Can you get a CS meal using a TS credit?

[kjetjl]

We are going to WDW during the free dining promotion. We are staying 11 nights and only have 9 ADRs. If we have extra TS credits near the end of the trip, can we order a CS meal using those TS credits. We are staying at POP so can't use TS at the hotel and with 6 kids using WDW transportation, it will be no easy feat getting to other resort restaurants. Thanks.

 

[Princess Stitch]

Last year they had a promotion where you could use 1TS credit at a CS restaurant and get a lanyard/pin or poster as well as your meal. They might do this again during free dining but nothing has been announced yet. I don't know if you can do this in general.

Why not look into booking a dinner show like Hoop De Doo Review or eating at Cinderella's Royal Table wher it uses up 2 TS credits per person. That way at least you won't be stuck with leftover.

 

[kaytieeldr]

According to the published rules of the Disney Dining Plan, no.

However, in the past Guests have reported being able to do exactly what you want. Either:
- A manager at their resort approved/authorized it, or
- During last year's Free dining, due to an abundance of Guests without reservations, Disney made an official temporary change in how credits could be used (POP added some ‘real-meal’ type selections; Guests were allowed to exchange TS credits for CS and a small gift). That does not mean Disney will do the same thing this year; it will likely depend on demand/need.

 

[kjetjl]

Did they announce the promotion to exchange the TS for CS (and small gift) or was it something you just found out about by asking when you arrived.
Thanks for the replies. It helps knowing I shouldn't count on the exchange.

 

[Princess Stitch]

Did they announce the promotion to exchange the TS for CS (and small gift) or was it something you just found out about by asking when you arrived.
Thanks for the replies. It helps knowing I shouldn't count on the exchange.

I remember reading about it on allears at the end of August last year. I guess when free dining kicked in they realized there weren't enough ADRs to go around. If they announce anything this year look for it near the middle/end of August probably.

 

[klinlin]

It's not hard to get to the Poly. CR, or WL from MK. Same goes for the EPCOT and MGM hotels. Also, Pop has a bus to downtown Disney. I would definitely make ADR's. You can always cancel them later on, but it will be difficult if not impossible to get ADR's once you are there. Just my 2 cents.

 

[kjetjl]

I went ahead and made two additional ADRs just to be safe. On the days we are going to the waterparks, I was hoping to just hop the bus to the hotel and just stay put one evening. I am just happy to have the free dining.

To those who were there last year during free dining, how were the crowds at the parks for rides? Also, did you wait a long time for your ADR time?
Thanks again.

 

[Princess Stitch]

I went ahead and made two additional ADRs just to be safe. On the days we are going to the waterparks, I was hoping to just hop the bus to the hotel and just stay put one evening. I am just happy to have the free dining.

To those who were there last year during free dining, how were the crowds at the parks for rides? Also, did you wait a long time for your ADR time?
Thanks again.

We went the week after labour day last Sept. Our longest wait for anyting was about 10-15 mins for Dumbo in the middle of the day. Most other things were walk on (less than 5 mins). We did grab fastpasses a couple of times. Once the line for peter pan was 40 mins but the fastpass return time was in 15 mins.... go figure.. guess everyone in line had no clue! As for the ADRs, the only one we ever waited for was Le Cellier because we had pretty much the first dinner slot of the night (4pm or 4:30 I think?) and there were a ton of families all waiting to eat at the same time. That was about 10-15 minutes past our ADR time I think. The rest we were seated on time or early.

 

[canwegosoon]

Personally I think the ability to get ADR's is a good judge of how long it is going to take. If you are calling now for Aug/Sept...and you are still able to get ADR's at your choice of resstaurants...then it will not be too busy. BUT if WDW dining is telling you what is available or resort dining is the only availability, then I would start to worry about getting other ADR's, being able to use the dining plan, and how crowded it will be in the parks. I already know LDW is going to be a little busy(not like Easter or CHristmas...but I would not go without ADR's in hand...tripple checked)

 

[Huff]

Last January I watched a woman at POP purchase a small cheese pizza, coke and a cookie and use a TS credit as thats all she had left on her card.

 

[tasha99]

To those who were there last year during free dining, how were the crowds at the parks for rides? Also, did you wait a long time for your ADR time?
Thanks again.

I went during free dining last year (week after Labor Day) and the parks were very empty even though the restaurants were packed. Fantasyland had long lines though, perhaps because the preschool set doesn't have to worry about school dates. We used fastpass for those rides, but walked on to most of the coasters.

I had ADR's at Le Cellier, Scifi, San Angel Inn, Ohana, and Teppanyaki. Le Cellier and Scifi were walk ins. Ohana and Teppanyaki, 10 minute wait. San Angel Inn was around 20 minutes, but only because we wanted to wait for a seat by the river.

 

[kjetjl]

We went the week after labour day last Sept. Our longest wait for anyting was about 10-15 mins for Dumbo in the middle of the day. Most other things were walk on (less than 5 mins). We did grab fastpasses a couple of times. Once the line for peter pan was 40 mins but the fastpass return time was in 15 mins.... go figure.. guess everyone in line had no clue! As for the ADRs, the only one we ever waited for was Le Cellier because we had pretty much the first dinner slot of the night (4pm or 4:30 I think?) and there were a ton of families all waiting to eat at the same time. That was about 10-15 minutes past our ADR time I think. The rest we were seated on time or early.

We are going for 12 days right after Labor Day. I feel so much better. The last few trips we have taken to Disney have had pretty heavy crowds. During President's week a few years ago, we waited to ride Peter Pan for over two hours. I thought it was crazy but my kids love the ride and didn't want to leave until we rode it "one last time." We have not gotten on many rides in 10-15 minutes, let alone less than 5 min. since our first trip in '99. If we hit a couple days like that, my kids will LOVE it! So will I. Thanks.

And thanks to all who have replied!

 

[paulh]

A taxi from pop to akl is only $15 so why not eat at bomas one night.We have decided rather than relly on disney transport for resort resturants to use taxis since food is free
Paulh

 

[**tinkerbell**]

i was thinking of getting a taxi back from animal kingdom lodge to pop (adr at boma at 9pm) where there taxis lined up outside or did you have to call for one? thanks