WDW is charging more for special diets!

[livndisney]

I just got an email from Special diets confirming that "due to more people having allergies" WDW is charging more. However if you are on the dining plan they will not charge more. So for locals and people not on the plan you can expect to pay more.

The more I think about this the madder I get. So basically for my child to safely eat ice cream in the MK I have to pay MORE for already overpriced ice cream?

[bookwormde]

I think WDW is about to get themselves in a real mess. What if it is related to a disability covered under ADA. There have not been a "test case" for this because no one has tried to my knowledge. I guess Disney want to set precedent. Saying you cannot accommodate a disability need (due to it's unique nature and practical capability to do it) is quite different from saying you are going to charge extra for it.

bookwormde

[disneyandme]

It will be interesting to see what "extra" they are going to charge. Will it be to prepare food already on the menu separately, preparing food not on the menu, making food when a buffet is available? We have always paid regular price for buffets (character) even when my food allergic daughter was not eating and we paid a fair (regular menu) price for food made specially for her. I know a lot of people who travel exclusivley to Disney for their vacations before their child's food allergies can be accomodated. I am curious as to the response if these people are charged more and how that system is set up.

[a1tinkfans]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm

Perhaps they are now charging extra for "making a separate meal" not on the menu to specifically meet a persons needs?? Well, I think that it is fair. It is what I would consider "extra" despite that in past, they just did it.

I think many people (NOT saying anyone posting here), often believe that they are somehow entitled to "extra's" without cost. Disney is a business after all, so perhaps now, they realize how much extra prep,extra cost etc it is and they are charging for that need. One still has the option of choosing to eat somewhere else after all.
I mean realistically, if someone chooses to go to an eatery (disney or elsewhere) and they could not find anything for their child/adult to eat because of restrictions, I would think that they had the responsibility to find out and be sure there was something to safely eat. If there is nothing on the menu to eat there, WHY go there in the first place?? It does not meet ones needs, right? Unfortunately my own family has experienced that at disney.
Please do not misinterpret what I am trying to say here. I have first hand knowledge of food allergies, and I also have first hand knowledge that it was MY responsibility to be sure that my family member Could safely eat. If I Choose to go somewhere and Choose to ask them to make something separate, not normally offered (and they are kind enough to do it) I would then Expect that I'd somehow be charged for that service.
I am doubting that disney is charging for , lets say, "No salt added" type restrictions, but I guess we'll just have to see.
In the meantime.....I think Disney has set it up in their marketing (precedence) ...so that people somehow feel they are entitled/expected to "extra's...whether it be towel animals, perfect rooms, perfect experiences...so I understand where many people will be even More annoyed....All that "Magical" experience is rather shoved down ones throat, seriously! Though I personally love every minute of it :rotfl2:
I guess as a business owner, I also understand cost effectiveness, so it will be interesting to see if ANY of these alleged extra charges come to fruition.

As an aside, I do not find their prices any more expensive then where I live, so for us, its all relative.:rotfl:

[syko]

In Disneyland last year we had to pay extra to get allergy food.
In fact pasta was twice the price!!!

[disneyandme]

"One still has the option of choosing to eat somewhere else after all.
I mean realistically, if someone chooses to go to an eatery (disney or elsewhere) and they could not find anything for their child/adult to eat because of restrictions, I would think that they had the responsibility to find out and be sure there was something to safely eat. If there is nothing on the menu to eat there, WHY go there in the first place?? It does not meet ones needs, right? Unfortunately my own family has experienced that at disney. " by a1tinkfans


Unfortunately, under that scenerio my family could never eat out. My daughter has so many food allergies that unless they can made some thing specific, she would have nothing. For example, she can eat scrambeld eggs, which all restuarants have eggs on hand, but many not be a meal choice on a menu. I expect to pay a reasonable price for her meal- not comparing a $35 steak meal with sides to 2 eggs scrambled for a jacked up price.

[livndisney]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm

Perhaps they are now charging extra for "making a separate meal" not on the menu to specifically meet a persons needs?? Well, I think that it is fair. It is what I would consider "extra" despite that in past, they just did it.

I think many people (NOT saying anyone posting here), often believe that they are somehow entitled to "extra's" without cost. Disney is a business after all, so perhaps now, they realize how much extra prep,extra cost etc it is and they are charging for that need. One still has the option of choosing to eat somewhere else after all.
I mean realistically, if someone chooses to go to an eatery (disney or elsewhere) and they could not find anything for their child/adult to eat because of restrictions, I would think that they had the responsibility to find out and be sure there was something to safely eat. If there is nothing on the menu to eat there, WHY go there in the first place?? It does not meet ones needs, right? Unfortunately my own family has experienced that at disney.
Please do not misinterpret what I am trying to say here. I have first hand knowledge of food allergies, and I also have first hand knowledge that it was MY responsibility to be sure that my family member Could safely eat. If I Choose to go somewhere and Choose to ask them to make something separate, not normally offered (and they are kind enough to do it) I would then Expect that I'd somehow be charged for that service.
I am doubting that disney is charging for , lets say, "No salt added" type restrictions, but I guess we'll just have to see.
In the meantime.....I think Disney has set it up in their marketing (precedence) ...so that people somehow feel they are entitled/expected to "extra's...whether it be towel animals, perfect rooms, perfect experiences...so I understand where many people will be even More annoyed....All that "Magical" experience is rather shoved down ones throat, seriously! Though I personally love every minute of it :rotfl2:
I guess as a business owner, I also understand cost effectiveness, so it will be interesting to see if ANY of these alleged extra charges come to fruition.

As an aside, I do not find their prices any more expensive then where I live, so for us, its all relative.:rotfl:

Yes, the extra costs have come to fruition. I posted the other day about being charged extra for pizza. Which is what prompted me to ask the question to special diets in the first place.

The "extra steps" and "extra cost" is also involved in making special meals for those on the DDP. But they will not be charged more.
In our family WDW was just about the only place we could eat out "safely". As far as being "entitled to extras", I don't consider being able to safely order and eat food in a public place "extra".


I started this thread to give the information I have been given as it applies to alot of people on this thread. It was not my intent to start a debate.

[disneyandme]

I think they will have a backlash from this, especially since they are not charging dining plan people extra as well. What about people who want to leave off sauces, sides etc, but don't specifically say it's an allergy- will they be charged extra as well. I hope enough people contact Disney about this that they are at least reasonable in their application of the true costs of doing extra special meals.

[Schmeck]

I think WDW is about to get themselves in a real mess. What if it is related to a disability covered under ADA. There have not been a "test case" for this because no one has tried to my knowledge. I guess Disney want to set precedent. Saying you cannot accommodate a disability need (due to it's unique nature and practical capability to do it) is quite different from saying you are going to charge extra for it.

bookwormde

I'm sure they ran it past the Disney lawyers first. ADA requires only equal access, and since it was written way before the food allergy explosion, it most likely does not have clear-cut language dealing with all types of food allergies. If they are offering allergen free foods that cost more to purchase and maintain as allergen free, then they have the right to cover those costs.

If certain foods cost more to purchase and prepare, then of course those foods are going to cost more in the restaurant. If Disney hasn't been charging extra for specially prepared meals up to now, consider it a lucky situation.

[disneyandme]

It will be hard to justify high costs for prearing similar foods to what they already prepare. Also, with so many places to eat, they are going to have to consistant in what they charge. I have a feeling that this will be where they will run into trouble. They can't charge customer A for plain chicken grilled separately $12 and customer B for plain chicken grilled separately $20. The lawyers would have a field day.

[BillSears]

I suspect that if the lawyers get involved they may just change their policy to No Special Requests. I'm not sure if the ADA requires that restaurants prepare special dishes to accomodate any/all food allergies. Maybe one of you know if this is required.

[Schmeck]

It will be hard to justify high costs for prearing similar foods to what they already prepare. Also, with so many places to eat, they are going to have to consistant in what they charge. I have a feeling that this will be where they will run into trouble. They can't charge customer A for plain chicken grilled separately $12 and customer B for plain chicken grilled separately $20. The lawyers would have a field day.

Depends on what you mean by similar - if something prepackaged has to be processed in a nut free environment, then when purchased by Disney, Disney most likely has to pay more for it than the run-of-the mill stuff. If Disney is preparing food ahead of time, pretty much just reheating it for serving, then cooking something from scratch changes the fundamental structure of the business, putting a burden on the business, and the ADA allows for lack of accommodation in that situation.

We've always been very pleased with Disney's accommodation of our family's needs. They've gone above and beyond anything we've felt that they need to do. We've been willing to pay extra to get something that is not offered on the menu, but have never been charged extra for it. That is a service Disney was willing to offer, and now feels the need to charge for.

Think of it this way - do you go into any other place of business and ask/demand for something they don't have on the menu/on the shelf, and expect them to give it to you at less-than-profit cost?

[dclfun]

From what I have always understood, no restaurant is required to accomodate food allergies. It has been Disney's response to provide special preparation and special foods as it does seem that there is a proliferation of food allergies that impacts guests. I can see covering costs for special products and ingredients. For instance, my son can only have rice milk. At the least costly store locally, a small box of rice milk costs $2.50-a gallon equivalent would be $30.00. It also has a short shelf life. The prepackaged foods from Annie's cost far more than the equivalent regular food given to non-allergic guests and have to be heated separately from the food already prepared. I don't mind paying for a product that I know costs more or needs time and a chef's attention to specially prepare. I'm thinking of another example...ice cream- just being able to get a rice dream product is a real treat for us and we're happy to pay the additional costs for it. I feel quite fortunate that so many products are even provided! Anywhere else I would pay much more for a pint of rice dream than a pint of ice cream- if we could even find it. In this case I'm counting my blessings that so many food allergies ARE accommodated and special products available vs. griping that I might have to pay appropriately for what those products and preparation cost Disney to provide.---Kathy

[Hannathy]

I'm sure they ran it past the Disney lawyers first. ADA requires only equal access, and since it was written way before the food allergy explosion, it most likely does not have clear-cut language dealing with all types of food allergies. If they are offering allergen free foods that cost more to purchase and maintain as allergen free, then they have the right to cover those costs.

If certain foods cost more to purchase and prepare, then of course those foods are going to cost more in the restaurant. If Disney hasn't been charging extra for specially prepared meals up to now, consider it a lucky situation.

I agree with this, the special food costs shouldn't have to be absorbed by everyone else, they should charge what it costs. I hear on here that everyone wants the chef to come out every time and talk to them well that costs money-who should pay for it?

[livndisney]

I agree with this, the special food costs shouldn't have to be absorbed by everyone else, they should charge what it costs. I hear on here that everyone wants the chef to come out every time and talk to them well that costs money-who should pay for it?

But they are not charging "what it costs". They are only charging the people NOT on the DDP.

As far as a "wanting a Chef to come out". That is Disney's policy, not a request a guest makes.

[disneyandme]

I have no problem paying extra, I just want it to be consistant. If they want to include a labor cost as well, that's fine too. Also, how do you justify the dining plan including the cost, but out of pocket has to pay extra?

[Hannathy]

I have no problem paying extra, I just want it to be consistant. If they want to include a labor cost as well, that's fine too. Also, how do you justify the dining plan including the cost, but out of pocket has to pay extra?

Because Disney IS the dining plan! They would be charging themselves extra. They have decided to just round it in the dining plan costs and absorb it rather than trying to charge the dining plan folks extra when they designate a special needs diet. The "paperwork" manpower to handle that book keeping would cost them more than the extra food costs.

[Jeanieblue114]

I can see Disney charging extra for special requests. I believe that the food is created in mass quantities now due to the popularity of the dining plan and increased volume at restaurants. So, to adjust the smallest thing requires them to make something from scratch.
When I go to a local restaurant here they charge me for just getting olive oil and garlic on pasta instead of sauce...don't know why, but they do. It's their restaurant.

I also see a major increase (and have commented on this on a thread about a vegetarian dining review here and got slammed for it) in prices due to the time the chef takes to discuss special needs.

They don't charge extra for doing it when you have the dining plan because they want everyone to buy the dining plan. They want you to give them all the money up front. They know that a lot of people will leave with paid but unused credits. They also know that most people wouldn't invest as much money in dining if they paid OOP than if they pre-pay and enjoy the convenience (most people aren't ordering desserts multiple times a day, etc.).
So, it is in their best interest to offer you this 'incentive' as a 'convenience' for those who might have special dietary needs and don't want sticker shock on their meal.

But what it comes down to is many restaurants in the country charge for special requests. Whether it is choice or medically related really doesn't matter to them.
I have to use an ECV this trip to Disney and my special need it going to cost me several hundred dollars. I need a special service now related to a disability and Disney isn't going to accommodate me for free.

[robynchic]

I wonder what they'll do for "simple" allergies. For instance, I'm highly allergic to nuts (epi-pen), but only to the extent that I can't ingest them or having touched my food. I remember in June that I mentioned I was highly allergic to nuts when we were at the table and a chef came out to tell me which foods didn't contain nuts. So if I don't need any special food made (except for maybe minus nuts), would they charge me extra for having the chef come out and tell me what has nuts in it?

[disneyandme]

That's what I'm wondering too. There are so many different levels of need when it comes to food allergies. Who is going to set the pricing? Some people need special order food cooked in a special way, some need foods cooked separately, some just need regular items served without sauces, etc. Will the chef have to decide on pricing when they discuss meal choices with each table?

[Hannathy]

I would guess if it could come right out of the line and just not have the sauce added it wouldn't be a special charge as in any restaurant BUT if it required an entire new batch made or an entire new product opened or a special item like soy milk or rice milk or gluten free etc then there would be a special charge. Possibly if the chef needs to consult that may make it a special needs charge, a chef wouldn't need to confer just to leave a sauce or condiment off.

[livndisney]

I would guess if it could come right out of the line and just not have the sauce added it wouldn't be a special charge as in any restaurant BUT if it required an entire new batch made or an entire new product opened or a special item like soy milk or rice milk or gluten free etc then there would be a special charge. Possibly if the chef needs to consult that may make it a special needs charge, a chef wouldn't need to confer just to leave a sauce or condiment off.

Actually according to WDW policy if you mention allergies, a Chef or Manager MUST speak with you.

As far as what the charge will be, no one seems to know. It is not listed on any of the menus, nor is it mentioned in conversations with Managers prior to ordering.

[livndisney]

I can see Disney charging extra for special requests. I believe that the food is created in mass quantities now due to the popularity of the dining plan and increased volume at restaurants. So, to adjust the smallest thing requires them to make something from scratch.
When I go to a local restaurant here they charge me for just getting olive oil and garlic on pasta instead of sauce...don't know why, but they do. It's their restaurant.

I also see a major increase (and have commented on this on a thread about a vegetarian dining review here and got slammed for it) in prices due to the time the chef takes to discuss special needs.

They don't charge extra for doing it when you have the dining plan because they want everyone to buy the dining plan. They want you to give them all the money up front. They know that a lot of people will leave with paid but unused credits. They also know that most people wouldn't invest as much money in dining if they paid OOP than if they pre-pay and enjoy the convenience (most people aren't ordering desserts multiple times a day, etc.).
So, it is in their best interest to offer you this 'incentive' as a 'convenience' for those who might have special dietary needs and don't want sticker shock on their meal.

But what it comes down to is many restaurants in the country charge for special requests. Whether it is choice or medically related really doesn't matter to them.
I have to use an ECV this trip to Disney and my special need it going to cost me several hundred dollars. I need a special service now related to a disability and Disney isn't going to accommodate me for free.

Clearly "anyone" can rent an ECV. But everyone can't buy the Dining plan, you must be staying on site. When renting an ECV you are told the terms and cost prior to renting. With this change, you have no idea what the charge will be until after you have ordered/eaten.

I wonder how accepting people would be if WDW started charging for other accomidations.

[Hannathy]

Clearly "anyone" can rent an ECV. But everyone can't buy the Dining plan, you must be staying on site. When renting an ECV you are told the terms and cost prior to renting. With this change, you have no idea what the charge will be until after you have ordered/eaten.

I wonder how accepting people would be if WDW started charging for other accomidations.

But it is not an accommodation it is a special service.

[Jeanieblue114]

Clearly "anyone" can rent an ECV. But everyone can't buy the Dining plan, you must be staying on site. When renting an ECV you are told the terms and cost prior to renting. With this change, you have no idea what the charge will be until after you have ordered/eaten.

I wonder how accepting people would be if WDW started charging for other accomidations.

yes, everyone can buy the plan. But like you said you have to be staying on property, etc. It's an incentive by Disney. It's all in the marketing (i'm not defending any of it btw, i'm just pointing this out).

The idea is to make you stay there and not have to 'worry'.

I really think the upcharges will be similar to any other restaurant in the country where you would make a special request for something different.
And just like learning the terms and costs with an ECV, you have to research rental options before hand or show up and be stuck paying whatever they want if you need it.
With the restaurants you would have to contact their dietary special needs department and get price information before you choose a restaurant.

I think it's all just a sign of Disney financially hurting.

[livndisney]

But it is not an accommodation it is a special service.

No, it is an accommidation for someone with severe allergies.

From the ADA:

Does the ADA Apply to People with Asthma and Allergies?
Yes. In both the ADA and Section 504, a person with a disability is described as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, or is regarded as having such impairments. Breathing, eating, working and going to school are "major life activities." Asthma and allergies are still considered disabilities under the ADA, even if symptoms are controlled by medication.

Choosing to not have sauce on your noodles is a special request.

[livndisney]

yes, everyone can buy the plan. But like you said you have to be staying on property, etc. It's an incentive by Disney. It's all in the marketing (i'm not defending any of it btw, i'm just pointing this out).

The idea is to make you stay there and not have to 'worry'.

I really think the upcharges will be similar to any other restaurant in the country where you would make a special request for something different.
And just like learning the terms and costs with an ECV, you have to research rental options before hand or show up and be stuck paying whatever they want if you need it.
With the restaurants you would have to contact their dietary special needs department and get price information before you choose a restaurant.

I think it's all just a sign of Disney financially hurting.

The special diets department does not know the charges for each restaurant.

If it was about cost or Disney hurting, they would charge EVERYONE with "special requests". That is not the case here.

[Hannathy]

I'm not an expert but I don't think it is a requirement of the act that restaurants have to provide special meals for allergy people. If it were then every rest would have to have special meals and they don't.

Disney went out of their way for years but they have been over run with special meals that add to the cost and so they can not any longer absorb the cost. After all Disney is a business that needs to make money 1rst and foremost it is not a charity. They must answer to their stockholders. I would rather see them charge those who need the special meals what it costs rather than simply quit providing them.

[Jeanieblue114]

The special diets department does not know the charges for each restaurant.

If it was about cost or Disney hurting, they would charge EVERYONE with "special requests". That is not the case here.

The special diets department will have to learn the information eventually or at least give some general estimates.

Disney isn't getting all this extra money by charging a couple dollars extra for special diet requests. They are getting the extra money by giving people one more reason to be motivated to stay on property and give Disney their money for hotel, tickets, and dining plans.
People will feel more necessity to stay there instead of a more affordable off-property location or buy into the dining plan even if it isn't as usable for them. It is a convenience thing and Disney will count on that and provide it free to those people as an extra service to DISNEY DDP patrons.
Once again, I don't necessarily agree with it. I just figured that if Disney had to do a lot of special requests like they have been, they would just raise prices across the board, which they have been doing.

I have never seen any restaurant or vacation location be as accommodating with special requests as Disney is. If you have major dietary concerns, where else can you get such constant attention to your needs so that you don't have to worry? Eventually all that extra effort will be reflected in prices somehow. I think more people would complain if the costs involved keep raising the prices for everyone as apposed to putting some of the cost on those using the service.

I would be shocked if there is an upcharge for just leaving a sauce off.

[livndisney]

I'm not an expert but I don't think it is a requirement of the act that restaurants have to provide special meals for allergy people. If it were then every rest would have to have special meals and they don't.

Disney went out of their way for years but they have been over run with special meals that add to the cost and so they can not any longer absorb the cost. After all Disney is a business that needs to make money 1rst and foremost it is not a charity. They must answer to their stockholders. I would rather see them charge those who need the special meals what it costs rather than simply quit providing them.

I understand this-but they are not charging everyone for the meals, just the ones without the DDP. So I can't see how this is about cost.

[Hannathy]

I understand this-but they are not charging everyone for the meals, just the ones without the DDP. So I can't see how this is about cost.

Yes they are it is included in the dining plan, you just don't see it like you do when paying OOP. Just like when you are on the dining plan and get the cheapest entree and your spouse gets the most expensive, you don't pay any difference because it is in the plan. I'm sure it will be rung up at the new charge. Like someone said they are working on averages and using your money ahead of time and hoping you don't eat all your credits, that's how they make money. That and hoping you buy a few drinks with your meal and a few extras along the way because you are on property more.

[MaumeeMom]

I understand this-but they are not charging everyone for the meals, just the ones without the DDP. So I can't see how this is about cost.

Yes they are it is included in the dining plan, you just don't see it like you do when paying OOP. Just like when you are on the dining plan and get the cheapest entree and your spouse gets the most expensive, you don't pay any difference because it is in the plan. I'm sure it will be rung up at the new charge. Like someone said they are working on averages and using your money ahead of time and hoping you don't eat all your credits, that's how they make money. That and hoping you buy a few drinks with your meal and a few extras along the way because you are on property more.

Right! On the DDP an entrée is an entrée. The specially prepared meal is covered as a dinner just as any other dinner. The cost of the specially made dinner is higher, it is not a surcharge; therefore, a person paying OOP will have to pay more for that made-to-order meal.

[LuckyMamaInDE]

Interesting to see how this plays out. Sometimes dd14 needs a special meal made, sometimes she needs a substitution, and sometimes we just need to talk to the chef about what is safe. We aren't planning on getting the DDP in the future since youngest dd will be a WDW "adult" but doesn't yet eat that way (plus we're DVC so have more options).

[clanmcculloch]

Special Diets should in no way be responsible for knowing the menus and corresponding costs at each restaurant. Today, they have lists of all the specialty allergy foods available around the parks and act as a hub for contact with all the restaurants. They put us folks with food allergies in contact with the restaurants in order to discuss our allergy needs. It is the responsibility of the chefs at the restaurant to be up to date on what they can and can not prepare.

I do understand charging more for premade foods that cost more to buy. I was the person who responded to the OP in another thread about being shocked that he was charged more for his gluten free pizzas. I was shocked not because I think it's wrong but because I've never heard of this. It costs Disney pennies to make the regular pizza crusts and dollars to make the gluten free ones so I do understand, just like it costs them pennies to make regular pasta and dollars for the gluten free stuff so it does make sense to charge extra. I think that they need to make it know BEFORE ordering. Most of use would be willing to pay more but we really need to know ahead of time how to budget and what to expect. It needs to be clearly spelled out just what kinds of services and which foods will result in what charges. Up front information and clearly defined costs is the only way this will work smoothly.

I'll pretty much always get a DDP for the convenience (unless I get a really amazing rate from Magical Vacations and can't buy it) so it doesn't affect me as much as it does others. It'll slightly increase my tips since I tip based on cost, but that's a negligible amount.

I doubt that Disney will ever do away with their amazing accomodations for food allergies because they know they've cornered the market on the food allergy crowd. We're among those that choose to vacation repeatedly at WDW because we know that we can eat safely. There are many, many people like us. If they do away with this service (yes it is a service and not a requirement), they'll lose business. Charging a premium based on an their higher cost to provide this service is something most of us understand. Again, information up front and then consisten implementation is what we require. I don't think this is asking a lot from a business. Businesses should always have clear policies in order for those policies to work.

[Jeanieblue114]

I think you really defined the issue well.

What it does come down to is Disney being consistant and informing everyone easily.

That is a constant problem with Disney. Random changes and no information provided. The website is severely lacking, CM's aren't trained like they used to be, and changes happen daily in their policies instead of having set times of year for 'updates'. (nobody even knows from day to day what snack you can get with a snack credit at MYO at Goofy's and nothing is in writing!)

I mean, is it really even CONFIRMED that Disney is doing an extra charge for this service everywhere? I haven't seen anything on any dining reports of people experiencing this yet and many of the reports are with vegans or people with some dietary restrictions. If anything, it has made me want to say I'm a vegan at Ohana so Chef TJ will make me that BEAUTIFUL 7 course custom made meal!

It will definitely be interesting to see what happens with all of this.

[livndisney]

[QUOTE=Jeanieblue114;33626804]I think you really defined the issue well.

What it does come down to is Disney being consistant and informing everyone easily.

That is a constant problem with Disney. Random changes and no information provided. The website is severely lacking, CM's aren't trained like they used to be, and changes happen daily in their policies instead of having set times of year for 'updates'. (nobody even knows from day to day what snack you can get with a snack credit at MYO at Goofy's and nothing is in writing!)

I mean, is it really even CONFIRMED that Disney is doing an extra charge for this service everywhere? I haven't seen anything on any dining reports of people experiencing this yet and many of the reports are with vegans or people with some dietary restrictions. If anything, it has made me want to say I'm a vegan at Ohana so Chef TJ will make me that BEAUTIFUL 7 course custom made meal!

It will definitely be interesting to see what happens with all of this.[/QUOTE


I have a bill showing the higher charge and emails from Brenda at Special diets
explaining the increase/policy change. That sounds "confirmed" to me.

[clanmcculloch]

If anything, it has made me want to say I'm a vegan at Ohana so Chef TJ will make me that BEAUTIFUL 7 course custom made meal!

Yes we do get some amazing food, but there are drawbacks. It take us significantly longer than most people to get our meals. My DH regularly notices people who walk in after us paying their bills while we're just getting our food delivered or even while we're waiting for our meals. At buffets, we take at least twice as long since most people can go up and grab their meals while we have to wait for a chef to come talk to us and then wait for meals to be prepared. This is a hefty chunk of time. We go on and on with our glowing reviews because WDW is the ONLY place some of us have ever been able to eat so well. Most people can have such amazing meals anywhere. We also can't eat all of the amazing foods that we see. Most people have plenty of options at restaurants and especially at buffets, but our options are significantly more limitted. Yes, WDW is amazing and we eat better there than anywhere else but it's still not the same options that everybody else has. I'm not trying to minimize what WDW does for us. I sing their praises regarding food at every opportunity (IRL I drive people nuts :rotfl:). I'm trying to point out that claiming to have a special dietary need when you don't isn't a wise thing to do. I think that most of us would gladly eat the regular offerings at any restaurant if we could.

I realize that you were just kidding around, but people reading this thread might take it as an idea for a way to get something that they perceive as extra. It really isn't an extra (well, compared to our norm it is, but it's not an extra compared to what everybody else gets) or something I would advise for those who don't need it.

[clanmcculloch]

I have a bill showing the higher charge and emails from Brenda at Special diets explaining the increase/policy change. That sounds "confirmed" to me.

How did she word the policy? Any chance you could copy and paste that portion of her email? I'm sure I'll get a similar email at some point but I'd like to know how it's described. I'm sure others would like to know more as well.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention BTW. I don't think I said that earlier.

[Jeanieblue114]

Yes we do get some amazing food, but there are drawbacks. It take us significantly longer than most people to get our meals. My DH regularly notices people who walk in after us paying their bills while we're just getting our food delivered or even while we're waiting for our meals. At buffets, we take at least twice as long since most people can go up and grab their meals while we have to wait for a chef to come talk to us and then wait for meals to be prepared. This is a hefty chunk of time. We go on and on with our glowing reviews because WDW is the ONLY place some of us have ever been able to eat so well. Most people can have such amazing meals anywhere. We also can't eat all of the amazing foods that we see. Most people have plenty of options at restaurants and especially at buffets, but our options are significantly more limitted. Yes, WDW is amazing and we eat better there than anywhere else but it's still not the same options that everybody else has. I'm not trying to minimize what WDW does for us. I sing their praises regarding food at every opportunity (IRL I drive people nuts :rotfl:). I'm trying to point out that claiming to have a special dietary need when you don't isn't a wise thing to do. I think that most of us would gladly eat the regular offerings at any restaurant if we could.

I realize that you were just kidding around, but people reading this thread might take it as an idea for a way to get something that they perceive as extra. It really isn't an extra (well, compared to our norm it is, but it's not an extra compared to what everybody else gets) or something I would advise for those who don't need it.

I get your point.
I was only half joking though.
I'm not vegetarian per se anymore, but I can't digest red meat and have several other dietary issues, so at Ohana, I AM tempted to just say I am vegetarian to simplify the issue. (Just like I've seen some vegans say that they have food allergies to simplify the issue). I tend to just pick off the menus what I can eat though and research where I can go and where there aren't really any good menu options for me. But, I've never had a chef come out because I've never mentioned my needs and I do my own thing.

[pudge the fish]

I wonder when this is supposed to happen as we were just there last weekend and my bill was the same as everyone else in the party.
of course we had a chef come out and tell me what was safe and I didn't get anything special made.
I emailed to ask about the food and most was safe.

Amy's gluten free pizzas are 13.00 (almost died the first time I saw that:)

But at the CS my burger and apples were the same $ as the regular one.

I am going the 27th too and we have reservations at a TS so I will update if I get charged extra .

I pay more for my gluten free pasta & other foods so while I may not like it, I understand it.

[dclfun]

As I mentioned before, I will gladly pay more for my son's meals or snacks. I'm just glad he can dine at Disney and get the ingredients and special preparation he needs. As was mentioned, this is *not* a required accommodation, but something Disney does to provide people with dietary needs to have a positive dining experience. Most restaurants choose not to purchase special ingredients or take responsibility to have meals prepared differently or have the chef talk to patrons, etc. because they don't have to. Since Disney is no different, and providing zero special requests would be legally within their rights, I'm grateful that they go above and beyond even if I will pay for it.---Kathy

[kaytieeldr]

I understand this-but they are not charging everyone for the meals, just the ones without the DDP. So I can't see how this is about cost. Yes they are it is included in the dining plan, you just don't see it like you do when paying OOP. Just like when you are on the dining plan and get the cheapest entree and your spouse gets the most expensive, you don't pay any difference because it is in the plan. ::yes:: Disney doesn't charge someone on the Dining Plan more for steak than for pasta, so it makes sense that they wouldn't charge someone on the Dining Plan more for a special-diet meal than they would for a standard meal.

On the other hand, they DO charge the out of pocket diner more for that steak than they do for a plate of spaghetti; therefore, it is reasonable that they pass other higher costs on to the consumer.

[SueM in MN]

Closed at OP's request.