Can someone teach me about this Free Dining? It has me stressed!

[DJ Disney Kid]

Im one of those people who likes to just eat when Im hungry. I get cranky if I have to wait. Now I leave in 3 weeks and I have the Free Dining but I've never used it before and don't know how it works. Is a counter service meal like ordering a hot dog and fries and thats it? Or does it come with a drink? Also, has anyone tried to downgrade their table meals and just use it for a counter meal? Im not really interested in eating in restaurants as I just prefer chicken strips, hot dogs and hamburgers. So can I tell them at my resort "Hey just use one of my table service meals for this hamburger.", because I would think that would definitely be in Disneys favor that I choose a hot dog over a steak at their fancy restaurants. Can someone just give me better clarification on the whole program and what types of counter service meals I should be able to get. Thanks!

 

[patsal]

If you go to the dining board you will have all of your questions answered, and be able to check on ohter things that you may not have thought of yet. However, for each night of the package you will get a credit for 1 quick service, 1 snack and 1 table service per person. With QS you are entitled to an entree, dessert and beverage or a combo meal, dessert and beverage. Your snack is one item marked with the DDP symbol to make it easier for you to know what is included or not items are under $4.00. Your Table service or TS credit is good for 1 appetizer, 1 entree and one dessert and non alcoholic beverage. Taxes and tips are included.
As far as using TS for CS, I don't think that would be a problem, but I have no idea.

 

[Dizneydaz]

We've used the plan twice now and are doing it again in Sept. I've never tried to use TS for CS and I don't know if the will let you. However, if they don't, I think you could order takeout at TS and eat it elsewhere-just a suggestion.

It looks like you're there about the same time as we are-we'll trade you some CS for TS-just kidding!

Feel free to PM if I can answer any ???. Like I said, we've used it twice now and have become very experienced with it.

 

[tinkamom]

Why don't you want to use your TS? Have you gone to allearsnet.com and looked at the menus? Maybe you can find something you like, its nice to take a break in a nice air conditioned restaurant after walking around for hours in the hot sun!

 

[Cameo]

I'm just like in that when I get hungry I get a bit cranky. From what I've been hearing you should be prepared to wait in lines at the counter service places too. Be prepared that you may not be able to walk up and immediately get food. I'm preparing myself for longer lines than normal and will try not to get so cranky!!

 

[gigi1313]

are you traveling alone or w/others? perhaps they'd like to use some of your TS (table service aka sit-down meals) and you could use some of their CS (counter service meals)?

if you like to eat when you're hungry, and you don't like to plan when that will be, your best bet, since it is free, is to ask at your resort if you could exchange TS for CS or even ask at the CS window... the worse that could happen is they say 'no'

also, you could make a few TS ressies if you know generally what day you'll be in what park and go for breakfasts 'cause you *know* you'll be hungry in the morning, right? and buffet breakfasts will get you fed asap or close thereto...

perhaps you could also eat TS at your resort (depending on where you're staying)... as resort restaurants are better at last minute ressies than park restauarants...

if you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask...

 

[HaleyB]

touringplans.com is reporting that they will let you trade a TS credit for a CS plus 2 snacks during free dining.

Do expect lines for food, longer than the lines for rides on some days. Eat early or late to avoid the worst of it.

 

[PortieOwner]

Have a little snack before the meal to take the edge off. Wish we had done this more when we were faced with a dining wait.

Portie

 

[Lewisc]

The podium of every restaurant, guest services in each park and the concierge (guest services) count in the resorts have access to all the restaurants. When you know where you're going to be walk up and ask them to check for availability.