Need a little help

[Peggy Jean]

My family will be heading to WDW in June, 18th-27th on points at SSR for the first time. Just bought into DVC a couple years ago. Anyway, it will be me, DH, DS21 DS's DGF21, DD20 and DD's friend (not sure who yet), we'll be in a Dedicated 2BR for 10 days.

My questions?

1. We did not request a particular location, should we? And why, or why not, in your opinion. There are no small children in our party and we've all been to WDW numerous times, so this really is a laid back vacation for all of us.

2. Our passes situation is really odd. DS has a pass with 3 days left on it. DH, DS, DD and I all have 6 options left on our passes. You know the water parks, PI, etc...... Our guests have no passes at all. We were going to get an AP for DH and I. Passes for everyone else will depend on how long they'll be staying. DH was going to add the dining plan to his pass, that you can add to the AP for $60.00, I think that's the price. This plan allows you a 20% discount at most places the DDP is accepted and is good for your entire party up to 10 people. My question here, has anyone used this plan for dining, and what are your thoughts. We're not sure we can do the regular DDP due to the fact that not everyone will be coming, staying and leaving at the same times.

3. DS and his girlfriend will be flying in from Detroit, the rest of us from Baltimore. I am assuming that DH and I must arrive first to check in. In other words if DS arrives before us, he couldn't check in without us, right?

Thanks in advance for any and all input. Can't wait, getting really excited.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We use the DDE card and it works for us. Yes, it's good for up to 10 people, and this year there is an automatic 18% gratuity added to the bill. I'm not sure of the price of the card, we pay for 2 cards, one for me and one for DH.

If your DS arrives first, he can check in as long as his name is on the room. The main problem for us in doing that is that there can be only 1 credit card tied to the room. Not all of the cards have to have credit privileges but if they do, they are tied to that one card. So, with that in mind, the first person who gets to SSR can check in, as long as his/her name is on the ressie.

Bobbi

 

[ChelleinNC]

My family will be heading to WDW in June, 18th-27th on points at SSR for the first time. Just bought into DVC a couple years ago. Anyway, it will be me, DH, DS21 DS's DGF21, DD20 and DD's friend (not sure who yet), we'll be in a Dedicated 2BR for 10 days.

My questions?

1. We did not request a particular location, should we? And why, or why not, in your opinion. There are no small children in our party and we've all been to WDW numerous times, so this really is a laid back vacation for all of us.

2. Our passes situation is really odd. DS has a pass with 3 days left on it. DH, DS, DD and I all have 6 options left on our passes. You know the water parks, PI, etc...... Our guests have no passes at all. We were going to get an AP for DH and I. Passes for everyone else will depend on how long they'll be staying. DH was going to add the dining plan to his pass, that you can add to the AP for $60.00, I think that's the price. This plan allows you a 20% discount at most places the DDP is accepted and is good for your entire party up to 10 people. My question here, has anyone used this plan for dining, and what are your thoughts. We're not sure we can do the regular DDP due to the fact that not everyone will be coming, staying and leaving at the same times.

3. DS and his girlfriend will be flying in from Detroit, the rest of us from Baltimore. I am assuming that DH and I must arrive first to check in. In other words if DS arrives before us, he couldn't check in without us, right?

Thanks in advance for any and all input. Can't wait, getting really excited.

1. If you're not concerned with being close to the main pool or having a DTD view, then I'd say just go with the flow and you'll be happy with what you get. If you think you'll be spending a lot of time at DTD, you may want to ask for the Congress Park section.

2. The DDE is not the same as the DDP. DDE is Disney Dining Experience, it is for AP holders & Fla Residents and gives a 20% discount on dining at a variety of Disney restaurants. The cost is $60 (maybe $65) and is good for one year. A second card can be added for another $25. The DDE discount is good mostly for TS, with a few CS options (Artist Palette at SSR is one CS that it's good at). The discount is also good on alcholic beverages and is good for up to 10 people. There is an automatic 18% tip added to the bill, tip is based on the full price of the meal.

We got our DDE last summer, more than paid for the cost of the card in the first 3 days of our 10 day trip. Used it in December as well and we'll be back in June. I think it's more than worth it, and works better than the DDP for my family.

3. If his name is on the ressie, he'll be able to check in. If you do decide to add the DDP, it will have to be paid for at check in.

 

[Peggy Jean]

Thanks so much for the info so far. DH and I have been going back and forth on the dining options. I think we'll do the DDE. With that can we purchase that when we purchase our AP's, or can we purchase the AP now, then add the DDE plan when we get there?

Thanks again, I find these boards so VERY useful!

 

[Chuck S]

For your APs, you can either pre-order vouchers now or get them in person at Guests Services at one of the parks or Downtown Disney, the resort desks don't handle APs at all.

If you pre-order AP vouchers, you'll still need to go to guest services to exchange it for the actual pass.

You can now get the DDE card in person when you get your AP.