2006 Disney Dining Plan FAQ

[Koda]

I guess my question about whether or not my 10 y.o. twin DDs could get the child DDP caused quite a discussion! Just to clarify, my purpose was not to take a poll on whether or not people thought we should lie about my DD's ages to get a cheaper plan. I would never ask my kids to lie to save a few bucks. We have never used the DDP before, and age was never an issue for us, because my DDs turned 9 on the last day of our last trip to WDW. I merely wanted to know if it was acceptable to buy them the plan that best fit their eating habits, rather than by age. Needless to say, we will NOT be getting DDP.

That being said, I do feel that 10 is a bit young to be considered an adult (especially at WDW!). It would be nice if there was a "youth" rate for park tickets, buffets, etc. for kids 10-17 years. I'm sure that we are not the only family to be hit with "adult-price shock". For example, we did the FDP at HBD on our last trip. The food was awesome, and my DH really wanted to do this again. At 37.99 for an adult meal (compared to 10.99 for under 9years), we just cannot afford this. Especially since my girls would not appreciate filet or salmon. That is a HUGE price difference! I don't mind paying the extra $$ at a buffet, because I know that my 10 year olds eat more than most toddlers, and there is always plenty of kid-friendly food to fill them up.

IMO, it would make sense to have a 3-tiered system for the dining plan: for Hearty, medium, and light appetites. The light plan would be geared more towards kids and seniors, the hearty plan for people who enjoy 1 or 2 TS meals every day, and the medium plan for those of us who enjoy several TS meals on our trip, but also like the flexibility of eating at CS on several days. You could choose whichever plan best meets your individual needs. But since I am not making the decisions for Disney regarding the organization of their dining plan, we will just pay OOP for our meals!

 

[traviesojmt]

I guess my question about whether or not my 10 y.o. twin DDs could get the child DDP caused quite a discussion! Just to clarify, my purpose was not to take a poll on whether or not people thought we should lie about my DD's ages to get a cheaper plan. I would never ask my kids to lie to save a few bucks. We have never used the DDP before, and age was never an issue for us, because my DDs turned 9 on the last day of our last trip to WDW. I merely wanted to know if it was acceptable to buy them the plan that best fit their eating habits, rather than by age. Needless to say, we will NOT be getting DDP.

That being said, I do feel that 10 is a bit young to be considered an adult (especially at WDW!). It would be nice if there was a "youth" rate for park tickets, buffets, etc. for kids 10-17 years. I'm sure that we are not the only family to be hit with "adult-price shock". For example, we did the FDP at HBD on our last trip. The food was awesome, and my DH really wanted to do this again. At 37.99 for an adult meal (compared to 10.99 for under 9years), we just cannot afford this. Especially since my girls would not appreciate filet or salmon. That is a HUGE price difference! I don't mind paying the extra $$ at a buffet, because I know that my 10 year olds eat more than most toddlers, and there is always plenty of kid-friendly food to fill them up.

IMO, it would make sense to have a 3-tiered system for the dining plan: for Hearty, medium, and light appetites. The light plan would be geared more towards kids and seniors, the hearty plan for people who enjoy 1 or 2 TS meals every day, and the medium plan for those of us who enjoy several TS meals on our trip, but also like the flexibility of eating at CS on several days. You could choose whichever plan best meets your individual needs. But since I am not making the decisions for Disney regarding the organization of their dining plan, we will just pay OOP for our meals!

IMO, this is a situation in which there is no way that Disney can begin to please everyone. I have read numerous posts of people complaining that their children have to order off the kid's menu and would prefer if they could order adult meals. Then there are those who want their kids to order off the child's menu when they are, by Disney standards, adults. There really is no cut off age that would please everyone. I have a 9 year old nephew who would probably starve if he had to eat off the child's menu. He looks like a small linebacker and eats a lot. The beauty of the DP is that it is optional. If it works for your family, great. If it doesn't, that is great too. I could start a whole new complaint about having to pay child prices for a 3 year old at a buffet when I know she won't eat anything but a couple of grapes. But, she is 3 and Disney does charge for 3 year olds. I know this and when I chose to go to Disney or any other restaurant, I will abide by their rules. Sorry, I got off my point. I just believe that there is no way to please everyone with this one.

 

[Koda]

You are right, there is no pleasing everyone, and I believe that Disney does their best. A little constructive criticism never hurt, though. Sorry if I got off on a tangent!

 

[disyady]

Hi! Does anyone OT know if the BC Marketplace participates in the DP? Thanks!!

 

[jjohnson]

Hi! Does anyone OT know if the BC Marketplace participates in the DP? Thanks!!

Even though the online brochure at disney.com is not updated, BC Marketplace is now participating in the dining plan.

 

[disyady]

Thank you so much jjohnson!!!

 

[annieh6]

I am confused about this whole dining thing , how is it possible to get a weeks worth of dining with a one day base ticket? We already have annual passes, but would be willing to buy a one day base ticket to be able to buy a weeks worth of dining but I didn't think it was possible.
C ould somebody enlighten me?
many thanks

 

[bicker]

When an admission pass purchase is required, they're not requiring that you purchase admission for your entire stay, but rather just one day (if you wish).

 

[Disneymaniacs]

I will be renewing my annual pass this trip but I want to try the dining plan. If I purchase the one day pass will they credit the cost towards our annual passes? I thought I read this somewhere but I cannot find it now.

 

[aviva5675]

The dining is based on number of nites you stay- not the length of your tickets. Thats why if someone has a one day ticket but are staying 5 nights they can get 5 days worth of dining. Im not sure tho if you can choose the number of days of dining you want--like if you are staying 7 nights but plan to spend 2 days at Universal you can choose to buy dining plan for 5 days only.

 

[Bmwdsny]

The dining is based on number of nites you stay- not the length of your tickets.

That is correct...remember, even if you don't go to parks all the days, there are plenty of resturants in the resorts hotels to use the DDP.

 

[annieh6]

That is correct...remember, even if you don't go to parks all the days, there are plenty of resturants in the resorts hotels to use the DDP.

Okay, I THINK I am beginning to get some understanding of this. But tell me, if I have my reservations booked as a annual passholder, then can I buy a one day base ticket and still get the dining plan?

 

[bicker]

Yes..

 

[Bmwdsny]

Okay, I THINK I am beginning to get some understanding of this. But tell me, if I have my reservations booked as a annual passholder, then can I buy a one day base ticket and still get the dining plan?

YES!!

 

[annieh6]

YES!!

Thank you for your quick response. I feel very challenged understanding the ins and outs of the dining plan
THANKS

 

[DebIreland]

Okay, I THINK I am beginning to get some understanding of this. But tell me, if I have my reservations booked as a annual passholder, then can I buy a one day base ticket and still get the dining plan?

If you mean you have booked a room with an AP discount and want dining, you would have to give up the discount and book a package at rack rate. I'm not sure if you did mean that you have a discounted AP room booked though, maybe you have it booked at regular rates. Disney requires that the dining is purchased as part of a package at rack rates (with the exception of an AAA discounted package or DVC resorts booked through Member Services).

Just want to be sure you know you can't keep the AP discount - have to choose between them which is a shame.

 

[jenncsw]

I don't know if anyone can help me with this, but this is my situation.

My husband and I just got back from a terrific (kid free) trip for six days to SSR. We had the dining plan,and it was a great deal for us. The only problem we had was getting reservations because we didn't realize you could do it ahead of time. We still got into some great places, though, like the Wispering Canyon at the WL and the Coral Reef at EPCOT.

HOWEVER....in late June, I am staying at Pop Century with my mother and six year old son. We (ie my son and I) want the dining plan, but my mother absolutely refuses to pay up and do it too, thus preventing us, at least by official Disney Policy (we called and asked) from buying it .

Any ideas? We have considered paying all or some of her share, but she won't go along and we are unlikely to change her mind. Has anyone got a way around this policy? She doesn't even plan to eat or tour with us, just share a room (so we wouldn't be cheating by giving her my son's credits). I know Disney always tries to please, but they seem to be firm on this.

Thanks for your help!

Jenn

 

[DebIreland]

I honestly don't see any way around it Jenn, unless your mother gets a separate room but that seems extreme and unnecessarily costly.

Do you have an annual pass? I was just wondering, because if you go often you might have one or perhaps you might consider one. With the annual pass you could get great room discounts and you could also avail of the Disney Dining Experience which costs 60 dollars for membership and entitles you to 20% off almost all table service meals and some counter service meals in WDW. It's a good way to save money on food. That's what we'll be doing in October and we did it last year too - the savings added up!

 

[chrisb71]

A question about the free dining for travel from 8/13/06 - 9/30/06. We are arriving on 9/29 for a three night stay (at the Poly - I am so excited!!) and have a package booked that included the free dining. Even though the promotion ends on 9/30, we still get our three days of free dining per person, correct? From what I have been reading, your credits expire on midnight of your last day.

 

[TyRy]

Even though the promotion ends on 9/30, we still get our three days of free dining per person, correct? From what I have been reading, your credits expire on midnight of your last day.

You are correct - have a great time!