Second Class Citizen on Dining Plan?

[DisneyLaLa]

My DH and I are planning a trip for next summer and are considering the Deluxe Dining Plan. I know the plan can be used for category 2 or 3 seating at dinner shows. I was wondering if preferential seating is also not available to Dining Plan members at table service and signature restaurants. Will we be placed in the worst seats in the house because we opted to save money by using the plan? Also, are there any menu restrictions if you are on the plan (besides alcoholic drinks)? Thanks!

[Faldred]

No, you're treated like any other guest. TS seating is typically based on "next available table of the right size" -- there are no specifically reserved tables. In general, there are no menu restrictions; the rare exceptions are for multi-course items and "for two" items.

[TDC Nala]

No, there's no such thing as "preferential seating" based on the category of payment at the Disney restaurants. If you have an ADR you are scheduled to get the next table for your group size that opens up, wherever that is.

Also note that the dining plan does not always rank as a money-saver - some persons use it just for the convenience of prepayment. Signature restaurants costing two credits per person are generally not a good value on the basic dining plan (unless of course you got the plan for free - and the restaurants have no way of distinguishing whether you got the plan free or whether you paid for it. They are a slightly better deal on the deluxe plan but not a lot better). So it makes no sense for Disney restaurants to treat certain guests differently on the assumption that "they're trying to save money."

[beroh2253]

We went 4 time on the DDP and 3 of those time were the free DDP, and do not have any complaints, loved it every time and were alway treated great. Cat 2 and 3 are only at the Hoop and I don't know about the Luau we had pretty good seats there, the Hoop are all pretty good seats unless you want to be right up by the stage.

[supersuperwendy]

Don't forget..you can get Cat. 1 seating at the hoop dee doo on the dining plan if you go to the 9:30 pm show!

[DisneyLaLa]

Thank you for all of your input :)

[DisneyFamily123]

It's ridiculous that seating is limited to Cat. 2 or 3 when the difference in price is minimal 5-7 dollars between 1 and 2. 2TS credits will buy a much more expensive meal at most signature restaurants. The more people that complain, the more likely it will change.... and you can't pay the difference to upgrade. I already checked that out. I heard that Hoop De Doo Cat 2 seating is still very nice..... but Spirit of Aloha has a big difference between the categories of seating. So, we paid out of pocket of Aloha. Have fun on your trip.

[sanctumsolitude]

I have no problem with treatment on the dining plan. We even did the Spirit of Aloha show. We got front row, but off to the side. Still, no complaints at all.

[tinka-belle]

As far as the ADR's are concerned, the restaurant location just knows you are on the DDP (if the CM even asked you when you made the ADR). They can't see if you paid for plan or not, though during the FD period they probably assume that no one paid for it! The ADR or FD has nothing to do with seating locatations at regular reataurants and buffets, and are pre-assigned for the dinner shows.

[pooch]

from another CT DISer! DD and I are going for free ddp for the 4th year in a row. They treat everyone equally well.

[aubriee]

They can't see if you paid for plan or not, though during the FD period they probably assume that no one paid for it!

Not necessarily! With all the codes out, there are alot of us that used PIN codes or AP discounts for room discounts and are paying for the DDP. In fact, for my Sept/Oct trip I am paying full price for the DxDDP.

[yitbos96bb]

My DH and I are planning a trip for next summer and are considering the Deluxe Dining Plan. I know the plan can be used for category 2 or 3 seating at dinner shows. I was wondering if preferential seating is also not available to Dining Plan members at table service and signature restaurants. Will we be placed in the worst seats in the house because we opted to save money by using the plan? Also, are there any menu restrictions if you are on the plan (besides alcoholic drinks)? Thanks!

They are usually good about filling your seat choice if you are willing to wait... We usually will do this for Cali grill... it just usually takes longer to be seated.

[disneyjunkie]

Don't forget..you can get Cat. 1 seating at the hoop dee doo on the dining plan if you go to the 9:30 pm show!

Thanks for posting this. I had no idea this was an option.:thumbsup2

[kaytieeldr]

It's ridiculous that seating is limited to Cat. 2 or 3 when the difference in price is minimal 5-7 dollars between 1 and 2. 2TS credits will buy a much more expensive meal at most signature restaurants. Then, respectfully, use the credits for a much more expensive meal at a signature restaurant, and skip the dinner show or pay out of pocket for it.

Sure, Walt Disney World wants Guests to use a Dining Plan, but it's NOT MANDATORY. Guests who disagree with the (relatively few) restrictions, or who feel it's not a good use of their vacation money, are NEVER required to avail themselves of it. This is, I think, the third year of the seating restriction at Hoop De Doo's first two shows; it's unlikely to change. But go ahead and write if it will make you feel better.

[srdipert]

I have been many times on the dining on the plan and never had any problems

[beroh2253]

WOW this one is back, I have now gone for another free DDP trip (last Oct.) and was great, did the Hoop-Dee-Doo cat 2 for 2TS each, we sat all the way to the back first floor but got raised tables, excellent service and the actors were back there many times, I think I like Cat. 2 better. I hope I can go again this year and this question resurfaces again in 2011.