[CleveRocks]

Originally Posted by Mickeybug

A different CM we spoke to another time also told us we could get stay at a dis-owned with DDP for the whole vacate still purchasing our tics here at home. It can be done. Call and talk with them. They have ways to work magic

I KNOW there is some misunderstanding or miscommunication here. Did you actually book and pay for the DDP, or did you just ask the question and get an answer?

If you have booked the DDP, I strongly urge you to check your reservation, because either you DON'T have the DDP or you have paid for at least a minimal park ticket (at least a 1-day base ticket, about $78 + tax) for each person on your reservation.

But I'm guessing you just asked, and either got the wrong info or misunderstood the info given to you.

The DDP is not an a la carte option that can simply be added. It is available ONLY as part of a package. Disney has a very specific definition of "package." In Disney-speak, a package is a combination of resort stay and park ticket bought bundled together. If you get a resort room and use previously-purchased tickets (or tickets you will buy at a later time), then this is NOT a package.

I know how Disney operates. I know what is possible and what is not. And I know that you can't book the DDP without booking a package. The only two exceptions are if you are an Annual Passholder, or if you are a DVC owner staying on points. Otherwise, it's package or it's no DDP.

Every Disney resort booking utilizes a 3-letter code. These codes change regularly. But just using pretend letters, let's say a room-only reservation uses code ABC, a standard package uses DEF, a package + dine (this is Disney's terminology) uses GHI, a package + platinum dine uses JKL, and so on. There is no code in existence to allow for the purchase of the DDP in the absence of a package (which means a ticket purchase bundled into the reservation). There is a code for DVC DDDP purchase, and a code for AP DDP purchase, but no code exists for just plain a la carte DDP.

I'm supremely confident that if you actually made that reservation with the DDP without a package, that you didn't actually buy exactly what you think you bought ... check again. Disney reservationists are not empowered to create a new computer code for a reservation type that simply doesn't exist.

[cinderbella]

Disney Dining is part of the Magic Your Way Package. It's an add on and I have never heard of it being offered without a package UNLESS you are a DVC member or renting points. Then you are able to add it to your reservation without booking a package.
You can read all about it here:
Walt Disney World Vacation Packages

You can call and ask but I wouldn't take that information to heart. Disney Reservation CM's have a tendency to spout out a lot of misinformation. That's why it's always good to come to boards like this to check.

[timkelmom]

I agree, it must be part of a package. We have AP's and they still made us buy a one day MYW ticket for each person. It's not a problem because they let us roll the value of those tickets into the renewal of our AP's. It can be a little bit annoying though because we can't renew online or by phone, we have to renew in person to apply the MYW tickets.

To me, the dining plan is worth it if you enjoy good food at full service restaurants. If you are happy with counter service it may not be for you. I have never seen limited choices while on the plan, we always get the same menu as everyone else.

[cmrncraz15]

The Dining Plan is well worth it if you're planning on eating at the more expensive places. A dinner at one of the more expensive places pretty much takes the $40.

[Sungold]

That's what I'm hoping to do with my plan...eat at the expensive places!

~ Pam

49 Days till my First-ever Christmas Season trip ,at CBR with Free Dining!

[cmrncraz15]

Originally Posted by Sungold

That's what I'm hoping to do with my plan...eat at the expensive places!

~ Pam

49 Days till my First-ever Christmas Season trip ,at CBR with Free Dining!

Is that 49 days accurate? You're beating me there by a day? Grrrrrrr.......

[evansfmly5]

It's a good value for sure if you can eat that much food, but we simply don't. We got it in 07 and I was never hungry all week. This last trip we opted out of the dining plan (mostly because we arrived late on the first day and we would've had to pay for it even though we weren't going to eat at all the first day) . We found it more enjoyable to eat only when we wanted to and WHAT we wanted to.

I understand why a lot of MBer's do it because they make elaborate dining reservations but I just haven't figured out how to put it all together yet. In DL, everything is within walking distance so if we have an ADR, we don't have to worry about missing a bus to make it.

[Sungold]

Yes, CMRN, I am going on Dec. 8th and returning Dec. 15th. I may get there a day before you, but I'm probably also leaving a day before you!

And I agree, Evansfmly5, that the dining plan does involve a lot of eating. And if they were continuing the previous practice of including appetizer, entree' and dessert, that would be too much for me to handle every night. As it is, with dessert also included in the counter service meals, and a list of included "snacks" that is mind-boggling, the eating will also be time-consuming, if nothing else! And if I were bringing kids, I doubt if I would get it, unless maybe the all-counter-service plan. Even then, I think there would be a lot of wasted food.

As for me on this trip, I've never done the Dining Plan before, and who knows when I might get another chance to go to Le Cellier, Brown Derby, or any of the other special places I might try? It's vacation, and Christmas time, and I want to make it special. Life is short, and I don't want to wait too long to do these things. I can eat soups & salads when I get back home!

Where are you staying, cmrn?

~ Pam

46 Days Till my First-Ever Christmas Season trip , at CBR with Free Dining!

[jo-jo]

Originally Posted by timkelmom

I agree, it must be part of a package. We have AP's and they still made us buy a one day MYW ticket for each person. It's not a problem because they let us roll the value of those tickets into the renewal of our AP's. It can be a little bit annoying though because we can't renew online or by phone, we have to renew in person to apply the MYW tickets.
.

But if you have an AP, you can add (and pay for) the DDP to a discounted room rate, right? Please say yes! If I'm not dreaming up this rule, how far in advance do you have to book? I know with DVC it's 48 hours.

My DH and I are staying at POP for one night and was planning on doing the DxDP for just that one night. Eat one TS that evening and 2 TS the next day. Plus get the mug and 2 snacks. Then not eat again for 2 days.

[CleveRocks]

Originally Posted by jo-jo

But if you have an AP, you can add (and pay for) the DDP to a discounted room rate, right? Please say yes! If I'm not dreaming up this rule, how far in advance do you have to book? I know with DVC it's 48 hours.

Yes, if you have an AP you can purchase a room/dining package without having to buy park tickets. However, this is still considered a "package" reservation and is subject to the same deposit, cancellation and change fees as any other package reservation. Annual passholders may be able to apply an AP room discount when booking this package.

Basically, if you already have a room-only reservation with your AP discount, you'll need to make a different PACKAGE reservation with your AP discount, and then cancel the original room-only reservation. They can't just change it from one to another. Hopefully, the AP discount will still be available for that resort and room category.

[jo-jo]

Originally Posted by CleveRocks

Yes, if you have an AP you can purchase a room/dining package without having to buy park tickets. However, this is still considered a "package" reservation and is subject to the same deposit, cancellation and change fees as any other package reservation. Annual passholders may be able to apply an AP room discount when booking this package.

Basically, if you already have a room-only reservation with your AP discount, you'll need to make a different PACKAGE reservation with your AP discount, and then cancel the original room-only reservation. They can't just change it from one to another. Hopefully, the AP discount will still be available for that resort and room category.

Well, that's just what I didn't want to hear. I think pop is booked solid. It is a saturday night we are staying. New plan.....right now we are booked at SSR for 2 nights, maybe we can add the dining plan for that....But I need more places to eat...hmmmmm. Or maybe forget eating out and just bring P&J.

[jwakja]

DDP WELL worth it. Planty of food for each day without appetizers but with snacks which add to the fun. The Deluxe DP should be entered in Man vs Food! More than most can eat. Fun to plan the restaurants in advance with ADR'S! You're at DISNEY WORLD so ENJOY IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[timkelmom]

Originally Posted by CleveRocks

Yes, if you have an AP you can purchase a room/dining package without having to buy park tickets. However, this is still considered a "package" reservation and is subject to the same deposit, cancellation and change fees as any other package reservation. Annual passholders may be able to apply an AP room discount when booking this package.

Basically, if you already have a room-only reservation with your AP discount, you'll need to make a different PACKAGE reservation with your AP discount, and then cancel the original room-only reservation. They can't just change it from one to another. Hopefully, the AP discount will still be available for that resort and room category.

See this is exactly what I asked for and they told me No, that I still had to buy at least a 1 day MYW. I did a bounceback offer last Sept. (08), when on the phone in the room as POP. I told them we had AP's and they told me we still had to add the ticket.

[jo-jo]

Originally Posted by timkelmom

See this is exactly what I asked for and they told me No, that I still had to buy at least a 1 day MYW. I did a bounceback offer last Sept. (08), when on the phone in the room as POP. I told them we had AP's and they told me we still had to add the ticket.

Was your bounce back with free dining? If so, I think that's the difference.


But to ask another question.....If I added dining as a package, and needed to cancel, would I be charged 200 bucks? What if I only added the CS plan, that would be 60 for the dining plan and about 75 for the room. Would disney say I couldn't cancel unless I gave them more money??? I'll call about adding it, but I'm not going to freak if they say no. Not having the DDP for one day isn't going to have much effect on the rest of the trip.

[Mickeybug]

Originally Posted by CleveRocks

I KNOW there is some misunderstanding or miscommunication here. Did you actually book and pay for the DDP, or did you just ask the question and get an answer?

If you have booked the DDP, I strongly urge you to check your reservation, because either you DON'T have the DDP or you have paid for at least a minimal park ticket (at least a 1-day base ticket, about $78 + tax) for each person on your reservation.

But I'm guessing you just asked, and either got the wrong info or misunderstood the info given to you.

The DDP is not an a la carte option that can simply be added. It is available ONLY as part of a package. Disney has a very specific definition of "package." In Disney-speak, a package is a combination of resort stay and park ticket bought bundled together. If you get a resort room and use previously-purchased tickets (or tickets you will buy at a later time), then this is NOT a package.

I know how Disney operates. I know what is possible and what is not. And I know that you can't book the DDP without booking a package. The only two exceptions are if you are an Annual Passholder, or if you are a DVC owner staying on points. Otherwise, it's package or it's no DDP.

Every Disney resort booking utilizes a 3-letter code. These codes change regularly. But just using pretend letters, let's say a room-only reservation uses code ABC, a standard package uses DEF, a package + dine (this is Disney's terminology) uses GHI, a package + platinum dine uses JKL, and so on. There is no code in existence to allow for the purchase of the DDP in the absence of a package (which means a ticket purchase bundled into the reservation). There is a code for DVC DDDP purchase, and a code for AP DDP purchase, but no code exists for just plain a la carte DDP.

I'm supremely confident that if you actually made that reservation with the DDP without a package, that you didn't actually buy exactly what you think you bought ... check again. Disney reservationists are not empowered to create a new computer code for a reservation type that simply doesn't exist.

We just checked out of the poly earlier today and are on our way home right now. We DID have a hotel reservation that we used. We DID have DDP only added to our room, which was charged accordinly. Matter of fact our room was an addtl 40 percent off on top of that. We are NOT AP holders or DVC. We did NOT purchase our tics at any of the parks or guest services at the disney hotels. All days of our tics had been used PRIOR to checking into our dis hotel.
I know exactly what I bought, which btw has been paid for on my credit card months ago, and that is everything I have listed so far. So please don't feel so supremely confident about this as apparently you're not aware of every code out there. Obiously there are other areas that qualify for these codes since things change all the time.

edit to add that this was a package....room, ddp, coupons for boats-golf-arcade-dinner, but Without any extra tics bought to book. I believe it may be a special for military.