Thinking of joining DVC - are meal plan rates available?

[Torontogal]

Hi all,

I just want to say that I appreciate your responses to my previous question. My husband and I are thinking of being DVC members and have so many questions!
Can you tell me whether Disney's meal plans are avaialble to vacation members? Are there any "perks" to being a member? Do you get prefered treatment for anything? How easy is it to rent your points should we decide not to use it in a particular year? Has anyone booked a resort outside of Disney such as a certain hotel in Europe - is it worth it? Has anyone booked a cruise? How restrictive is it?
We are still waiting for our info. package so thank you for your wonderful replies!
You guys are awesome!

 

[DebbieB]

The MYW dining plan is not available to DVC members, it has to be booked with a room package through CRO. You can buy the DDE card if you have an AP or are a Florida Resident. DVC also has some dining discounts, see this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=773538

 

[Torontogal]

but I don't mean to sound like I am living under a rock but what is -

CRO
DDE card
AP?

We are very new to Disney resorts and DVC so we are just learning all the terms.
Thanks for replying..

 

[JimMIA]

Please see my response to your other thread, in which I explain that you are only allowed to ask one question!

And then, of course, ignore that. This is going to be tedious, but I know you guys are excited and as the Koala Brothers say, "We are here to help!"

Can you tell me whether Disney's meal plans are avaialble to vacation members?

Two plans currently and one in the works, hopefully. 1 - DVC members get 10% off at a bunch of restaurants on food and non-alcoholic beverages. 2 - DDE - Disney Dining Experience. Costs $75 per year ($50 if you are an annual passholder). Gives you 20% off food and ALL beverages (with me here?) for you and nine of your closest friends - provided all are on one check and the card is presented at the time of ordering. REAL good deal! 3 - Disney is supposedly trying to make the MYW meal plan available to DVC members. I think it will happen (because - Hello! It's money in Mickey's pocket!), the question is when.

Are there any "perks" to being a member?

Yessss....but don't buy DVC for perks. The perks are not a huge deal.

Do you get prefered treatment for anything?

Hmmm...I'll let others answer that. There are special events, etc.

How easy is it to rent your points should we decide not to use it in a particular year?

Easy, but you have to go to school - like everything else. There are other options, like banking points forward into the next use year.

Has anyone booked a resort outside of Disney such as a certain hotel in Europe - is it worth it? Has anyone booked a cruise? How restrictive is it?

I haven't done either, but the economics of using DVC points outside of DVC don't look great to me. A lot of people will tell you to see how much it would cost to pay cash, then see how many points you would have to rent for $10 pp, and then how many points it would take to cruise or whatever. Usually, you will find that you are better off paying cash and renting points to cover the cash outlay.

 

[sleepyone]

Easy, but you have to go to school - like everything else.

We're thinking of DVC too so I was reading this thread for the same answers but, what do you mean go to school like everything else?

 

[DebbieB]

but I don't mean to sound like I am living under a rock but what is -

CRO
DDE card
AP?

We are very new to Disney resorts and DVC so we are just learning all the terms.
Thanks for replying..

CRO - Central Reservations Office, 407-W-DISNEY. Where non-members make reservations.

DDE - Disney Dining Experience Card
http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneydiningexperience.htm

AP - Annual Pass
http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/apass.htm

 

[Scratch42]

Hi all,


Has anyone booked a cruise? How restrictive is it?

It is not very prudent to use your points for a cruise! You are better to rent out your points and then use cash to pay for the cruise. Usually you will have enough to pay for the cruise and some cash left for spending. Also that depends on how our $$ is doing too!LOL

Scratch

 

[Jen D]

We're thinking of DVC too so I was reading this thread for the same answers but, what do you mean go to school like everything else?

I think JimMIA just meant it isn't hard to rent your points but first you have to do all your research, get your ducks in a row, get others' experiences-- and generally work out the best how, where, how much, etc.