A Question about Dining OOP

[BudgieMama]

Last year when we went to WDW, we stayed at SSR, so were eligible for the free dining plan. However, next year, we are staying a CSR, which means we only get free QSDP. We're celebrating both our anniversary and my birthday whilst we are there, so are looking to book a couple of restaurants and pay for them out of pocket.

As we were on DDP last year, I'm not sure what the "rules" are about sharing courses and the such. I've not got a huge appetite, and found I had too much food last year. The portion sizes are big enough that we would rarely need 2 full main courses between us- one main and a side or two would give us plenty for a main, and then maybe we'd share a dessert and a starter too. What is permitted with regards to sharing food when you're not on the dining plan? Would it be a problem only ordering one main between two adults, or would they insist we both bought one? I often order a starter as my main course when eating out here...

If there are rules, are they different at "normal" and signature restaurants? My DH would LOVE to eat a Le Ceiller, but if we have to order two full main courses, it is probably a waste of our money, as I wouldn't be able to eat most of it. If we can order one main, and a couple of sides, that changes things Obviously, if it's a problem/not OK in the Disney rule book/whatever, we'll bear that in mind. I just wanted to make sure we knew what was going on!

Many thanks in advance!

 

[purple figment]

As long as you are at a table service restaurant (regular or signature) where you order from a menu and are paying out of pocket you can order whatever you wish. My daughter and I often order an app and an entree to share. Some places will split it for you in the kitchen and others just brought out an extra plate.

You cannot share and everyone will have to pay at buffets, family style all you care to eat venues (e.g. 'Ohana), fixed price meals (e.g. CRT, Akershus), the 3 dinner shows, the Fantasmic and Candlelight Processional dining packages, the family style platter at Whispering Canyon Cafe and special event dining (e.g. fireworks shows, Dine with an Imagineer, F&W special events).

 

[BudgieMama]

Thank you, @purple figment - that is extremely helpful! That makes planning much easier! I hate wasting food, so I feel much happier about booking places now! DH is delighted that we won't have to rule Le Ceillier out too! He just did a little happy dance when I told him!

 

[CynBeth]

We never do the dining plan and pay OOP with a Disney Gift Card and have been able to split meals at TS such as Le Cellier or BOG and get a child sized portion of spaghetti and meatballs at Tony's.

 

[purple figment]

You're welcome! And congratulations on your anniversary and birthday. Be sure to wear your buttons while you are at DW.

At Le Cellier the bone in rib eye is one of my favorite steaks, although I notice the menu now says boneless rib eye. My daughter and I have split the rib eye and subbed the mushroom risotto in place of the potatoes.

 

[minnie mum]

CynBeth raised a good point. If you typically have a small appetite, you can order from the children's menu at most Disney a la carte restaurants.

 

[Bernie23]

CSR gets free regular plan on the ddp with free dining, not just the free quick service plan

 

[sharonabe]

CSR gets free regular plan on the ddp with free dining, not just the free quick service plan

I think OP is from the UK and they do have different offers for the free dining.

 

[Nancyg56]

If you share a starter or entree, make sure to tell your server. The chef will split it in the kitchen and both of you will be served your own meal beautifully presented

 

[BudgieMama]

I think OP is from the UK and they do have different offers for the free dining.

Correct:

Values get free breakfast, moderates get free QSDP and deluxe and DVC resorts get free DDP. Plus we can get free dining from January to November (excluding Easter) and book over a year out for if. We're booked for August 2016 with free dining, and have been since April

 

[Jeannie in NJ]

My daughter and I often share meals and they are often split in the kitchen and brought to us on 2 plates.