questions on the dining plan

[Megs]

Ok, so we're going back to WDW the end of May (yay!) and this is the first time we have used the dining plan. We have the standard plan--one CS/TS/snack/ day...so questions:

1. If you want to get an appetizer at a TS restaurant, do they separate it out from your ticket and you pay that with a credit card? Or do the cast members get annoyed when you do things separate from the plan? Does this get confusing if you are using your room key to both charge for DDP and as a credit card?

2. We're doing several 2TS credit meals, so we know that we are going to go over our TS meals by one or two. To maximize things financially, we'd like to pay out of pocket for a specific meal (I.E. CRT). So, is there a problem doing that when you still have credits left or is this easily done?

3. We're going with another couple--I'm assuming it's easiest to ask for separate tickets at the beginning of the meal?

Thanks!!

[TDC Nala]

Ok, so we're going back to WDW the end of May (yay!) and this is the first time we have used the dining plan. We have the standard plan--one CS/TS/snack/ day...so questions:

1. If you want to get an appetizer at a TS restaurant, do they separate it out from your ticket and you pay that with a credit card? Or do the cast members get annoyed when you do things separate from the plan? Does this get confusing if you are using your room key to both charge for DDP and as a credit card?

Yes, they'll give you a separate check for any off-plan items. Whether they'll get annoyed or not will probably depend on the particular server. They shoudn't. Make sure you review the receipts to see what the charges are.

2. We're doing several 2TS credit meals, so we know that we are going to go over our TS meals by one or two. To maximize things financially, we'd like to pay out of pocket for a specific meal (I.E. CRT). So, is there a problem doing that when you still have credits left or is this easily done?

Have you booked CRT already? If you intend to pay cash for CRT, you're supposed to pay it in full at booking. If you've already booked it and said you're on the dining plan, let them know when you get there that you are now paying cash for it. At any other restaurant it doesn't matter whether or not you have credits left. Just tell the server you are not using credits to pay for this meal, but cash. Again, check the receipts to make sure they did what you wanted.

3. We're going with another couple--I'm assuming it's easiest to ask for separate tickets at the beginning of the meal?

It's easier if you set the server straight from the start about everything you intend for your table.
This could eliminate confusion when it's time to ring everything up.