[SnazzyCMB]

We are seriously considering joining DVC, but have questions about some of the fees/costs that are not covered. For one thing, can DVC members take advantage of free dining? Can they get the dining plan at all? How much discount is there on the annual passes? Are there extra costs when you stay at a non-dvc resort (ie. poly, grand floridian, etc)? Thanks for any info. I am mainly concerned about the dining plan at this point.

[iluvwdw]

Originally Posted by SnazzyCMB

We are seriously considering joining DVC, but have questions about some of the fees/costs that are not covered. For one thing, can DVC members take advantage of free dining? Can they get the dining plan at all? How much discount is there on the annual passes? Are there extra costs when you stay at a non-dvc resort (ie. poly, grand floridian, etc)? Thanks for any info. I am mainly concerned about the dining plan at this point.

I, too, am contemplating joining...but DH isn't really onboard yet. He is THINKING about it, and that's a good sign.

When you are staying on DVC points, you CANNOT get the FREE DINING deal, unfortunately. However, you CAN buy the DP even if you don't buy any park tickets, which is a great perk since many DVCers have APs!!! You can always bank your points and stay at a Value Resort the year they offer FREE DINING if it's that important to you.

[skwak]

Originally Posted by SnazzyCMB

We are seriously considering joining DVC, but have questions about some of the fees/costs that are not covered. For one thing, can DVC members take advantage of free dining? Can they get the dining plan at all? How much discount is there on the annual passes? Are there extra costs when you stay at a non-dvc resort (ie. poly, grand floridian, etc)? Thanks for any info. I am mainly concerned about the dining plan at this point.

Hello and Happy Easter,

You can purchase the DP. At this time you cannot get free dining when it is offered if you are staying at a DVC with points. This year we will be taking advantage of the free dining and staying at the Contemporary and simply sold our points for most of 2007. $$ wise it was the best move since we wanted to go the end of August.

The discount for annual passes is $100 off which is an awesome deal.

Staying at a non-DVC really is not a great way to use your points. You can do it but it would be better financially to sell your points and pay cash at a non-DVC especially given the discounts (AAA, Annual Pass) that come up.

Any more questions? Ask away!

[alicefan]

Originally Posted by skwak

Hello and Happy Easter,

You can purchase the DP. At this time you cannot get free dining when it is offered if you are staying at a DVC with points. This year we will be taking advantage of the free dining and staying at the Contemporary and simply sold our points for most of 2007. $$ wise it was the best move since we wanted to go the end of August.

The discount for annual passes is $100 off which is an awesome deal.

Staying at a non-DVC really is not a great way to use your points. You can do it but it would be better financially to sell your points and pay cash at a non-DVC especially given the discounts (AAA, Annual Pass) that come up.

Any more questions? Ask away!

That's a great idea, Stan! That way you get the free dining!

[SnazzyCMB]

Thanks so much for all the info. It kinda stinks that you can't get the dining free, but you can pay for it. Then again, being able to buy it is still better than paying out of pocket for meals. The free dining is pretty important, but it is not a deal-breaker as far DVC is concerned.
What about the Dining experience card? I've had that in the past with my APs (which have expired ) and I remember some pretty good discounts. As a DVCer, is it better to go with that than purchase the dining plan?
Also, how easy is it to sell your points?
What about taking non-WDW trips? I see that you can do Disneyland with DVC, but are you losing value on it, the way you do when you stay at a non-DVC WDW resort?

[mickey]

Whenever we travel during the free dining time, we stay at one of the moderate resorts and get the free dining, and either sell our points or save them for a future trip.

I never use my points for anything but a stay at WDW, and if I have extra points, I sell them I have sold them here, at disboards and on ebay, no problem at all.

[skwak]

Originally Posted by mickey

Whenever we travel during the free dining time, we stay at one of the moderate resorts and get the free dining, and either sell our points or save them for a future trip.

I never use my points for anything but a stay at WDW, and if I have extra points, I sell them I have sold them here, at disboards and on ebay, no problem at all.

Mickey is giving sound advice as always.

It seems like free dining is only happening for a short 6 weeks this year so unless you always vacation at that time of year, free dining is not really an option/issue.