Why do they ask if you're on the dining plan?

[momoftwins]

Just curious. DH and I are going in April. I made some ADR's earlier in the week and the first question I was asked by the reservationist was, "Are you on the DDP."

What difference does it make when you make the ressies?

Thanks!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

They asked my mom the same ? when she booked our ADRs a few weeks ago and she finally asked when they kept asking her and they told her it was because they can keep track of them as you schedule them so for example if you think you can try and use 2 CS for a TS they will realize that and stop you. There may be other reasons but that is basically what they told her, I guess maybe they can look it up and know if they need to take 2 meals for special places or just 1 for the other TS.

 

[DisneyBugs]

My experience is that they need to know depending on what you are booking -- for example, for ressies at a few locations (Lunch at the Castle & HDDR for example) they charge your credit card when you make the ADR -- regardless of whether or not you're on DDP. But, then if you're on the DDP, you can opt to have the charge reversed if you want to use the DDP credits for those meals. If you're on DDP, they would need to explain this to you.

There may be other reasons, but that's the first one that popped in my head!

 

[JimMIA]

I think there is at least one other reason, in addition to those above.

That reason is simple marketing. If you're making ADRs, they want to be sure that you at least know that there is such a thing as DDP. If you say "Huh?," they have an opportunity to explain, and possibly sell, not only DDP but also an onsite stay.

They use another marketing approach when you purchase DDP. They ask if you have ADRs. The LAST thing they want with DDP is for you to go to WDW and have nowhere to eat -- and then be mad at the Mouse. They'd much rather help you with ADRs, and help you make them...so that you'll have a great trip and tell all your friends.

 

[momoftwins]

I guess this all makes sense.

 

[just another guy]

Its asked so it can be put into the computer, and then passed along to the server when you dine there, so they can make sure you are ordering items that are allowed for the DDP based on your family structure.

 

[Helen1203]

I've made several ADR's over the past week or so every time I call they ask me if I'm on the ddp - I haven't decided about it yet but when I've answered not as yet they tell me how many dining credits I'd be using by booking the meal. Also, every time I call I get the recording asking me to take a quick survey. I finally took the survey hoping that the next time I call I wouldn't be asked about the survey. However, that didn't happen and again I got the recording. You would think they would know whether or not you've taken it since you've already entered your reservation number or phone number.

 

[Tamara]

My experience is that they need to know depending on what you are booking -- for example, for ressies at a few locations (Lunch at the Castle & HDDR for example) they charge your credit card when you make the ADR -- regardless of whether or not you're on DDP. But, then if you're on the DDP, you can opt to have the charge reversed if you want to use the DDP credits for those meals. If you're on DDP, they would need to explain this to you.

There may be other reasons, but that's the first one that popped in my head!

I actually booked the Cinderella's Royal Table for breakfast before I was on the DDP and they did charge my credit card but when I called back and told them I decided to add the DDP to my reservation, they told me I would keep the same confirmation# for my ADR and they did keep my credit card on file BUT they refunded the $$ they charged to my card......and for the HDDR as well as the Fantasmic Dinner package, they said they won't charge my card unless of course I fail to cancel my reservation and not show up.
I asked the same thing about why they ask if I'm on the DDP because I also have the DDE and there are going to be a few reservations I will probably pay for using that but I wasn't sure which one's that would be, the CM told me its just easier to add the DDP information when the ADR is made but if I decided not to use my credits and to use the DDE card to just let the server know and its not a big deal.........whew, did that make sense?

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

It was noted on all the slips of paper the hostess leaves on the table for the server (same with the fact we were celebrating a birthday). We didn't even have to say we were on the plan, they already knew.

As for them trying to stop someone from making more ADRs then they have credits for, I don't know. I guess they could do that to try and warn someone, but I have 7 TS credits and have 9 TS scheduled. No one ever said anything to me (nor on my prior trip when I had more ADR's then credits).

 

[disguy1]

they want to know how you plan on payying in advance & they make note of it so the restaurent knows what ya got

 

[BrerMama]

I thought it also had to do with scheduling... if you're on the DDP, you're definitely ordering an appetizer and dessert, where those not on the DDP may get neither, just one of those, or both. So I thought there was a time element and also to help the restaurant predict what they need to order for supplies. I know I read it somewhere, but it's probably just a wild theory someone developed.