We're wondering if we're going to run into any trouble by doing this?

[cdnSpinalTap]

Maybe I was reading it wrong but they were not going to add her at all just let her stay in there room and buy tickets for the park when they got there. So the first problem would be getting too the hotel with out ME.

Actually the OP was asking for an "economical" way to accomplish what she wanted to do. I'm suggesting adding her at checkin is an economical way to go about it - with the only caveat that she would not have access to ME.

This could be accomplished with the $10 extra person fee at checkin, plus about $60 in cab far (taxi fare finder.com). Much cheaper than buying an additional deluxe meal plan.

 

[scdak]

OP I can't give any advice about adding your sister since I have never been in that situation but I can tell you that the DxDP is a HUGE amount of food .........take this from the standpoint of two Pooh sized women! We were sick of eating after day 5 of our 10 day trip, and that was spacing out meals (7am, 1-2pm, 7-8pm), we simply weren't able to enjoy snacks because we were so full so we ended up bringing prepackaged things home. And the time frame to have all those meals ........meaning to enjoy them in an unrushed manner will take a lot of park time away from the 3 of you. We have never done the deluxe dining plan again, once was more than enough for us Yes, others would say to do signature meals using 2 credits and only eating 2 meals plus snacks a day but there were only 2 signature meals that I was interested in (and we did those). I think the peoples suggestions of adding her to your room before the trip and backing down to the regular dining plan is pretty sound advise, it gives your sister access to everything such as ME, magic bands, EMH etc.

 

[jar311]

Thanks for all your input guys! I've been doing research and reading your advice and we've figured out a plan. I have found out that I can add her to the reservation when we check in and possibly pay a small extra fee per day without having to add her to our dining plan.

I have learned as well that we can use our meal credits to pay for an entire table without issue at table service restaraunts. We just say the table is on a dining plan and they will deduct the amount of credits based on the amount of people sitting at the table. This gives us a minimum of 2 table service meals each per day. We are spending a couple days at Universal so those credits we don't use on those days can be put to use elsewhere. One of the big reasons for our trip is for the food. I know a lot of people saying that the deluxe is too much food, but trust me... it's going to do us well.

One other thing is that it may be possible to add her to the reservations 48 hours in advance by calling and pay the $10 a day surcharge over the phone without adding her to the meal plan so she can take DME. Worst case though we'll just take a cab.

We have to do a bit of extra work to make this all happen, but the cost savings and the fact that we can afford to take her on this really special trip is totally worth it.

Thanks so much for all your help and input!

P.S. We managed to score 8:15pm seats at the Rose & Crown Pub in Epcot! It took a lot of time refreshing the dates to get one but I got it! I can't wait to see the fireworks there. Hopefully I can score a patio table!

 

[jar311]

Most people are reporting now that you can gift others meals. So if you get 6 dining credits per night (for you and your DH) plus snacks, use snacks for breakfast, 1 TS for lunch for 3 people (3 credits), and 1 TS for dinner for 3 people (3 credits).

That's pretty much the plan yeah! Some days we are booking breakfasts and some days lunch, but always dinner. We'll use our snacks to fill the gaps or our extra dining credits we'll have because we're spending a couple days off site at Universal.

 

[smiths02]

Since she is under 18, you may not be charged the additional $10/night fee even (I thought that was for extra adults)

 

[smiths02]

I think I would call Disney or my TA and ask for help from the professionals. Relying on a bunch of guesses here isn't going to help. A lot of these suggestions sound like complex workarounds to a fairly simple issue. Add her to the ressie, and if you have to ALL have the DDP, then slip it down to the lower level. Should be no problem buying your tickets separately at the discounted rate and adding then linking them to your reservation so that you get the 60 day booking window for FP+.

One thing to watch out for when making big changes to a package; don't let them cancel everything and rebook if using a C$ credit card. They will refund your payment and then rebook with a new payment which will cost you exchange fees both ways. You'll end up paying an extra 4-5% with the two extra fees.

But people are added at check-in all the time, according to this board. It is easy to call Disney and verify that someone can be added at check-in. I don't think OP was suggesting "sneaking" her sister into her room. It is legitimate to add someone once you get there.

Again, the OP's sister would not have DME (at least coming from MCO to Disney, she may be able to arrange it back to airport), but if they are coming together they can get car/taxi/uber.
And the OPs sister would not have the 60 day FP+, if she has tickets and an account, those could be booked 30 days in advance instead.

Once she gets there and checks-in, she can get a magic band, access to EMH, etc.