refresh my memory-Do I have to book through Disney?

[katie111]

I've done the dining plan before but I just can't remember teh answer to this question. Do I have to book through the DIsney website (or on the phone with a CM) in order to get the dining plan or can I just call after I book my trip. I know i have to have bought a room & tix in order to do the DDP. Reason I'm asking is I may use Amex points of our next trip so I need to book through their travel website to do this.

Also, what if I'm going during free dining? Do I then have to book directly through Disney or will it work if I pay rack rate for the room on the Amex website?

 

[TDC Nala]

You must book a Magic Your Way package reservation through Walt Disney Travel Company. Or you can use a travel agent who books through Disney.

If the Amex site qualifies as a third party broker, no dining plan is available.

If Amex is a travel agency that books through WDTC, you may be able to book a package with dining.

It's my understanding that point rewards are considered a third party booking and you can't book a package with dining that way. I don't think you can book with Disney through Amex. If you are in touch with a travel agent at Amex you can ask. I do not know if Amex is a third party broker like Travelocity or Expedia, or a travel agency like AAA.

If you don't book a WDTC package, you are not eligible for free dining (in fact you are not eligible for the dining plan at all).

If your reservation is not already a WDTC package, you will not be able to change your reservation to a WDTC package after you book it by calling Disney. In fact, Disney will not do anything with your reservation. Amex will be considered the holder of the reservation and you would have to make any changes through them.

 

[katie111]

Great, thanks so much for the info!!