OUR EXPERRIENCE - DDP ressie for 4, but had 5 AND paying for 5 with only 4 on DDP

[formernyer]

Wow, this post got a lot longer than I expected it would, LOL

We just got back from WDW (actually, WE'RE still in Florida visiting family, but WE'RE done with Disney). We had some DDP situations which all worked out ok for us, so I thought I'd share our experiences. I know other people have had questions about some of these situations.

Our reservations were made 5 months ago for 4 people. All four of us were on Free DDP. My mom ended up joining us, so we actually had 5 people dining at each meal and only four of us on the DDP.

Our first concern was showing up at the restaurants with reservations for 4 and getting a table for 5. Our second challenge was that we had several buffets planned. We were hoping to get 5 DDP meals, but were prepared to have to pay for one out of pocket, since only 4 were on the dining plan.

We had the DDP for five days, so we had a total of 20 credits and 5 people. The reservations were all for peak-time dinners. Here's how it went...

CRYSTAL PALACE - FIVE CREDITS - I explained that my reservations were made 5 months ago, but Grandma decided to join us, so we'd like an extra place setting at our table. The had absolutely no problem with the request. When I handed the server the DDP card at the end of the meal, she commented that we only had 4 on it, but a party of 5. I said that I didn't mind putting 5 meals on it, since we were planning to meal share later in the week to make up for it. She smiled and said it was no problem at all. She put through all five meals on the DDP.

WHISPERING CANYON CAFE - THREE CREDITS - I gave the same explanation about the extra person in the party and was told that it was no problem at all. One of us had a skillet and the other four people split two meals. We all left STUFFED and there was no surcharge for meal-sharing (some people have recently reported meal-sharing surcharges at some restaurants).

CORAL REEF - THREE CREDITS - Exact same scenario as WCC, except we left satisfied, but not stuffed. No problem adding the extra person to the reservation. No meal-sharing surcharges.

BOMA - 5 CREDITS - No problem at all getting the table for 5. At the end of the meal, the server told us he could only put 4 buffets on the DDP. I politely mentioned that another restraurant processed it with 5 and it went through just fine. He said he'd try it. Next thing I knew, a manager was at my table explaining that what she would have to do is put the 5th meal through as room charge and then I could ask the hotel front desk to adjust it to a DDP credit. I explained that I did not add room-charging to my card. At that point, she told me that she'd put through 5 credits on the DDP, "but just this once." She later mentioned that the easiest way around the DDP max is to just give the server two cards and ask him to process 4 meals on one of them and one meal on the second card. I could have very easily given them two cards, but he didn't mention it until after they processed all 5 on one card. Anyway, in the end it wasn't really a big hassle to get them to process all 5.

SCI-FI - 4 CREDITS - We only had 4 credits left, so rather than pay OOP for the extra person on this night I cancelled my Chef Mickey's reservation and got a last minute table at Sci-Fi. No problems at all with meal-sharing and no surcharges.

As for the CS credits, the 20 credits were more than adequate to feed five of us for 6 days. We shared meals (we ordered 3-4 meals each day for lunch). We went primarily to places I knew had very large meals. For breakfast, we ate Entenmanns donuts (1 snack credit per box) and leftovers from TS dinners/desserts. We used a snack credit for onion rings once, but it never got deducted from our account. Another time, we bought three ice creams, but when I went to hand the guy the card he said, "The DDP scanner is down at the moment, so your ice creams are on the house."

At the end of the trip, we had 14 snack credits remaining :scared1: Our previous record was 7 remaining!!! Luckily, we drove to Florida, so we had plenty of room in the van for extra snacks. Imagine the strange looks we got from other customers when we got on line at Pop Century this afternoon with two big boxes of Entenmann's donuts, 2 jars of Tostitos Cheese Dip, and 10 huge bags of Doritos and Lays chips!!!

[katiebsmom]

THAT IS AWESOME NEWS!!!! I'm sooo glad that everything worked out for you without any problems and thanks for the heads up on how to get around the guest max with two cards. That won't apply to me, but I'm sure many here will find it helpful! I'm delighted to hear that the extra guest was no problem as I was told earlier last month by a CM that bringing my infant as an extra on my ressies would result in being turned away. What a relief to find out that they WELCOMED you, extra guest and all!!!!!! :)

[kath1210]

Good for you! :thumbsup2

Now, I am waiting for the "enforcers" to come and tell you what you did was wrong.

Honestly, I get so sick of people on here telling others that they broke some DDP rule...:mad: Maybe you'll get lucky and they'll stay away! :goodvibes

[GC&S]

So glad it worked out for you. Sounds like you had no problems and that makes for a great trip!! LOL at the end of the trip snack frenzy.

[karliebug]

Well, it is clear that you used the plan in a way as it was not intended. But, and it is a big but, the CM's allowed it. So though the rule enforcers will say you cheated, the CM's let you do it,knowing that mom wasn't on the plan.

[MissMichelle]

I say don't worry about the "rule police" that others are talking about.

You honestly thought you'd pay out of pocket for Mom during the meals but it worked out that the CM's didn't feel it was necessary. It is just like the free snacks on the DDP...what were you going to do? Stand there until the issue was fixed and MAKE them remove them? No of course not.

You enjoyed the customer satisfaction that the CM's are known for. I loved 99% of my servers while down there as they were all so accommodating.

Glad it worked out for you.

[punkin]

Good for you! :thumbsup2

Now, I am waiting for the "enforcers" to come and tell you what you did was wrong.

Honestly, I get so sick of people on here telling others that they broke some DDP rule...:mad: Maybe you'll get lucky and they'll stay away! :goodvibes

I also await the dreaded "enforcers" I wonder why they haven't come out of the woodwork yet? Maybe they are all on the phone with Disney reporting all these "violations.":rotfl:

[Luv2Roam]

Hey, if you asked and they allowed it. SO be it. What do I care? :confused3 :goodvibes Glad it worked out.
The downside I have seen it repeatedly is the so and so let me do it (as the conversation at Boma's). And that causes an issue to me only for that reason as then you have unhappy people on both ends. (The guest is frustrated and posts about it on the internet, and the restaurant gets the manager involved, bends their rules and probably grumbling about DDP guests at least in their head if not hoping DDP goes away entirely. :confused3 )
I can see saying it was no problem at (fill in the blank) but I will abide by your policy.
Not all restaurants on property are Disney restaurants.
I am sure it is up to the manager's descretion. It's their restaurant and they approve it, so be it. The post was interesting. Thanks for sharing.
popcorn:: :coffee:

[kaytieeldr]

I also await the dreaded "enforcers" I wonder why they haven't come out of the woodwork yet? Is "I have the flu" an acceptable excuse"? I'm not gonna do a rules enforcer routine (since you all already outed us :teeth: ). I am, on the other hand, going to stress: The OP's experiences were NOT typical and NOT within Disney's guidelines or intents of the Dining Plan; in fact, this issue is specifically addressed in the DDP literature; and so, other Guests should not EXPECT the same experience or treatment!!

There. How was that?

[MissMichelle]

Is "I have the flu" an acceptable excuse"? I'm not gonna do a rules enforcer routine (since you all already outed us :teeth: ). I am, on the other hand, going to stress: The OP's experiences were NOT typical and NOT within Disney's guidelines or intents of the Dining Plan; in fact, this issue is specifically addressed in the DDP literature; and so, other Guests should not EXPECT the same experience or treatment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There. How was that?

I think you stated that very well. I don't think this is a situation in which flames should be thrown, especially since she didn't EXPECT it, nor push for it, but it just happened and worked out for her. I agree that nobody should expect this to happen for them because it IS stated that it is not allowed on the DDP.

[kath1210]

I think you stated that very well. I don't think this is a situation in which flames should be thrown, especially since she didn't EXPECT it, nor push for it, but it just happened and worked out for her. I agree that nobody should expect this to happen for them because it IS stated that it is not allowed on the DDP.

I agree. Katie makes a good point. :)

[familyS]

Good for you!
We won't have an extra person with us, but my daughter and I occassionally share meals. Looks like we can share a couple and then part of our planned oop meal will be covered :thumbsup2 .

[jjohnson]

It has nothing to do with being "enforcers" or the "moral police" it clearly states in the guidelines what is/is not allowed on the printed brochure you receive at check-in. Whether you follow the guidelines or not is your personal decision. Just don't complain when Disney, yet again, makes changes to the DP to stop guests from abusing it.

OP: I'm curious where did grandma sleep? I see the four of you were at POP.

[n2mm]

I have no problem with the OP doing it the way it worked out. Actually when it began in 2005, we did it that way with no problem, but the rules were not defined then (pretty much said, use your credits however you want). We did and it was never a problem. However, when dining recently we had 8 people on the DDP and 1 was not on the DDP. While eating at the CR, the CM accidently charged us 9 TS credits. We had her change it to 8 as intended, because we needed those credits for another day's meal at a more expensive place the next night. I do agree, no one should go thinking that the CMs will modifiy the plan for their dining party. This is no longer typical, but it doesn't hurt to ask the server if this is how you want to use your credits. They can only tell you no. Remember, just because one restraurant did it a certain way, by no means expect the next place to follow the same guidelines.

[kaytieeldr]

Thanks, everyone! I'm going to clean it up a little bit - the punctuation, and maybe the font, but not touch the wording at ALL - to make it easier to read. Looking at it now, it looks 'busy' to me.

[sherry8253]

OP: I'm curious where did grandma sleep? I see the four of you were at POP.[/QUOTE]

I wondered that too. I don't do DDP - free or otherwise. But it is always interesting to read about 5 diners when paying for 4, $2 rolls to get an extra burger in meal sharing, etc. For some reason, there seems to be more creative meal ideas, whoohoo look what I got for my money & cost frustrations expressed by DDP patrons then from those who do not use the DDP. Please don't take this post as a flame; it is not. I am glad mom got to eat. popcorn::

[kaytieeldr]

Until the OP gets back... I'm pretty sure her (his?) mother had a room-only reservation, because she decided to go at the last minute. Rooms were still available, but of course the promotion wasn't.

[disneyjunkie]

It has nothing to do with being "enforcers" or the "moral police" it clearly states in the guidelines what is/is not allowed on the printed brochure you receive at check-in. Whether you follow the guidelines or not is your personal decision. Just don't complain when Disney, yet again, makes changes to the DP to stop guests from abusing it.

OP: I'm curious where did grandma sleep? I see the four of you were at POP.

popcorn:: :surfweb:

How long do you think it will be before there are posters venting about not being allowed to do this?:hourglass

[Mackey Mouse]

I am a bottom line person and this is what I think. First and foremost, I am a rule follower, but do not expect to force others to follow the rules just because I am a policeman's daughter and been brought up that way...
;) :)

Here is the thing: If Disney bends the rules to accommodate their guests, then that is the end of that story. None of us here are in charge of enforcing the rules....we, the moderators on the RB, will however speak up if you are posting about ways to cheat Disney's system, which I do not think this post falls under. Sounds like the OP had a wonderful visit, shared with the grandmother, and how nice is that.

[barndweller]

I don't care how anyone tries to justify it, feeding 5 on DDP for 4 is cheating.

If a clerk gives you too much change and you walk away with a grin, you are cheating. Same thing in my mind. You know it's wrong. It's cheating.

[melomouse]

Respectfully Mod Mackey, I must disagree that the OP has clearly displayed that he/she "got over" on the system for DDP and put that in the thread title for all the world to see. In one case,it seems it became a hassle and a manager had to get involved. That's more than the idea of "well, let's see if we can try this..."

Disney treated grandma to dinner for your trip during FDP. Would it make a difference in the responses here if this were NOT during FDP, and OP had PAID for DDP, sat down with 5 and used 4 people's credits?

We ended our recent trip as FDP began. My DSS was considering joining us. There were only 3 in the room, so the room wasn't an issue. However, I checked with Disney several times after my package was paid for to find out the extra cost for DSS to be on our meal plan and tix - came to $660 for the 10 days. In the end, he could not join us. But I knew I would pay for him if he could have.

It would have never occurred to me to ask any CM to do something that is clearly against the written rules - repeatedly. And I think that it's bad form even if you did "get away" with something, to post it on the DIS as if it's another "handy trick" to make the vacation better.

Donning suit...

[rentayenta]

I also await the dreaded "enforcers" I wonder why they haven't come out of the woodwork yet? Maybe they are all on the phone with Disney reporting all these "violations.":rotfl:



:rotfl2:


Since I drive over the posted speed limit almost daily and my smaller DD wears platform to Disney, I will refrain from judging you. I am glad it all worked out. :goodvibes

[formernyer]

This is just crazy. I made a post because I was excited to share the news that the Disney CMs were more than willing to accommodate a last minute request for an extra person on reservations. I did not "cheat" anyone. We were entitled to 20 TS meals and that is all we ordered. Meal-sharing is not prohibited. As for the buffets, I went into both of them expecting, and willing, to pay for the 5th person if the CMs didn't agree to charge the extra meal to the plan. The CMs were willing to put through 5 meals...it's not like I was trying to be sneaky about it.

As for where my mom (my kids' grandma) slept, I could very easily answer your question (and somebody else has actually already done so); however, I am choosing to not respond, since it is 100% completely unrelated to my post. The only reason you're even asking the question is because you are self-appointed moral police who are hoping that I'll say I snuck her into my room, simply so you can flame me. How silly of you.

Moderators, please lock this thread. It's gotten way out of hand and it is certainly not what I expected. I was just excited to share some news about how helpful and accommodating the CMs were on my trip.

I am done posting on the DIS boards. Too much drama.

[Liz]

I don't think the OP did anything wrong. Its not like she had 20 TS meals to use and she used 25. She may not have used them exactly as outlined in the rules of the DP but Disney was willing to accomodate her family. I thought her post was very interesting and thank you, OP, for sharing your experience!

[disneyjunkie]

Respectfully Mod Mackey, I must disagree that the OP has clearly displayed that he/she "got over" on the system for DDP and put that in the thread title for all the world to see. In one case,it seems it became a hassle and a manager had to get involved. That's more than the idea of "well, let's see if we can try this..."

Disney treated grandma to dinner for your trip during FDP. Would it make a difference in the responses here if this were NOT during FDP, and OP had PAID for DDP, sat down with 5 and used 4 people's credits?

We ended our recent trip as FDP began. My DSS was considering joining us. There were only 3 in the room, so the room wasn't an issue. However, I checked with Disney several times after my package was paid for to find out the extra cost for DSS to be on our meal plan and tix - came to $660 for the 10 days. In the end, he could not join us. But I knew I would pay for him if he could have.

It would have never occurred to me to ask any CM to do something that is clearly against the written rules - repeatedly. And I think that it's bad form even if you did "get away" with something, to post it on the DIS as if it's another "handy trick" to make the vacation better.

Donning suit...

I happen to agree with you.

We all know what the policy states.

Posting that CMs were willing to ignore the policy will lead others to attempt to do the same thing. God forbid if they don't get the same results.:scared:

[kaytieeldr]

Ah, okay, going back and reading the original post I see it was the OP's willingness to use dining plan credits for friends or family members not on the dining plan, along with the willingness of one Cast Member and the ultimate agreement ('just this once') of another, in violation of the rules of the Disney Disney Dining Plan, that's the problem.

[Luv2Roam]

The only issue is the everyone else let me do it sidestep rule that I think ends up putting more and more policies and rules on the DDP for everyone. (That really should have been there in the beginning if that was the intention.)
However, the OP had a set number of credits.
The CMs allowed her to use them outside the plan.
That's between the guests and the managers.
Just hopefully we won't read numerous posts from those upset when this did not happen for them. :lmao:
Glad the OP had a good trip! :wizard:

[Luv2Roam]

Also because a manger appeared at the table so quick in the Boma tranasaction, this goes along to confirm what little I have been noticing and overhearing -- Once a DDP guests starts wanting anything outside of the plan -- a manager is brought in. This tells me me servers just don't want to handle it any further. Let management decide and explain to the guest.
And can't say that I blame them. I would not want anything to come back on me later if I were them. Let a manager make that decision upfront with the guest.
I wonder if we will see more of that when the tips are by service, and not automatic. The server will want to play the good cop role for their tip. ;) Just my thoughts.

[Dopey Sharon]

This is just crazy. I made a post because I was excited to share the news that the Disney CMs were more than willing to accommodate a last minute request for an extra person on reservations. I did not "cheat" anyone. We were entitled to 20 TS meals and that is all we ordered. Meal-sharing is not prohibited. As for the buffets, I went into both of them expecting, and willing, to pay for the 5th person if the CMs didn't agree to charge the extra meal to the plan. The CMs were willing to put through 5 meals...it's not like I was trying to be sneaky about it.


I am done posting on the DIS boards. Too much drama.

Technically, you did "cheat". Yes, you were entitled to 20 TS meals, for four people over five days, not how you used them.

If you went to the buffets expecting and willing to pay for the 5th person, why did you question the CM at Boma and tell here you were able to use a credit for the 5th person at the other buffet? You should have quietly paid for grandma and be grateful you were able to use the credit for her at the other place.

When I booked our trip, it was originally for three of us, all on the dining plan that I will be paying for. I made all our ADR's. My DD's boyfriend decided he wants to come. I, stupidly I guess, called and added him to the DDP and called to change our ADR's. (Keep in mind...a table for three most likely will also be a table for four, but I stilled called and changed them).

[Disney with Triplets]

Technically, you did "cheat". Yes, you were entitled to 20 TS meals, for four people over five days, not how you used them.

If you went to the buffets expecting and willing to pay for the 5th person, why did you question the CM at Boma and tell here you were able to use a credit for the 5th person at the other buffet? You should have quietly paid for grandma and be grateful you were able to use the credit for her at the other place.

When I booked our trip, it was originally for three of us, all on the dining plan that I will be paying for. I made all our ADR's. My DD's boyfriend decided he wants to come. I, stupidly I guess, called and added him to the DDP and called to change our ADR's. (Keep in mind...a table for three most likely will also be a table for four, but I stilled called and changed them).

Technically, he used the appropriate number of credits for the appropriate meals - didn't try to use CS for TS, Child Credit for Adult Credit, or anything else that would othewise "cheat" Disney.

Relax folks and let's thank the original poster for pointing out the flexibility and common sense showed by the CM's and the restaurant managers. That, my friends, cost Disney nothing, but gains them much in good will!

[Dopey Sharon]

Technically, he used the appropriate number of credits for the appropriate meals - didn't try to use CS for TS, Child Credit for Adult Credit, or anything else that would othewise "cheat" Disney.

Relax folks and let's thank the original poster for pointing out the flexibility and common sense showed by the CM's and the restaurant managers. That, my friends, cost Disney nothing, but gains them much in good will!

Technically, they did not use the credits correctly, because one of the people using them wasn't entitled to use them, thus "cheating".

I don't think the OP was pointing out the flexibility of using credits...I think the OP was pointing out one way to get around the rules. They were just lucky they could do it because, as the OP and others know, they shouldn't have been able to do what they did.

[kaytieeldr]

Technically, he used the appropriate number of credits for the appropriate meals - didn't try to use CS for TS, Child Credit for Adult Credit, or anything else that would othewise "cheat" Disney.

Relax folks and let's thank the original poster for pointing out the flexibility and common sense showed by the CM's and the restaurant managers. That, my friends, cost Disney nothing, but gains them much in good will!
Technically, schmecnically :teeth:

The printed/posted/published rules of the Disney Dining Plan specifically do NOT allow Guests on the Dining Plan to use their credits to pay for meals for people NOT on the Disney Dining Plan.

It's got nothing to do with flexibility or common sense. The CM was wrong to agree to allow this person to use five credits when there were only four people on the Dining Plan. The OP going to a different location - where the CM was NOT willing to violate the rule/policy - and saying "But they let me do it at ...." put the Boma CM in an awkward position.

[sherry8253]

popcorn:: :drinking1

[Disney with Triplets]

Technically, schmecnically :teeth:

The printed/posted/published rules of the Disney Dining Plan specifically do NOT allow Guests on the Dining Plan to use their credits to pay for meals for people NOT on the Disney Dining Plan.

It's got nothing to do with flexibility or common sense. The CM was wrong to agree to allow this person to use five credits when there were only four people on the Dining Plan. The OP going to a different location - where the CM was NOT willing to violate the rule/policy - and saying "But they let me do it at ...." put the Boma CM in an awkward position.



Those who see rules in black and white will never agree with those who see that a variety of shades of gray can also be fair and ethical. It doesn't make one right and one wrong - just different. Want to know how to brighten someone's trip? Find someone in line at a snack cart and pay for their snacks with your unused credits at the end of the trip.

Please pass the popcorn - I missed it popcorn:: while I was trying to zip my flame proof suit!

[melomouse]

... The CM was wrong to agree to allow this person to use five credits when there were only four people on the Dining Plan. The OP going to a different location - where the CM was NOT willing to violate the rule/policy - and saying "But they let me do it at ...." put the Boma CM in an awkward position.

:thumbsup2 - Indeed. And that's where threads like this one distress me. For me, it's not about "cheating" so much as a failure of the OP to understand that the more ways folks find to alter the plan in its intent, the more all of us eventually lose. More lost=more magic lost all around. One "favor" might be pixiedust. Repeatedly forcing CM's to go against policy will eventually result in Disney closing whatever loopholes might be left, as they have repeatedly in the past with DDP.

For reasonable requests, the CM's do anything they can. We do not ask CM's to violate policy purposefully. And because it was done once graciously by a particularly kind and easygoing, gracious CM, the OP continued to do it all week, changing reservations to accommodate the continuation of the misuse, and forcing the issue at least once.

So that's all okay, formernyer - but maybe rethink what you excitedly post when it involves perpetuating actions that will spoil it for all of us sooner or later.