Comments on: Working with a Disney Travel Agent

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 22:36:25 +0000

I am a Disney Travel Agent so thanks for writing this article! Many people don’t understand the process or think there must be SOME type of fee or it’s a scam. Do you mind if I share this article? I always like to ask permission, especially since you have a sponsored travel agency. If not, no problem

By: Keith

Keith — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:29:43 +0000

Judy – I am a DVC member too, and we do get some great benefits in addition to the great savings we get on our DVC stays. I think it is fantastic they have made the dining plans available for purchase to DVC members, that was not always the case. You can understand why they don’t offer free dining on point stays. Disney makes no money at all when you come to WDW and stay with points, other than your park pass purchases (and souvenirs). When you purchased your DVC points, you paid for the construction and other costs of the villas. Sure, Disney made some money, but that was a one time deal. How could they afford to give you free dining?

We went earlier this year, stayed for 11 nights and paid about $1,500 total for tickets. That was it, our total cost, screaming deal, right? We also paid about $3,000 for the dining plan, which ended up being a great deal too, our meals would have been over $4,000 alone without it.

In the past, I have chosen to not use my points and use the free dining options at one of the other resorts. Just do the math, decide which option works best for you.

By: judy richards

judy richards — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 19:21:25 +0000

I am a Disney Vacation CLub Member and feel that we are getting short changed regardign the food plans being offered to Dinsey guest who may visit one or two times in a lifetime. The club is not cheap and food is expensive at Disney. Why has the FREE FOOD PLAN not been offered either at a discount or FREE FREE to resort club owners. Thank you

By: Keith

Keith — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:33:33 +0000

DeAnn

Yes, you can always add the dining plan in the future. Currently, the requirement is 48 hours in advance (though they do charge a small fee inside of 14 days in advance to add it, currently $10). Both of those requirements could change at any time.

If a discount comes out after you book your reservation, you can apply the discount, based on availability of course. Any decent Disney only travel agency will actually apply any future discounts for you, you should consider working with one to save you money as discounts are released.

By: DeAnn

DeAnn — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:05:23 +0000

If I book a Disney World vacation (room and tickets), can I add the dining plan anytime so long as I do 48 hours before check-in? Also, if a free dining plan is offered, can it be added to an existing reservation or is it usually only for new reservations? Thanks!

By: Jose Alves

Jose Alves — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:00:51 +0000

Hi. I am beginning to plan my yearly trip during my son’s Spring Break. I am interested on a Disney cruise. My only concern is that we are a very small party consisting of my 7 year old son and myself, a single dad. Any recommendations?

By: Keith

Keith — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 14:43:48 +0000

Eileen

This is where a Disney specialist would have really helped you out.

There isn’t any way to schedule the meet and greet, you just show up. It is every day between 1:30 and 4:30 in Innoventions West (Epcot), just show your Disney VISA to get in.

By: Eileen

Eileen — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 03:44:25 +0000

We have booked a disney vacation with a local travel agent. We will be there 5/2/09-5/9/09. Our group has 11. Is there anything special that week? I have a disney visa and am having no luck figuring out how to schedule the free meet and greet with the characters that the card says I’m entitled to. Any suggestions?