Can you do Take-out at Disney Restaurants, including Epcot?

[akadada]

Hi - we're visitng in March. We have the Disney Deluxe dining plan (3CR + 2Snacks). We're also traveling with a 16 month old, so we don't expect to be able to always do dinner since she goes to bed at 7:30.

Will the disney restaurants allow us to do take out? Will they allow it with the dining plan? Especially epcot since we'll be staying at the BC?

Thank you,
AKADada

 

[snykymom]

Hi - we're visitng in March. We have the Disney Deluxe dining plan (3CR + 2Snacks). We're also traveling with a 16 month old, so we don't expect to be able to always do dinner since she goes to bed at 7:30.

Will the disney restaurants allow us to do take out? Will they allow it with the dining plan? Especially epcot since we'll be staying at the BC?

Thank you,
AKADada

At TS restaurants, generally, no. They are not set up for take out. Some people will go in, sit at a table, order, and then immediately ask for the food to be packed up as leftovers. But that's about the best they can do.

Of course, Epcot's QS places are wonderful, and they're all to go.

 

[Nadjalu]

Unfortunately no they do not allow to go orders. They are not set up to do so.

You will need adrs since you are going during free dining. And since you upgraded to the deluxe plan it would be a waste of your money to only use that credit towards CS.

If it were me in your situation I would reconsider the DxDDP, it sounds like it is not the best plan for you at this time.

How soon until your trip? Do you have adrs made? If not maybe you can get all of them for the times you want. If not, then I would seriously reconsider spending that extra money to upgrade your dining.

 

[TDC Nala]

Sorry, no takeout orders from Disney TS.

I know at least one restaurant (Olivia's at OKW) used to do carryout orders but stopped after the dining plan was introduced. One of the reasons I heard given was because the dining plan made the restaurant more popular and they don't have time to do carryout orders anymore. The other reason was because of numerous complaints from dining plan guests who expected to be able to use CS credits instead of TS if they carried the food out. Not sure if either or both of these apply or there was another reason altogether.

I'm not aware of any other Disney-operated TS that ever accepted carryout orders.

Since you are staying at a deluxe resort, if you're still sold on DXDDP (I would not suggest using the deluxe plan if you have doubts about wanting to plan your dining and stick to the plan) you might want to consider using some of those credits for room service.

 

[akadada]

Thank you so far for all of your advice.

I think I may do the ADR and then pack it up to go. . . kind of sneaky, but perhaps those are the things we have to do with kids. I also think it will help someone on a waitlist get in faster (my form of justification).

I do apologize, though, I'm new to the DISBoards . . .I don't understand most of the acronymns yet. . .

Could someone possibly define the ones used in this thread for me or point me in the right direction? That would help me understand some of the dining suggestions.

I believe I know TS to me Table Service; ADR to me Advanced Diner Reservations, OKW I'm assuming means Old Key West hotel. The rest mentioned I feel I don't know.

To answer some of the other questions:

1. We have started making ADR's.

2. We are kind of food nuts. Prior to DD (Disney Daughter, right?) we would go to Disney and splurge and now are used to doing that, which is why we though of taking the Deluxe plan. We're so far scheduled for CA Grill, Flying Fish, Artist Point, La Hacienda, Le Cellier. Most are at either 5:00/5:30 (pre bed time) or date nights (we're taking two of them).

3. We're going down end of March.

Again thank you and I appreciate your further thoughts on the dining plan options.

Best,
AKADada

 

[Colleen27]

Depending on your DD's personality you might be surprised by your ability to have nice dinners. We went with the deluxe dining package when our youngest was 15 months and had table service dinners every night, most of them at signature restaurants. She especially loved California Grill because they bring goldfish crackers with the bread, and really liked the BBQ flatbread appetizer at Jiko. And character meals were much nicer than meeting characters in the parks, because she was somehow less intimidated when it was the character coming to her in her high chair than when she was walking up to them at an in-park meet & greet. She is a mellow kid who loves food, though, and not especially prone to having meltdowns when tired; a more high strung child might not do as well.

As Nala pointed out, room service is also a nice option if the little one seems too tired to handle dinner. The deluxe resorts have full menus, and we really enjoyed the room service offerings on our Wilderness Lodge stay. Unfortunately when we were at the Beach Club we didn't order in, so I can't offer any reviews of their in-room dining.

As far as acronyms go, you got most of them on your own. The others:
QS = quick service
CS = counter service, just another term for quick service

 

[tiggergirlinMI]

When we were at the World in AUG, we were waiting to be seated at le Cellier for lunch when 2 women came in and ordered 2 cups of cheese soup and pretzel breadsticks to go....the waiter came out with it within 3 minutes. I asked our waiter later on about the takeout. He said they only did the soup and the breadsticks.
Seeing as that is all we go for sometimes, I will keep that in mind.
So yes, even though some do not advertise it, as I learned it does happen.

 

[akadada]

Thanks for your reply Colleen

Our DD is so far super laid back and a super happy kiddo. She's already been to Florida at 5 months and Yellowstone at 10 Months. Great traveler minus ear pain in flight. She has yet to have a meltdown for anything. Please knock on wood!

She's, though, a committed sleeper from 6:30 to 6:30 (Central time) and we don't really want to break that. That said, in Yellowstone, she'd go to bed at 7:30 Mountain time / 9:30 Eastern and be just fine by morning.

She does not nap very well during the day though. . . take the good with the bad I suppose. Personally I'm tempted to run DS Dining every night at around 5:30 to about 7:00 and if it back fires, so be it. We'll still have two nights of date night (La Hacienda and Artist Point).

Question to anyone: What does it mean "You will need adrs since you are going during free dining." ?

Thanks again!

 

[Colleen27]

Thanks for your reply Colleen

Our DD is so far super laid back and a super happy kiddo. She's already been to Florida at 5 months and Yellowstone at 10 Months. Great traveler minus ear pain in flight. She has yet to have a meltdown for anything. Please knock on wood!

She's, though, a committed sleeper from 6:30 to 6:30 (Central time) and we don't really want to break that. That said, in Yellowstone, she'd go to bed at 7:30 Mountain time / 9:30 Eastern and be just fine by morning.

She does not nap very well during the day though. . . take the good with the bad I suppose. Personally I'm tempted to run DS Dining every night at around 5:30 to about 7:00 and if it back fires, so be it. We'll still have two nights of date night (La Hacienda and Artist Point).

Question to anyone: What does it mean "You will need adrs since you are going during free dining." ?

Thanks again!

She sounds a lot like my youngest, who usually isn't a great napper, especially in her stroller, but she slept anywhere and everywhere at Disney. She even fell asleep on Haunted Mansion! I guess all the activity just wore her out.

I think you've got the right idea - book the dinners and see how she does. If she has problems when tired, you can always ask for your dinners to go at that point.

The comment about ADRs was just a heads up that many restaurants will book up very quickly during the free dining promotion that is running into next year, but that won't be an issue for your dates because the promotion is blacked out for most of March, April and May.

 

[Princess Sleepy]

You might find that she falls asleep easily in her stroller or even on your lap at dinners. My DD4, who hasn't napped in 2 years, fell asleep every day at WDW, either on the bus or in her stroller. (She doesn't use a stroller at home either). WDW is just tiring for the little ones.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) I think you will be sadly disappointed in "packing up" the dinner.
2) The doggie-boxes are not meant to contain a full meal.
3) The items will get piled and lumped together.
4) When opened, I doubt it will remain appetizing or appealing.
5) Also, the time lag will not allow the food to retain its desired flavors.
6) Plus, when and where to rewarm is going to be a problem.

7) Might I suggest doing the regular DDP and not DxDDP?
8) With your concerns, using more Quick Service might be a better choice.

 

[akadada]

Thanks about the take out quality. . . that makes sense. The more I think about it the more I'm thinking we take our chances and just roll with it.

Doesn't DDDx allow for Quick Service? The price difference over 8 days was about $500 for two of us, so we figured for the convenience and dining use and the ability to double up on Signature it was worth it. Here was my calculation on 24 credits per person v. 8 credits on the DDP:

Breakfast every morning sit down x 7

Two for sure Signatures on date nights (LaHacienda and Artist Point): 4

Two for sure Signature with kiddo at 5:30 (CaGrill and Flying Fish): 4

Four for for sure sit downs for lunch (Brown Derby, Rose, Akershus, LeCellier): 4

So we're already at 15 out of 24. If it was DDP, I thought I'd be out 7 credits and would be paying for a lot OOP (that means out of pocket, right?). I don't mind that either, but we're willing to pay a premium for convenience. With a baby kiddo, we don't plan on many rides and value the opportunities to sit down and eat.

Do you think I'm miscalculating this or possibly misreading the dining agenda abilities?

I appreciate your thoughts.

 

[TDC Nala]

Doesn't DDDx allow for Quick Service?

Deluxe credits are interchangeable for quick service or table service.

Another thing you might want to note is that La Hacienda is not a signature restaurant. It will take only one of your dining credits to eat there, so you should revise that 4 credits for your date nights to 3.

However, Brown Derby IS a signature restaurant and will cost you 2 credits (even for lunch). So you may want to change that 4 credits for lunches to 5 credits.

If you're paying for the deluxe plan and you will be leaving 9 credits completely unused, you will definitely be paying a major premium just for convenience. You can use those credits for counter service, or for some room service if you like, but I'd suggest you come up with a way to use them if you are thinking of using deluxe dining as a money-saver at all.

 

[happymommy]

I agree about using room service once or twice. It's 2 credits, but it includes a tip. We did that our first night at the Boardwalk Inn two years ago, and it was a great relaxing way to get some dinner (the kids and I were so tired!).

The service was great, even if our food was just okay. The desserts were yummy! Nice thing was, even the tip was included, so it "cost" nothing.

That could be one option.

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

Yeah, I'm counting 19 credits left, which would leave you some for extra meals (since you only listed 2 meals/day). You could use those for CS meals, pizza pick up or something. I don't think it sounds like a bad use of credits. And I would say, if your ADRs are aroung 530-play it by ear, when your DD starts getting restless, pack it up and go! If she used to being on the go, she may be fine! Bring her normal "stuff" like snacks, sippy cups, a few toys, whatever she's used to. Most of these places are VERY kid friendly, and a cranky child is sometimes the RULE instead of the exception!! I've had meals with a child sleeping on my lap (and drooled on my chest )-that made Boma a little difficult; slept in the stroller (made Ohana the most relaxing meal EVER) ; or taking turns taking a screaming child outside (hubby is convinced it was somehow Le Celliers fault and refuses to go back there) . I've never eaten a filet so quickly!

Have a blast with your daughter at Disney! I'm sure it will be a whole new, magical experience for you!

 

[Colleen27]

Thanks about the take out quality. . . that makes sense. The more I think about it the more I'm thinking we take our chances and just roll with it.

Doesn't DDDx allow for Quick Service? The price difference over 8 days was about $500 for two of us, so we figured for the convenience and dining use and the ability to double up on Signature it was worth it. Here was my calculation on 24 credits per person v. 8 credits on the DDP:

Breakfast every morning sit down x 7

Two for sure Signatures on date nights (LaHacienda and Artist Point): 4

Two for sure Signature with kiddo at 5:30 (CaGrill and Flying Fish): 4

Four for for sure sit downs for lunch (Brown Derby, Rose, Akershus, LeCellier): 4

So we're already at 15 out of 24. If it was DDP, I thought I'd be out 7 credits and would be paying for a lot OOP (that means out of pocket, right?). I don't mind that either, but we're willing to pay a premium for convenience. With a baby kiddo, we don't plan on many rides and value the opportunities to sit down and eat.

Do you think I'm miscalculating this or possibly misreading the dining agenda abilities?

I appreciate your thoughts.

Yes, the deluxe plan allows for quick service. In general, if you're going to use 2/3 of your credits for sitdown meals the plan makes sense from a purely financial standpoint. Non-financial value is more subjective, but we personally feel there's value to the convenience of having it all pre-paid/included, especially with all the snacks we ended up getting for our little one.

Just a note on your math above - La Hacienda is not a signature meal, it takes one credit. However, your totals are still correct because Brown Derby is a signature, 2-credit restaurant. You've just got the two on the wrong lists.

 

[NMW]

Your DD may really be fine at your dinners with her, especially considering that you have taken her bedtime into consideration. I think it's the people that DON'T do that having all the problems. I saw a couple with 2 small children, maybe ages 2 and 4, at Raglan Road get seated after us (our ADR was for 9 PM). Kids were having full blown meltdowns before they even ordered drinks. Fortunately for us (and everyone else) the band completely drowned them out.

We have taken our kids out to eat since birth, so they have always been pretty calm in restaurants. First Disney trip with kids they were ages 7, 5 and 23 months. We did the old Dreammaker Gold plan which I think is now comparable to the platinum package. My friend (who couldn't eat at a pizza place with her then 5 year old with our him kicking people and crawling around the floor) thought I was crazy.

She told me that there was "No way" our 23 month old would behave in all those TS restaurants. She had seen my 5 and 7 year olds at restaurants and knew that they would be well-behaved, but insisted I was in for a terrible time at TS restaurants.

Our DD was absolutely fine at every single lunch and dinner of the 10 day trip. The weirdest thing was that she was most cranky at breakfasts. She was not used to being woken up in the morning for anything. If you look at the photos of our first couple character breakfasts you can see she was crying off and on. She did adapt, and by day 3 or 4 she was fine at the breakasts and even smiled for pictures.

We had a Maclaren umbrella stroller with us and some of our lunches she was asleep and the staff just let us wheel her up to the table and she slept through the lunches. This happened at Alfredos, Sci-Fi, Tonys and Rose and Crown. We would have woken her up, but these places all offered to let her keep sleeping when we were sat. Maybe they were afraid she'd start freaking out or something! They just moved the highchair that was on our ADR's and put her umbrella stroller there. At Sci-Fi they let me put her right by the car. She was still sleeping when we left all these lunches. The lunches she was awake for were a nice break from the heat and crowds. She got to have cold milk in her sippy cup and recharge a little. I will never ever understand why someone would choose eating at a crowded CS place with the long lines, looking for a table ordeal, fix-ins bar trips, drink refills, etc. with young kids over a relaxing air conditioned TS lunch. But that's just my opinion!

You may find that your DD does great at your TS meals. Good luck!

 

[akadada]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks again for your thoughts.

Thanks for correcting my credit use as well.

Point of clarity: We definitely plan to use all of our credits. I was just noting my current ADR's. The left overs I expect will be used for TS/CS or between now and our trip, I'll likely be doing more ADR's for Teppan Edo, Coral Cafe, and Narcoosees, among others.

I appreciate everyone's help!

 

[llirreh]

Well, as a further note, you'll use more credits. You said you'd be going at the of March, correct? Le Cellier becomes a Signature dining place effective March 1st, 2011.

 

[akadada]

Yes, I think that's right. But for lunch I was of the understanding it was still one credit?