No more segmented vacations for ddp

[TDC Nala]

No, they changed the reservation system to require segmenting when you add or remove guests to your reservation.
Segmenting had a dining plan side effect.

Now, on the new system without segmenting, it seems if you want to add or remove a guest, you may have to change rooms. That is a big room use effect.

Not at all. It only matters if you want to have the dining plan. Because if you have the dining plan and your guests come in partway through the trip, you can still add them to the room, but they can't get the dining plan. If you want the dining plan for the guests, you have to put them on the reservation from the beginning and get it for them for the whole stay - and find a way to use those extra credits for the nights they aren't really there.

If you are not adding a dining plan there is no need to change resorts or rooms to add guests. You could add a guest when you book the reservation and it doesn't matter when they show up. It's when you start fooling around with the dining plan that it matters.

 

[DisneyaholicRaquel]

You'd be best off to call and find out. It's been reported as both yes (for the most part) and no (from a few) from what I'm reading here.

I'm waiting until the storm clouds clear and Disney has a solid idea of the direction they're going with this before calling about it (if I call at all that is - still in the air as to whether it would make any sense for us to add.)

Thanks...

 

[n2mm]

So, I have 1 night at AK then 4 nights at BWV...both reservations have the same #. Can I put DDP on the 1 nighter only?

Let us know!

I have 1 night at BWV (booked @ 7 month window w/SSR pts), then a 6 night reservation at BWV (booked @ 11 month home window). They are listed as 2 reservations, but they have the same number (they didn't always--DVC did that on their own). I asked and was told no I could not add the ddp to the 1 night reservation, even when I said I would be willing to move. Your situation is a little different as you are moving. I never segmented my reservation, it was just the way it was booked by adding a day to the beginning of the trip later.

 

[DisneyaholicRaquel]

Let us know!

I have 1 night at BWV (booked @ 7 month window w/SSR pts), then a 6 night reservation at BWV (booked @ 11 month home window). They are listed as 2 reservations, but they have the same number (they didn't always--DVC did that on their own). I asked and was told no I could not add the ddp to the 1 night reservation, even when I said I would be willing to move. Your situation is a little different as you are moving. I never segmented my reservation, it was just the way it was booked by adding a day to the beginning of the trip later.

I will...I'm going to call when they open.

 

[MEK]

Bummer! I was really looking forward to doing the DxDP for 2 or 3 nights on our upcoming trip. Guess I will just use the TIW card instead. I was curious to see which one would make more sense. Now the decision is made for me!

 

[Ksp]

Bummer! I was really looking forward to doing the DxDP for 2 or 3 nights on our upcoming trip. Guess I will just use the TIW card instead. I was curious to see which one would make more sense. Now the decision is made for me!

I was thinking about doing the DP for a few nights, too .... guess it is the TIW plan all the way for us!

 

[DisneyaholicRaquel]

Let us know!

I didn't have a chance to call yesterday....as soon as I do I will give an update.

 

[cdtommie]

I can't understand why anyone would call this a "loophole". You paid for a certain number of credits and you used them during your trip. And back in May at BCV they put the new key cards under our door so we didn't even have have to go to the front desk - doesn't seem to me that we were "pulling one over" on the mouse. If you can't do this any more so be it but no one should feel like people who did gamed the system or did a "gotcha".

 

[Dean]

I can't understand why anyone would call this a "loophole". You paid for a certain number of credits and you used them during your trip. And back in May at BCV they put the new key cards under our door so we didn't even have have to go to the front desk - doesn't seem to me that we were "pulling one over" on the mouse. If you can't do this any more so be it but no one should feel like people who did gamed the system or did a "gotcha".

I think it is a loophole but that's different than saying people gamed the system. They can only do what Disney/DVC allows. I feel it's still a loophole because i don't think Disney every signed off on this or really felt it was OK, that is was something that DVC did on their own.

 

[cdtommie]

I think it is a loophole but that's different than saying people gamed the system. They can only do what Disney/DVC allows. I feel it's still a loophole because i don't think Disney every signed off on this or really felt it was OK, that is was something that DVC did on their own.

Dean, I can understand your opinion but we'll never know if Disney signed off on or DVC did this on there own (I recognize they are separate entities in the parent corp but that doesn't mean they don't work together or are not aware of what each other is doing). Loophole to me implies taking advantage of something you shouldn't have been allowed to but in this case you paid for your credits and you used them (or didn't). Loophole to me implies something dubious ethic wise (like the use of child credits for adult meals, now that was a loophole).

 

[Dean]

Dean, I can understand your opinion but we'll never know if Disney signed off on or DVC did this on there own (I recognize they are separate entities in the parent corp but that doesn't mean they don't work together or are not aware of what each other is doing). Loophole to me implies taking advantage of something you shouldn't have been allowed to but in this case you paid for your credits and you used them (or didn't). Loophole to me implies something dubious ethic wise (like the use of child credits for adult meals, now that was a loophole).

You're right we'll likely never know for sure, I've stated my opinion and qualified it. Our definition of loophole is dramatically different. The fact that only DVC allowed it suggests this was not a Disney wide venture, that it was removed abruptly further strengthens my position. Given that member services is very good at patronizing those who complain, I don't think any statements made from that source, including member satisfaction, really changes any of that. It's not that I think they're dishonest, just that I think they're good at telling people what they want to hear to be as happy as possible with the decisions. To get real answers you'd have to discuss with upper management. Middle management on down only knows what they're told and can only do what they're allowed to do.

IMO, the rules allow what they allow regardless of intended or not. For example, walking reservations is allowed but of questionable character though up to DVC to decide if it's worth curtailing it. I think one of the differences between those who think analytically and those who think emotionally is the latter try to make such issues about right and wrong in the absence of a rule to the contrary. Timeshares are not about right and wrong, they are about rules. About the only place you cross over to an ethics situation is the question of honesty.

 

[Vickis3js]

So has anyone with a currently segmented reservation with the dining plan added for a few days gotten a call about it? We have a segmented trip in Dec. Our first 2 days we are at BWV and we plan on adding the DxDDP to those 2 nights and then we are at THV for 9 days and I segmented the last 2 nights, Christmas Eve and Christmas day, and added and paid for the DxDDP already. I am almost scared to call because I will have to really rethink our ADRs and the plan for the trip if they tell me all or nothing.

 

[lilpooh108]

So has anyone with a currently segmented reservation with the dining plan added for a few days gotten a call about it? We have a segmented trip in Dec. Our first 2 days we are at BWV and we plan on adding the DxDDP to those 2 nights and then we are at THV for 9 days and I segmented the last 2 nights, Christmas Eve and Christmas day, and added and paid for the DxDDP already. I am almost scared to call because I will have to really rethink our ADRs and the plan for the trip if they tell me all or nothing.

I have an upcoming F&W trip, segmented 2 nights and 2 nights (booked at 7 month mark). We paid for the DxDP back in May I think.

Anyway, my husband decided to come along with us to the trip and he called to add himself to the reservation a few days ago (after the rule change). MS confirmed that nothing will happen to our already-segmented reservation and dining plan, and was able to add him to the trip and allowed him to pay for 2 nights of the DxDP.

I double checked the reservation details page after this was completed, and everything looked ok. We'll see what happens in October. I don't have that much faith in their computer system.

Wish me luck and good luck to you too.

 

[cdtommie]

You're right we'll likely never know for sure, I've stated my opinion and qualified it. Our definition of loophole is dramatically different. The fact that only DVC allowed it suggests this was not a Disney wide venture, that it was removed abruptly further strengthens my position. Given that member services is very good at patronizing those who complain, I don't think any statements made from that source, including member satisfaction, really changes any of that. It's not that I think they're dishonest, just that I think they're good at telling people what they want to hear to be as happy as possible with the decisions. To get real answers you'd have to discuss with upper management. Middle management on down only knows what they're told and can only do what they're allowed to do.

IMO, the rules allow what they allow regardless of intended or not. For example, walking reservations is allowed but of questionable character though up to DVC to decide if it's worth curtailing it. I think one of the differences between those who think analytically and those who think emotionally is the latter try to make such issues about right and wrong in the absence of a rule to the contrary. Timeshares are not about right and wrong, they are about rules. About the only place you cross over to an ethics situation is the question of honesty.

I think someday we might see what I really want DDP wise - ala carte credits. As menu and DDP prices continue to rise resistance will continue to increase. It would be far easier to administer if you could simply buy any number of credits (with restrictions) you want for your trip ie. elect to buy x meal credits, snack credits or both. All we really care about are the signature restaurants. We would be happy to do without mugs, snack credits etc.

 

[tjkraz]

I think someday we might see what I really want DDP wise - ala carte credits. As menu and DDP prices continue to rise resistance will continue to increase. It would be far easier to administer if you could simply buy any number of credits (with restrictions) you want for your trip ie. elect to buy x meal credits, snack credits or both. All we really care about are the signature restaurants. We would be happy to do without mugs, snack credits etc.

If Disney did offer such a plan, I doubt the economics of it would work in your favor.

Why would they ever offer guests a way to selectively purchase a $50 meal for $35? (Or whatever the dollars may be.)

To DISNEY, the value of the dining plans is based upon:

1. Getting guests to commit to dining at Disney restaurants for their entire trip. (Keeps guests on property and drives up restaurant usage.)

2. Most guests will not eat at the most expensive locations--or choose the most expensive menu item--at every single meal.

3. Some dining credits will go unused due to guest overload.

By offering an a la carte dining credit purchase option, Disney loses every one of those benefits. Better to just charge guests $50 for the $50 meal.

 

[cdtommie]

If Disney did offer such a plan, I doubt the economics of it would work in your favor.

Why would they ever offer guests a way to selectively purchase a $50 meal for $35? (Or whatever the dollars may be.)

To DISNEY, the value of the dining plans is based upon:

1. Getting guests to commit to dining at Disney restaurants for their entire trip. (Keeps guests on property and drives up restaurant usage.)

2. Most guests will not eat at the most expensive locations--or choose the most expensive menu item--at every single meal.

3. Some dining credits will go unused due to guest overload.

By offering an a la carte dining credit purchase option, Disney loses every one of those benefits. Better to just charge guests $50 for the $50 meal.

It could work for Disney if priced properly (why couldn't it reflect your points 2 and 3)?. For example, I'm staying for a week and I want to buy 8 dining credits. They have to be used during the trip at either 1 or 2 credit restaurants during your length of stay. Just strip out the value of a mug and the snack credits from the DxDP and it might work (factor in usage assumptions likely higher than average but price per meal assumption would probably not change). No new room keys required on certain days - easier for the front desk to administer, restrict only to the guests staying in the room and and this might appeal to DVC members who have the option of cooking in their villa but would like a few dinners out. With the DxDP heading to the $85 range next year, there will be a lot less takers IMHO (I know I'm not signing up for it). We have changed our dining behavior over the past few years for sure - used to do signature restaurants at least 2/3 of nights we stay, now down to 40-50% maybe...might incent people to come back.

There is a class of people that think the DP isn't a good value and the restaurants are no longer a good value due to the endless price increases...I'm sure I'm not alone.

 

[Chuck S]

It could work for Disney if priced properly (why couldn't it reflect your points 2 and 3)?. For example, I'm staying for a week and I want to buy 8 dining credits. They have to be used during the trip at either 1 or 2 credit restaurants during your length of stay. Just strip out the value of a mug and the snack credits from the DxDP and it might work (factor in usage assumptions likely higher than average but price per meal assumption would probably not change). No new room keys required on certain days - easier for the front desk to administer, restrict only to the guests staying in the room and and this might appeal to DVC members who have the option of cooking in their villa but would like a few dinners out. With the DxDP heading to the $85 range next year, there will be a lot less takers IMHO (I know I'm not signing up for it). We have changed our dining behavior over the past few years for sure - used to do signature restaurants at least 2/3 of nights we stay, now down to 40-50% maybe...might incent people to come back.

There is a class of people that think the DP isn't a good value and the restaurants are no longer a good value due to the endless price increases...I'm sure I'm not alone.

Isn't that basically what the TiW is for, to encourage people (locals and AP holders) to chose to dine at Disney? I think before we see a pick-n-chose dining credit type plan, we'll see the TiW become available to DVCers without an AP. THat is if Disney is seeing a downturn in dining. The current credit based dining plans seem to be filling up the eateries just fine, whether DVCers use them or not.

 

[cdtommie]

Isn't that basically what the TiW is for, to encourage people (locals and AP holders) to chose to dine at Disney? I think before we see a pick-n-chose dining credit type plan, we'll see the TiW become available to DVCers without an AP. THat is if Disney is seeing a downturn in dining. The current credit based dining plans seem to be filling up the eateries just fine, whether DVCers use them or not.

Chuck, even with TIW I'm not happy with what seems to be at least two price increases a year. Being an accountant and never forgetting numbers I can remember when Biergarten was $23.99 like four years ago (Deb's menu currently has it listed now at $39.40). The point I am trying to make is that there are Disney vets (and I consider myself one since I spend 30 days a year there) for which the current DDP doesn't meet our needs and even with TIW menu prices are escalating much faster that what could be justified by any supply chain increases. So I'm an adult and I know the answer is if you don't like it don't patronize the restaurants. So we have cut back as have some of our other friends who are DVC members. Jacking up prices at this pace alienates people who visit WDW frequently so maybe something could be designed DDP wise to fill this void. At this pace that $44 CG filet is going to be $55 by 2015 and Chef Mickeys will be $50 bucks- who's going to pay for that even with TIW, not me. Maybe Disney could price this somehow to make it work.

 

[Dean]

I think someday we might see what I really want DDP wise - ala carte credits. As menu and DDP prices continue to rise resistance will continue to increase. It would be far easier to administer if you could simply buy any number of credits (with restrictions) you want for your trip ie. elect to buy x meal credits, snack credits or both. All we really care about are the signature restaurants. We would be happy to do without mugs, snack credits etc.

Maybe, I think it's possible but unlikely. More likely the program will go away completely in a couple of years or only be available in specialty packages. You've got to look at it from the standpoint of what's in it for Disney and the restaurants as well as the guests.

 

[cdtommie]

Maybe, I think it's possible but unlikely. More likely the program will go away completely in a couple of years or only be available in specialty packages. You've got to look at it from the standpoint of what's in it for Disney and the restaurants as well as the guests.

Agreed, at someone who's worked in CHQ finance for 31 years now at a company larger than Disney any potential program has to meet business objectives.