? about free dining & downgrading

[dalton165]

Does anyone know if you can "downgrade" the free dining option and receive more CS meals instead?

 

[RACHELSMOM1]

Huh??

 

[dalton165]

okay, maybe downgrading is the wrong term.

I've been having a heck of a time making ADR's and I am not sure it I really want to be so tied down to having to be at a specific restaurant at a certain time. I was thinking that it might be easier to just do CS meals instead.

Obviously, it's not worth it for just an even trade 1 TS for 1 CS. I was wondering if you could get something like 2 CS for 1 TS. It would also save us some $$$ on Tips.

 

[RACHELSMOM1]

Is this your first time to WDW? or DP?

 

[Dizneydaz]

Previosly during free DDP Disney has offered a trade of 1 TS for 1CS plus a little something extra. I think a lanyard and also I may remember an extra snack. Nothing has been mentioned this year. If something is done it'll probably be offered once the first free diners arrive at WDW. And if it's offered, you can be sure it'll show up here (Aug. 16)

Make your ADRs so at least you'll have a place to eat (we do dinners). If your plans change you can try to make new ones while there. (We do this all the time). My family will be there for 11 nights. I made most of our ADRs at non-park (resort, DTD) restaurants just in case we aren't in the parks that day. I agree about being tied down but you really should make one ADR a day, just to be sure. And if you decide not to eat at a TS you can certainly use a CS, even if they don't offer a trade. I wouldn't do it if I was paying for it, but if it's free, it's not like you're losing $$

HTH.

 

[dalton165]

Yes for both

 

[Seahunt]

I agree with Dizneydaz - IF it will be allowed they will annnounce it and it will be only for the free dining period.

From the Disney Dining Plan FAQ sticky thread:

Can I use TS credits for CS meals?
Not generally. During the free dining promotions in August/September, Disney has extended offers to use TS credits for CS meals (plus extras such as snacks, lanyards or merchandise), but such offers are temporary and usually confined to the free dining promotion period. Outside this offer, some (but not all) resort front desks have allowed some (but not all) guests to convert some of their remaining TS credits into CS credits, with the understanding that it is a one for one conversion (no extras such as snacks) and once converted, they cannot be converted back. However, that is not an official part of the Dining Plan, and you may or may not be successful in getting your resort front desk to do this for you.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2054845

 

[irish_trip_mom]

I have to agree with OP, making ADRS has been a pain since the online reservations came into play. We just made our Disney reservations 10 days ago for the end of July, so of course we were behind the 8 ball on ADRS, but I found there was virtually NOTHING available. I spent hours online trying to make ANY reservations, not even the really hard-to-get places, and finally pretty much gave up. Our travel agent had warned me that she felt like there was going to be a lot of double booking and no shows to restaurants, which is fine for a walk-in dinner, but not so great if you wanted to try for an early morning ressie at Crystal Palace.

We have young kids, our one son has autism, so sitting eating a dinner is not exactly relaxing or high priority for us, so like the OP, we'd be fine on most of our meals being counter services. Will have to keep my eye open to see if anything changes after free dining starts. Thanks for that heads up!

 

[eyor44]

We have only done the Deluxe plan, but I thought you could get a CS in place of a TS. Didn't think that matter. I do know you can't get a TS for a CS though.