Why can't we use meal packages (Silver etc...)

[TwingleMum]

I was reading several posts about the meal packages people add on to the Dream Maker packages and I wondered why we couldn't buy one of these meal plans . After all they are add ons to a package so they know how much money to charge. I called member services and they said it is unavailable for DVC members and no plans to make it available in the future. Would anyone else be interested?? I thought it might be fun to use and that way your meals are prepaid.

 

[RuthnPaul]

Do you think it might have something to do with DVC members being able to cook their own meals (even if they don't!) while persons staying at the other resorts don't have this option available to them?

We tried one of the meal plans a few years back and don't think we would do it again if offered to DVC members. Because we didn't want to see any of the money we prepaid for the meal plan go to waste, we found ourselves eating HUGE meals all the time and still didn't use it all up .

 

[rocketriter]

We found ourselves eating HUGE meals all the time and still didn't use it all up.

That was our experience exactly. Bur-r-r-r-rpp!

 

[MrsM]

I think part of the reason Disney offers this is to encourage people to buy a package. For example, you can't book a room with an AP discount and then do the Silver plan. You can only add it to a package that includes room and tickets.

 

[kweaver]

Originally posted by rocketriter

That was our experience exactly. Bur-r-r-r-rpp!

Yep! We did it once when DD was an only child...even took my in-laws (who happened to be driving through Orlando) to the Maya Grill on the last night to try to use up our credit!

 

[LisaSt]

No reason to get a meal package when you have a kitchen in your room we cook almost every meal while we are there.

 

[TwingleMum]

I understand that we have kitchen facilities, but I know plenty of DVCers who don't use the kitchen and are foodies. I mean its a product for sale , why not offer it. Whats the downside? No one buys it?? You're no worse off. But then again maybe empty nesters or others will purchase it and you'll have a new revenue source. It would be a nice option. Or splurge.

 

[Chuck S]

I doubt many DVCers would use these packages, they are not really a $$$ saver, except maybe for Character meals, otherwise, I come out way ahead using the limited dining discounts available to DVC members. They are part of a package for convenience, not to save the first time WDW visitor any $$$.

Actually, there was a time when there was some sort of dining option available to DVCers, and it was greeted by members with a big *yawn*. Few people used it, and those that did said it wasn't worth it.

 

[KelNottAt]

I, for one, would probably never buy a meal add-on package. I think they're way too expensive to get your money's worth.

However, having said that, I don't see why DVC would withhold the option from members. Who knows, someone who doesn't enjoy cooking and has a few extra dollars may find the package attactive.

Kelley

 

[webmomom]

I know my daugher and her husband would buy a meal package. She does not cook at home and she surely will not cook on vacation. they always get a one bedroom and never use the kitchen except to hold the snack food and sodas. I will say in the morning they will make coffee and have bagels and that is all they use the kitchen for.

 

[Regina]

Chuck is right, they did try a couple of meal plan add-ons over the years, but they discontinued them. Much as I never cook, they never appealed to us. We found that purchasing our meals without the package was the better deal.

 

[KristiKelly]

We booked a package in 1999 @ (then) Dixie Landing, way back in the day before I knew about the DIS or Mousesavers or any of that. We had DS2 with us so no charge, we got the meal package thinking it would be good for us - I was 7 monthes pregnant at the time, figure I'd use it all up . We tried & tried & left WDW with about $60 still left to spend.

If you're wanting to have prepaid meals, I would suggest meal vouchers or just put the amount it would cost for the meal plans aside. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised when you come home with money leftover.

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by KelNottAt
I, for one, would probably never buy a meal add-on package. I think they're way too expensive to get your money's worth.

However, having said that, I don't see why DVC would withhold the option from members. Who knows, someone who doesn't enjoy cooking and has a few extra dollars may find the package attactive.

Kelley

I don't think DVC is "withholding" it. A perk like this would have to be negotiated with the theme parks or resorts division. They probably think there isn't enough interest to try to set something up. They would probably need a minimum number of members projected to use it (through a survey). DVC instead has negotiated some discounts for us at certain restaurants which more members probably take advantage of.

As someone else said, the meal plans are only included with packages, people who book "room only" are not eligible. I think if they offered an option to buy it separate, it would scare people off. I believe the silver plan is $68 a night extra per adult.