Latest DDP changes! From 8/13-8/19 Trip [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Brygida

08-22-2006, 09:39 AM

In case no one has passed these along yet.....

1. In your check-in package you will have a brochure stating that you can exchange 1 TS credit for 1 CS + 2 Snack credits. Who would do this? Not us. :rolleyes:

2. Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station is now a reservation only TS restaurant! We could not get in when we found it open. It was closed for several other days we attempted to go.

3. With the under $4 snack rule, we expected EPCOT snacks to be allowed. In fact we counted on it... but noooooo :sad2: all snack carts and snack places (like the crepes at France, Boulangerie et Patisserrie, etc) do NOT accept the DDP snack credits. :furious: In fact, you were only allowed to get bottled water, ice tea, etc at indoor type CS places as a snack credit.

4. If you were on the DDP last year, prepare for some disappointments at TS restaurants at EPCOT. All the food selections have been "dumbed-down". Whereas last year you could get a $70 meal for 1 TS credit, the meals have been downsized so much that all you will find typically is about a $30 meal for 1 TS credit. :crazy: (The choice of appetizers and entrees have all been miniaturized... what was last year part of an entree is now listed as a separate appetizer or side-order which is no longer included with your entree.)

Bete

08-22-2006, 09:54 AM

Lightcommastix

08-22-2006, 09:56 AM

1. In your check-in package you will have a brochure stating that you can exchange 1 TS credit for 1 CS + 2 Snack credits. Who would do this? Hungry people who didn't make ADRs encountering TS restaurants not accepting walk-ups due to the free dining crowd!

DaisyD

08-22-2006, 10:06 AM

I'm presuming that this is the regular menu and everyone is ordering from the same menu whether you are DDP or not. I wouldn't think the selections, etc. would be that much different from before, but I believe you. I'm suprised.

This must be a way to get more money for the restaurants from everyone. I don't think this is pointed at DDP people only; since, everyone does the same menu.

I'm glad I'm going while it's free. It will be a way to check everything out. I went last year for the promo and we were very happy about it. Also, if it's only Epcot seeming to be worse then I would skip eating there and go somewhere else.
Unfortunately this is happening at many restaurants and is because of the DDP. The OOP folks are paying the price for the DDP folks. If it gets worse we will not be going to WDW at all.

mrsltg

08-22-2006, 10:11 AM

Brygida

08-22-2006, 10:17 AM

#3 on the OP is incorrect. I purchased water, ice cream, etc at outdoor carts several times at Epcot as recently as Sunday. Our dinner at Rose and Crown consisted of the regular menu, so no problems there, either.

Not only did they not accept the DDP snack credit, but most outdoor carts clearly stated that they take cash only! so no charging back to the room either! I bought an ice cream cone, crepes, and a pastry in France on Saturday 8/19, that I had to pay cash for, no snack credit allowed!

Aimeedyan

08-22-2006, 10:21 AM

Not only did they not accept the DDP snack credit, but most outdoor carts clearly stated that they take cash only! so no charging back to the room either! I bought an ice cream cone, crepes, and a pastry in France on Saturday 8/19, that I had to pay cash for, no snack credit allowed!

Maybe their system was down. I've bought items at the carts and charged them to the room many times - we never carry cash. Maybe that was the problem? Many people have come back saying they used snack credits at the carts in the past, I can't imagine they would change that drastically (and eliminate credit, debit, and room charges along with it).

Brygida

08-22-2006, 10:22 AM

I'm presuming that this is the regular menu and everyone is ordering from the same menu whether you are DDP or not. I wouldn't think the selections, etc. would be that much different from before, but I believe you. I'm suprised.

This must be a way to get more money for the restaurants from everyone. I don't think this is pointed at DDP people only; since, everyone does the same menu.

I'm glad I'm going while it's free. It will be a way to check everything out. I went last year for the promo and we were very happy about it. Also, if it's only Epcot seeming to be worse then I would skip eating there and go somewhere else.

Yes, everyone does get the same menu. For example, at Teppanyaki in Japan, last year I got tempura for an appetizer, and the entree included a salad. This year, the previously included salad had been made into an appetizer, the tempura was gone, and many of the lunch combos were not available. You could get the chicken, but if you wanted the scallops, you had to add a "side order" to your chicken entree and pay OOP.

bicker

08-22-2006, 10:30 AM

Lewisc

08-22-2006, 11:46 AM

Officially there is no $4 rule for snacks. That's an observation made by guests but there has been a few exceptions.

Non-Disney restaurants are paid around $25 per meal. We shouldn't be surprised that restaurants no longer want to give us $70 worth of food.

Bicker--If you already have an ADR for Chefs there isn't any reason to call. They ask if you're on the dining plan for marketing purposes. It's reported they also ask to help plan food purchases, dining guest tend to order more appetizers and desserts than cash guests.

Brygida

08-22-2006, 11:54 AM

Maybe their system was down. I've bought items at the carts and charged them to the room many times - we never carry cash. Maybe that was the problem? Many people have come back saying they used snack credits at the carts in the past, I can't imagine they would change that drastically (and eliminate credit, debit, and room charges along with it).

No, there system was not down. They have permanent signs on the carts/cash registers saying "Cash Only".

I was only making this point, so that others don't get disappointed into saving their snack credits for all those delicious EPCOT snacks/desserts, only to find out that they can't use snack credits for most EPCOT snacks/desserts.

Maybe you bought something at a Disney ice cream bars cart. I think those take it. I mean the individual country carts and Boulangerie et Patisserrie at France that most people snack at, don't accept the DDP snack credits.

rlduvall

08-22-2006, 12:00 PM

Thanks for the great information. :thumbsup2

bicker

08-22-2006, 12:15 PM

There are a few kiosks that don't take any forms of credit, whether it be credit cards, room charges or Dining Plan. Not many though so folks shouldn't be too concerned about it. There are many, many places to use those snack credits. :thumbsup2

ReneeA

08-22-2006, 12:50 PM

We noticed a few "cash only" kiosks in Epcot last year - specifically one near Ellen's that sold iced coffee. I didn't think it was a big deal, as I just assumed they didn't have the equipment necessary to even bill the purchase to your room card. :confused3 There are kiosks around every corner - literally - in Epcot. It's pretty easy to walk a few yards and get what you are looking for at another location.

As for the exchange of TS credits...families like ours with more than one young child can't always find a good time to sit and expect all of the children to enjoy it and behave for an hour and a half. We ended up with some leftover TS credits last year since we didn't make it to one 8pm ADR. The other guests dining there should have thanked us - really, with how tired and cranky they were at that time.

The good thing is that it's becoming more flexible and ALL guests should be happy about that. :sunny:

Tinks

08-22-2006, 12:55 PM

Yes, everyone does get the same menu. For example, at Teppanyaki in Japan, last year I got tempura for an appetizer, and the entree included a salad. This year, the previously included salad had been made into an appetizer, the tempura was gone, and many of the lunch combos were not available. You could get the chicken, but if you wanted the scallops, you had to add a "side order" to your chicken entree and pay OOP.

I just ate at Teppanyaki an Aug. 12th (saturday) and I used the dining plan. You are correct that the salad is now an appetizer option, but I ordered the chicken/scallop combo for my dinner and it was fine. No extra out of pocket for that. I only saw OOP for sushi, lobster, and alcoholic beverages. Maybe you were there for lunch??? :confused3

robinb

08-22-2006, 01:00 PM

I just ate at Teppanyaki an Aug. 12th (saturday) and I used the dining plan. You are correct that the salad is now an appetizer option, but I ordered the chicken/scallop combo for my dinner and it was fine. No extra out of pocket for that. I only saw OOP for sushi, lobster, and alcoholic beverages. Maybe you were there for lunch??? :confused3

Teppanyaki used to allow you to order scallops or shrimp as an appitizer.

DiszyDean

08-22-2006, 01:06 PM

There have actually been relatively few cases of menus being substantially changes to account for the Dining Plan. Lobster seems to be the most common target, now found (included) only at 2TS restaurants and one 1TS restaurant. From our recent experience as folks paying OOP while others had the Dining Plan, the overall dining experience hasn't be harmed that much -- it really isn't enough to be concerned about IMHO.

I agree with you Bicker. If you look at it on a large scale, I think the menu changes at certain resteraunts have really been overblown as it relates to the Dining Plan. I look at the menus now vs. when I was there the last time and other than the lobster you mentioned and possibly a couple of deserts disapearing, no major changes. Some portions may have changed, but restaurants do that all the time, dining plan or not.

It seems that there is a lot of mis-information floating out there regarding the dining plan. And most of it is not intentional as different people might have different experiences. If there is one thing I would like to see fixed, it would be the consistency with how the rules of the dining plan are applied throughout WDW.

DaisyD

08-22-2006, 01:23 PM

No, there system was not down. They have permanent signs on the carts/cash registers saying "Cash Only".

I was only making this point, so that others don't get disappointed into saving their snack credits for all those delicious EPCOT snacks/desserts, only to find out that they can't use snack credits for most EPCOT snacks/desserts.

Maybe you bought something at a Disney ice cream bars cart. I think those take it. I mean the individual country carts and Boulangerie et Patisserrie at France that most people snack at, don't accept the DDP snack credits.

I saw this too in July. We were at the Italy cart getting a water when the folks in front of us were complaining about not being able to use their credits for something. The CM pointed to the sign that has that little DDP emblem next to what is allowed. The ice was not allowed. There were also cash only signs. Unless we both happened to catch the systems down, which I doubt, things have changed.

kaytieeldr

08-22-2006, 01:24 PM

Unfortunately this is happening at many restaurants and is because of the DDP. The OOP folks are paying the price for the DDP folks. If that was true, then if/when Disney eliminates the "common-folk" Dining Plan, do you really expect that the menu choices and serving sizes will increase?

If there is one thing I would like to see fixed, it would be the consistency with how the rules of the dining plan are applied throughout WDW. Ah, you mean, for example, ALL restaurants on the DDP allowing Guests to get any non-alcoholic beverage with their TS credits? That was the one inconsistency I found last year - some places allowed blender drinks, others only soft drinks.

HaleyB

08-22-2006, 01:25 PM

2. Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station is now a reservation only TS restaurant! We could not get in when we found it open. It was closed for several other days we attempted to go.

Really? It has been reported a number of times that this was walk-up only, no ADR's for this location. The menu is not appealing to me so I haven't looked into it much, though.

Brygida

08-22-2006, 02:23 PM

If that was true, then if/when Disney eliminates the "common-folk" Dining Plan, do you really expect that the menu choices and serving sizes will increase?

Yes I do. Folks walking into Teppanyaki at Japan would then have to choose among higher-priced combo entrees with included extras (like salad, etc). Japan I'm sure made more money from the higher-priced combos before the DDP, then allowing the higher-priced combos to be ordered for the fixed-DDP-price.

Brygida

08-22-2006, 02:26 PM

Really? It has been reported a number of times that this was walk-up only, no ADR's for this location. The menu is not appealing to me so I haven't looked into it much, though.

Yup. It has been turned into an all-you-can eat Asian food buffet. I don't know if it was still good though as I never got in. When it was CS, it was the only good CS/TS at Magic Kingdom and we always ate there.

DaisyD

08-22-2006, 02:41 PM

If that was true, then if/when Disney eliminates the "common-folk" Dining Plan, do you really expect that the menu choices and serving sizes will increase?

.
Nope. DDP ruined that and it will never come back. Really is a shame.

JJClemson

08-22-2006, 02:42 PM

janets

08-22-2006, 03:00 PM

We are going in just a couple of weeks and my younger ds loves the Izakadoosie ice pops, which they sell from the carts (the one I use most frequently is in that area where you split off for Ellen, Mission Space and Test Track, right where the water misters are, near the bathrooms). Will I have trouble using snack credits at these locations or are we talking the individual carts in World Showcase?

While I would love to use a snack credit for the occasional pastry or something like that, if it's not available, I'll make sure to have cash (as it seems they don't even take room charge or any kind of debit or other card). Can someone clarify?

Gymbomom

08-22-2006, 03:49 PM

allflgirl

08-22-2006, 03:49 PM

[QUOTE=Brygida]In case no one has passed these along yet.....

3. With the under $4 snack rule, we expected EPCOT snacks to be allowed. In fact we counted on it... but noooooo :sad2: all snack carts and snack places (like the crepes at France, Boulangerie et Patisserrie, etc) do NOT accept the DDP snack credits. :furious: In fact, you were only allowed to get bottled water, ice tea, etc at indoor type CS places as a snack credit.

I've read that the pastry shop in France doesn't accept snack credits in numerous posts on this website, so I wasn't surprised that they didn't take your snack credit. I was planning on skipping France and heading to Norway instead. Did you go to the bakery in Norway? If so, did you have the same problem there? I've seen many post that you can get some tasty snacks in Norway, of course not crepes.

I'm heading to Disney the last week of Sept. I had to pay for DDP since I'm a DVC member, so no free dining for me, just dining at a reduced price. I was really looking forward to using the DDP for the first time. Now, I'm wondering if I'm going to be paying a lot of cash for snacks. Oh well, I'll bring some extra money along.

Thanks for your report!

Julia

Lewisc

08-22-2006, 03:54 PM

The steak and lobster is no longer listed as an entrée. You pay extra if you want to order it.

Question: We were planning on using Teppanyaki as one of our Ts meals as my hubby wanted the steak and lobster combo on the menu, can you not order that? I didn't see the Dining plan say no lobster entrees.

(I did though see that at the Candlelight Package the no lobster on there)

naz022292

08-22-2006, 05:00 PM

On 8/15 the system was down in epcot - but it was sporadic - It was down from time to time during the day - we used snack credit for pretzel at cart in Germany - we got a frozen coffee drink at a cart going into the world showcase. We asked at one cart that had a cash only sign and they told us system was down but should be back up soon - we walked far enough to get to the next cart and they were just taking down sign - I know that they look permanent - but I think that the system just goes down from time to time so they have the cash only signs ready.

The snack choices at POP were incredible. They had all sorts of stuff as snacks, fruit cups, veggie and dip, cake, chips, donuts, all sorts of pastry, etc.. The cases were full of stuff marked snacks.

Brygida

08-23-2006, 08:50 AM

I've read that the pastry shop in France doesn't accept snack credits in numerous posts on this website, so I wasn't surprised that they didn't take your snack credit. I was planning on skipping France and heading to Norway instead. Did you go to the bakery in Norway? If so, did you have the same problem there? I've seen many post that you can get some tasty snacks in Norway, of course not crepes.

I'm heading to Disney the last week of Sept. I had to pay for DDP since I'm a DVC member, so no free dining for me, just dining at a reduced price. I was really looking forward to using the DDP for the first time. Now, I'm wondering if I'm going to be paying a lot of cash for snacks. Oh well, I'll bring some extra money along.

Thanks for your report!

Julia[/QUOTE]

Wherever we asked in EPCOT World Showcase, it was the same story. If you were ordering a CS meal at France, Norway for instance, you were allowed their sandwich-equivalent and a pastry. However, your were not allowed to use a snack credit to get just a pastry, even when they were under $4. You were only allowed to use a snack credit for bottled water, iced tea.

In the outside carts along World Showcase, like the one selling crepes and ice cream in France, they did not accept DDP credits, or your room card to charge to, or any form of credit card... they ONLY took cash. And no, they were NOT temporarily down, we asked. This is their permanent only acceptable form of payment.

Brygida

08-23-2006, 08:53 AM

Question: We were planning on using Teppanyaki as one of our Ts meals as my hubby wanted the steak and lobster combo on the menu, can you not order that? I didn't see the Dining plan say no lobster entrees.

(I did though see that at the Candlelight Package the no lobster on there)

You were allowed to order a steak entree on the DDP, but you must order the lobster as a "side order". There are several items in the "side order" column on the menu which you must pay OOP for (I seem to recall squid and sushi being on there too). Tempura is off the menu entirely... even though I would have ordered it OOP if they had it.

Brygida

08-23-2006, 09:00 AM

We are going in just a couple of weeks and my younger ds loves the Izakadoosie ice pops, which they sell from the carts. Will I have trouble using snack credits at these locations or are we talking the individual carts in World Showcase?

While I would love to use a snack credit for the occasional pastry or something like that, if it's not available, I'll make sure to have cash (as it seems they don't even take room charge or any kind of debit or other card). Can someone clarify?

The Disney ice cream carts may accept the DDP snack credit in EPCOT, I honestly did not try so I don't know. You will not be able to use your snack credits for desserts around the World Showcase CS restaurants or snack carts. We checked the majority of them and we did pay OOP in cash for them.

On the bright side, EPCOT is the ONLY park we had this issue. All other parks were very lenient about accepting DDP snack credits for anything you would normally think of as a snack and allowing you to charge on the room card. For instance, the same soft serve ice cream cone I paid cash for at the France cart, I got using a snack credit at Animal Kingdom (at Africa/Asia crossroads).

mickeyfan2

08-23-2006, 09:13 AM

scouthawkk

08-23-2006, 09:41 AM

1. In your check-in package you will have a brochure stating that you can exchange 1 TS credit for 1 CS + 2 Snack credits. Who would do this? Not us. :rolleyes:

Give up a TS in exchange for 1 CS and 2 snacks? No way...but, if i could give up 1CS and 2 snacks in exchange for getting 1TS, that would be a different story :thumbsup2 .

mrsltg

08-23-2006, 09:47 AM

The "cash only" cart are the temporary ones brought out to handle the larger crowds. The permanent ones have the equipment to take credit and room cards.

Thank you. I know I definitely purchased water, in the world showcase, using a snack credit, at a cart. On the 18th the system was down and we were unable to use our credits or room charge at any of the outside places.

Who knows.... :confused3

stacy347

08-23-2006, 09:47 AM

In case no one has passed these along yet.....

1. In your check-in package you will have a brochure stating that you can exchange 1 TS credit for 1 CS + 2 Snack credits. Who would do this? Not us. :rolleyes:

What the brochure they gave us states is this:

"As a special offer during your stay, if you choose to dine in any Quick Service locations using your Table Service entitlements, you will receive a certificate redeemable for your choice of one of the following: two (2) snacks, a collectible Disney Trading Pin and lanyard (pin design may vary), or a "Where the Magic Lives" poster featuring Mickey and his friends. Before you order, advise the cashier you would like to use a Table Service entitlement for you Quick Service meal. "

I typed that from the brochure in my welcome packet (I saved everything, LOL). Obviously, it is still not the same as using your TS credits but in my case because the parks were too much for my MIL, we actually did end up using 4 of her TS credits on CS meals so each of my girls got a lanyard and pin before we left. Apparently we were not the only ones needing to do this because our resort's gift shop ran out of the posters on the 2nd day.

Just wanted to put all of the info out there. Also, we didn't have any trouble using our CS credits anywhere in the parks and the snack choices in ASMo's food court were very good as well...they went with the anything under $4 and never gave us any problems. :)

bicker

08-23-2006, 10:31 AM

However, your were not allowed to use a snack credit to get just a pastry, even when they were under $4.Yes, that's my understanding as well. There are a small set of items which are always available for a snack credit, at designated snack credit eateries: soft drinks, water, small bags of potato chips, etc., stuff like that. Some places do offer more choices, but the broadest selection of snacks (where the $4 limit tends to be the guiding principle with only minor exception) are typically available at resort eateries.

tkd lisa

08-23-2006, 10:36 AM

I wanted to throw in that the Kaki Gori cart in EPCOT definitely takes the card option. I used my Disney rewards card there this weekend.

Lewisc

08-23-2006, 10:39 AM

The dining plan brochure says availble snacks include and then gives the standard list:soda, water, chips etc.

The $4 rule is an observation of customers of what seems to be generally allowed in Disney run places, particularly the resorts. I haven't seen the $4 rule listed in any offical place. I can understand the WS places not being willing to give an expensive pastry for whatever Disney is paying them.

wdwobsessed

08-23-2006, 10:55 AM

bicker

08-23-2006, 11:22 AM

Yes, that's my understanding as well. So nothing new, AFAIC, since we've always know about these limitations here on the DIS.

JimMIA

08-23-2006, 11:43 AM

Question: We were planning on using Teppanyaki as one of our Ts meals as my hubby wanted the steak and lobster combo on the menu, can you not order that? I didn't see the Dining plan say no lobster entrees.

(I did though see that at the Candlelight Package the no lobster on there)
This is not NEW news. As far as I know, lobster has never been included on the DDP -- not only at Teppenyaki, but at most restaurants. In fact, I think the only restaurant that offers lobster on DDP is Captain Jack's.

Check the 2006 DDP FAQ at the top of this page, and be sure you know what you're buying.

DiszyDean

08-23-2006, 11:51 AM

Last year at Le Cellier, the Surf and Turf special was on the dining plan and that came with lobster. Not great lobster, mind you...but lobster, nonetheless. I am not sure if it is still being offered or not, either way I am ok with it.

Connor' Dad

08-23-2006, 11:58 AM

You can order lobster at Narcoosee's.

bicker

08-23-2006, 12:02 PM

Yes, I believe lobster isn't restricted on signature restaurant menus.

Lewisc

08-23-2006, 12:03 PM

Lobster was originally allowed at Teppanayki. The restaurant didn't do very well being one of the only 1 TS restaurants that offered lobster.

Guests miss the point, restaurants aren't going to lose money serving MYW dining guests. They're either going to exclude menu items, Teppanayki removed lobster from the entrée section of the menu or delete them from the menu altogether. Coral Reef dropped all of the menu items that feature more expensive ingredients.

This is not NEW news. As far as I know, lobster has never been included on the DDP -- not only at Teppenyaki, but at most restaurants. In fact, I think the only restaurant that offers lobster on DDP is Captain Jack's.

Check the 2006 DDP FAQ at the top of this page, and be sure you know what you're buying.

IWannaBeAPrincess

08-23-2006, 12:20 PM

Officially there is no $4 rule for snacks. That's an observation made by guests but there has been a few exceptions.

I was told by 2 CMs during my trip (8/20-8/22) that anything under $4 was now considered a snack. I realize that doesn't make it official, but if several CMs have been saying it and we've observed the trend, then it might be more fact than assumption.

We were able to get a funnel cake in EPCOT on 8/21, and the person in front of us used the DDP to purchase one. She actually got the one with Strawberries and Whipped Cream even though it was over $4, but they charged her for extra toppings which was like $.37.

HTH!

bicker

08-23-2006, 12:28 PM

Each CM can speak for themselves only, so the two CMs you spoke to were authorized to tell you whether they themselves would permit you to do as they suggested. For the rest, all we can go on is Disney's written offer, which doesn't state anything about "anything under $4". Many folks have relayed reports that there are items, under $4, which they could not obtain for a snack credit. Therefore, prospective guests shouldn't rely on being able to get anything under $4 as a snack.

Lewisc

08-23-2006, 12:51 PM

What the CM was really telling you is that anything under $4 is considered a snack at the location you asked at and for that day. Many of the resorts seem to use that figure. The $4 isn't published anywhere and it looks like some of the non-Disney restaurants aren't as flexible. Last year many of the resorts were already expanding the list of allowable snacks but CSR used the official list.

I just don't think it's fair that some DIS are complaining about places not honoring the $4 rule when no such rule exists.

Actually a few posters even found some Disney locations were either excluding a few $4 items and/or were increasing the price to be just over $4. Many of the kids meals cost under $4 and aren't allowed as a snack.

I was told by 2 CMs during my trip (8/20-8/22) that anything under $4 was now considered a snack. I realize that doesn't make it official, but if several CMs have been saying it and we've observed the trend, then it might be more fact than assumption.

We were able to get a funnel cake in EPCOT on 8/21, and the person in front of us used the DDP to purchase one. She actually got the one with Strawberries and Whipped Cream even though it was over $4, but they charged her for extra toppings which was like $.37.

HTH!

CathrynRose

08-23-2006, 01:21 PM

Yes, that's my understanding as well. So nothing new, AFAIC, since we've always know about these limitations here on the DIS.

Exactly.

As far as Im concerned, anything beyond the standard "chips, soda, ice cream bar, etc" is a bonus I am grateful for. :thumbsup2

I just don't think it's fair that some DIS are complaining about places not honoring the $4 rule when no such rule exists.
.

Yep - and IMO all this whining and moaning could change the possibly, maybe, if youre lucky that day the under $4 bonus and that ticks me off.

:sad2:

Brygida

08-25-2006, 11:29 AM

OK ... so from what I read ... all these profound "changes" are based on oneexperience at Teppanyaki (they have always been on the stingy side ... even back when they did vouchers for groups) and at some carts in Epcot not having charge capabilities?

You guys are merciless! I never stated they were profound changes in the first place.

In the second place, I believe this was the first post on DIS of WDW offering 1 CS + 2 snack credits in exchange for 1 TS,.... and that Tomorrowland Noodle Station had been transformed into a TS meal! Those seem like significant changes to me. And they were not previously known on the DIS. We got separate posts that ALLEARS.NET was reporting the same things after my post.

No one gets credit for anything here I guess. You guys on the DDP forum are not very nice.

sorul82?

08-25-2006, 11:52 AM

We just returned from the World, and I wish we had traded one of our TS meals for counter and pins. I don't know if the problems we had were due to the restaurant, or because we had a group of 11, but we wasted a lot of time and food. I, too, thought who in the heck would waste a precious TS credit? Trade for a counter, pin, and lanyard? On our first day, that sounded like the most absurd thing I had ever heard of! But, after spending 3.5 hours at Maya Grill and 2.5 hours at WCC, I would have traded in a heartbeat.

Also, I used a snack credit for school bread in Norway.

HaleyB

08-25-2006, 12:18 PM

You guys are merciless! I never stated they were profound changes in the first place.

In the second place, I believe this was the first post on DIS of WDW offering 1 CS + 2 snack credits in exchange for 1 TS,.... and that Tomorrowland Noodle Station had been transformed into a TS meal! Those seem like significant changes to me. And they were not previously known on the DIS. We got separate posts that ALLEARS.NET was reporting the same things after my post.

No one gets credit for anything here I guess. You guys on the DDP forum are not very nice.

I don't think people are trying to be mean to you. However there are a number of people who spend time here trying hard to get correct information out to people. Misinformation is what accounts for most of the negative posts about the DDP. A good example of that is the "$4" thing. People will read that anything under $4 is allowed on some thread (which is not true) and then they will brow beat some poor CM when the item they want is not allowed.

The changes to the DDP were reported several times to the DIS as soon as they came out, about a week before free dining started. There are MANY threads about the dining changes. In addition to the 1 CS+ two snacks for a TS credit you can trade 1 TS for 1 CS+ a lanyard and pin or 1TS for 1 CS+ a poster.

Chef Mickeys added lunchtime seatings and many other places have extended hours.

Lewisc

08-25-2006, 02:16 PM

I thought you were trying to be helpful, I didn't bother correcting the inaccuracies in your first post of the thread but you really don't have any grounds to be so defensive

1) The TS trade in for a CS meal deal has been posted here for some time. Not only weren't you the first but you skipped the Pin option. I agree it's not a good deal and didn't think it was worth correcting the incomplete information you posted but don't try to get credit for posting half a new policy after others posted the entire option.

2) Every other poster says the Tomorrowland is a buffet restaurant that won't be accepting ADRs not reservation only as you posted.

3) There is no $4 snack rule. Your post actually refuted the $4 rule that people were assuming.

Your restaurant reviews were very helpful. I don't know why you're complaining. Do a search, you may have been the first poster to have observed the changes in person but many people posted all of the temporary changes. That included the expanded restaurants hours, room service option and the accurate version of the changes you observed in your first post.

There are many threads. This is one I found quickly.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1193186

You guys are merciless! I never stated they were profound changes in the first place.

In the second place, I believe this was the first post on DIS of WDW offering 1 CS + 2 snack credits in exchange for 1 TS,.... and that Tomorrowland Noodle Station had been transformed into a TS meal! Those seem like significant changes to me. And they were not previously known on the DIS. We got separate posts that ALLEARS.NET was reporting the same things after my post.

No one gets credit for anything here I guess. You guys on the DDP forum are not very nice.

sorul82?

08-25-2006, 02:54 PM

We stopped by the Noodle Station Wednesday evening (8/23), and yes it is now a TS, and you need an ADR, and they were all booked up for the evening.

Noelle

08-25-2006, 03:02 PM

No one gets credit for anything here I guess.

Brygida,
I just wanted to say THANK YOU! For the past two weeks, I've been busy calculating and recalculating what each of my meals would cost using my DDE and then comparing them to DDP. We always came up to about $100 more with DDE when I figured in the value of snacks. But after hearing that some places like the bakery in France don't take snacks, that makes me think we're better off just sticking to DDE. I'm sure that it's all posted somewhere in the tons of posts in the DDP fourm. But I just had not stumbled onto it. So your posting was news to me. THANK YOU for helping me solve my dilemma!
My family thought I was crazy asking them to order off menus a month before they're going to be at WDW! :rotfl:

wdwobsessed

08-25-2006, 11:33 PM

Sorry ... your OP just came across a little negative to me like "oh my gosh, there were so many restrictions and changes" type of thing ... which is why I asked if those two things were what you were basing your statement on.

I could just see people getting all worried about thier plans being "ruined" because of "changes".

Sorry if you felt my post was harsh. I was just baffled.

WDWO

CdnMom2

08-26-2006, 03:47 PM

I also really appreciate your comments on the need for some cash in Epcot. I was also counting on convenience of everything being on the DDP or worst case -- charging to my room. I wouldn't have been prepared without your post.

IWannaBeAPrincess

08-26-2006, 08:46 PM

I was told by 2 CMs during my trip (8/20-8/22) that anything under $4 was now considered a snack. I realize that doesn't make it official, but if several CMs have been saying it and we've observed the trend, then it might be more fact than assumption.

We were able to get a funnel cake in EPCOT on 8/21, and the person in front of us used the DDP to purchase one. She actually got the one with Strawberries and Whipped Cream even though it was over $4, but they charged her for extra toppings which was like $.37.

HTH!

Let me clarify... IN MY EXPERIENCE at Cosmic Rays, I was talking with the manager (I was trading pins with her) and a lady who spoke Spanish had questions about her dining plan. I interpretted for the manager and the patron. The manager, Alice, stated that anything under $4 was a snack. So, if you go to Cosmic Rays, want a $4 and under snack, and Alice is working, you can tell her Wendy, her translator, told you that she said $4 and under was a snack. :wave: Alice!

Also you can go to MK in the place that makes funnel cakes by the bridge, and they told us that anything under $4 was a snack or you could pay $.37 for the funnel cake over $4, but only if you catch the same people that I had on duty at that time, and they are still following that rule. :sad2:

And lastly, if you go to All-Star Music you will most likely find a DDP snack sign on the rack with the full size bags of chips. popcorn::

-Wendy

mandy200587

08-26-2006, 08:57 PM

There are carts in the WS you can use your DDP. I was able to get a pretzel at Germany without any problems on the DDP. However in Norway I was unable to get my cinnamon roll on the dp.

tinkwannabe2

08-26-2006, 08:58 PM

Thank you to the OP for your post... I would have never taken cash to Epcot as I put everything on the card.

Also, kudos to you Wendy for being a translator for someone... you provided a little pixie dust and you don't even work for Disney!

sorul82?

08-26-2006, 09:25 PM

We actually got tired of all of the desserts that came with the meals. At Cosmic Rays and another counter, we got a bottled water instead of the dessert. So, we asked for and received a large iced tea, and bottled water instead of dessert. However, at Pop, we were not allowed to substitute water for dessert, but we got bottled water as our beverage at breakfast to save for later. We used mugs for the breakfast drink.

grgich

08-26-2006, 10:25 PM

Julia,
I was at Epcot on Fri, 8/18 and was able to use a snack option for the School Bread at the Norway bakery. I'm pretty sure that the pastries that are "snack options" were marked with the purple/white logo, but can't recall specifically what else was a snack option there. BTW, I read about school bread here on the DIS boards, and I have to agree.... It was REALLY good!!!! (And I don't even like coconut, which was spread all across the top of it). Very large portion also.

themouse1928

08-26-2006, 11:33 PM

wondering about mexico , just signed up for plan , nov 3rd to 11th , have they altered the menu there?

pixiechick

08-27-2006, 10:35 AM

For those concerned about using snack credits, please read through the thread on snacks. I think it's stuck at the top of the page now. We just came back and found it completely accurate. We never expected most places in Epcot to offer snack credits because we reviewed what others had been allowed. Yes, it still could change, but it was nice to have an idea going into the trip.

ExPirateShopGirl

08-27-2006, 02:33 PM

jjjbennett

08-27-2006, 03:18 PM

On 8/20 I used a CS credit at the French bakery in France at Epcot. That was good for a drink, 1 salty and 1 sweet. But when I tried to buy an additional pastry with a snack credit. (It was under $4) I was told they could not acept the snack credit. That was the only money I spent on food all week since I had already promised my 4 year old the pastry and could not back out after I was told that it was not a snack credit.

LilyWDW

08-27-2006, 04:00 PM

:crazy:

It all hurts my head...

Just gonna skip DDP and pay OOP so I don't have to remember all of this. I want to be able to go in and order what I wish to eat, not have to study a DDP textbook! :rotfl:

It really comes down to this... if you want to order whatever you wish, whenever you wish, then the DDP may not be for you.

And remember, terms and conditions are subject to change! :rolleyes1

Lewisc

08-27-2006, 04:26 PM

It's amazing how complicated some posters are making a very simple plan. What snacks are included? EASY the brochure gives a list. Locations have a symbol which indicates what extra items are also included. Want to make it hard; use a $4 rule and then look for the exceptions to that rule.

Meals the brochure tells you what restaurants and what you get. want to make it hard. Scour WDW and find the very few, non-Disney restaurants that have a very few reasonable restrictions and then complain. PM allows a rib eye steak for a CS credit. Great deal. They want to compensate by limiting desserts. Still a great deal.

:crazy:

It all hurts my head...

Just gonna skip DDP and pay OOP so I don't have to remember all of this. I want to be able to go in and order what I wish to eat, not have to study a DDP textbook! :rotfl:

It really comes down to this... if you want to order whatever you wish, whenever you wish, then the DDP may not be for you.

And remember, terms and conditions are subject to change! :rolleyes1

tiki23

08-27-2006, 04:57 PM

lovemickeyshouse

08-27-2006, 05:25 PM

The schoolbread in Norway we've gotten as a snack on two separate visits. Last fall we got chausson aux pommes using a snack credit, but in May we had to pay OOP. Also, once F&W festival begins, you may use snack credits at the booths for samples.
SORRY BUT A CM ON THE DINING LINE SAID NOT ABLE TO USE AT F AND W FOR SNACK CREDITS SO THIS IS THE LATEST INFO

ExPirateShopGirl

08-27-2006, 05:49 PM

SORRY BUT A CM ON THE DINING LINE SAID NOT ABLE TO USE AT F AND W FOR SNACK CREDITS SO THIS IS THE LATEST INFO

This would be a change from last year when we used them for all sorts of (non-alcoholic) samples.... and while the CM's info might be accurate, they have been known to be inaccurate. I guess we'll see when F&W starts!

bicker

08-27-2006, 05:58 PM

Good point; remember that the CMs that handle dining reservations are not responsible for anything having to do with the operation of the restaurants, the cashiering of meals, etc. Their jobs involve making reservations, that's all.

wdwobsessed

08-27-2006, 06:42 PM

I agree with LewisC!

You know you can always get water, soda, popcorn or a mickey bar with your snack credits. Anything else is icing and will vary from place to place. People make it way too complicated. It's not complicated at all...

Want something that is not on the plan? Pay for it and use the snack credit for a drink to go with it! How simple is that? Want the milkshake and it's not included on the DDP as a drink? Buy it and have it and have an iced tea to go with your meal as well since a milkshake is bound to make you thristy. See ... simple!

You are still going to get your money's worth.
You can have mostly anything you want on the DDP with few exclusions that if you really want them you can pay OOP for them.

What kind of snack you get or if you are allowed a specialty drink or the extra lobster tail should not make or break this plan. You break even on BASIC TS as it is so the CS and S or any "special" TS allotments are gravy.

WDWO

Dizneydaz

08-27-2006, 06:50 PM

We're going in November and actually *gasp* paying for the dining plan. ;) We chose to do this so that we could budget ahead of time, as well as trying additional TS restaurants we may normally not have chosen if we were paying-as-we-go.

I think people have gotten so caught up in getting the biggest bang for their buck from the DDP that they don't realize that for some people (like us!) the plan will be a huge convenience no matter if some of the menus have changed. Also, when we decided on the DDP, we did so with the understanding that the snacks were limited, but that was ok with us - anything extra is bonus. :)

And with 3 teenagers who like to eat better than chicken nuggets and burgers every meal, we're going to save some $ too! :thumbsup2

The first time we did DDP (Jan. 05) it was new and we paid for it too! I thought it was a great deal and we tried several new TS restaurants we wouldn't have if we were paying OOP. In fact, 2 of our new favs. came as a result of that trip. Kona and Park Faire (dinner). Sept. will be our 2nd time using it for free :woohoo: and it's the main reason we are returning so soon (We were just there in Jan. 06). It's saving us big bucks even considering paying rack rate and having to buy 1 day MYW base tix. (which we will save for another time).

Oh, and even being on the DDP I know a few things will have to be paid for anyway and that's just fine with me! :Pinkbounc

lovemickeyshouse

08-28-2006, 02:29 PM

The first time we did DDP (Jan. 05) it was new and we paid for it too! I thought it was a great deal and we tried several new TS restaurants we wouldn't have if we were paying OOP. In fact, 2 of our new favs. came as a result of that trip. Kona and Park Faire (dinner). Sept. will be our 2nd time using it for free :woohoo: and it's the main reason we are returning so soon (We were just there in Jan. 06). It's saving us big bucks even considering paying rack rate and having to buy 1 day MYW base tix. (which we will save for another time).

Oh, and even being on the DDP I know a few things will have to be paid for anyway and that's just fine with me! :Pinkbounc

hey me too i am goin back sooner cause of the free dining plan its sweet right well i am also goin dec 31st and march 07 so will be loggin lots of time at the world cause i love that place and btw was there in feb of 06 and may of 05 before that was 17 yrs of no disney world so makin up for lost time :cool1: