A few more dining plan questions

[Lewisc]

Will you be sleeping in one room with 5 kids? It certainly isn't ok to lie about the sleeping arrangements in order to circumvent the rules. It is clear the intent of the rules is all members be on dining. It isn't clear about the intent with the issue of credits.

Pooled credits have been around for years. For almost a year internet sites have been suggesting guests use their kids "as a license to print money". We can debate intent all we want but if Disney really had a problem with some guests using some credits paid for at the child rate to purchase adult meals, to be consumed by adults, they would have changed the rules and language.

My opinion, really speculation, is Disney expects some guests will actually leave without using all their credits. Some will put their kids in one of the clubs and use pooled credits for signature meals. If Disney had a problem with the occasional use of credits used this way they'd change the plan. Disney decided to be flexible with the credit.

If too many people take advantage of Disney's generosity the rules will be changed.

Corporate Disney can certainly change the rules, maybe they should, but corporate Disney can't change the fact that the terms of the plan currently pool the credits.

I don't understand why some people see the need to send Disney a letter. The rules are clear and it seems mean trying to get Disney to change a plan feature that benefits some guests. I don't have any kids young enough to benefit from this plan feature.

I'm going down with my 5 kids and 6 other family members under 2 seperate reservations. There is nothing in the rules that state every person going down with me (actually it will be 32 people in total) has to be under my reservation.

"Violates the intent of the rule"

for this one you get another thanks for backing up my point. As the intent of a 2 tiered pricing system is not so people of equal traits pay different prices.

 

[slcmkh]

"If too many people take advantage of Disney's generosity the rules will be changed."

One concern I expressed previously on this thread. Point well made. Thanks Lewisc.

"I don't understand why some people see the need to send Disney a letter. The rules are clear and it seems mean trying to get Disney to change a plan feature that benefits some guests. I don't have any kids young enough to benefit from this plan feature."

Good question.

For me it is curiosity in part. However, I admit that I would like to see the answer because if corporate disney says it is okay to use pooled points for only the adults in the party, saving pooled points by paying OOP for kids meals, then I want to be a good consumer and do so.

Regardless of what others are comfortable with on this issue -- and I'm to the point that I don't see the need to question those who use points this way -- I don't personally feel comfortable with use of "child" credits for "adult" meals (Pedro, my friend, I know that there is no real distinction but I used those terms merely to make my point here). However, if corporate disney, and not a CM or manager or poster, says it's okay, I will feel comfortable using points this way and would like to, for the obvious savings it would provide. All of us are about being good consumers, I believe.

 

[ryty44]

I love to read the boards but never wrote a message but feel compelled to write on this subject. First--spoke to a manager at the contempory who explained that children credits can be used by an adult or child or vice versa. I also questioned him about beating the system----he said the rules ALLOW adults using child credits.We chattered a bit and he explained that most adults will not spend $40--a couple $80 each day of their vacation. There would be some days they would but others they wouldn't. If a family buys the plan Disney is guaranteed their monies no matter what.
In closing if you are happier not pooling your credits don't pool and pay more if you wish to pool DO IT.

K-Rat
Welcome to the boards! You sound like an extremely intelligent person !! I couldn't agree with you more. I am actually leaving for Disney tomorrow and will be eating lots of lovely meals via the dining plan. I received the info as you, and plan on using the dining plan to get the most bang out of my buck!! . People who choose to have their consciences guide them and use the plan to their specified rules and not the way Disney has allowed them too, by all means go ahead, I won't pretend I understand why. I'll be there this week so anyone looking to spend unnecessary $, look me up at the contemporary, I would love to hang out .

Less than 24 hours until we leave Thanks to mom and dad a Disney Vacation for me, dh, ds7, ds4, and our princess 9 months!1

Grandma and Papa treating us to 8 night CR, Magic Your Way plus Dining---how 'bout that K-Rat, not bad-right?

 

[mcarthur205]

Have a great trip! I've been reading this thread since it started and I'm finding it so interesting to hear everyone's views and opinions on the dining plan and the use of credits. I hope you'll post a report on your own experience of using the plan!

 

[slcmkh]

ryty,

Have a great time.

I think regardless of the various opinions on the issue, we would all like a report on your experience when you get back, if you wouldn't mind.

Enjoy your vacation.

 

[Lewisc]

I don't see the need to ask corporate. The written policy is crystal clear and unambiguous. I certainly wouldn't plan my trip around this strategy. Disney really doesn't have to give any advance notice if they decide to change the rules and be less generous.

However, if corporate disney, and not a CM or manager or poster, says it's okay, I will feel comfortable using points this way and would like to, for the obvious savings it would provide. All of us are about being good consumers, I believe.

 

[mickman1962]

If they are staying in your room they need to be on the same reservation. So in your case the 5 kids would be sleeping in your room and not another room under another reservation.

I believe that is what I said I was doing.

 

[mickman1962]

mickman1962,

As one poster above mentioned they discussed with with a manager at a resort not just a CM. I too will be curous as to the response you receive from corporate disney though I am not sure what corporate disney you would write to on this. It would most likely have to go to someone involved in the food service or resort operations. The main corporation would not have much if any knowledge of this.

I would clarify your letter a bit and let them know that the 5 kids you plan to get the credits for an use are actually staying in your room on your reservation. That is a key requirement for them to be able to get the dinning plan while others in your group do not. It is an all or nothing thing and they have to actually stay in your room. For example you can't list them on your reservation and have them stay with others just to get the dinning plan. That I think everyone can agree would be fraud as you have to provide thier names and date of birth to make the reservation.

Again me, a room + 5 kids, I think I made that clear already. Where is the fraud? So I am doing exactly as you say I have to.

 

[Lewisc]

Again me, a room + 5 kids, I think I made that clear already. Where is the fraud? So I am doing exactly as you say I have to.

Some of us question if most quests with 6 kids and 6 adults will really divide it up with 5 adults and 1 child in one cabin and 5 children with 1 adult in the other.

In any event I have no interest in whatever response you get. The written rules are clear. Actually I have some interest, I would be very unhappy if I hear that Disney is sending emails that contradict written policy.

 

[mickman1962]

But just be be sure I understand this you are saying that if you get some sort of official response saying that there are not child / adult credits and they can be used in any manner you deem fit then you will no longer view the use of credits in this manner as immoral? Does that mean then that Disney is getting to define what is and is not moral with regards to the use of the dinning plan?

Finally, after countless posts, you actually understood something I wrote. Let's make this clear. If Disney says that I am wrong , I will apologize to any and all I have offended. I will also stop all posts on any and all forums in regard to what I feel is an immoral use of a childrens payment for adults benefits plan. As much as I would hate to have a company dictate what is moral/immoral, then yes I will agree that Disney gets to define that (only in their context).

Ouch, that was hard to write.

 

[ryty44]

I believe the reason a "Disney adult" starts at age 10 is because people are taking advantage of the system. I don't think they'll institute a "teen" category for this very same reason. We may think we're getting over on the system but we're being charged in a different manner. So to sum it all up, we're all paying for it.

It baffles me that people will spend $1000's of dollars for a vacation and then try and get over on the dining. GIVE ME A BREAK!!! Go on a cruise and then you can eat whenever, whatever and however you would like. No credits to fuss over. LOL!!!

Hey Cynt, I looked into it, the adult age has been the same since the inception of this prgram. Rest assured a 10 year old "adult" can not be credited to those who use their pooled credits anyway they see fit.

 

[ryty44]

ryty,

Have a great time.

I think regardless of the various opinions on the issue, we would all like a report on your experience when you get back, if you wouldn't mind.

Enjoy your vacation.

Thanks so much, and I will definately post when I return. Hoping to ride Everest and enjoy all the wonderful meals. I am so happy I have DIS, it has helped me so much in planning!! Thank you everyone for your help and input. Now I must got to sleep as I am leaving for the airport in 7 hours!!!

 

[twinsmamma]

Finally, after countless posts, you actually understood something I wrote. Let's make this clear. If Disney says that I am wrong , I will apologize to any and all I have offended. I will also stop all posts on any and all forums in regard to what I feel is an immoral use of a childrens payment for adults benefits plan. As much as I would hate to have a company dictate what is moral/immoral, then yes I will agree that Disney gets to define that (only in their context).

Ouch, that was hard to write.

At risk of offending all of those who disagree with Mickman1962 I would have to say that in this day and time we as a people are very quick to try and find any way to get around rules and try to cheat the systemas it were. I will have to agree with mickman who said that it is immoral to use these child credits as adult ones. this is akin to stealing and we as a society try to get away with these things. i do however think that disney should make more options for the plan including making a child a teen and an adult meal or some thing a such I fell that most 9 yr olds do not eat like adults and therfore should not be charged as thus. i would have to agree with ryty44 in that the cheat of the system is what leads to the 9 yr old adult thing and so if this is the case then it is all those who are "cheating' the system that make those who have 9 yr olds to be charged the adult price and thus making us pay more due to those who are cheating the system.

 

[Lewisc]

I think it is very offensive and rude to invent rules so you can proceed to attack the character of people who don't follow your imaginary rules. The rules on Disney's website, prior plan provisions and CM statements all disagree with your opinions.

Not only to do you attack people for not following your imaginary rules but seem to think those people are responsible for a change in the age for child meals. You're also wrong on that point. Meal plans always use 10 as the age for adult pricing, it's the same as tickets. Disney decided to have consistant age pricing with tickets, restaurants and meal plan pricing.



Carefully read the rules on Disney's website.

At risk of offending all of those who disagree with Mickman1962 I would have to say that in this day and time we as a people are very quick to try and find any way to get around rules and try to cheat the systemas it were. I will have to agree with mickman who said that it is immoral to use these child credits as adult ones. this is akin to stealing and we as a society try to get away with these things. i do however think that disney should make more options for the plan including making a child a teen and an adult meal or some thing a such I fell that most 9 yr olds do not eat like adults and therfore should not be charged as thus. i would have to agree with ryty44 in that the cheat of the system is what leads to the 9 yr old adult thing and so if this is the case then it is all those who are "cheating' the system that make those who have 9 yr olds to be charged the adult price and thus making us pay more due to those who are cheating the system.

 

[Lewisc]

Finally, after countless posts, you actually understood something I wrote. Let's make this clear. If Disney says that I am wrong , I will apologize to any and all I have offended. I will also stop all posts on any and all forums in regard to what I feel is an immoral use of a childrens payment for adults benefits plan. As much as I would hate to have a company dictate what is moral/immoral, then yes I will agree that Disney gets to define that (only in their context).

Ouch, that was hard to write.

Disney has already said you're wrong. Take the time to read the rules of the plan and read the brochure. I don't see how morality enters into this discussion. Is it immoral for a 9 year old to pay less for park admission than a 70 year old grandparent? Even though the 9 year old will be going on all the thrill attractions and the grandparent will be skipping most of the attractions?

Morality has nothing to do with it. Follow the rules and pay the price..

Disney intentionally made the plan flexible and easy. If too many guests take advantage of Disney's generosity the rules will be changed.

 

[slcmkh]

At risk of offending all of those who disagree with Mickman1962 I would have to say that in this day and time we as a people are very quick to try and find any way to get around rules and try to cheat the systemas it were. I will have to agree with mickman who said that it is immoral to use these child credits as adult ones. this is akin to stealing and we as a society try to get away with these things. i do however think that disney should make more options for the plan including making a child a teen and an adult meal or some thing a such I fell that most 9 yr olds do not eat like adults and therfore should not be charged as thus. i would have to agree with ryty44 in that the cheat of the system is what leads to the 9 yr old adult thing and so if this is the case then it is all those who are "cheating' the system that make those who have 9 yr olds to be charged the adult price and thus making us pay more due to those who are cheating the system.

Lewisc, with all due respect to your veteren status on these boards, I do not see the above post as attacking anybody's character. Twinsmama was tactful in her approach to this subject, rendering an opinion on what she believes is right.

Seeing in black and white instead of gray isn't the same as attacking the character of those who see in shades of gray. It is having conviction and standing by it. If she feels it is immoral and stands by that conviction with her actions, don't just assume that she is calling everyone who disagrees with her immoral.

It appears to me that she is refering to the act, not the person. I don't see her trying to foist her view of morality on others with her post. She seems to be stating what works for her, and I see nothing wrong with that.

I may be wrong about this, but it just didn't look like a character attack to me and wasn't deserving of the response you gave. There has been a lot of excellent discussion on this thread, and much of it has been productive. I saw nothing wrong with what she said or the way she said it and feel like her comments were well-intentioned and reasoned, and added to this thread.

You attacked her character by calling her way of thinking "very offensive and rude." All she did was render an opinion, and I think she did so with grace.

Just my opinion.

 

[k-rat]

Hey RYTY enjoy your vacation and please don't listen to the moralist. Pool your credits just as the disney reps said it can be done.you are doing nothing wrong. I wonder if those with Disney morals have the same views on everything else in life that has rules. Do they write every corporation to ensure that the corporation is being protected or do they listen to the reps of the corporation. I think or should I say I know that when ever a person says something is white there will be some cantangerous person who will disagree that it is grey or even black.
Enjoy and remember the movie GRUMPY OLD MEN sounds like some on this board. They just can't believe anybody who disagrees with them or THEIR MORALS.

 

[jonkatony]

Lewisc this is a discussion forum and I find your comments offensive and rude.This obviously is someones opinion and agree with it or not they have the right to it.
The person being rude is you. Prove you are right by all means but show some respect, if someone has a different point of view to you it should not offend you.

 

[mickman1962]

Disney has already said you're wrong. Take the time to read the rules of the plan and read the brochure.

What part are you refering to? The part where it says children on the plan MUST order off the children's menu if one is available? I must keep skipping over the part where it states "even though you paid to have your child be on the meal plan at a reduced rate, we encourage you to use the plan as you see fit. Do not hesitate to treat some of your adult friends to a nice meal".

Again, while it does not specify that it can not be used the way you say, it also isn't 20 pages long stating many other ways it can't be used. Adult plan and Child plan, can't be much simpler. Disney tried to keep it simple, I think because that they believe that most people will use it in it's intended form. Again I dont think they'll change it because a small percentage of the people will use it to their advantage. But by all means keep rationalizing, at least you're convincing yourself.

 

[Lewisc]

Lewisc this is a discussion forum and I find your comments offensive and rude.This obviously is someones opinion and agree with it or not they have the right to it.
The person being rude is you. Prove you are right by all means but show some respect, if someone has a different point of view to you it should not offend you.

I stand by my comments. Accusing someone of theft and stealing is rude and offensive when that person is following Disney's rules.