Why do they ask if you are on the dining plan when you make ADR's?

[edk35]

Just curious. We have never used the plan but are thinking of trying it in Aug. since we have a split stay. We might try it for part of our trip. When I call to make an ADR do I go ahead and tell them we are on the plan even if I am not sure? Or say no and then call back when/if we decide to get it. Thanks

 

[Zoom]

HI! I'm doing the same thing for our coming trip in May, I also have a split stay and using ddp on the 2nd part of our stay, If you decided to use it, when you call MS you can make your ADRs as well, since you wont be charged until you check in, you can cancel ddp/adrs before you check in.
Also, i believed you can make ADRs even if you're not in DDP.

 

[FlyingBelle]

I believe the reasons they ask is for their capacity planning. The first year they had the dining plan, several of the CM at table service restaurants said that folks stay at the table approx 1/2 hour more, due to ordering apps & desserts. Of course, you don't have to be on the dining plan to order apps & desserts, but those on the plan tend to more often. I was told in the past average turn-time on a table was and hour to 1-1/2 hours. Now it's trending more towards 2 hours.

 

[alldiz]

You can make a ressie with or without plan...
Dont even need to have a hotel ressie...
Kerri

 

[JimMIA]

Just curious. We have never used the plan but are thinking of trying it in Aug. since we have a split stay. We might try it for part of our trip. When I call to make an ADR do I go ahead and tell them we are on the plan even if I am not sure? Or say no and then call back when/if we decide to get it. Thanks

ADRs have nothing to do with how you're paying for the meal. I think the primary reason they ask if you have DDP is that many visitors (especially first timers) don't even know there IS a DDP. By the same token, when you call to order the DDP, they will ask if you need ADRs. Many people don't know it's possible to make ADRs, or that it's becoming increasingly necessary to make them (last year during free dining, the problem became so severe they had to come up with an exchange plan for people with meal credits they couldn't use because they didn't know to make ADRs.).

Both of those situations are just Disney trying to make sure their customers understand and take advantage of opportunities.

In addition, Disney doesn't miss many sales opportunities, and they may be able to switch someone from offsite to onsite with the enticement of the DDP. Don't forget that DDP is not primarily a F&B promotion -- it's mostly a promotion designed to entice people to stay onsite.

 

[edk35]

ADRs have nothing to do with how you're paying for the meal. I think the primary reason they ask if you have DDP is that many visitors (especially first timers) don't even know there IS a DDP. By the same token, when you call to order the DDP, they will ask if you need ADRs. Many people don't know it's possible to make ADRs, or that it's becoming increasingly necessary to make them (last year during free dining, the problem became so severe they had to come up with an exchange plan for people with meal credits they couldn't use because they didn't know to make ADRs.).

Both of those situations are just Disney trying to make sure their customers understand and take advantage of opportunities.

In addition, Disney doesn't miss many sales opportunities, and they may be able to switch someone from offsite to onsite with the enticement of the DDP. Don't forget that DDP is not primarily a F&B promotion -- it's mostly a promotion designed to entice people to stay onsite.

I understand the ADR system......we have been using this for years...used to be something different. Anyway....I just wasn't sure if I needed to call back and let them know that we are using DDP if we decide to get it. They always ask me are you on the dining plan. Thanks

 

[Granny]

I believe the reasons they ask is for their capacity planning. The first year they had the dining plan, several of the CM at table service restaurants said that folks stay at the table approx 1/2 hour more, due to ordering apps & desserts. Of course, you don't have to be on the dining plan to order apps & desserts, but those on the plan tend to more often. I was told in the past average turn-time on a table was and hour to 1-1/2 hours. Now it's trending more towards 2 hours.

I think this answer makes all the sense in the world. It would explain why they would ask that question. Thanks!