.

 

[bsusanmb]

Now that's a good idea! I have to remember that when my family comes down for a few days and then DH and I are alone. Gotta love the DIS'ers who give us all these ideas!
Thanks!

 

[disneynutz]

Now that's a good idea! I have to remember that when my family comes down for a few days and then DH and I are alone. Gotta love the DIS'ers who give us all these ideas!
Thanks!

Just don't let the family know that you and your DH used the plan.

 

[Lexxiefern]

I just booked a reservation a couple days ago and the CM told me I could add the dining plan up till the day before. So has this changed? Or is it just cancelling the DP that is 72 before?

 

[keishashadow]

From what i recall the "guidelines" always were stated as 72 hours prior...assume they were being accommodating to last minute guests (and building some revenue too?).

Hopefully, this will streamline the checkin process a bit for the rest of us who have already made up their minds as to the DP before checking in.

Would be nice if they had an "express" checkin line; for those who don't need tix added to their room keys, above last minute DP add-on, etc. No fun to get stuck behind someone processing tons of reward/gift cards to room account either for charging privledges - each one is processed sep.; can take quite a while.

Where's that wish list?