Strange ?'s about Disney Dining Plan

[purplevalentine]

Okay, I'm in panic mode now. I called WDW dining about 2 weeks ago to make all of my PS's for my July 31st - Aug. 6th trip to Disney. While on the phone the CM mentioned to me about the Dining Plan and that I would save money in the long run with my meals. I didn't know much about the dining plan and I can be such a sucker for these things sometimes I agreed. There are 2 adults and 3 children in my party. My nephew is 13 and the other two children are 8 and 3. We are planning to go to Ohana's, Chefs de France (lunch), Sci-Fi, & Whispering canyons. My problem is the finances. While I had only $400 left to pay off this trip the dining plan added and additional $800 bringing my total back up to $1200 owed to disney to be paid by June 15th. I think the dining plan is a good value but i'm not sure if I am going to be able to swing the entire amout by 6/15. Has anyone ever canceled something (like the dining plan) off of there reservation and than added it again after there 45 day deadline and paid the addition item in full? The way I think of it I can either pay for disney dining now or pay later on the trip. I would like to pay for it now if possible. Can you add something to your reservation after the balance is paid in full? If I pay the trip in full and then decide a week or 2 weeks later that I can handle the dining plan can I add it? Or should I stick with my original plan and nix the dining plan altogether? I've been selling like crazy on ebay and have made 1/2 of the money for dining already. This is driving me crazy!!!! HELP!

Karen

 

[Sheaboys]

I could have sworn I read that you can add the dining plan when you get to your hotel. But you may definately want to check that out before cancelling. The plan will save money, since it includes tax and tip, and if you eat at good quality restaurants you will more than make your monies worth.

 

[7beasley]

Karen

If you are uncomfortable adding the dining plan right now until you have had a chance to think about it and calculate out whether it is a good option for you then you should call back and take it off your reservation. From everything I have read - you can add the dining plan onto your reservation just prior to your trip or a check in.

-Nicole

 

[daemom]

Thanks for asking the question! I was wondering the same thing myself! We have a family of 5--with 3 boys. One has a very healthy appetite, one a small appetite, and one who is a grazer! I have been back and forth over this and wondering if I'd made the wrong decision when I DIDN'T go with the dining plan. I'm so glad that I still have the option!

 

[jjohnson]

No one has posted any luck adding the dining plan at checkin. You have 5 days before arrival to add it to your package.

 

[ksjayhawkfan]

I'm not sure if it is any different booking with a TA, but we were told that the dining had to be added no later than 10 days prior. We did drop the dining to pay off by our deadline and then added it back on 2 weeks later when we had the money.

 

[MandM-Mom]

Just a bit of insight on from our families experience with the dining plan, it cost us 80.00 a day. DD4 DH and Me. We easily spent $120-130 per dinner and that was sharing with DD4 and saving her TS. So if you think you want to try some new places and not have to worry about food budget the dining plan is the way to go. If you have any questions just ask the boards, those of us who have used the plan can usually answer them.

 

[cocodog]

I added the dining plan about 4 days before we left for WDW.

 

[MomofKatie]

Have heard from several posters- official policy states that you can add the Dining plan UP TO 72 hrs. before arrival.

 

[purplevalentine]

This is great news. I feel so much better. I'm glad I still have my options open. I will probably keep the dining plan intact for the time being. I'll see how much money I earn with my ebay sales. If I come up short i will cancel the dining plan, pay off the remaining balance of my package and add the dining plan back on later. THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR FEEDBACK!

 

[Luv2Roam]

I think you will make out ahead with the plan in your situation. And I think you will be very happy with it.
You MAY pay the same or less for food/drink while on vacation. But you will have a lot less food $ for $.
I think with the dining plan you will be more apt to eat what you REALLY would like to try, rather than watch your pennies and settle for second choice.
Dining plans cannot be added at check in.
And we all know Disney policy can change at any moment.
To be safe, I would stay with what you have. I really do not think you will regret having the dining plan.
Just make your PS' when you can and ENJOY!