This is probably a stupid question... about discounted dining...

[Cad0587]

Ever since joining I've always bought the discounted dining plan through DVC. We are staying at Disney in June for a few days and this is a non-DVC trip, just renting a value resort hotel room, can I still buy the discounted dining plan for this trip through DVC or can you only do that for DVC trips?

 

[BrerNashville]

Ever since joining I've always bought the discounted dining plan through DVC. We are staying at Disney in June for a few days and this is a non-DVC trip, just renting a value resort hotel room, can I still buy the discounted dining plan for this trip through DVC or can you only do that for DVC trips?

I wasn't aware there was a "discounted" dining option for DVC stays -- I thought the only "discount" was that you didn't have to buy the dining plan with park tickets? If you are an AP holder, you may be able to do this. If not, probably not. You can always buy the Tables in Wonderland card, which, IMHO, is a much better deal than the dining plan (and it will save you several pounds, as you will not be forced to eat a dessert for every meal). If you are a wine drinker -- it is a no-brainer (20% discount applies to alcohol).

 

[Judique]

Ever since joining I've always bought the discounted dining plan through DVC. We are staying at Disney in June for a few days and this is a non-DVC trip, just renting a value resort hotel room, can I still buy the discounted dining plan for this trip through DVC or can you only do that for DVC trips?

You would have to do a package through Disney with a Value resort room. Non DVC stays do not qualify for the DVC dining plan pricing. As far as the pricing, DVC stays do not pay the up charge for seasonal pricing.

 

[supersnoop]

There is no "discounted" dining plan through DVC. However, the dining plan price is locked in for the year, so if Disney has a mid-year price increase, it may seem like DVC has a discount when really we just weren't hit with the increase.

Alternatively, as a DVC owner, you do qualify for some dining discounts at certain restaurants, and you can purchase the Table in Wonderland discount card for a greater discount.

 

[Cad0587]

Hmmmmm, are you guys sure? I just had an entire conversation about this with DVC on the phone while booking DVC trips for me and my brother separately. They made it very clear the dining plans were discounted. And I have booked many of non-DVC trips before joining and the meal plan is definitely cheaper. You said maybe we just weren't hit with the increase in price but that still makes it cheaper and therefore "discounted" technically.

 

[Cad0587]

On the DVC website there is even a chart showing the discount you receive on meal planes, I forget the exact numbers I believe it was 10% off of quick service and 25% off Disney Dining and so on... You guys might want to check into this. We definitely get discounted dining. Not discount tickets though unless it is a annual pass.

 

[disneynutz]

On the DVC website there is even a chart showing the discount you receive on meal planes, I forget the exact numbers I believe it was 10% off of quick service and 25% off Disney Dining and so on... You guys might want to check into this. We definitely get discounted dining. Not discount tickets though unless it is a annual pass.

Where did you see this chart with the Disney Dining Plan discounted? Other dining discounts for DVC are listed by restaurant but that has nothing to do with the DDP.

Bill

 

[supersnoop]

On the DVC website there is even a chart showing the discount you receive on meal planes, I forget the exact numbers I believe it was 10% off of quick service and 25% off Disney Dining and so on... You guys might want to check into this. We definitely get discounted dining. Not discount tickets though unless it is a annual pass.

Those percentages are the hypothetical savings you can realize by purchasing the plan versus paying for your meals out of pocket. That is not a discount you receive on the plan.

Here's a screenshot I just took for a future reservation on the DVC member site. You can look up the dining plan cost at http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-dining-plan.htm and see that they match.

 

[DenLo]

But the OP can still get the DDP at the value resort but unless they have an AP will have to buy at least a 1-day ticket or more if wanted.

 

[supersnoop]

But the OP can still get the DDP at the value resort but unless they have an AP will have to buy at least a 1-day ticket or more if wanted.

Nope. The OP can call in and book a "ticketless" package with just room and dining.

 

[Sandisw]

Nope. The OP can call in and book a "ticketless" package with just room and dining.

You can only book a "ticketless" package if you have an AP. If you do not have an AP, then you are not eligible to book one. If the OP has an AP, then they can definitely get just room and the dining plan. The cost would be the same as a cash guest. In terms of DVC discount, as mentioned, there is not change for season when booking through DVC, and if there has been an increase since the DVC price was negotiated, then there could be a small discount, but for most of the time, we pay the same price as cash guests.

 

[vicki_c]

You can only book a "ticketless" package if you have an AP. If you do not have an AP, then you are not eligible to book one. If the OP has an AP, then they can definitely get just room and the dining plan. The cost would be the same as a cash guest. In terms of DVC discount, as mentioned, there is not change for season when booking through DVC, and if there has been an increase since the DVC price was negotiated, then there could be a small discount, but for most of the time, we pay the same price as cash guests.

Sandi, that is not true any longer. They have been allowing booking of ticketless packages for cash bookings for quite a while now, maybe 8-9 months? You can only do it by phone and it's not advertised anywhere. It has all the regular package requirements re:deposit, cancellation, etc. And of course, none of that is related to DVC. Just information.

 

[bumbershoot]

Those percentages are the hypothetical savings you can realize by purchasing the plan versus paying for your meals out of pocket. That is not a discount you receive on the plan.

Agreed.

 

[Sandisw]

Sandi, that is not true any longer. They have been allowing booking of ticketless packages for cash bookings for quite a while now, maybe 8-9 months? You can only do it by phone and it's not advertised anywhere. It has all the regular package requirements re:deposit, cancellation, etc. And of course, none of that is related to DVC. Just information.

Thanks! That is good to know!!!

 

[DianeV]

I also was looking yesterday at the dining plan to add to our reservation. Its the same price as through Disney right now. I remember it being a 'little' cheaper before so not sure. The quick service is saying $41.99 and the Disney site has the same price

 

[Minniesgal]

I also was looking yesterday at the dining plan to add to our reservation. Its the same price as through Disney right now. I remember it being a 'little' cheaper before so not sure. The quick service is saying $41.99 and the Disney site has the same price

The DVC plan always starts the year out the same price as the Disney one. However the DVC plan stays the same price for a year but the Disney one can be increased so later in the year you may get a small discount if th eDisney plan price increases

 

[Dean]

Ever since joining I've always bought the discounted dining plan through DVC. We are staying at Disney in June for a few days and this is a non-DVC trip, just renting a value resort hotel room, can I still buy the discounted dining plan for this trip through DVC or can you only do that for DVC trips?

As noted, no discounted plan, just the plan options which may or may not give you a savings. The truth is for many people they don't and since it's use or lose with no refund once you hit the 48 hr mark, there is considerable risk. As a rule it's difficult to get any savings from the Quick service plan, a little easier for the Basic plan and easier still for the deluxe plan (if it fits otherwise). Shorter stays, those who plan well, those with kids 3-9 are the ones more likely to see real benefits. I'd suggest you review the menu's for your reservations and see if it's really worth it for your situation.