Disney Dining Plan Questions - First Timer

[Sunshine1987]

We are leaving in a few days and I have some important questions regarding the DDP for our family. Now I KNOW that these are most certainly already answered somewhere in this thread, but try as I might through searching and reading, I can't locate the answers. I need to get back to laundry and packing so I just thought I would post the questions for all you DDP experts. Thanks in advance for any help!!!
1) If we have the DDP but choose to pay for our entire meal OOP, can my daughter order off the kids menu (age 10)? Specifically, I am thinking of places like Rose & Crown and Coral Reef. There is nothing on the adult menus she will eat!! Basically, does Disney let you buy a kids meal for a child who doesn't like the adult offerings? I am not asking b/c I want to "cheat" Disney-- in fact if I had to I would pay the "adult" price-- I am just worried she won't eat if she has to eat mahi mahi, steak, or bangers and mash!
2) If we are using our DDP, does everyone at the table have to use it?
3) If we do not eat dessert, is that credit saved? or do we have to eat dessert with the meal?
4) At Whispering Canyon Cafe, does the skillet count as an entree AND appetizer or can you also get an appetizer? The SW soup looks so good!!!

Thanks!

 

[Sandy321]

We are leaving in a few days and I have some important questions regarding the DDP for our family. Now I KNOW that these are most certainly already answered somewhere in this thread, but try as I might through searching and reading, I can't locate the answers. I need to get back to laundry and packing so I just thought I would post the questions for all you DDP experts. Thanks in advance for any help!!!
1) If we have the DDP but choose to pay for our entire meal OOP, can my daughter order off the kids menu (age 10)? Specifically, I am thinking of places like Rose & Crown and Coral Reef. There is nothing on the adult menus she will eat!! Basically, does Disney let you buy a kids meal for a child who doesn't like the adult offerings? I am not asking b/c I want to "cheat" Disney-- in fact if I had to I would pay the "adult" price-- I am just worried she won't eat if she has to eat mahi mahi, steak, or bangers and mash!

I think it depends - ask your CM when you get there if you can order OOP for dd 10 - some reports said that they will charge an adult credit and let the child order from the child menu... maybe someone else knows for sure....

2) If we are using our DDP, does everyone at the table have to use it? again, I think so... but it may depend...

3) If we do not eat dessert, is that credit saved? or do we have to eat dessert with the meal? This one I know!! Nope, credit is not saved, it comes with the meal - its not seperated out like a "snack" credit... but you can often get a dessert "to go" We've done that!!

4) At Whispering Canyon Cafe, does the skillet count as an entree AND appetizer or can you also get an appetizer? The SW soup looks so good!!!Not sure, again... sorry, but it sounds like you are on the regular DP (not the Deluxe - deluxe the appetizers are included, in the regular, they are not - but you can order appetizers "Out of Pocket" HOWEVER, there are exceptions - ie the menu item comes w/ an appetizer, and I believe the Skillets used to include an appy, not sure if they still do - I do know at LeCellier they have a menu choice now that does include an appy and it is a regular dp credit...

Thanks!

and, ok - I'll be jealous you are going to DISNEY!!

all the planning, now you get to enjoy - just remember, you cant do it all - take time to enjoy Disney!!

sorry I wasnt more helpful!

 

[catne]

We are leaving in a few days and I have some important questions regarding the DDP for our family. Now I KNOW that these are most certainly already answered somewhere in this thread, but try as I might through searching and reading, I can't locate the answers. I need to get back to laundry and packing so I just thought I would post the questions for all you DDP experts. Thanks in advance for any help!!!
1) If we have the DDP but choose to pay for our entire meal OOP, can my daughter order off the kids menu (age 10)? Specifically, I am thinking of places like Rose & Crown and Coral Reef. There is nothing on the adult menus she will eat!! Basically, does Disney let you buy a kids meal for a child who doesn't like the adult offerings? I am not asking b/c I want to "cheat" Disney-- in fact if I had to I would pay the "adult" price-- I am just worried she won't eat if she has to eat mahi mahi, steak, or bangers and mash!

You can pay OOP for any meal you want -- including you can have DH & yourself pay for your meals DDP and buy your daughter's meal cash. You do not have to pay cash for everyone at the table so you can pay cash for her choices. Just make sure you tell the CM when you order, and remind wait staff again before you get the final bill...and check the receipt to make sure it's rung up properly. And yes, when paying cash, anyone can order a child's meal (including a "real" adult)

2) If we are using our DDP, does everyone at the table have to use it?

No. Everyone at the table does not have to use the DDP. There are plenty of instances where one party on the DDP is eating with another couple who are not even staying at WDW resort. The wait staff is used to having part of the ticket on DDP credits and part on cash. Or you can ask for completely separate tickets, too, if you want to be sure the cash order gets rung up as cash instead of DDP credits.
3) If we do not eat dessert, is that credit saved? or do we have to eat dessert with the meal?

The credit is not saved...you either have to eat dessert with your meal or you can ask for it to be packaged "to go". Of course you'll have to be careful that you're ordering a dessert that can "go" - the cold desserts won't travel well!

4) At Whispering Canyon Cafe, does the skillet count as an entree AND appetizer or can you also get an appetizer? The SW soup looks so good!!!
Appetizers are only included on the Deluxe Dining Plan. The basic Dining Plan (1 TS, 1 QS & 1 snack per day) does not come with an appetizer so your question won't make any difference on the DDP. But if you want to order an appetizer, you certainly can. You just pay OOP for any additional items you want that are not included on the plan (adult beverages also are OOP, of course.) We have done that several times.
Thanks!

We have used the DDP numerous times and really enjoy it...hope you have a fun time!

 

[Sunshine1987]

Checkin in and two responses already! Thank you! Both were Extremely helpful!

I can't wait to try this dining plan! Dining out is such a huge part of our trips! We love to eat! In fact, I always include snack suggestions on my daily iteneraries! Last summer, I made sure I had fresh made tortillas from the Mission Tortilla factory at California Adventure! my kids LOVED them!

Thanks again!

For Sandi321: I am jealous you have done the Disney marathon events! I finished my first ever 5K yesterday!!! Someday. . . . . I hope to do one of the Disney events!