When does the dining plan kick in???

[klacey1]

I have read several dining reviews where a family had to pay OOP their first night at Disney because their dining plan was not valid yet...why??? Is there any way to have my dining plan kick in my first night in the World?? (And if we no credits left, oh well on the last day...)

 

[Faldred]

You receive all of your credits at check in.

People reporting that they can't use the dining plan on their first night are either misinformed or are on a "split stay", where they are staying one night on a different reservation (that does not include a dining plan) before their main reservation.

 

[catne]

what Faldred said

 

[TDC Nala]

The dining plan is valid as soon as you check in and receive your key cards. You will receive your key cards whether or not your room is ready. Either the party you read about couldn't make it to the resort to check in before they went to eat, had a separate reservation for the first night that didn't include the plan, or they didn't realize they could use dining credits as soon as they received their key cards, whether or not the room was ready.

 

[klacey1]

Thank you!