Newbie Questions about DVC

[PensFan]

So we have been to Disney a few times and really starting to look at going more.

I think I have a good grasp at the whole point system with the bank/borrow/spend etc... but my questions might be very basic but I cant find much info on them.

When we go to Disney we always buy a package with the meal plan, park tickets etc... simplicity at its finest! Now my understanding that DVC points are for resort ONLY so we would still need to but tickets and all that.

So because we are not buying a "package" online when booking a trip as a DVC member can you still purchase the meal plan of your choice?

Also is there discounts on tickets/meal plans/memory maker etc.. as a DVC member?

Just not sure how much it would be in comparison to booking a package? We are just trying to figure out the numbers of what a trip would cost us through DVC + all the other things VS. Packages online.

Thanks!

 

[erionm]

You can add a dining plan to a DVC points reservation. There are no discounts available on the price of the dining plans. Dining plans on points reservations are typically exempt from any mid-year price changes. You can add a dining plan up to 2 days prior to check-in and it must be paid for in full at the time it's added.

No discounts on daily theme park admission, but members are eligible for reduced pricing on annual passes.

The Gold, Platinum and Platinum Passes all include PhotoPass downloads (basically Memory Maker). These pass levels are available at a reduced price for DVC Members.

 

[PensFan]

Excellent .... I appreciate the quick reply! Exactly what I wanted to know.

 

[DVC Mike]

For dining discounts:

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[DVC Mike]

Here is the AP discount:

http://i235.*************************************Misc/Ap2015Oct.png

 

[disneynutz]

DVC is a discounted room only. In exchange for the discount there are rules, policies, some MS and room issues and deciding what resort and UY to buy.

Some discounts are available but they come and go often without notification.

 

[Dean]

So we have been to Disney a few times and really starting to look at going more.

I think I have a good grasp at the whole point system with the bank/borrow/spend etc... but my questions might be very basic but I cant find much info on them.

When we go to Disney we always buy a package with the meal plan, park tickets etc... simplicity at its finest! Now my understanding that DVC points are for resort ONLY so we would still need to but tickets and all that.

So because we are not buying a "package" online when booking a trip as a DVC member can you still purchase the meal plan of your choice?

Also is there discounts on tickets/meal plans/memory maker etc.. as a DVC member?

Just not sure how much it would be in comparison to booking a package? We are just trying to figure out the numbers of what a trip would cost us through DVC + all the other things VS. Packages online.

Thanks!

Often the packages are more expensive than simply paying OOP. You'll actually have more flexibility and better choices without being locked in to the packages. And it really doesn't add any complexity. What you'll potentially lose is the free dining for some situations.

 

[crisi]

Note that there are never specials to use your points - like "free dining" - once you are a DVC member, if you want free dining, you'll do it without using your points. Or the 7 for 4 promotion of years ago - book four nights get seven. Those don't happen on points.

Also know that all discounts are not contractual and subject to change. Right now there is an AP discount. That might disappear with no notice next year - we have no way to know or to influence that. It may be replaced with some sort of length of stay discount. Or it could go away completely.

The meal plan was not available to DVC members when first released, and some variations of the meal plan have not been available to members. I don't see them doing away with our ability to buy the meal plan, but they might not offer all versions of it. They've also gotten rid of flexibility with it - you now need to book it for all nights of your stay for everyone in your room (it used to be you could get it for a few nights only). So if friends are visiting you halfway through your visit, you'll either need to buy the plan for all guest for all nights, or skip it for all guests for all nights.

Buy because the core DVC program meets your needs. Discounting is gravy.

 

[PensFan]

The meal plan was not available to DVC members when first released, and some variations of the meal plan have not been available to members. I don't see them doing away with our ability to buy the meal plan, but they might not offer all versions of it. They've also gotten rid of flexibility with it - you now need to book it for all nights of your stay for everyone in your room (it used to be you could get it for a few nights only). So if friends are visiting you halfway through your visit, you'll either need to buy the plan for all guest for all nights, or skip it for all guests for all nights.

Interesting ... okay!

And yes ... I understand completely why one would buy into DVC, but I just like to look at ALL possibilities and options and breakdowns etc! Like to know the NOW and the WHAT IF scenarios!

 

[Dean]

Interesting ... okay!

And yes ... I understand completely why one would buy into DVC, but I just like to look at ALL possibilities and options and breakdowns etc! Like to know the NOW and the WHAT IF scenarios!

Then you need to either get a copy of the POS and actually read it critically and/or spend a good 6 months investigating & learning. Other than a CHANCE to book a room at the home resort, nothing else is guaranteed and not can but will change.