2006 Disney Dining Plan FAQ

[DCDisney]

She not an adult for this trip though so I was wondering with 2 adults and 2 kids do the kids get appetizer and dessert with the TS or is it entree only for the kids, and again dessert with CS or just the entree for the kids. Thanks Kathy

We did encounter some TS places that didn't have kids appetizers and didn't allow kids to order adult appetizers among those was Whispering Canyon, Mama Melrose, and Le Cellier. The policy we were told was that they could only order from the children's menu period. So in terms of desserts they were limited to the children's menu desserts or a plain scoop of ice cream at MM. At WC both desserts were chocolate and my son doesn't eat chocolate so they allowed him to have a shake instead but that may have actually counted as a drink rather than dessert. At CS the kids could haev any dessert. This was the last week of January.

Yvonne

 

[Lewisc]

There have been posts from guests who dined in the Italian restaurant in EPCOT who said they were allowed to order those items for 2 guests.

The menu says the sampler in France isn't included in the dining plan. It does cost more than twice the price of the other desserts. I didn't ask for an exception, I didn't see the need to ask for an exception from the printed rules.

In general it makes sense to let 2 guests order an item that's intended, and priced, to serve 2.

It wouldn't be popular, at least with DISBOARD members but right now restaurants have deleted some items from their menu. I'd rather a, very small number, of menu items have a surcharge for MYW guests. Almost any price fixed menu has some items that cost extra.

Instead of dropping lobster from the menu altogether why not just have an upcharge?

Ok update on this: I spoke with the Yachtsman's Steakhouse and they will allow you to use 2 credits for any item that is listed for 2 people.

They stated they could not speak for any other location; but if 2 people in the group wish to use 2 of their appetizer or entree credits for any item listed to serve 2 people, then they do accept them. For example you can order the dessert sampler for 2, use 2 dessert credits instead of ordering for example one piece one cheesecake and one piece of chocolate cake.

Waiting on a call from WDW Food and Beverage to see if this policy is property wide or simply left up to each Restaurant.

 

[firefly72]

Does anyone know the answer to this: If you booked your package with someone else, in my case it is expedia, Is there anyway to add on the dining plan through Disney?

I'm fairly sure that its not possible, but figured I ask anyway!

Thanks!!!

 

[Sammie]

B]Instead of dropping lobster from the menu altogether why not just have an upcharge?[/[/B]

Where do you find out which items are not available. I know the addons are not, but what if lobster is on the menu as an entree?

 

[jjohnson]

I've noticed quite a few of the more expensive entrees have disappeared from the menus. Including the lobster at Coral Reef.

 

[Sammie]

I've noticed quite a few of the more expensive entrees have disappeared from the menus. Including the lobster at Coral Reef.

JJ, are you saying they have been removed completely? As they used to offer them and no longer do.

Do you think some restaurants will just not offer the more expensive items now due to the dining plan?

You have been so much help. Thanks!

 

[jjohnson]

Does anyone know the answer to this: If you booked your package with someone else, in my case it is expedia, Is there anyway to add on the dining plan through Disney?

I'm fairly sure that its not possible, but figured I ask anyway!

Thanks!!!

Sorry I don't have an answer for you. I put in a fake reservation on expedia & couldn't find anywhere to add the dining plan. The best thing to do is call CRO & ask. Let me know how you make out.

 

[firefly72]

Sorry I don't have an answer for you. I put in a fake reservation on expedia & couldn't find anywhere to add the dining plan. The best thing to do is call CRO & ask. Let me know how you make out.

I called Expedia C/S and they don't offer the dining add on. Sorry, but what is CRO? Thanks!

 

[bicker]

CRO = (Disney's) Central Reservations Office

407-WDISNEY

 

[Lewisc]

That was my point, I understand the Coral Reef dropped lobster from the menu. I understand Japan either dropped it from the menu or now list it as an addon so it's not included under the plan. CRT dropped the slipper from the dessert menu, although some posters said at one time guests not on the plan were allowed to special order the item.

Price fixed menus normally have upcharges for a few menu items. I wouldn't have any problem if restaurants had upcharges as long as it only applied to one or two items and not to half the menu.

A complaint, Pepper Market limits your dessert to a tier one bakery item, basically a cookie or muffin. It's not self-service and normally they ask if you're on the plan. I suggested a sign and the manager said Disney won't allow it.

I can certainly accept reasonable exclusions but they shouldn't be a secret.

Where do you find out which items are not available. I know the addons are not, but what if lobster is on the menu as an entree?

 

[Sammie]

That was my point, I understand the Coral Reef dropped lobster from the menu. I understand Japan either dropped it from the menu or now list it as an addon so it's not included under the plan. CRT dropped the slipper from the dessert menu, although some posters said at one time guests not on the plan were allowed to special order the item.

Price fixed menus normally have upcharges for a few menu items. I wouldn't have any problem if restaurants had upcharges as long as it only applied to one or two items and not to half the menu.

A complaint, Pepper Market limits your dessert to a tier one bakery item, basically a cookie or muffin. It's not self-service and normally they ask if you're on the plan. I suggested a sign and the manager said Disney won't allow it.

I can certainly accept reasonable exclusions but they shouldn't be a secret.

Thanks that was my point in this is all confusing. I have no desire to try and "work" the plan; but I don't want to buy into it, to get to a restaurant and find then we can't order what we would have ordered if paying out of pocket.

As with all things Disney there seems to be a lot of discrepencies and the usual; of there is a policy but it is not adhered to property wide.

If it's going to be like the College meal plan I had once where you are limited to what you can order, then I am not interested.

When you get the meal plan do you get a Disney Dining Plan for Dummies when you check in, or is learn as you go and you are pretty much at the mercy of the restaurant?

 

[Leash]

How much does the plan cost?
It is $37.99 for adults and $10.99 for children 3-9 years old. This is the cost per night of stay and is required for each night of your stay. The price of the plan includes tax & tip.

I called yesterday and the price they quoted me comes out to 39.99 for adults, has the price gone up? Thanks

 

[Lewisc]

The plan works out pretty well. Most of the exclusions are with the non-Disney owned restaurants, specifically the WS restaurants.

The Disney restaurants are just eliminating items from the menu rather than having to exclude the items. My point was the opposite, I'd rather a reasonable surcharge policy rather than just eliminating menu items.

There were a few threads regarding exclusions to summarize:

1) Earl of Sandwich--fountain drink and cookie for dessert
2) Pepper Market--any entrée including rib eye steak but only cookies and muffins for dessert.
3) Japan--all sorts of limits do a search if you care
4) Tangerine--limits your dessert

Any restaurant will limit menu items intended to be shared. Some restaurants will not give you a soda with your meal and coffee with your dessert. You get one for free and pay for the other.

In general the plan interpretations favor the guest. Last I heard Le Cellier still allows the surf and turf special. There are numerous threads regarding the issue of child vs adult credit. If you have a refillable mug you can use that for your drink and get a bottled soda or water with your meal, to be consumed later. The water parks will let you get your dessert (ice cream) later after you finish your meal.

Some of the resorts are more flexible in allowing extra snacks. Cookies are not included by the Mara allowed it but the Pepper Market didn't.

Thanks that was my point in this is all confusing. I have no desire to try and "work" the plan; but I don't want to buy into it, to get to a restaurant and find then we can't order what we would have ordered if paying out of pocket.

As with all things Disney there seems to be a lot of discrepancies and the usual; of there is a policy but it is not adhered to property wide.

If it's going to be like the College meal plan I had once where you are limited to what you can order, then I am not interested.

When you get the meal plan do you get a Disney Dining Plan for Dummies when you check in, or is learn as you go and you are pretty much at the mercy of the restaurant?

 

[jjohnson]

JJ, are you saying they have been removed completely? As they used to offer them and no longer do.

Do you think some restaurants will just not offer the more expensive items now due to the dining plan?

You have been so much help. Thanks!

That's exactly what I'm saying. I still have the copies of the menus I printed from Deb's site last spring & there gone. Not alot. Mostly seafood. Was it caused by the new DP? Who knows for sure but for some of us who memorize & obsess over every detail, items are definitely disappearing.

 

[jjohnson]

The plan works out pretty well. Most of the exclusions are with the non-Disney owned restaurants, specifically the WS restaurants.

The Disney restaurants are just eliminating items from the menu rather than having to exclude the items. My point was the opposite, I'd rather a reasonable surcharge policy rather than just eliminating menu items.

There were a few threads regarding exclusions to summarize:

1) Earl of Sandwich--fountain drink and cookie for dessert
2) Pepper Market--any entrée including rib eye steak but only cookies and muffins for dessert.
3) Japan--all sorts of limits do a search if you care
4) Tangerine--limits your dessert

Any restaurant will limit menu items intended to be shared. Some restaurants will not give you a soda with your meal and coffee with your dessert. You get one for free and pay for the other.

In general the plan interpretations favor the guest. Last I heard Le Cellier still allows the surf and turf special. There are numerous threads regarding the issue of child vs adult credit. If you have a refillable mug you can use that for your drink and get a bottled soda or water with your meal, to be consumed later. The water parks will let you get your dessert (ice cream) later after you finish your meal.

Some of the resorts are more flexible in allowing extra snacks. Cookies are not included by the Mara allowed it but the Pepper Market didn't.

Thank you LewisC. I've added this information to my OP.

 

[Sammie]

Any restaurant will limit menu items intended to be shared

Lewisc, can you explain further ?

 

[pedro2112]

Lewisc, can you explain further ?

I think Lewis means that dishes that are for more than one person (appetizer samplers, kitchen sink, etc..) are probably not allowed on the plan. However, some places allow you to get these items as long as the appropriate amount of people in your party order it as a group.

Regarding add-ons, actually everywhere we went they were allowed. Maybe they've changed since last March, but we were able to get gulf shrimp add on at Yacht Club Galley, and I know that Nikkibell was able to get the lobster tail add on at Captain Jack's in DTD.

 

[abe_froman]

hey everybody

i was just wondering, i know that it's required to purchase at least a 1 day ticket in order to be eligible for the dining plan add on, but is there any exception to this? we were planning on renting dvc points and still have 7 days left over from our old tix and i was just wondering if perhaps disney made exceptions for dvc members (or us renting daytrippers ) since they oftentimes are also annual passholders...any help is greatly appreciated

 

[jjohnson]

I think Lewis means that dishes that are for more than one person (appetizer samplers, kitchen sink, etc..) are probably not allowed on the plan. However, some places allow you to get these items as long as the appropriate amount of people in your party order it as a group.

Regarding add-ons, actually everywhere we went they were allowed. Maybe they've changed since last March, but we were able to get gulf shrimp add on at Yacht Club Galley, and I know that Nikkibell was able to get the lobster tail add on at Captain Jack's in DTD.

This is true. When the plan was first released posts of getting glowing cubes, add-ons & such were common. You will still find servers that occasionally still do this but management must have had a "talk" with everyone concerning what is/is not included because I'm seeing alot of posts now of people being told no.

All you can do is ask the server.Just don't have your heart set on getting it with the plan.

 

[jjohnson]

hey everybody

i was just wondering, i know that it's required to purchase at least a 1 day ticket in order to be eligible for the dining plan add on, but is there any exception to this? we were planning on renting dvc points and still have 7 days left over from our old tix and i was just wondering if perhaps disney made exceptions for dvc members (or us renting daytrippers ) since they oftentimes are also annual passholders...any help is greatly appreciated

DVC members or renters do not need to purchase additional tickets to get the plan.