Can anyone eat this much?

[cam8n]

This thread is a little hard to follow.



OP: You start off asking for advice, as if you were in agreement with most of the posters (that you have too many TS ADRs booked per day) then you change your opinion as quick as a bolt of lightning.

Have you used the DDP before? It really is too much food. Check out the menus http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm here.

To each his own. IMO, If you choose to follow your plan, you are wasting a lot of park time and a lot of $$$.

If you are fairly certain that you are going to dine at all of your ADRs (or any future ADRs that you schedule) then by all means go ahead and eat until your heart... I mean stomach is content. However, please do not schedule ADRs as a back-up plan. There have been some threads posted in the past about Disney deleting multiple ADRs for the same meal (two for breakfast, two for lunch, or two for dinner on the same day).

again when you jump in, in the middle and dont read all the post you may not understand . The reason for post is because we were told you have to book every meal (adr) if you want a ts meal,(we have never done ddp) which I think is nutz
because I not sure exactly when we will be hungry and where we will be at evey given moment ect ect ect. after reading some post we agreed we would not want to do a lunch if we were doing a breakfast and dinner so we cancelled those and to let you know the lady at wdw-dine said oh you should keep them and then cancel if you think you cant use them why here!!(lol) which is why they dont ask for a credit card! But we said no that they were to much, so no lunches just breakfast and a dinner, cs meals for a snack in between if needed,
And as far as having to pay for some we know! and its ok not a big deal money is not the issue on this trip we would rather have a couple ts meals a day and be waited and get to check out some of the resturants, if we have breakfast at 8 and dinner at 6-7 theres more then enough time to see the parks especially in sept!
I think people are thinking we are just booking these with no intention of going to any, which is not the case, we hope to make them all,(I dont think we could have if we kept the lunches) I just did not know the disney dining plan was this crazy as far as restaurants booking up! Three places are full and we cant even get in , chef mickeys, boma, and fantasmic package, I thought it was crazy to make adr for every day but from what some are posting on here it sounds like its a good idea to do it.

 

[gigi1313]

i'm going to jump in one more time, but assure you that i have read all the posts...

yes, ADRs are necessary for the more popular park and resort restaurants, esp during free dining... but it's been our experience [in sept/during free dining] that breakfasts are usually easy to secure the night before (just hit disney dining on your resort phone) as are dinner at less popular places (resort restaurants like boatwrights, shutters, etc)... again, we were more than able to get dining ressies a day in advance for the days we had no ADRs or when we changed our plans around a bit (and yes, we canceled what we didn't use)

 

[Laura]

It is definitely wise to cancel a TS lunch if you think you'll be doing a TS dinner. That gets to be way too much food, especially in the Florida heat. TS breakfast and TS dinner is different, naturally.

And you're not required to order an appetizer and an entree and a dessert at every meal on the DDP, you can just order an entree.



ETA: I don't know why some people are so angry that the OP wants to make ADRs for all these meals. Some people want to eat that many TS meals. As long as someone is not double-booking two restaurants for the same meal, it shouldn't matter to anyone. If I want to, I am able to make ADRs for every single meal of the day for my next trip. And I don't think people should be getting on my back for it. Maybe I'll just order an appetizer for dinner, what's it to anyone else?

 

[MickeyNicki]

Cape May is the best buffet breakfast we have been to and we have tried CP (that is still a killer breakfast), Donalds, Princess Breakfast and 1900 Park Faire.

The fruit is awesome and so much of it, they have a delish bread pudding and the place is not that busy so you get a lot of character time. They "talk" with you using a crayon and the paper tablecloths, Goofy, Minnie, Chip and Dale are adorable in their bathing suits.

 

[HunnyPots]

OK let me give this a try...

Yes, I have read all the posts.
I understand that you don't care if you run out of TS credits.
I understand that you want two TS meals per day even if it costs oop.

Now if all you are asking is, "do I really need to make reservations for all my ts meals?", then the answer is a resounding YES!

If you find that to be ridiculous, as you mentioned, then don't do it. If you get to eat where you want, great. If not, well, you'll have to adjust your plans and maybe eat those cs meals after all.

 

[allyphoe]

again when you jump in, in the middle and dont read all the post you may not understand . The reason for post is because we were told you have to book every meal (adr) if you want a ts meal,(we have never done ddp) which I think is nutz

I think most people's confusion (mine included) has nothing to do with reading all the posts, but rather with your repeated references to the DDP and the fact that you titled your thread "Can anyone eat this much?" and went on to say you were sure you couldn't.

Since you eventually said you want to do TS meals for reasons that have nothing to do with wanting to eat large portions, I'm not sure why you've invited people to speculate as to whether you could manage to consume multiple TS meals in a day.

That you're using the DDP to pay for some of your meals has nothing to do with your question, which seems to be "Do I really need ADRs for every TS meal?" And the answer to that is yes, regardless of how you plan to pay, unless you're very flexible in terms of where and when you eat.

 

[faindrops27]

Ok Op. Let's start over. I think since you have not done the DDP. It is a bit confusing to you. It was for me also, at first.

Ok, now.
1. You will have 1 Table Service meal per day, for each person in your party(TS)
2. 1 Counter Service Meal,(CS) per person. Per day
3. 1 Snack Per person, Per day.

What you need an ADR for is for dinner. That is a Table service meal,(TS) where you sit down, and order your meals. Or a buffet.

What, people usually do, is wing breakfast. Eat at a counter service (CS) meal. For example tangierine Cafe in Epcot(yum) Then, use thier Table service(TS) meal for dinner.

I have done the above. And I am pretty much stuffed. And, I am a big eater.

You do not need an ADR. For each meal. Only for your Table service meal(TS) .

Breakfast, my opinion is. If you want to do a special breakfast, maybe 2 or three is sufficient. I usually pay OOP for Kona' breakfast. I just cannot pass that up. But, eating a full breakfast 6 or 7 days?? I would never do that. You can use a snack credit for a french toast loaf at MK. Or you could also just buy a platter of breakfast fare, at your onsite hotel OOP.

I am trying to explain all of this as clear and precise. Also, you know your family. So, you pretty much know what time you all would like to eat lunch, or dinner. Just plan around that.

Example. I know, my family likes breakfast. So what I do is I pick up a danish, and something to drink, in our refillable mugs before heading to the park.(I pay OOP for this, usually otherwise a snack credit) Around 10 or 11. We head to lunch to use our (CS). Then around 7 or 8. (We eat late.) We head for our ADR, where we use our (TS) for the day.

I hope this makes it easier for you to see. Anyway, whatever you choose have a magical vacation!

 

[faindrops27]

I think most people's confusion (mine included) has nothing to do with reading all the posts, but rather with your repeated references to the DDP and the fact that you titled your thread "Can anyone eat this much?" and went on to say you were sure you couldn't.

Since you eventually said you want to do TS meals for reasons that have nothing to do with wanting to eat large portions, I'm not sure why you've invited people to speculate as to whether you could manage to consume multiple TS meals in a day.

That you're using the DDP to pay for some of your meals has nothing to do with your question, which seems to be "Do I really need ADRs for every TS meal?" And the answer to that is yes, regardless of how you plan to pay, unless you're very flexible in terms of where and when you eat.

I am thinking the OP, is just confused Since, he has never used the DDP

 

[Laura]

I am thinking the OP, is just confused Since, he has never used the DDP

No, it seems the OP understands it perfectly and has said that they'll pay OOP for the TS meals that aren't covered under the plan.

 

[gigi1313]

i'm of the opinion that the OP wants this to be the "dining tour of wdw" and see more of the inside of restaurants than rides and shows and attractions... he also seems to be of the opinion that there will be no crowds, no lines, no waits and will be able to walk on/into rides/shows/attractions and won't need a lot of touring time to accomplish visiting the four parks in seven days w/two small children and some grandparents...

i am of the opinion that one can do one or other, not both (enjoy a lot of sit-down meals or do a lot of touring), at least not both well w/out sacrificing sleep! also, what i keep in mind when visiting the world in september is that the parks tend to close early (due to it being value season) which limits one's touring time considerably... especially when peak touring time is being occupied by sit-down breakfast! (and jftr, i have *never* been in/out of a disney TS restaurant in 45 mins or even an hour... after the typical 15 minute wait for your table, the requisite visits/autographs/photo ops from the characters, the multiple trips to the rest room, interrupted by multiple trips to the buffet, you then have the average ten minute wait for your bill along w/the photo salesperson visiting to sell you your disney photos)

 

[cam8n]

i'm of the opinion that the OP wants this to be the "dining tour of wdw" and see more of the inside of restaurants than rides and shows and attractions... he also seems to be of the opinion that there will be no crowds, no lines, no waits and will be able to walk on/into rides/shows/attractions and won't need a lot of touring time to accomplish visiting the four parks in seven days w/two small children and some grandparents...

i am of the opinion that one can do one or other, not both (enjoy a lot of sit-down meals or do a lot of touring), at least not both well w/out sacrificing sleep! also, what i keep in mind when visiting the world in september is that the parks tend to close early (due to it being value season) which limits one's touring time considerably... especially when peak touring time is being occupied by sit-down breakfast! (and jftr, i have *never* been in/out of a disney TS restaurant in 45 mins or even an hour... after the typical 15 minute wait for your table, the requisite visits/autographs/photo ops from the characters, the multiple trips to the rest room, interrupted by multiple trips to the buffet, you then have the average ten minute wait for your bill along w/the photo salesperson visiting to sell you your disney photos)

Did I really give you the impression that there would be "no lines,no waits, and just be able to walk on everything?I just dont think I said anything other then we were going in sept and when the crowds are smaller.This trip is not all about dining I think a hour for breakfast in the morning and a 6-7 dinner at night, would still leave alittel bit of time to see things in a 8 day disney trip and we will do some parks twice. I never thought eating a breakfast and dinner at disney would take up a whole day and we would not get anything done? thanks for that info, I hope you have a great trip at the yacht club coming up I hear its really nice!

 

[cam8n]

I think most people's confusion (mine included) has nothing to do with reading all the posts, but rather with your repeated references to the DDP and the fact that you titled your thread "Can anyone eat this much?" and went on to say you were sure you couldn't.

Since you eventually said you want to do TS meals for reasons that have nothing to do with wanting to eat large portions, I'm not sure why you've invited people to speculate as to whether you could manage to consume multiple TS meals in a day.

That you're using the DDP to pay for some of your meals has nothing to do with your question, which seems to be "Do I really need ADRs for every TS meal?" And the answer to that is yes, regardless of how you plan to pay, unless you're very flexible in terms of where and when you eat.

I think you are right ally. I would have written my post alittel different looking back on it now, sorry about that

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Did I really give you the impression that there would be "no lines,no waits, and just be able to walk on everything?I just dont think I said anything other then we were going in sept and when the crowds are smaller.This trip is not all about dining I think a hour for breakfast in the morning and a 6-7 dinner at night, would still leave alittel bit of time to see things in a 8 day disney trip and we will do some parks twice. I never thought eating a breakfast and dinner at disney would take up a whole day and we would not get anything done? thanks for that info, I hope you have a great trip at the yacht club coming up I hear its really nice!

The time you suggest for dinner is even more reason why you will need to make ADRs for your evening meal. That is the time slot that everyone wants. It's somewhat easier to get ADRs for just opening or much later.

If you want to finish breakfast in an hour, I'd plan on a non-character experience. Even though they are mostly buffets, you are many times at the mercy of the characters' schedules and photo ops. I don't find breakfast at these locations to be any quicker than 1.5 hours or more.

The best park touring is done by getting to the park at opening, preferably 1/2 hour before rope drop. Depending on the time of year you're visiting, this can be essential for getting to ride all the rides you want with little or no wait. This is why I suggested earlier to make a LATE breakfast reservation. This allows you to linger over a TS breakfast if you want without impacting your touring plan too much. Just grab a CS breakfast at your resort before you go.

Is it too much food? For me, yes, 2 TS a day is a bit much, and makes my planning a little too rigid. I also like to sit and eat at a full service place, and dislike CS, but sometimes it just makes sense to keep that flexibility in my schedule. I'll do one TS breakfast a trip, one dinner show, and keep my other meals TS for dinner/CS for lunch/breakfast in room (I ship down my breakfast foods ahead of time...cereal, soymilk[no refrig. necessary until opened], coffee, creamers,juice boxes,snack foods). This really pares meal time down in my touring plans.

 

[thunderbird1]

Did I really give you the impression that there would be "no lines,no waits, and just be able to walk on everything?I just dont think I said anything other then we were going in sept and when the crowds are smaller.This trip is not all about dining I think a hour for breakfast in the morning and a 6-7 dinner at night, would still leave alittel bit of time to see things in a 8 day disney trip and we will do some parks twice. I never thought eating a breakfast and dinner at disney would take up a whole day and we would not get anything done? thanks for that info, I hope you have a great trip at the yacht club coming up I hear its really nice!

No, 2 meals a day won't take up your entire day, but Disney TS meals do generally take longer than regular restaurant TS meals. I'd figure more like 1.5 hours for breakfast or non-DDP meal, and more like 2 hours for dinner or DDP lunch. When you factor in travel time to/from restaurants/resorts/parks, 2 TS meals a day can easily eat up in the neighborhood of 5 hours a day. You can cut down on that a little by eating where you're staying or playing each day but, even during slow season, Disney is a whole lot of hurry up and wait.

Not to beat a dead horse, but I think the point many are trying to make is 2 TS meals a day on the DDP is a lot of food. The operative words being "on the DDP." Those DDP meals with all the appetizers and desserts are huge. 2 TS meals a day not on the DDP is manageable--you can always just order less. But on the DDP, the vast majority of people order everything in order to get their money's worth. You're getting it free, so maybe that's not as big a concern for you.

Also, since you'll be adding the extra TS breakfasts OOP, be prepared to end up with some unused CS and snack credits. I know it seems like a long time between breakfast and dinner, but I think you'll find if you try to squeeze in CS lunches (with dessert) and snacks, you just won't have room for dinner. We're pretty big eaters, we didn't pay for any extra meals OOP, and we still had leftover CS and snack credits. Based on what most DIS'ers report, that's pretty typical. Again, you're getting the DDP for free, so you probably don't really care about using up every last credit. But don't be surprised if you don't, and be prepared to come home with a few Mickey krispie treats that you'll buy with your leftover snack credits on your last day.

Anyway, have a terrific vacation, and thank your DW for all her obsessive overplanning. It's better to have too many plans and cancel some than not to have enough and find that everything's already booked.

 

[Inkmahm]

I dont want some of you to get the wrong idea she is not booking three different restaurants and then we will decide which one! when there! she is just booking a early pre open breakfast and a dinner everyday and on two days she also booked a lunch at a sit down restaurant, we are there for 8 days. my thing is like this what if between breakfast and dinner i decide to grab a hotdog or turkey leg or whatever and when dinner comes around i dont want to eat a big table service meal I may not want to eat at all for the rest of the night, but what people are saying to us alot is better to have the adr's then to get there and be out of luck! so I can see why people say you might be taken away a adr from someone else but what else can you do? oh and for the record we are doing this with alot of planning you know trying to get adr for restaurants at the parks we are going to be at on that day, and as far as going over the table service meals allowed we are well aware of that and I think some of the places she booked are two ts meals like the polynesian show, so I know I will be paying for some. I just wish there wasnt such a craze to book everything because of the dining plan. it will be interesting, thanks for all the advice I'm glad I found these forums.

Yes, that is probably way too much food to eat if you use all those reservations.

 

[dcgrumpy]

Even if you weren't on the DDP you would have to make your ADR's in advance for the TS meals you really wanted.

 

[Tikitoi]

ETA: I don't know why some people are so angry that the OP wants to make ADRs for all these meals. Some people want to eat that many TS meals. As long as someone is not double-booking two restaurants for the same meal, it shouldn't matter to anyone. If I want to, I am able to make ADRs for every single meal of the day for my next trip. And I don't think people should be getting on my back for it. Maybe I'll just order an appetizer for dinner, what's it to anyone else?

I think it sounded like people were a little upset was because they WEREN'T sure if the OP was going to be eating a TS for lunch then another TS for dinner. Yes he certainly could eat light at one and enjoy the other. But I think a lot of people just weren't sure if he would decide to cancel at the last minute or not. And also that he mentioned he will be paying OOP for some TS makes it more understandable of what he is doing.

 

[mom2alix]

OP - I think the DDP has some folks a little brainwashed. Prior to DDP, we almost never ate CS. 2 TS in one day is acceptable, especially if you're doing breakfast and then a dinner. This is how DH and prefer to do our trips as well. Eating breakfast out is kind of a special treat for vacation.

Getting the inside the park breakfast reservations before opening is also a really smart move. Crystal Palace at 8:00 am or so on a non MEH day is a great way to get a jumpstart on Fantasyland! (Everyone at the front gate is still making their way down Main Street. mostly gaping in awe at the castle and you've already done that earlier! ) You may find that you waste some of your CS credits since you may not be hungry at noon, but if Free Dining was just a plus for you, not something you budgeted for, it's not really a big deal.

I would recommend that you us the TS credits for your dinners and pay OOP for the breakfasts (they're less expensive). I think it's smart that you cancelled the lunch reservations, that would probably have been too much food.

Hope you have a great trip!!

 

[jessieroo]

Here is the best advice I can give you. We used the dining plan on our last trip and we were a group of 15. We booked one meal per day, usually dinner or a late lunch. We only did one breakfast. We always plan ahead by checking the park hours. For example: on our next trip(we are a group of 10) we will be having dinner at 'Ohana at 5:20 & then go to MK for evening EMH. We will be doing a late lunch on monday at the Sci-Fi and stay at MGM for evening EMH. If you are going to do early EMH have a 1 o'clock lunch at that park & return to your hotel for an afternoon break. The restaurants are usually pretty busy so it works best to come up with some type of schedule ahead. We used only the dining plan for food on our last trip and were really stuffed. Other than extra drinks, candied apples, Dole Whips & the candy shop no extra food was bought by anyone.

 

[dalt01]

I dont want some of you to get the wrong idea she is not booking three different restaurants and then we will decide which one! when there! she is just booking a early pre open breakfast and a dinner everyday and on two days she also booked a lunch at a sit down restaurant, we are there for 8 days. my thing is like this what if between breakfast and dinner i decide to grab a hotdog or turkey leg or whatever and when dinner comes around i dont want to eat a big table service meal I may not want to eat at all for the rest of the night, but what people are saying to us alot is better to have the adr's then to get there and be out of luck! so I can see why people say you might be taken away a adr from someone else but what else can you do? oh and for the record we are doing this with alot of planning you know trying to get adr for restaurants at the parks we are going to be at on that day, and as far as going over the table service meals allowed we are well aware of that and I think some of the places she booked are two ts meals like the polynesian show, so I know I will be paying for some. I just wish there wasnt such a craze to book everything because of the dining plan. it will be interesting, thanks for all the advice I'm glad I found these forums.

im sorry, dont get mad but i think it is selfish to make an ADR that you might not use cause you ate a turkey leg but you want to make sure you have one in case you dont eat a turkey leg. all that does is keep someone else from eating in this time slot. you must understand its not like there are lots of ADRS, often certain places are booked up 3 months in advance heck ive called 120 days out and not gotten in to certain places. it really irratates me that i might not be able to eat where i want because some guy made an ADR just in case he did not get full on hot dogs and turkey legs then does and does not show up for his ADR. oh and there is not a craze to book everything because of the dining plan. its because people need to eat and there is a zillion people there and not a zillion seats to be had.