why can't I do DDP with reservation points on the "disney collection"?

[aes74]

Ok, I put this post here since it is with DVC points...

I have a reservation for this SUnday night at Port Orleans. However, it was made through DVC with points since no DVC resorts had any availability. When I asked for the DDP she said no, I can't have it since we are using reservation points instead of vacation points. Does that make sense? Is it correct? Is there anything I can do?

 

[dianeschlicht]

Makes perfect sense. DDP is only available on point stays at DVC resorts. To get the dining plan at the non-DVC resorts, you would have to pay their package price, and using DVC points does not fullfill that package price.

 

[NemoMOm]

I admit I'm confused too. The ddp cost the same wether thru DVC or booking rack rates. So, why would they not let you if it the same price? Just curious I like to know as much as I can too.

Thanks.

 

[MrShiny]

A requirement for booking DDP with a room is a package that includes tickets. Since you are getting the room only, you don't qualify. i believe thuis is because they re basically 2 different divisions - the travel company (which gets hotel inventory & make packages) and the hotel (which just books rooms).

 

[Chuck S]

DVC offers the DDP through an agreement with Disney Travel. Disney travel controls the Dining Plan and sets the rules, not DVC. It was only offered to DVCers after almost a year of being available as part of a Disney Travel package, and probably ONLY to boost DVC sales to people that really liked the plan, after much insistence from DVC marketing.

 

[aes74]

DVC offers the DDP through an agreement with Disney Travel. Disney travel controls the Dining Plan and sets the rules, not DVC. It was only offered to DVCers after almost a year of being available as part of a Disney Travel package, and probably ONLY to boost DVC sales to people that really liked the plan, after much insistence from DVC marketing.

Ooookay I guess I understand how that works now. I think the only part I am still stuck on is the fact I am still using DVC points and going through DVC, but I guess, as you pointed out, it is what it is. Thank you for the info, I at least wanted a reason, or to make sure that the ms rep wasn't confused. Thanks for your help.

 

[byoung]

At least we can get it staying on points at the DVC resorts.

 

[JimMIA]

Ooookay I guess I understand how that works now. I think the only part I am still stuck on is the fact I am still using DVC points and going through DVC, but I guess, as you pointed out, it is what it is. Thank you for the info, I at least wanted a reason, or to make sure that the ms rep wasn't confused. Thanks for your help.

Nope, the MS rep was exactly right. You can get DDP only three ways that I know of: as a package (usually rack rate + at least a one-day park ticket) through Disney CRO; as a package through AAA; and when staying at a DVC resort only on DVC points, which would be handled through DVC MS.

When you use points to book any non-DVC stay, those points are no longer DVC points -- they are "reservation points." If you cancel a reservation like that, you will not be able to use them for a future DVC stay. You will not lose the points, but they will be useable only for a non-DVC stay.

We can't get DDP anywhere except at a DVC resort -- and we can't get DDP AT a DVC resort unless we're using points for the stay. So if you split a DVC stay part cash/part points, you'd be able to get DDP only for the points portion.

 

[Sammie]

We can't get DDP anywhere except at a DVC resort -- and we can't get DDP AT a DVC resort unless we're using points for the stay. So if you split a DVC stay part cash/part points, you'd be able to get DDP only for the points portion.

Nope, you can do both. We have a stay booked with points and paying cash for the weekend at SSR. We can get the DDP for both the points portion or the cash portion or just one.

 

[aes74]

Nope, you can do both. We have a stay booked with points and paying cash for the weekend at SSR. We can get the DDP for both the points portion or the cash portion or just one.

But we still can't use DDP, correct, because we are at POR?

 

[Chuck S]

But we still can't use DDP, correct, because we are at POR?

Correct, you can not get the DDP when staying at a regular WDW resort unless you book a package through Disney Travel. DVC point reservations are considered discounted reservation at regular WDW resorts, just like Annual Pass discount, FL resident discount, etc.

None of them can add the dining plan at regular WDW resorts without buying a regular full price package through Disney travel.

 

[TDC Nala]

It's really not confusing. DVC points are meant for use at DVC resorts. When you use DVC points to stay at another WDW resort, you are in essence trading out your points to WDTRavel. The DVC dining plan deal is only for DVC members who are staying at DVC; that is, using your points within the DVC system - this is the only situation for which DVC members are permitted to buy the dining plan. DVC members do not have to buy tickets and are not eligible for promotions such as free dining.

If you are staying in a non-DVC resort on points, you can't fulfill the requirements in place for adding the dining plan to your reservation - that is, you must be booked on a room/tickets package to add the dining plan at a non-DVC resort.

A DVC points reservation at a non-DVC resort does not qualify as a room/tickets package.

Room-only discounts don't count either. You MUST be booked on a room/tickets package.

If you want the dining plan at POR, don't use points. Unless you HAVE to use the points or they expire, it isn't the best use of your points anyway. To get the plan, cancel the points reservation, use them to go to Disneyland or something and book a room/tickets package through WDTravel.

You CAN book a cash reservation at a DVC resort and get the dining plan...but only if your cash stay is booked as a room/tickets package through WDTravel.