New Dining Program for DVC members?

[Dean]

I doubt we'll see the add on plans for DVC units but we will see. These type of dining plans are usually only a savings for short trips and those that eat themselves silly. Industry studies show that most people eat aggressively for 3 days then taper off dramatically. Plus they assume you'll get an appetizer and a dessert every meal, something many don't do. In many ways it's like defining the value of DVC. If you compare to what you got and what it would have cost, there will be some savings. If you compare to what you would have ordered without the plan, it's usually not savings at all. Think of it like using the rack rates of DVC resorts to figure your savings with buying DVC, not a realistic way to value your purchase.

 

[DebbieB]

My understanding is you must be an AP holder -or- a FL resident. I don't think it is available to the general public for out-of-staters.

It's funny how disney keeps throwing curve balls on these tickets! First you are thrilled that DVC had an AP discount. Then they came out with MYW and some people thought that was better and were going that way. Now, to purchase the DDE, you need an AP. I'm glad I have an AP that I purchased last month so I don't have to make a decision!

I was never really interested in the $35 meal plan because when my mom and I go we don't eat both a counter service lunch and a full dinner. This DDE card seems more flexible for us. I can also use it on trips with my friends.

 

[bongo59]

watch CNBC in the morning and you will see the Disney execs on their explaining their goals on the new pricing.......it is to close the loss on tix.........and increase prices and encourage longer stays in the parks..........park revenue has been a drag on earning and that is the sole reason behind the changes.

 

[DebbieB]

They finally realized that they need to keep people on property to make more money. We have a rental car and don't think twice about eating off site (in the Crossroads area) because Disney restaurants are overpriced. Getting 20% off may make us change our mind.

I can't believe park revenue is a drag on earnings. I've always heard that it's the bright spot in disney corp's overall income. I've heard ABC is the big drag.

 

[CarolMN]

They finally realized that they need to keep people on property to make more money. We have a rental car and don't think twice about eating off site (in the Crossroads area) because Disney restaurants are overpriced. Getting 20% off may make us change our mind.

I can't believe park revenue is a drag on earnings. I've always heard that it's the bright spot in disney corp's overall income. I've heard ABC is the big drag.

Ditto!

I don't really care why they did it, though. I'm just gald they did and that we are in a position to take advanatge of it.

 

[profdsny]

Sure this hhas been asked before, but, if we just get one AP will that qualify or do we need to get one for each of our group?

 

[athenna]

Only 1 person needs to have the card. Discount for the food is up to 10 guests.

 

[goldilocks_63]

I know it's not good on major holidays, but what about the week around them?

Thanks, Goldi

 

[athenna]

It seems to only not be valid on the actual day of the holiday.

 

[Epcotkids]

You might consider the new Dining Experience discount card. It gives you 20% off of everything from drinks, apps. to dessert, for up to eight people. It is not as good a deal as the "add-on" dining option, but for $50.00 (AP get 50% off, ask if DVM's do, I can't remember) its better than nothing.

Oh, its is good at most anywhere, Disney Dining can give you more infomation and email a complete list of resturants.

 

[disneyberry]

[SIZE=+0]Since this got bumped up, just wanted to mention again that DDE has made it very clear that only AP holders can buy the DDE membership.

So, DVC members who aren't AP holders are not eligible for the program. I've written DVC about this, in the hopes they'll change things and make DVC members eligible... but who knows if anyone up at DVC Mgmt actually cares or has pull to make such a change. *sigh*[/SIZE]

 

[Epcotkids]

You're kidding?!?! Only AP holders can get this? I am sorry, I thought this was open to everyone. Wait, If it is only available to AP then why do AP's get 25.00 off the purchase of it? I did not mean to give false information, I will check into this. Sorry!

 

[zulaya]

This program was originally just for FL residents. They opened it up to ALL AP holders, not everyone on the planet. FL residents pay $75; if you are an AP holder you get $25 off.

 

[Dean]

You're kidding?!?! Only AP holders can get this? I am sorry, I thought this was open to everyone. Wait, If it is only available to AP then why do AP's get 25.00 off the purchase of it? I did not mean to give false information, I will check into this. Sorry!

For a few days there was confusion including with DDE themselves. I believe that there were those on this board that successfully ordered the DDE without being a FL or AP pass holder. But they did clarify that it was only for pass holders and FL residents so no one else will get in without those qualifications it appears.

 

[jfis1020]

Food and Fun was the best. No more worrying about "how much did we spend"? Pay in advance was neat.

I think Disney should consider a "debit style" dining package for DVC members only. Kind of like our video store. I bought a $27 debit card for $20. Set it up to expire with your length of stay. Let us choose our amount the more you spend the better the deal. That way they are getting their money regardless.

 

[married@wdw]

A word on DDE. With the DVC AP Discount, the AP only cost me about $75 to upgrade from my 5-day MYW hopper ticket (without expiration or plus features). The DDE was another $50. Will 20% off dining at most sitdowns and lounges (as well as some counter service where sitdown isn't available) INCLUDING ALCOHOL (this really surprised me!) save you more than $125 in a year? If so, that's the way to go for you. It definitely was for us -- we took our family of 11 and saved $170 is he first three days of our eight day trip (I never figured out the total savings). We saved $65 at O'hana alone!

But it really just depends on how you vacation. We rarely eat fast food and usually eat at a nice sitdown almost every night.