totally bummed - DVC/Dining Plan problem...

[sistertrip]

We used our points to book (a couple months ago) at Animal Kingdom Lodge for August. After hearing good things about the Dining Plan, we decided we wanted to add it, but when I called member services I found out that DVC members can only book the dining plan if they're staying at DVC resorts!! After going back, I realized that the member resources does say that. I'm still bummed, though, and it doesn't really make sense to me. Has anybody ever had luck getting the dining plan added anyway, or is there any chance of Disney changing the rules in the near future? It doesn't make sense that we can get the dining plan at a DVC resort, but not at a regular resort, which is taking more of our points...Any insight?

 

[canwegosoon]

Could you rent your points and pay cash for your ressie and get the dining plan that way?

 

[sistertrip]

That's what I was thinking of now, but we've never rented out our points before. It's a little intimidating. Any hints? It would be 224 reservation points (not vacation points) to be used by the end of May 2007. How much would we be able to rent them for?

 

[canwegosoon]

I was never a renteree(I am always in a borrowing situation), but a friend at work is into renting big time. The going rate(you can tell by the rental board) is $10-11 dollars per point****. You might do best to rent to someone you know, or ask for help from some of the experience renters. Good Luck.
****Sorry I didn't realize once you traded your points they were gone. I would get the DDE Card then if possible.

 

[LIFERBABE]

I empathize with you, but the reason is, because you traded out your points.

Once you trade out, your points are no longer DVC points. I have not read any posts where anyone has attempted to get the DP when trading to the Disney Collection or any Collection.

The Dining Plan is only for Packages booked by TA's or CRO or for DVC members staying on Points at DVC resorts. I know you said this in your post, but just reiterating, because it is often misconstrued.

The Collections are considered trades and in your case, you used your points to purchase room only rate @ AKL, not a package. We don't have the option to purchase WDW packages on points, so adding the DP to your existing AKL ressie is not likely and most likely not possible at all.

Disney values reservation points at around $6 for trades. If you calculate your 224 points that is $1344.00. This is how much they valued your AKL stay at. Most likely that calculates out to paying Rack Rate with no discount.

If you rented those points for a lowly $10, that would have given you $2240.00 which would have paid for your AKL Package including Dining Plan and Park Tickets.
It takes alot more reservation points per night than DVC points per night at a DVC resort. That is 1 reason, trading is not looked at as the best option for DVC members. It is convenient, and everyone is free to do as they wish with their points but the effort required to rent can reap great rewards.

 

[mousefansmom]

jReservation points usually go for less than vacation points-- probably closer to $5 per point, but it could be less. Good luck with your decision!

Mousefansmom

I was never a renteree(I am always in a borrowing situation), but a friend at work is into renting big time. The going rate(you can tell by the rental board) is $10-11 dollars per point. You might do best to rent to someone you know, or ask for help from some of the experience renters. Good Luck.

 

[CarolMN]

My advice is to use your reservation as is and forget the Dining Plan for this trip. Reservation points (and reservations at the non-DVC resorts) are tough to rent - you'll get substantially less than the "going rate" even if you find a person willing to rent the reservation from you. This is especially true if your August trip is scheduled for the free dining period.

Better to just pay for your food as you go this time.

Best wishes -

 

[Deb & Bill]

Buy an AP if you don't have one already and then get the Disney Dining Experience Card. You'll save 20% on most table service restaurants. Better than nothing.