asking for appetizers instead of entrees on the dining plan?

[kleekelly613]

hi, my husband and I are vegetarians and he really wants to try the skippers canteen. I'm not crazy about spicy food and the only veggie option is a curry so I was wondering if Disney let's you maybe substitute two appetizers for an entree when youre on the dining plan? thank you!

 

[supersnoop]

Nope, never. That might be a good opportunity to save a credit for later, or reconsider the dining plan.

 

[loves to dive]

You could pay out of pocket for your appetizer, let your husband use the DP credit for his meal then have your credit to use for something later on.

 

[kleekelly613]

That's a smart idea loves to dive, thank you!

 

[Hopefully]

You can order whatever you would like and pay OOP.
Disney never allowed even 1 appetizer on the dining plan, let alone 2.
Have Fun

 

[Jadyreen1282]

You know, it never hurts to ask. But yep never allowed before.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

FYI, I too run into the same problem, as I often prefer not to eat meat. You should ask. At TRex, they've allowed me to order an appetizer as my meal, but just one, of course. It is not a good use of a TS credit though. I'll often pay OOP for my cheap meals, and then pool those credits.

 

[HopperFan]

You can order whatever you would like and pay OOP.
Disney never allowed even 1 appetizer on the dining plan, let alone 2.
Have Fun

Actually when we started getting the DDP in 2006 it included an appetizer and gratuities. After a few years they dropped one then the other.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

wondering if Disney let's you maybe substitute two appetizers for an entree

1) Very slim chances.
2) But, as mentioned, one can always ask.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

The appetizers are the "profit center" for the restaurants. (which is why they seem to have better options IMHO) So it's unlikely that they would allow you to trade in a "cheap cost" entrée on "high cost appetizers"

 

[lovewdwfun]

Is your DDP part of free dining? If not, I might reconsider it. I am a vegetarian and the math never works out for me to get the dining plan - vegetarian meals are much less expensive than the meat entrees at most restaurants, so the pay back just isn't there.

 

[Polydweller]

The appetizers are the "profit center" for the restaurants. (which is why they seem to have better options IMHO) So it's unlikely that they would allow you to trade in a "cheap cost" entrée on "high cost appetizers"

Actually, the profit center for restaurants is drinks not food. The main issue with appetizers is that they don't keep much more than one day while most dessert items will last at least two and often longer. So restaurants end up throwing out a larger quantity of appetizers and appetizer ingredients than desserts. Since the restaurant has paid for all of the stuff it throws out those wastage costs cut into profits.

Disney's policy is to not encourage appetizers so the chances of the op getting one without paying OOP is low.

 

[sharadoc]

I would plan to pay out of pocket, but ask the server if they would make one appetizer as an entrée portion size. My DS has food limitations, and they have made him sides or kids meals into adult portions at a few restaurants for him. Because you're vegetarian, there is a real reason to ask rather than "just for fun." You just might get it if it is a reasonable request.

 

[ShannonMB]

I don't think they would allow subbing an app for an entrée, but Disney is known for accommodating food restrictions. When you go, you could just tell your server the situation and see if the chef could whip up something to your liking!

 

[supersnoop]

The appetizers are the "profit center" for the restaurants. (which is why they seem to have better options IMHO) So it's unlikely that they would allow you to trade in a "cheap cost" entrée on "high cost appetizers"

Did you mean "cost center?" Profit center is kind of the opposite of what you go on to describe.

Appetizers are usually the more unique and complicated, yet lower-priced items on the menu. They make much less on appetizers than entrees.

 

[gtpoohbear]

I'm a vegetarian as well, and never had any trouble getting TS to come up with some sort of accommodation, even on the DDP. They often have a separate veggie menu that isn't published, you have to ask. But I've also put together my own meal from sides, or modifying other entrees. Sometimes the chef has put together something completely unique. They might be willing to make an entree-sizee app, but it will be up to the server/ restaurant. But if not that, they WILL come up with something you can eat.

 

[loves to dive]

I'm a vegetarian as well, and never had any trouble getting TS to come up with some sort of accommodation, even on the DDP. They often have a separate veggie menu that isn't published, you have to ask. But I've also put together my own meal from sides, or modifying other entrees. Sometimes the chef has put together something completely unique. They might be willing to make an entree-sizee app, but it will be up to the server/ restaurant. But if not that, they WILL come up with something you can eat.

They do have a veggie entre on the menu, just not one OP is interested in is the problem for her. Not for nothing, my son and had that entre and it wasn't really very spicy but we are big fans of curry so we might not have noticed.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Actually, the profit center for restaurants is drinks not food. The main issue with appetizers is that they don't keep much more than one day while most dessert items will last at least two and often longer. So restaurants end up throwing out a larger quantity of appetizers and appetizer ingredients than desserts. Since the restaurant has paid for all of the stuff it throws out those wastage costs cut into profits.

Disney's policy is to not encourage appetizers so the chances of the op getting one without paying OOP is low.

You are right in that the major profit is drinks, but the menus also tell me that there's more 'freedom' on the appetizer side. It's gotten to the point where half my meals are appetizer only since the mains keep getting more generic and dumbed down. it's very evident that they have to "sell appetizers" so there's still some creativity and profit left there.


At Disney everything has to make a profit..... So if you show up on the DDP and want to swap the "low cost cheap" beef on the menu for the high cost seafood appetizer, you are going to get told no. "low cost" vs "high cost" If they give you "high cost" food then they don't make a profit on the DDP!

But if it costs X to make an appetizer they can still make money of it by pricing it to reflect the price. If it costs X to make and entrée and they are not getting X from the DDP you won't get offered that entrée. Your offerings are now limited to what can be profitable on the small reimbursement!