Info on the Dining Plan please.

[debi]

I know some of you have used this before so I'm after a little help.
We have this on our trip next year, and I am becoming more than a little obsessed with it, but whatever :confused2:

I know how it works, but how do you get your credits.
(I have had some info from someone who used it last year, and it just left me confused.)

They said it was all linked to a swipe cards, and every time you used it the meals were deducted.
They all stuck together and ate together in the parks, but we usually split up with the boys going off on their own.
How will it work if there are two people wanting to use it at the same time in different places?

Also is it true that they don't differentiate between child and adults on the card? (because they also had some very unDisney tips about how to get the most out of it)

[duckingdonald1]

OK Debi, here we go.

Each person in your party that you are purchasing the dining plan for will have 1 credit per day for a table service meal, a quick service meal and a snack for each day that you have purchased the plan. In other words, if it were you and I traveling together, and we purchased the dining plan for the 5 days that we were going to be in the parks, then we would each receive a card that would have 1 credit for a table service meal, a quick service meal and a snack for each of the 5 days that we were in the parks/property.

Now, the cards are linked. Also, they do indeed, indicate adult and child. You will see on your card next to the line stating Disney Dining an "A" and a "C." That is how many adults and children are on that particular plan or card. When you check in, they will ask if you want a card for everyone. Remember, these are also room keys.

If you get a card for everyone, then if you are split up and your children decide to go and eat a quick service restaurant, they can (if you are all eating together, you only need 1 of the cards to pay). When they use their plan to purchase themselves a meal a piece, it will only take the points for them - you will still be able to use your points for a quick service meal later. Important note - if your children are sneaky - they could eat, and then go up and eat again, and that would leave the adults without any points to pay for their meal - as the cards are linked, and they are just using the remainder of the quick service points for the day.

Make sure that you know the differences between the levels - quick service, table service and snack. I have seen people think that they got a snack when they were really getting quick service (and other similar scenarios) and then that leaves them without any points to cover the quick service when they try later in the day.

Also, certain table service locations actually use 2 points instead of 1. These are your more expensive places - there are only a few of them. Just be aware that if you go there - you are 1 table service point lower.

At table service places, the tip is included in the dining plan. However,it does not cover alcohol and other specialty items. Ask you server at any location.

Additionally, you can also set your room key cards up to make credit purchases in the parks - the charges go back to you room charge. And, you can also specify that the children's cards not have charging ability. This avoids any spending sprees to while you are separated from you children.

[Disney Dreamin']

Also is it true that they don't differentiate between child and adults on the card? (because they also had some very unDisney tips about how to get the most out of it)

Like what? :rolleyes2: :twisted:

[brcampbell]

Like what? :rolleyes2: :twisted:

I wouldn't give out any "un-Disney" tips.:nono: , but the dining plan is a lot of food. Many times the 3 of us, including our younger daughter, would eat on 2 coupons instead of 3. Now some restaurants you can't do that, some you can. But splitting the meals where you can will help save some food vouchers.

[EPCOT FAN 781]

:figment: I always get my info from All Ears Net.com (http://www.allearsnet.com):figment:

:Mickeyear: they explain EVERYTHING, and I recomend printing out a sheet with all the resterants:Mickeyear:

[debi]

Thanks I think you have covered the bits that I wasn't sure about. :bowdown:

Now, the cards are linked. Also, they do indeed, indicate adult and child. You will see on your card next to the line stating Disney Dining an "A" and a "C." That is how many adults and children are on that particular plan or card. When you check in, they will ask if you want a card for everyone. Remember, these are also room keys.

If you get a card for everyone, then if you are split up and your children decide to go and eat a quick service restaurant, they can (if you are all eating together, you only need 1 of the cards to pay). When they use their plan to purchase themselves a meal a piece, it will only take the points for them - you will still be able to use your points for a quick service meal later. Important note - if your children are sneaky - they could eat, and then go up and eat again, and that would leave the adults without any points to pay for their meal - as the cards are linked, and they are just using the remainder of the quick service points for the day.

Additionally, you can also set your room key cards up to make credit purchases in the parks - the charges go back to you room charge. And, you can also specify that the children's cards not have charging ability. This avoids any spending sprees to while you are separated from you children.

Having everything linked to the room key makes sense, and means that the boys can have even more freedom than usual if they want - the bit about them eating and eating again is a worry though - have you met my sons?

The Un-Disney tip was this - The family paid for their dining plan (we have got if for free) so they were determined to get the most out of it.
They soon figured out that if you are eating 3 meals a day, you pay for breakfast instead of wasting a credit on it.
They also had a problem with their two children being restricted to children's meals at certain places - Pizzafari doesn't have Pizza on the children's menu - this is where the sneaky tip came in.
They got 2 pizzas to share, then got 2 more pizzas to share and noticed that they had lost 4 credits, not 2 adult and 2 children's credits.
They tested it out at a few other counter service places and it worked every time.

They also used up their counter service credits faster than the table service credits and as they were staying at Pop Century (that doesn't have any table service) they were allowed to use a table service credit there and were given extra snack credits to make up the difference.

At the end of the trip they had snack credits left over (somehow I don't think that will be a problem with my lot) and rather than lose them they used them to buy Mickey crispy cakes and other things to take home as souvenirs.

[duckingdonald1]

It isn't a perfect system, but I would get it if I came down here to visit. The ability to eat, and eat plenty is really a good thing. I also think that going to the table service locations is great. It is often relaxing and you get a good meal to boot. As for your credits - you can always review them at your hotel at the front desk/concierge. This way you can make sure no one mischarged you.

[imagine]

I want to thank everyone for all this great information. Pluto and I are getting the dining plan on our next trip (we have to pay for it, unlike lucky debi!) and I wanted to know more about it. This thread has helped immensely.

[mickeyspal]

Wow Debi, getting the dining plan for free is a really great deal (especially when you're feeding two teenage boys). BUT, I'm sorry that I have to tell you this ,but you might as well know now, and get it into your head - Margaritas do NOT count as a snack- so you can't get them free on your snack credit. :eek: I know this is hard to take:rotfl: , but the sooner you accept it, the better off you'll be. I'm telling you this now for your own good. I want you to be able to enjoy your vacat, make that holiday, so I don't want you to be disappointed over the Margaritas after you get to WDW. Most sincerely, your friend, Mickey's Pal:Mickeywalk: :Mickeyear:

[debi]

lol. I know that I can't get a Margarita on the plan, but at least if Mickey is feeding my lot I will have plenty of Disney Dollars to splurge on the odd adult treat :banana:

(I wonder if the caramel apples would count as a snack?)

[mickeyspal]

I just found out through a travel guide and a travel agent that the snack options include: popcorn, soft drinks, frozen ice cream novelties, and a piece of fresh fruit. How accurate this, I'm not sure, but these are sources who are supposed to know the facts. - Mickey's Pal:Mickeywalk: :Mickeyear:

[Disney Dreamin']

Wow Debi, getting the dining plan for free is a really great deal (especially when you're feeding two teenage boys). BUT, I'm sorry that I have to tell you this ,but you might as well know now, and get it into your head - Margaritas do NOT count as a snack- so you can't get them free on your snack credit. :eek: I know this is hard to take:rotfl: , but the sooner you accept it, the better off you'll be. I'm telling you this now for your own good. I want you to be able to enjoy your vacat, make that holiday, so I don't want you to be disappointed over the Margaritas after you get to WDW. Most sincerely, your friend, Mickey's Pal:Mickeywalk: :Mickeyear:
Oh, I don't think she'll be disappointed that the margarita's aren't included in the dining plan. I think a certain Space Ranger, I know of, owes her quite a few already ;) :rolleyes2:

[simonsays1]

We generally eat two table service meals and the rest counter service. We will also be arriving late at our resort on the first day the plan goes into effect. Would this plan be worthwhile for us? :StitchBounce: :confused:

[debi]

OK no expert on the subject yet....but I plan to be after my trip in August.

If you are paying for it, you have to check up before hand to see if it is worth it.

BUT it is a good chance to use the dining plan as an excuse to try out some of the restaurants that you might pass by because you thought that they were too expensive.

At the end of the day it all comes down to money, you have to get it for the length of your stay, and if you only want to eat at counter service, then it isn't for you.
What you get for the money you pay will make it worthwhile, but you have to decide if you want to spend that money.

[debi]

Oh forgot to add, the plan is in place until midnight the day you check out, so if you check in late you can use up any spare right up until the last moment before you depart.
Plus you can use two credits for a dinner show (like the Luau or the Hoop Dee Doo Review) or even Fine Dining if you want, also you could spend them on a Character Breakfast.

If you did get the dining plan, I doubt you would have trouble spending all your credits, you would probably find that like the rest of us here, you don't have enough credits for everything that you want to try. :wink:

[statefan17]

I am having trouble deciding about the dining plan, as well. We generally eat at one or two full-service restaurants during a weekly stay at Disney World. My 12 year old just wants to go from one attraction to the next, and eating is not an attraction for her. Can the full-service options be used at the counter service instead?

[mickeyspal]

I don't think you can 'trade down' from full service to counter service credits BUT, my friends and I would normally not eat all too many full service either. However, because I have a Disney Visa, my friends and I got the Dining plan for FREE the whole week we're there and I had no problem filling out the Full Service Meals for us. We're doing three character breakfasts, a character dinner and a lunch and a dinner at both the Sci Fi Dinner Theater and 50's Prime Time Cafe in MGM and they are so much fun to eat in, I can almost guarantee that your 12 year old will love them. Give them a try; they're fun for the whole family. Also, like Debi said, you can upgrade to the Luau, Hoop De Do Review (hard to book now though) or use two credits for the restaurant in the castle (also may be hard to book this late). Good luck in your choice. - Mickey's Pal:Mickeywalk: :Mickeyear:

[debi]

I am having trouble deciding about the dining plan, as well. We generally eat at one or two full-service restaurants during a weekly stay at Disney World. My 12 year old just wants to go from one attraction to the next, and eating is not an attraction for her. Can the full-service options be used at the counter service instead?

You could always let her use the counter service credits while you used the full service credits :idea1:

[mickeyspal]

Do caramel apples and dole whips count as snacks?:confused: - Mickey's Pal:Mickeywalk: :Mickeyear:

[debi]

Do caramel apples and dole whips count as snacks?:confused: - Mickey's Pal:Mickeywalk: :Mickeyear:

Yes I believe they do :banana:
Will double check for you.

[Kelly]

:rotfl: :rotfl:
Wow Debi, getting the dining plan for free is a really great deal (especially when you're feeding two teenage boys). BUT, I'm sorry that I have to tell you this ,but you might as well know now, and get it into your head - Margaritas do NOT count as a snack- so you can't get them free on your snack credit. :eek: I know this is hard to take:rotfl: , but the sooner you accept it, the better off you'll be. I'm telling you this now for your own good. I want you to be able to enjoy your vacat, make that holiday, so I don't want you to be disappointed over the Margaritas after you get to WDW. Most sincerely, your friend, Mickey's Pal:Mickeywalk: :Mickeyear:

Oh, if only margaritas counted as a snack...... What a happy day that would be!

I wanted to add something about the credits... You don't HAVE to use ONE snack, ONE table, ONE counter each day. You can use as many as you want of each whenever you want. Just be sure to keep track of them so you don't run out before you're ready to! The concierge at your resort will be able to print out a copy of what has been used if you ask. Last year we were charged an additional table service credit by mistake and were able to clear it up pretty quickly with the concierge.