Appetizer instead of Dessert???

[jmdisney]

Last time we had the dining plan, with the table service we received an appetizer. I would much rather be able to order a salad or appetizer with my meals than a dessert. I don't need dessert after every meal. Are you able to exchange a dessert for a salad with your meals?

 

[OandA]

No you cannot. Which is why I don't get the dining plan. We did once and we always got dessert and almost never ate it. We paid more for the dining plan than we would have Out of Pocket and we got desserts rather than salads.

 

[jmdisney]

That's really a shame because it's so hard to eat right to begin with. This just makes it tougher

 

[OandA]

That's really a shame because it's so hard to eat right to begin with. This just makes it tougher

I personally believe Disney does this because it makes you seriously consider upgrading to the Deluxe Dining Plan which DOES include appetizers.

It is also significantly more expensive and requires you to do a LOT of eating at table service restaurants (at least 2 a day, and hopefully one of those is a signature) to make it worth it.

 

[2Tiggies]

That's really a shame because it's so hard to eat right to begin with. This just makes it tougher

If it helps at all, you can ask for something like fresh fruit (or just ask what they have that is healthy for dessert when they get there). The restaurants do keep simple items even if not on the menu and most will be able to accommodate you.

 

[brymolmom]

I personally believe Disney does this because it makes you seriously consider upgrading to the Deluxe Dining Plan which DOES include appetizers.

It is also significantly more expensive and requires you to do a LOT of eating at table service restaurants (at least 2 a day, and hopefully one of those is a signature) to make it worth it.

IMO they do this for very valid reasons. Many families would opt to split one or two appetizer/salads and then split one or two desserts - thus increasing the time that table is utilized and reducing turnover due to 3 courses being served to most tables vs. just 2 - not to mention desserts are usually way less expensive to make.
Tips it too far to the benefit of the customer this way, IMO.

 

[TDC Nala]

There's always the option of not using a dining plan; then you can order the exact items you want. If you use a Disney gift card you can get the prepayment option without the dining plan.

If you go up to the deluxe plan you have then prepaid for the appetizer AND the dessert, which won't help those who just don't want the dessert.

If you really want the plan, you can always ask if the restaurant will substitute fresh fruit. You cannot substitute your dessert for an appetizer, but some places may provide substitute desserts.

 

[WDWHappyHaunt1000]

I've been with friends that don't eat dessert because of health reasons and Disney has allowed them to get an appetizer instead.

 

[hannahdrewmom]

I've been with friends that don't eat dessert because of health reasons and Disney has allowed them to get an appetizer instead.

We have asked a multitude of times.... and always gotten the same answer.... NO. I wouldn't bank on being able to do this. If you are not happy with the way the dining plan is set up (ie. meal and dessert) then don't get the dining plan. They do not have to exchange them for you and in 3 separate trips of asking no one has ever said yes. But I keep asking anyway!

 

[TDC Nala]

I've been with friends that don't eat dessert because of health reasons and Disney has allowed them to get an appetizer instead.

In all the years the dining plan has been in effect and has not included an appetizer on the basic (since 2008) there have been only two reports of persons being allowed to order appetizers in place of desserts: one was a "my friend told me that their friend was able to do this" and one was probably a pot-stirrer. This is the third report. Granted it seems to be more reliable because the poster says they actually witnessed this.

Because the vast majority of reports are that this substitution is not allowed under any circumstances, I would not advise that anyone count on being able to switch your desserts for an appetizer on the basic dining plan for any reason, including medical conditions. It's definitely unlikely to be done if you just prefer not to eat the dessert.

 

[clanmcculloch]

This is coming from somebody with a child who has actually had it happen where a restaurant does not have any desserts that are safe for the child to eat (as an adult on the dining plan). She was offered fruit. That's it. No other option was allowed and definitely not an appetizer. I guess if a fruit platter is considered an appetizer then she was given an appetizer but I wouldn't call that allowing a substitution. I would think they may allow some cheese with the fruit as a dessert option for somebody who has to be careful with carbs for medical reasons but again, this would be a dessert portion and served at the same time as dessert rather than being served as an appetizer. Disney is EXTREMELY accomodating of all kinds of dietary needs, but they DO NOT substitute appetizers for desserts on the dining plan, regardless of reasons.

WDWHappyHaunt1000, Were your friends given the appetizer at the beginning of the meal or at the same time as the desserts? What appetizer were they actually given?

 

[aubriee]

Because the vast majority of reports are that this substitution is not allowed under any circumstances, I would not advise that anyone count on being able to switch your desserts for an appetizer on the basic dining plan for any reason, including medical conditions. It's definitely unlikely to be done if you just prefer not to eat the dessert.

I agree. My mom is a diabetic and despite me telling her it is not allowed, she always says it doesn't hurt to ask. Not once have they allowed her to order an appetizer in place of a dessert, even when she says she doesn't eat desserts for medical reasons. She is always offered a sugar free dessert or fresh fruit. I've got to give her credit though, she keeps asking. She's very polite about it, but has been refused every single time.

 

[aclov]

There's always the option of not using a dining plan; then you can order the exact items you want. If you use a Disney gift card you can get the prepayment option without the dining plan.

Gift card - this is a great idea! I might try this for our next trip, just set a budgeted amount and get a gift card for meals. I liked the DDP because it's prepayed but as other people posted I also prefer the app instead.

 

[jmdisney]

Thanks for all of the feedback. I think the Gift Cards are a really good suggestion too.

 

[TDC Nala]

The thing to remember about the gift cards is you don't have the option of ordering items that cost more than the amount of the dining plan prepayment. This is why the dining plan is so popular. For many it ends up saving money that they would ordinarily spend on food. For those who don't want to eat the way the plans are set up (like those who don't want the desserts), it turns out to be more of a wash or even loses money. At that point you might as well use a gift card, because DDP's just a prepayment thing for you anyway.

 

[lmc318]

When I first learned about Disney not doing apps in the dining plan I was so bummed because DH and I would prefer apps over dessert any day of the week and twice on Sunday. Having said that, I think the reason Disney made the change is that desserts are cheaper to make than appetizers. Especially some of the apps on the menus. It's much cheaper to give a slice of cake for free than a bowl of mussels. Still bums me out though.

For us the dining plan is cheaper because we will do TS every day and don't want to limit what we can get. We would easily spend $45pp/pd on food at Disney between CS and TS meals, so it's worth it. We'll just get an app on our own tab if we really want it and bring the dessert back to the room for later or not get it at all. I don't think it's a waste not getting it because it's not that much of the cost anyway. To each his/her own, though.

You have to do what's right for you. If you are fine budgeting yourself and watching what you order on the menu, then maybe dining plan isn't good for you. For me, I don't want to think about it and worry and calculate and ugh. It would just be stress on vacation which is what I DON'T want.