Discounts at Disney Restaurants?? [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Daisimae

02-08-2001, 06:28 PM

The best way I know to get discounts on WDW restaurants is to use the Food coupons at Connections.com (http://www.connections123.com). It costs $1 to sign up for a month and you can order counter service restaurant coupons for $10.50 per meal. The meal includes an entree, side, (or combo meal), large drink and dessert. We used the coupons last Sept. We always saved at least three dollars each on our meals and usually saved the dessert and part of the drink, (using covered cups we brought along), for later, so one meal also provided a snack. They also have sit-down restaurant lunch coupons for $29 per person, The meal includes an appetizer, entree, dessert and non-alcholic drinks. The tip is included in the coupon also. Hubby and I had a very nice anniversay dinner at Le Cellier in Epcot (Canada) with these coupons. The coupons cost us $58, the total bill, for our anniversary lunch, including tip was over $100. We had absolutely no problems with any of the coupons. We used 10 counter service coupons and 2 full-service lunch coupons. Since I was holding almost all the money for our trip, a side benefit was that, when DH and I seperated to nap at different times or if I wanted to go back to a park in the evening, I could go and give him his coupon to use at the hotel food court.

Connections also has discount ParkHopper and Universal/IOA tickets. You call Connections 800 number to order the tickets after you join. They deliver very quickly, free by UPS, or at least they did when I ordered last summer. The yearly membership is $79, but, you can cancel Connections after you have ordered your certificates. I'm not recommending it, just informing.

If you decide to join and are doing rewards programs, currenty Greenpoints.com (http://www.greenpoints.com) offers 3000 Greenpoints for signing up and MyPoints.com (http://www.mypoints.com), offers 250 points for a sign up.

If you would like more info here is the link to the thread I wrote about Connections when I first found the coupons last summer. Click here to see my old post. (http://wdwinfo.infopop.net/OpenTopic/page?q=Y&a=tpc&s=40009993&f=35009194&m=382096961) My old coupons had an expiration date of 1/31/2001 on them, but, when you call make sure to ask what the current exp, date is. They still have the coupons listed on the website.

Hope this helps, :cool:

Daisimae
Proud Survivor of the Space Mountain Morning-Mini Marathon and Splash Mountain Rapid Rampage
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[This message was edited by Daisimae on 02-08-01 at 10:43 PM.]

wdwobsessed

06-06-2001, 05:34 AM

Wow I am so glad I found this post. I was trying to find out more information on the Connecitons meal vouchers! Thanks!

pixie dust gal!

06-06-2001, 08:54 PM

Daisimae,

Your link to your old post has expired and can't be viewed. Can you elaborate a little more about connections and what your experience has been? This sounds way too good to be true!
Also, are there any restaurants at Universal or Citywalk participating? What are the discounts on the passes?

You cannot access the list of providers until you join. Any info you can provide is helpful.

Thanks!

wdwobsessed

06-07-2001, 09:33 AM

I just got my member info in the mail so I'll give you the details.

Connections is an entertainment savings club. They offer discounts of Movies, merchandise, resaurants and attracitons throughout the US.

They offer 10% off on Park Hopper Plus Passes. The best deal I have found anywhere.

They offer WDW meal certificates as Daisymae said. The prices are the same as she qouted. They are good inside the WDW resort. (This includes the parks and hotels...etc.)

They also offer Disney Quest tickets at 20% off.

You can also order 2 day Universal Orlando tickets at 15% off. Also 15% off at Busch Gardens and Sea World.

They also offer gift certificates to restuarants such as Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock Cafe, Bahama Breeze, Oive Garden. When you buy these you get 20% back to your card you charge the certificates on. So if you purchase $100 of certificates for say Planet Hollywood, at the end of the month you get a credit of $20 charged back to your credit card.

The cost of this is $80 a year. However they do offer a one month trial membership. My 1 month is up next Sunday and I am not ready to order my stuff yet. However, you can cancel at any time and they will pro-rate your fee for the year and refund any unused portion of it. So figure even if I cancel a month or two my total cost will be less than 10 -20 dollars, well worth it.

It seems like a really great service. If I thought I would use it enough for it to pay for itself I would keep it!

If you are worried about it being legit, I would not. The brochure HAS to be endorsed by these companies such as Disney because it is filled with pictures and company logos.

I think they also offer 10% off Disney store online purchases.

Seems like a great program. I am definitly getting my tickets through them.

Try the one month trial. It only cost $1.

WDWO

imgoingtodisney

06-07-2001, 11:57 AM

MIL is a FL resident - lives in FL in winter, on Cape Cod in summer. She bought the Fl dining card and we will be getting 20% off our PS meals. That will be a help.

pixie dust gal!

06-07-2001, 02:43 PM

wdwobssessed,

Thank you for helping. This sounds really exciting and an offer not worth passing up?! Please indulge me with a few answers.................

Which counter service areas can you use the coupons at?

Can you use them at the resorts that have buffet dining like Cape May Cafe?

Are they just for lunch or can you use the non-counter coupons for dinner too?

In your opinion, which coupons interest you most for use at WDW?

Any for Universal?

Thank you sincerely for your time!

wdwobsessed

06-07-2001, 09:59 PM

Hi - you had many of the same questions I had.

To be honest I do not have a list of the restuarants.
But when I called customer service at conncetions they read off alot of them / seemed like just about all of them.

I know that they are good at Crystal Palace and Chef Mickeys breakfast buffets (I asked). I would think that you'd be able to use them almost anywhere.

The breakfast ones interest me for the buffets. They are $17.50....including Tax and Tip. Well, if CPalace buffet is $15.95 after you add tax and tip you are looking at over $17.50!

The sit down lunch coupons are specifically called lunch coupons. I was thinking of a late lunch type deal, right before the dinner seating begins. At $29.00 for these, it could go either way. If you go in and order a nice appetizer, steak and dessert at a more expensive place (like a WS restuarant) you could end up saving quite a bit of $$. If you grab a sit-down burger..well...you'd end up with a $29.00 burger!

One thing I wanted to point out with the sit down meal ones is that in my experience the wait staff in the restuarants want to inflate that bill as much as possible since thier tip will be based on what your bill is as you have already pre-paid. I found this out when we went on a plan years ago that included food. We had food out our ears!! I'm wondering if this will be the same way. After all, the bigger our bill, the bigger thier tip. So we are thinking with all th trimmings you get we will share our two meals with our kids.

The counter serve ones for $10.50 are good for lunch and dinner. They read off to me every one I had ever heard of, even beaches and cream (should save several $$ there!)!

We are going for 6 nights and I think this is what I will order .....

Certificates for us to have 2 "nice" breakfasts.

Cerficates for us to have 2 "nice" lunches and use them to eat the biggest steak they have on the menu. LOL

And enough counter serve for 3-4 meals.

This way some of our meals are paid for up front.

We will use them when we want something more expensive....and pay cash when we are eating lighter.

Ok - after all that.... one more thing.

In looking over menus...I have found if you want to "eat cheap" they are not a good deal. But if you want to live it up and save a few bucks at the same time they will work on your favor.

We like to splurge and I think these certificates will help us do so!

WDWO

pixie dust gal!

06-07-2001, 10:04 PM

wdwo,

Thank you for being so generous w/ your time.

This sounds like a great deal - how can you go wrong? Unless, as you said, you just choose to eat a burger and spend all that $$ for it..........

Do you recall them having any Universal restaurants?

Thank you for such a wealth of info!

We leave in 17 days!

WorknFires

06-07-2001, 10:51 PM

I got the impression above that you could enroll, purchase your tickets and then cancel before the trial membership expires as long as they were used prior to their expiration date, but according to the FAQ on the connections.com site:

_________________________________________
You must be an active member of Connections at the time your Reward Points are processed.
_________________________________________

just to clear things up. :D but it does look like a good deal. I just wish the movie theaters in the package were in my area. I could make a killing! LOL

Cheryl :bounce:

wdwobsessed

06-08-2001, 05:04 AM

work in fires

That is referring to the "cash back" program.

They offer gift certificates to various places, when you buy these, at the end of the month your card you used is creditied back 20%.

If you buy gc and then cancell the program before the end of the month, then you do not get the 20% back.

The discounted meal tickets and disney tickets are discounted up front so you only have to be a member at the time you buy them. So there are no "rewards points" for these. Only for the GC's they offer.

Hope this clears it up.

WDWO

wdwobsessed

06-08-2001, 05:06 AM

Pixie dust gal

No, only disney certificates.

But you can get Universal tickets.

If you are leaving in 17 days I would sign up now as you want to get your tickets!

If you place an order of $50 or more from one place thier information sais they ship it priority mail.

WDWO

pixie dust gal!

06-08-2001, 05:44 AM

WDWO,

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am going to sign up this a/m - what do I have to lose - that 30 day trial period will be great. I still do not understand how they can make a profit doing this AND why Disney decided to participate - they do not do that! DH thinks Disney must have a vested "financial" interest?????????

Thanks for your time.:D

Teacher510

06-10-2001, 09:47 PM

Regarding Connections.com, If I'm going to WDW at the end of Aug. should I wait "til then for the trial membership or is this a limited offer?

wdwobsessed

06-10-2001, 09:53 PM

right now if you sign up through memolink.com (it's a rewards sight) they are giving 4 free movie tickets to new sign ups.

I would only wait until you have the $$$ for the tickets.
That was my mistake! Plus count on a week or so for shipping time.

WDWO

wdwobsessed

06-13-2001, 05:16 PM

bump

Mic

06-13-2001, 08:24 PM

Thanks Daisimae and wdwobsessed for the great information. I vaguely remember Connections being discussed several months ago, but could not remember the details. Would either of you be so kind to post the price for the children's breakfast and lunch certificates, as we have 3 children? I am assuming that every member of our party will need the certificates when we dine at sit-down restaurants like buffets and W-S restaurants. Also, is the 10% and 15% savings on Disney and Universal tickets pre-tax price? Thanks again for the great info!:jester:

pixie dust gal!

06-14-2001, 07:28 AM

Mic,

I am not WDWO or Daisimae, but thanks to WDWO, I joined last week.

The prices for the light and casual tickets(counter service - side order, entree, drink and desert) are $10.50 regardless of age; includes taxes and tip for places like Beaches and Cream.

The prices for the breakfast tkts. (character meals included) is $17 for A and $12 for kids. That includes taxes and tip. We scheduled a late character breakfast 11am at MGM and saved instead of buying the $29 lunch certificate.

Prices for lunch at any sit down restaurant includes, appetizer, entree, desert tax and tip is $29 for A; $12.50 for kids (ages 3-9).

Discounted tkts for movie: $4.50
Discounted tkts for DQ - $23 for A - $19.50 for Kids
Theme Park Passes - 4 day PHP - $196 A / $157 C
5 day PHP - $235A / $188 C

Do the math. You will have to plan out your dining to see when the certificates would be a "great buy". We ordered 15 quick and casual tkts because for some eateries, it is less expensive to buy a "kids meal" other times it isn't.
The movie passes are a great buy if you like to go after 6pm - I think otherwise the matinee's are $5 before 5 or 6pm.

The DQ passes are a great savings at 20% off.

Research your menu options on Deb Will's site and see when the certificates are a good buy.

I must say, Connections is A+ in Customer Service. The reps are so pleasant and stayed on the phone w/me for over 45 min. researching the restaurants I can use them in - btw, you can use them in any WDW owned resorts, theme parks.

Hope this helps!

Thanks WDWO for all your help - you were terrific!:bounce: :bounce:

Teacher510

06-14-2001, 04:26 PM

Do the theme park passes prices (try that 3 times fast!) include tax? Thanks for all the info! I think I'll try the trial membership. The movie tix sound good too! :D :D :D

pixie dust gal!

06-14-2001, 05:06 PM

Yes it does include tax.

wdwobsessed

06-14-2001, 05:12 PM

For the buffets I would say yes, everyone needs a certificate OR to pay for thier meal. Note that for the adults meal at say CP it's 15.95 for Breakfast, however that is before tax and tip. Tax is 6% so that makes it $16.93 then add another 15% for tip adds up to $19.47 and the meal certificate costs $17.50.

Not a huge savings but hey, $2 is $2.

If you eat at a sit down place that is not a buffet I would think sharing perfectly appropriate and that maybe the kids could share yours or whatever.
I see no difference between the certificates or paying for a meal at the time and sharing it.

Ordering my stuff Tommorrow!

My ONE thing I wish - that they had sit down DINNER certificates. Bummer.

Mic

06-14-2001, 09:58 PM

Thanks WDWO for taking the time to share the info. After looking over Deb Wills' site, it looks like the lunch certificates would be a good idea for these restaurants because the kids meals are a little pricier than other places, as are the adult entrees: Brown Derby, Coral Reef, Concourse Steakhouse, and Chef's de France(because my kids like eating the "snails" here). I have never shared a meal at either of these restaurants, so I would purchase a certificate for each of us(total of $108 for all 6!). These certificates would also be a good deal in Italy's restaurant for an adult who typically orders an appetizer and a dessert, and in Japan's restaurant(Teppanyaki---great food) for an adult who typically orders a lobster dish and a dessert, but I only do this for the Candlelight Processional package! The breakfast certificates would save a few dollars at the buffets, just like you pointed out, mostly for adults, though, as the kids prices(with a tip) would be about the cost of the certificate. The real savings potential seem to be in the counter service certificates for us because my kids do not like hot dogs or pbj sandwiches, which is all that is offered at some counter service restaurants for kids. The few times we have eaten counter service, my oldest daughters shared an adult meal, and my youngest 2 would order pizza or chicken tenders. I think 4-5 certificates would be enough for a meal for my family, and by the time you figure in drinks with the meal and a dessert, it's a good deal for $10.50. If these certificates are accepted at Beaches and Cream, Tusker House, Flame Tree BBQ, Yakitori House,Plaza Pavilion,ABC Commissary, and Diamond Horseshoe Review, I think they are a good deal, and well worth a trial membership. I would not hesitate to let my daughters share a counter service meal, but I don't think they would want to share with me at a sit-down restaurant. I really appreciate you sharing your budget strategies with us WDWO, and I hope my research helps someone other than me, too. :smooth:

pixie dust gal!

06-15-2001, 07:37 AM

Mic,

FYI, the quick and casual certificates are accepted at ALL counter service restaurants in WDW - Beaches, Tusker, Japan, Mexico, Norway, etc........... Some restaurants being a better deal than others. IMVHO, Tusker, Beaches, Pecos and Diamond Horseshoe and Sunshine FoodFair would be good deals on the certificates.

pixie dust gal!

06-15-2001, 11:11 AM

I received my certificates via UPS 2 day delivery today - Fri 6/15 - placed the order on Tuesday 6/12. Very quick processing and delivery. I am not leaving until the end of next week and they state it takes 7 business days AFTER the order is processed (which I was told is usually 2-3 business days). I told them I was leaving the end of next week and was worried that I may not receive the order in time(even with priority delivery). The agent put a supervisor on the line and she was so pleasant saying "we will do the very best possible". I guess they did just that! - it took only 3 days to process and deliver.

We bought DQ passes at $23 each adult, including tax.
Movie passes (12) at $4.50 each - we don't spend as much time at the parks as most families do.
We have AP's for Universal, but DA did not so we bought her a 3 day tkt for $101 - incl. tax. (I contacted Universal to ask about the fan club discounted price on 3 day ticket and that was $113!)

PLUS all the Quick and Casual meal tkts and Character Breakfast tkts which also includes tax and tip!

They are wonderful to deal with and am very pleased. I cannot believe I have never heard of Connections before!

I hope this info helps some of you out there!;)

I just looked over the certificates and they have a complete list on the back where they are accepted. The front of the certificate has the WDW 'registered' logo on it too. Also, if you buy more than you can use or simply want to return any certificates, you may w/o a penalty or restocking fee! You must return the item(s) within 60 days.

pixie dust gal!

06-15-2001, 03:53 PM

Saffron

06-15-2001, 04:54 PM

This is wonderful! I wanted to thank you all for sharing this information with us. I am sending my elderly father and his wife on their first trip to Disney World but I will not be able to go with them. Dad has cardiac problems. He can not go in the heat of July or August when I am able to go so I am sending them either the last week in April or the first week in May(they'll love the Garden Festival in Epcot). I don't want them to know how much it costs. I can kinda hide everything from them but I was worried about meals. They would try to save the money I gave them for meals to give back to me (Depression Era babies)! This is an answer to a prayer for me!
Thank you!:bounce:
Thank you!:bounce:
Thank you!:bounce:
Meal tickets will make them feel like they should use them up and not waste them! I didn't want to get a package deal that included meals because of the added expense of the packages. Thank you again!

Teacher510

06-15-2001, 08:26 PM

Has anyone used the park passes? Any problems getting in? Anyone buy a 4-day Hopper? Disney doesn't offer one. :confused:

pixie dust gal!

06-15-2001, 08:42 PM

Teacher,

I don't think you have anything to worry about! The meal certificates have the "Official" WDW registered logo on it and the package info has pixs of Disney in them. This is all very legit!

Gillian

06-15-2001, 09:02 PM

pixie dust gal -- please let us know your experiences with the certificates when you get back. sounds like a great deal!

pixie dust gal!

06-15-2001, 09:21 PM

I would be happy to Gillian!:D

Saffron

06-15-2001, 09:50 PM

Can anyone tell if the lunch coupons are good for Fultons, Portobello Yacht Club or Captain Jacks at Downtown Disney? If so, whooo would that save a bunch of $$$!!

Traveliz

06-15-2001, 09:51 PM

This Connections program sounds very interesting and thanks to all who have given so much great information.

My question is - do the WDW dining certificates have expiration dates on them?

Thanks!
Liz

kpatches

06-16-2001, 08:19 AM

Just wondering what kind of desserts you get with these coupons. Are they the regular desserts or are they ice cream and jello. How about at Beaches and Cream? Can you order a special sundae???????

pixie dust gal!

06-16-2001, 10:01 AM

Saffron,

I will check those restaurants for you - check back later.;)

Travelliz, the coupons I purchased this week expire 5/02.

KPatches - I was told that you can order any desert that is offered at the counter or restaurant.

If you could see the quick and casual coupon, you would understand a little better. Let me try to explain.

It has on the top "Quick and Casual Lunch or Dinner"
at the
Walt Disney World Resort
(The WDW info is done in Disney's trademark 'print' and with their registered logo.

Then it has a serial number on each ticket and at the bottom of the certificate the server at the counter/restaurant writes down the "value" of the meal.

It reads:

THIS DINING CERTIFICATE IS VALID DURING LUNCH OR DINNER DURING NORMAL OPERATING HOURS AT A PARTICIPATING RESTAURANT LOCATION LOCATED WITHIN THE WDW RESORT AND INCLUDES YOUR CHOICE OF ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

...one combo meal (entree. side dish and beverage)
or
...one entree, one side dish (if not included in the entree) one desert and one non-alcoholic beverage.

"THIS CERTIFICATE IS ONLY VALID AT ONE OF THE PARTICIPATING LOCATIONSLISTED ON THE BACK OF THIS CERTIFICATE. APPLICABLE TAX AND GRATUITIES ARE INCLUDED. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, FROZEN DRINKS AND SOUVENIR DRINK MUGS ARE NOT INCLUDED. PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE W/O NOTICE.

I am leaving the end of next week, I will post back when I return on how they worked. Daisimae posted a short while back that she used all her certificates and was not turned away from any eateries.

I think it is worth a try............... I will let you all know.:D

Saffron

06-16-2001, 10:28 AM

Thank you so much pixie dust gal! This is just too cool! It would be so nice to have all of our meals taken care of ahead of time. I feel alot better about sending my dad with vouchers instead of cash! I can even surprise my friend and her family with a character breakfast or lunch! I am so glad I read this thread and I am so thankful for the information!

Have a wonderful trip pixie dust gal!

pixie dust gal!

06-16-2001, 10:50 AM

Saffron,

What a sweet daughter you are! I am sure your dad will be so surprised too!;)

pixie dust gal!

06-16-2001, 10:59 AM

Saffron,

I just called Connections for you (don't call on Sat. - I held for 20 minutes before they could find the info) - only restaurants that are owned by Disney - i.e. their resorts, and park eateries only participate. Not Downtown Disney or S/D. That still leaves lots of choices!;)

mommypooh

06-16-2001, 11:52 PM

What is considered "quick and casual lunch or dinner?"
I'm very interested in trying this, where can you use these for dinner?

There are 7 of us (3 Adults and 4children) I'm thinking that this would probably save us if I really plan it out.

Thanks for all the info!!
Mommypooh

Saffron

06-17-2001, 08:28 AM

pixie dust gal!!!!!!!

Thank you so much for doing that for me! It was really sweet!

Rats! Wouldn't that we great if DTD was included?!

Thank you for all of your time and energy! I hope you have a wonderful trip! I can't wait to hear from you when you get back. We'll all be very anxious to hear how you make out using your vouchers. Take care!

Oh yeah, I wouldn't "toot my horn" too loudly about being a sweet daughter! I want my dad to experience WDW, I hope everyone can someday, but it is OK that I can't go with him. ;) He's one of those "grumpy old men" kinda guys!

pooh.kim

06-17-2001, 02:10 PM

Does anyone know if the Donald's Breakfast at AK is included? I would like to get cert. for this, Chef Mickey's, and Tusker House. Are the buffet cert. for breakfast only? We want to do Garden Grill for lunch.

I have also tried signing up for Connections thru Suzykats and Memolink but both give error pages. Has anyone else been able to sign up through a reward program or just the Connections site directly?

:pinkbounc

tsapen

06-17-2001, 05:31 PM

I just signed up today through MyPoints! In fact, I received 200 Mypoints and supposedly a $25 gas card is to come?! I also made a mistake and called Connections today---it was a long wait and an inexperienced (but friendly and courteous) agent---my question was when exactly do they rebate for the gift certificate purchases? The web site states at the "end of the month?" and my question was a regular calendar month or a "month" from joining? Her answer was the end of the Calendar month. We leave for WDW on July 2nd, so I wanted to get the 5 day Park Hopper plus tickets, a few $10.50 meal tickets, and a couple of other regular giftcertificates---and then maybe cancel after my 30 day trial? It seems as though it may work.
Also, I asked if the coupons available for character meals included any dinners (want to do chef mickey"s and crystal palace at dinner)---but this poor girl did not have a clue about that answer. Hope this helps!

pixie dust gal!

06-17-2001, 07:22 PM

As I posted before, NO DINNERS are included on either of the meal options. Just counter service and or sitdown lunch at most of the restaurants.

The breakfast meal certificates include all character breakfasts.:D

Traveliz

06-17-2001, 10:54 PM

I definitely want to sign up for Connections and have been looking all over my reward programs and cannot find Connections on them anywhere. Please excuse my apparent blindness at the moment! Could someone specifically point the way to where Connections is on mypoints or greenpoints. I also do memolink and didn't see it there either. I am starting to feel really silly that I can't find it!

Thanks!
Liz

tsapen

06-18-2001, 05:17 AM

TravelLiz,
I found the MyPoints sign up special under the "summer splash" deals. Try this link below, I'm not sure if it will work or not?

http://www.mypoints.com/mp/main.p_memberbenefits?mck=60ae7717cb4665794fdfbdf8 01bf536c501658095

If it does not---here is how I found this link:

www.mypoints.com

This is the home page. Then I clicked under "Summer Splash" and it was the first add that appeared! Good Luck!

shayna

06-18-2001, 06:27 AM

Does anyone know what happened to the Mousesavers site? Whenever I try to access it, it says "cannot display page". Is anyone else getting this?

sherry7

06-18-2001, 04:26 PM

www.mousesavers.com

I just tried it, and it worked for me.

Teacher510

06-18-2001, 04:51 PM

Anyone able to use Connections meal tickets (breakfast )at 1900 Park Faire? The agent could only find the Cafe(?) at GF.

LisaRex

06-19-2001, 02:44 PM

Here are the restaurants that accept the Quick & Casual vouchers ($10.50 each):

Disney All-Star Resorts - End Zone Food Court, Intermission Food Court, World Premiere Food Court

Disney's Bonnet Creek Golf Club - Sand Trap Bar and Grill

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort - Old Port Royale Food Court

Disney's Contempory - Food and Fun Center, Sand Bar Grill

Disney's Coronado Springs - Pepper Market, Siesta's Pool Bar & Grill

Disney's Dixie Landings - Colonel's Cotton Mill

Disney's Grand Floridian - Gasparilla Grill & Games

Disney's Port Orleans - Sassagota Floatworks & Food Factory

Disney's Wilderness Lodge - Roaring Forks

Disney's Yacht & Beach Club - Beaches and Cream, Hurricane Hanna's Grill

Disney's River Country Water Park - Pop's Place

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park - Lottawatta Lodge

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park = Leaning Palms Burger & Brew, Typhoon Tilly's

Magic Kingdom Park Pinocchio Village Haus, Pecos Bill Cafe, Plaza Pavilion, Cosmic Ray's Starlight, Columbia Harbour House, Casey's Corner, Lunching Pad, El Pirate y el Perico

Epcot - Liberty Inn, Electric Umbrella Restaurant, Pasta Piazza Ristorante, Pure and Simple, Sunshine Season Food Fair, Yakitori House (Japan), Lotus Blossom Cafe (China), Cantina de San Angel (Mexico), Tangerine Cafe (Morocco), Kringla Bakeri (Norway), Boulaugerie Patisserie (France), Famous Fish & Chips (U.K.), Sommerfest (Germany), Refreshment Port

Disney-MGM Studios - Backlot Express, Rosie's All-American Cafe, ABC Commissary, Toy Story Pizza Planet, Echo Lake Cafe

[U]Disney's Animal Kingdom - Pizzafari, Restaurantosaurus, Flame Tree Barbeque, Tusker House Restaurant

LisaRex

06-19-2001, 02:58 PM

Phwew! Now here are the restaurants that accept the Breakfast Features:

All-Star Resorts-End Zone Food Court, Intermission Food Court, World Premiere Food Court

Beach Club - Cape May Cafe*

Bonnett Club - Sand Trap Bar & Grill

Caribbean Beach Resort - Old Port Royale Food Court

Contemporary Resort - Concourse Steak House, Chef Mickey's Buffet*

Dixie Landings - Colonel's Cotton Mill, Boatwright's Dining Hall

Fort Wilderness Resort - Trail's End Buffeteria

Boardwalk Inn - Spoodles

Grand Floridian - Grand Floridian Cafe, Gasparilla Grill & Games, 1900 Park Fare*

Old Key West - Olivia's Cafe*

Polynesian - 'Ohana*, Kona Cafe

Coronado Springs - Maya Grill, Pepper Market

Port Orleans - Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory

Wilderness Lodge - Artist Point*, Whispering Canyon Cafe

Yacht Club - Yacht Club Galley

Epcot - Garden Grill Restaurant*, Pure & Simple, Sunshine Season Food Fair, Electric Umbrella

Magic Kingdom - Tony's Town Square Restaurant, Crystal Palace*, Cinderella's Royal Table*, Main Street Bake Shop

MGM Studios - Hollywood & Vine*

Animal Kingdom - Rainforest Cafe, Restaurantasaurus*

*Character Meals offered at this restaurant

pixie dust gal!

06-19-2001, 02:58 PM

1900 Park Fare is participating.;)

Teacher510

06-19-2001, 08:04 PM

You guys know more than the Connections people! She found nothing under 1900... where did you get the list? Is it on the website? Thanks! :)

LisaRex

06-19-2001, 08:12 PM

Teacher, the restaurants are listed on the back of the vouchers.

Hope it helps!

L-

Teacher510

06-19-2001, 08:34 PM

Thanks so much, Lisa! That's very helpful! :bounce:

pixie dust gal!

06-19-2001, 09:05 PM

Teacher,JUST BUY THE TICKETS!!! LOL;) ;)

Hakuna Matata!

wdwobsessed

06-19-2001, 11:49 PM

The quick and casual is advertised as a "quick and casual lunch or dinner"

Is this not correct?

I knew the sit downs did not include dinner....but from your post above it sounds as if NONE of the certificates include dinner...even the Quick and Casual ones!?

LisaRex

06-20-2001, 07:30 AM

The Quick and Casual tickets are entitled "QUICK and CASUAL Lunch or Dinner at the Walt Disney World Resort" Valid through May 31, 2002

"This dining certificate is valid during lunch or dinner during normal operating hours at a participating restaurant located within the Walt Disney World Resort and includes your choice of one (1) of the following:

*One (1) combo meal (entree, side dish and non-alcoholic beverage) and One (1) dessert

OR

*One (1) entree, One (1) side dish (if not included with entree) One (1) dessert and ONE (1) non-alchoholic beverage.

This certificate is ONLY valid at one of the participating locations listed on the back of this certificate. Applicable sales tax and gratuities are included. Alcoholic beverages, frozen drinks, and souvenir dring (SIC) mugs are not included. Participating locations are subject to change without notice. "

Then there is a line for the guest signature and the value of the meal to be written in.

Hope this clarifies your question, WDWobsessed.

pixie dust gal!

06-20-2001, 07:43 AM

WDWO, Suuuuure, call me on a technecality! LOL

I thought the post before that was inquiring about the Kingdom lunches or sitdown restaurants (I'll have to go back again and check); anyway YOU are right, I was too general with that post.

Teacher510

06-20-2001, 04:40 PM

Pixie,
I'm buying the tickets!!! :-) Hakuna Matata to you. LOL:) :D :bounce: ;)

pixie dust gal!

06-20-2001, 08:46 PM

Teacher,

YEAH!!!!!!!! Seriously, I hope you have peace of mind now. I can just see you on 20/20 saying "some lady on this unofficial Disney website told me JUST BUY THE TICKETS, so I did"; I felt pressured............ LOL ROFL!:)

bobcat

06-20-2001, 09:14 PM

Ok I have a question. One of the places that sounds like a good deal with the quick and casual tickets is Beaches and Cream. I have never eaten here but it was my understanding that there is a take out "counter" service area and also an area where you can have a table. Are both areas considered counter service?

pantherpaw

06-21-2001, 11:12 AM

LisaRex, thanks sooo much for listing all the restaurants and redemption information from the back of the certificates. This is VERY helpful because the lady I talked to at Connections was friendly and really was trying to be helpful but couldn't answer all my questions.
Now, if someone would be so kind and list all the restaurants that are on the Lunch Certificates (as well as any redemption rules) I'll be all set!

BTW, I was trying to figure the cost-effectivness of the certificates. I did the math to see what the break-even point is by figuring how much a meal would have to be before tax and tip before the certificate is a better value. For example, if your breakfast is $14.00 and you add 6% tax and then 15% tip, your total is $17.07. The cost of the certificate is $17, so if your breakfast is $14 or more than it is more cost effective to use a certificate.
Here's the break-even point for each:
Breakfast: $14.00
Lunch: $23.80
Counter Service: If it's a place you would not tip: $9.90, and if it's a place you would tip: $8.60
Hope I did my math right!

Disenchanted9k

06-21-2001, 09:03 PM

Pixie,
I am very calm! I'll just have Barbara Walters contact you when we're standing outside the gates starving! Thanks for the push! LOL :cool: :jester:

Teacher510

06-21-2001, 09:08 PM

Pixie,
Didn't know DD was logged in. Having an identity crisis! Thanks yet again!:confused:

WorknFires

06-22-2001, 07:19 AM

Thanks you so much LisaRex, I, too, like Pantherpaw would appreciate it if someone would list the sitdown restaurants included in the lunch program (not the counter service -got that thanx to Lisa)

Does anyone have this info?

Thanks in advance,
Cheryl :bounce:

wdwobsessed

06-22-2001, 11:16 AM

Pixie - just had to tease you a bit about your post! lol

Others

I ordered 6 quick and casual vouchers and they came overnight. COOL. Nice to have these paid for in advance.

I do plan on ordering at least one meal's worth of the sit down lunch ones....so I will post the places it's accepted when I get them.

WDWO

pooh.kim

06-22-2001, 12:53 PM

Has anyone used the certificates there? I have never been there but planning to this trip. Do the cert. work at both the ice cream counter and the sit-down area? Meals with entree,side,drink,dessert there seem to average $15 depending on dessert, could be over $20. Just making sure they will work before we go.

pooh.kim

06-24-2001, 10:17 AM

:bounce:

wdwobsessed

06-24-2001, 11:26 AM

It is listed on the back of the vouchers.

I thought the "counter" was just for ice cream.

I'm pretty sure Beaches and Cream is considered counter service rather than full service.

It's for a full meal so I don't see why not.

I'm planning on using mine there.

WDWO

disneyjunkie

06-24-2001, 06:51 PM

How long did it take for you to get tour membership ID #? I signed up for the program this morning. We leave in 7 weeks. Is this enough time to get the membership package, order and receive GCs? :confused:

LisaRex

06-24-2001, 08:30 PM

They will e-mail your i.d. the same day. I ordered my g.c.'s and 4 day park hopper plus tix on Saturday and received them on Tuesday.

R4Suns

06-24-2001, 08:36 PM

Bumping this up to get an answer to the question...

Which restauraunts are included in the sit down lunch portion of plan? Will someone be so kind as to list the here for us. The customer service people arent being much help althogh they are trying...

TIA,
:wave:

wdwobsessed

06-25-2001, 06:40 AM

I'm not sure. The sit down lunch ones seem a little pricey so I am only ordering one or maybe two sets of those. We have lunch planned at MARRAKESH and they will work out cheaper there.

I would try and be persisitant with Connections customer service.

Can I just say that the other certificates really do seem to cover just about everything in the parks or resorts.
Not including the Swan & Dolphin as they are not disney owned or the hotels that are near DD (you know the ones on propery but not "disney")

Downtown Disney Restuarants are also not on the others.

So if it's in Epcot, AK, MK, MGM or any disney resort, I'd think you'd be OK.

When I order mine I will post a list. However, I will not be doing so for a week or two.

WDWO

Teacher510

06-25-2001, 02:58 PM

Anyone know when the 30 day trial begins-when they e-mail you the # or when they mail out the info package?

wdwobsessed

06-25-2001, 04:28 PM

From the day you sign up.

I was not e-mailed a #. I got it when I signed up. On the "thank you" page.

All the info in the book is on the site anyway.

WDWO

DISLOVE

06-25-2001, 06:13 PM

I was wondering if anyone has any ways to save other than using the Connections system. I'm a litttle leary about that
so I'd rather not. Anyone know which restaurants offer discounts for Amex, Disney Club, etc?

Thanks!

wdwobsessed

06-25-2001, 06:19 PM

Just wondering why you are leary.

The certificates are Disney issued. Not connections issued.

If you are worried abou them being legit, I wouldn't.

Pixie dust gal is in WDW right now.....I'm sure she will fill us in when she gets back.

As far as I know I have found no other dining "discounts".

WDWO

kpatches

06-25-2001, 06:31 PM

Here is a list of the restaurants that are on the back of the $29.50 tickets:

Disney's All Star Resorts: End Zone Food Court, Intermission Food Court, World Premiere Food Court

Disney's Bonnett Creek Golf Club: Sand Trap Bar and Grill

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort: Old Port Royale Food Court

Disney's Contemporary Resort: Concourse Steak House, Chef Mickey's

Disney's Boardwalk Inn and Villas: ESPN Club, Spoodles

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort: The Pepper Market

Disney's Dixie Landings Resort: Colonel's Cotton Mill

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort: Trail's End Buffeteria

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa: Grand Floridian Cafe

Disney's Old Key West Resort: Olivia's Cafe

Disney's Polynesian Resort: Kona Cafe

Disney's Port Orleans Resort: Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory

Disney's Wilderness Lodge: Whispering Canyon Cafe

Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resort: Yacht Club Galley

Disney's Wide World of Sports complex: The Official All Star Cafe

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park: Rainforest Cafe

Disney MGM Studios: The Hollywood Brown Derby, Sci-Fi Dine In Theater, 50's Prime Time Cafe, Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano

Magic Kingdom Park: Cinderella's Royal Table, Liberty Tree Tavern, Teh Crystal Palace, Tony's Town Square Restaurant, The Plaza Restaurant

Epcot: Biergarten Restaurant, The Garden Grill Restaurant, Alfredo di Roma Ristorante, Le Cellier Steakhouse, Chefs de France Restaurant, Nine Dragons Restaurant, Restaurant Akershus, Resstaurant Marrakesh, Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room, San Angel Inn Restaurant, Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki Restaurant

DISLOVE

06-25-2001, 06:31 PM

They are disney issued? So I could probably call WDW DINE and they would tell me that they are accepted? I think that might make me feel better.
I think I am leary because I have never heard of these before yesterday. Are they brand new? I'm also not sure if they
will save me money because I rarely spend 60 for lunch... you know what I mean? We might, but to make it worth it we
would have to, right?

Thanks
Kristy

wdwobsessed

06-25-2001, 07:50 PM

OK - they appear to be Disney Issued. In other words they have the Disney logo.

There is no reference to Connections on them.

I called WDW dine and the first CM I talked to had no idea what I was talking about.

I called back and the second CM said they are very common and I would have no trouble using them.

They do look very official.

I am looking foward to Pixie Dust Gal coming back in a few days and telling us how it went.

Maybe wait to hear what she says?

LisaRex

06-25-2001, 08:13 PM

Personally I like the certificates because I like pre-paying for my vacation as much as I can -- my hotel is paid in advance, my park passes are pre-paid, my airline reservations are paid, and now most of my meals are pre-paid. Of course, I wouldn't do it if I felt I was getting ripped off. $10 for a counter meals, including drink and dessert, seems pretty fair considering what the cost of food is in the park. (My daughters will probably share one combo meal so I'll pay $30 for lunch for a family of 4. Not too bad considering it's an amusement park.)

On the other hand, $29.50 for a sit-down lunch seems quite steep to me. For a family of 4 we'd be spending in excess of $80. I'd rather do the counter service meals for lunch as save the extra dough for a nice dinner somewhere.

06-26-2001, 12:08 AM

I thought this sounded like a great way to save money, but unfortunately it's only offered to Americans:(

We Canadians need all the help we can get too!;)

WorknFires

06-26-2001, 02:03 AM

Thank you kpatches for the lunch list. I really appreciate that. Now I can make an "informed decision"

CJ, is there no family or friends in the US who would let you use their address to have them mailed to. They certainly aren't going to ask for your drivers license when you "cash them in" for lunch so all you need is a middle man.

Cheryl :bounce:

mnbrowns

06-27-2001, 09:35 PM

Do you think brunch would fit into this mix somewhere? Breakfast maybe?

Also, Suzykats has a Connections listed to join and earn points. Would this be the same Connections?

pooh.kim

06-28-2001, 12:38 AM

DH just signed up with connections thru suzykats (He was closer to cashing out so I made him sign up). It is one and the same. He was given an ID number immediately. I have already used the number to get into the site and decide what tickets and meal certificates that we want. You can order online or call them. DH has not actually gotten points from suzykats yet but it has only been a few days; we have never had problems getting points before.

wdwobsessed

06-28-2001, 06:44 AM

My Points and Memolink rewards also have the offer for points to sign up for connections.

As A side note..... if you don't cancell your membership right away, they may send you a certificate to fill out for a $25.00 gas card, they did to me.

WDWO

pantherpaw

06-29-2001, 10:29 AM

Thanks kpatches, for listing the restaurants on the lunch certificates.
Is the Coral Reef not on there? This is the one restaurant DD really wants to go to and I thought it would be a great deal to use the certificates here for lunch. Could someone please confirm that Coral Reef is not included?
This is why I really wanted someone to list the restaurants. CS at Connections told me that EVERY restaurant in all the parks were included on these certificates. Does anyone else see any other restaurants that are not listed on at least one of the 3 different certificates?

Traveliz

06-29-2001, 03:20 PM

"This is why I really wanted someone to list the restaurants. CS at Connections told me that EVERY restaurant in all the parks were included on these certificates. Does anyone else see any other restaurants that are not listed on at least one of the 3 different certificates?"

I can't answer that question but I see on the list that Chef Mickey's is listed on the lunch certificates and Chef Mickey's doesn't serve lunch - and I can not remember them every having lunch since they moved to the Contemporary.

Liz

hmwnick

06-29-2001, 05:15 PM

We will not be going to WDW until 10/02. Do you think this offer will continue?
This is such a great offer, I'd hate to miss out! Thanks!

jgates

06-29-2001, 11:13 PM

Can someone keep us up to date on the expiration dates that are appearing on the ones being sent out? Maybe the new ones ordered in July? I don't want to order too many-my dd can still eat a kids meal unless I can convince her to share but it would be great for ds who will have just turned 18-he's a bottomless pit.

He said they sound exactly like the ones they received for their meal vouchers on the band trip to Disney last year. They included a entree, drink, desert.

It's probably a way for Disney to get people to actually spend a little more than they probably would. I know I wouldn't bother with desert and we would probably share a soda or just have water, where if we buy these we may actually spend more $$!!! But if I can keep up on these expirations, I need to get some for July or Aug of 2002.

pooh.kim

07-03-2001, 11:23 AM

Why would the food courts be listed on both the quick and casual cert. for 10.50 and the sit-down lunch for 29.50? A lunch at the food courts would not cost anywhere near 29.50!!

wdwobsessed

07-03-2001, 11:50 AM

Pooh kim - maybe Disney is hoping that someone is dumb enough to use them there??

I think that a lot of people are missing the point that these are DISNEY certificates, printed by disney, not connections.

Mousesavers.com has a great section on Connecitons now. She even lists the places where it would be worthwhile to use the sit down lunch ones.

I am buying one set only of the lunch ones because we will use more than that for our lunch at Marrakesh.

WDWO

LisaRex

07-03-2001, 03:34 PM

The ones I ordered in June have an expiration date of May 31, 2002.

Lisa

chris1gill

07-03-2001, 07:18 PM

I just wanted to say I can't believe I missed this post and have skipped over it so many times!! Thought I knew it all.... I just signed up for the connections123 through www.mousesavers.com

I had a couple of things to mention though... As for the sit down lunches being expensive... I plan on scheduling my sit down lunches at 4:30 - I think that is the last official seating for lunch isn't it??? There are some really good sit down deals such as Concourse Steakhouse & LeCellier... so, that's what I'm doing, I've got no problem eating a little early!!! The breakfasts wouldn't seem overly worth it unless you are doing a character breakfast.... (I'll schedule at 1900 Park Fare though) I just can't believe I've missed this!!

Oh, and by the way I was a member of connections a couple of years ago!! And even at that point they had MUCH better prices on the park hoppers!! I swear I never looked at meal vouchers though, somehow I missed those!

Figment78

07-03-2001, 11:02 PM

This program seems terrific!! I am definitely going to sign up, and most likely will keep it for the other benefits the membership has (especially the movie tickets since me and DH are big movie fans!)

Just one question, does anyone know how many plusses the 4 day park hopper pass has? Thanks to everyone for all of this great information on this post!

frost5000

07-03-2001, 11:23 PM

The four day hopper has one "plus" on it.
Quick question for anyone familiar with the sit down lunch certs. This may sound "cheesy" but - my sister and myself were thinking of ordering 2 of these certs and taking my kids out also. We were thinking of asking for a seperate bill for our drinks, and giving the kids our cert. sodas. Then the kids could have our apps as their meals, we would order entrees and all split the two desserts - being a waitress myself we would add on extra tip. Do you think we could get away with this? For $60 for 4 people it would be quite a deal.

chris1gill

07-04-2001, 07:29 AM

Hi Frost5000, I don't think this would work out too well for you, a lot of those appetizers aren't really geared towards kids... I think what I'm planning on doing is getting one childs voucher, we have a 4 & 6 year old, and neither of them eat anything... I'll have to look at the actual menus to see if it's cost effective to get the kids voucher....

frost5000

07-04-2001, 02:53 PM

Thanks Chris - you might be right, although my kids eat "weird" things others don't (stuffed mushrooms, mussles, artichoke spinich dip etc.). I work at the Olive Garden, and my children (DS9/DS11) usually get an app instead of the kids meal (even though it's more expensive - i wish they'd eat chicken fingers...). I just don't want break any rules. Is there a kid voucher?? How much is it/what does it include??
:bounce:

frost5000

07-04-2001, 03:14 PM

OOPS - just saw on Mousesavers that the kids vouchers are $12.50 - anyone know what they include?

chris1gill

07-04-2001, 05:52 PM

I think they include the same thing app, entree, dessert... might be cheaper just to order them fries & something else... check the menu's over at www.wdwig.com - that way you can get a really good idea of what you'll get!! I definitely plan on going over to concourse steakhouse at the contemporary!! Really get our money's worth in the process LOL....

singitalto

07-06-2001, 01:13 PM

These COULD be good deals. We will be at CSR and it looks like if we used the $10.50 casual vouchers at the Pepper Mill it would be worth it.

I'm waiting to hear back. Has anyone used these at Beaches and Cream yet?:wave:

chris1gill

07-06-2001, 01:20 PM

We will also be at CSR, and you're right, it will be a very good deal while eating there!!! (Can't believe how expensive some of their food is)... I'd also like to hear from anyone that has used the vouchers at Beaches & Cream.... Their restaurant area doesn't seem to be counter service, so I'm worried about ordering vouchers to use there.....

206bones

07-08-2001, 09:29 AM

I am considering trying Connections for one month, as we are planning on dinners at Narcoossee's, Flying Fish, & Artist Point. Can I get 6 certificates in the 1 month trial?

LisaRex

07-08-2001, 03:24 PM

206bones, you can order as many certificates you'd like, up to some outrageous number. However, be sure you understand what they are. There are NO sit-down dinner certificates offered. The only dinner coupons are "quick & casual" (counter service) -- and they aren't accepted everywhere. Be sure to check out the list of restaurants that accept these coupons before ordering them. I don't believe any of the restaurants you mentioned are on the list...

Lisa

206bones

07-08-2001, 04:05 PM

LisaRex, thanks for the input. You seem to have answered my questions!

Lanshark

07-14-2001, 04:09 PM

I forgot I even posted this question here. You guys have great advise. Thanks

Marcie

chris1gill

07-16-2001, 11:11 AM

For anyone waiting, the Connections $10.50 lunch tickets are BACK IN STOCK!!! Just ordered 14 of them!!!

ehagerty

07-17-2001, 08:01 PM

New York State Residents:

Due to the recent telemarketing legal problems in our state, you cannot easily
sign up for this service. After 1 hour on the phone and several phone calls, I was told
that the only two web sites that will likely result in a successful membership enrollment are:

mypoints.com
coolsavings. com

I signed up through mypoints.com, but have not seen where you order Disney certificates
online - nor did the extensive online survey that you MUST complete to join request a credit
card number. So, although I have received a confirmation email, I am still at a loss as to
whether I am enough of a member to order certificates.

Let's just say, you have to be able to assess the value of your time against the membership
fee and the potential savings to know whether this is worth it.

chris1gill

07-17-2001, 08:58 PM

Boy, that does sound tedious for you NY folks!! As for ordering online, have you tried to login using the Membership ID that they gave you? Did it work? If so, click on Attractions & then WDW & then Meal Certificates... I've ordered 14 of the $10.50 lunch/dinner certificates as well as 2 of the Sit down lunch certificates @ 29.50... I'm not sure if I want more of those or not... We have two trips upcoming, so I probably will order more....

ehagerty

07-18-2001, 05:26 PM

After about another .5 hours of investigating mypoints, I finally found where to sign up for Connections. Once I was over that hurdle, I was able to get to the meal certificates. I have to close and restart the browser severl times throughout the investigation and ordering on Connections site. It seems to get "stuck" once you are in the meal certificates and try to go backwards. It could be that my PC is a new Gateway and their web development technology is older.....

In any case, now that I am actually on - ordering the meal tickets is easy.

I would like to point out that there is no shipping fee and they send any order over $50 via 2 day UPS. Needless to say, it doesn't take much to reach that threshold - so I ordered a variety of tickets to get things started - and I will order more once I have completed a more thorough analysis of my needs. I don't foresee any difficulties - departing on 8/12.

crazyforpooh

07-18-2001, 06:05 PM

trip? Anyone with any ideas? We are going 12/20

chris1gill

07-18-2001, 06:10 PM

CrazyforPooh, I'd get them now, just to get it over with!!! They have the tickets in stock now... I ordered and received them the next day via UPS Next Day Air... Not even second day air!! There is no shipping or handling charges... I was surprised to find the expiration was May 2002... I thought I'd read they expired June 2002... That's fine with me though we are going in September and December!!

ehagerty

07-20-2001, 06:22 PM

Questions for those who have used - or about to use and can research - the dining coupons from Connections.

1. I received my coupons today and noticed that "Children must order from the children's menu where available."

1a. I noticed in the menu website that some children's menus are listed - do we know if it contains all of them? The reason I ask is because it makes a big difference whether the Kids Menu contains the usual $6-8 chicken finger entree (with side and dessert - and sometimes beverage - included). If this is the case, it would be hard to justify 12.50.

1b. Does anyone know if the sit-down restaurants on the coupon list allow children to order from the adult menu - the restaurants have allowed it in the past, presuming that you get portions proportional to the price - i.e., usually 1/2 an entree for 1/2 price. They used to do this in the "old" coupon world (8 years ago) - and if know you can always ask for this today (at least as of Jan 2001) if you are paying cash. If this were the case, and they could order an appetizer, entree, etc from the adult menu in kids portions - this would be very desirable relative to the coupons......

By the way - I had a happy happenstance in the Coral Reef last January (2001). My kids (boys 11, 13) have really outgrown the kids menu options and portions. Give the high prices, we asked the waiter to split an adult meal in the kitchen. When the bill came, we were charged for the one adult meal, as expected. When it came time to pay the bill, I finally remembered to ask whether the Vacation Club, Disney Club or Annual Pass had any discounts. He replied that the kids eat free with the AP - and took the price of the adult entree off the menu. His tip reflected his willingness to facilitate the savings!!!

Also by the way - I don't have time to bounce over to the Coral Reef discussion - but it is one of our favorite restaurants. The prices are high, but I remind my family and guests that I figure I am paying about $5-8/head for the ambience. There is no place else in DW where you can "experience" this dining opportunity. I feel it is "worth it" but can understand that someone else doesn't care as much about ambience - or fish.

Back to the coupons.....

This is my preliminary opinion of the coupons:
1. They are not a part of a "budget" vacation. Period. "Budget", relative to food (for me) means eating breakfast in your room, preparing picnic for lunch, and figuring out ways to microwave soup in your room at night - and access to a grocery store (Goodings looks like a grocery store - but is priced like company store - if your food bill is likely to exceed $150, I would try harder to get to the Wal-mart on US-192), . I have done this and it is not that hard - but it takes forethought, discipline and a willingness for someone in the group (let me guess - the mom???) to incorporate this into the vacation.

2. Assuming that you consider food a significant part of your vacation and like to treat yourself, this is a good way to "justify" treating yourself well. Normally, we don't have an appetizer, drink water and share a dessert. With coupons, we can "live a little" because the extras have been provided by the coupons and our judicious use of them.

3. Then there is the "combo" food budget - eating 2 meals a day out of the frig - and counting on the coupons to provide the "main meal"..........

The open issue for me is knowing what the restaurants will allow relative to "optimizing" the use of the coupons. I'll let you know................

Oh yes, and here's probably a dumb question - Does Disney monitor this site - using the information to "stay out ahead" of us - "informed users"?