Changes to MYW Dining?

[HayGan]

Wow, this argument always makes me laugh So many people want to say "well, you are abusing the system and not doing what Disney intended to be done with the plan." Well, if that is the case then why has Disney consistently said that credits are pooled together and not treated differently and can be used as the bearer sees fit

Here is what the most recent brochure (which, by the way, is still up on the website) reads:
The Disney Dining Plan includes (1) counter service meal, one (1) snack, and one (1) table service per person, per night of your package stay for everyone in the party age 3+. For example, a party of 4 staying for 5 nights would receive 20 counter service meals, 20 snacks, 20 table service meals to use during their package stay.

Using Your Meals
Use your meals and snacks in any order and in any amount through your package stay until your total is depleted.

For example, on the day of your arrival your party could use (4) counter service meals, and then on day 2 your party could use four (4)table service meals, four (4) counter service meals, and (2) snacks. you can continue using meals any way you like for the rest of your package stay until the number of meals/snacks are depleted.

Disney isn't stupid, they know exactly what they are doing. If me using a "child's" credit for one more expensive meal will keep me on property 100% of the time of my 8 day vacation, Disney wins.

Now if Disney decides they don't want people to do it anymore then they will change it and everyone who works there will be notified. But for now it seems it's acceptable and I don't think people on this board should be called names for doing what is allowed.

I couldn't have said it better myself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

People want to read between the lines and point fingers at others for what is their "interpretation" of what Disney meant rather that what Disney has put in black & white!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[InnerStrength]

I just read on Touringplans.com (part of the Unofficial Guide) that meals on the MYW Dining plan will no longer be "pooled". Each person will their own allotment of meals which they use how they want.
They are waiting for confirmation from Disney. What a bummer

I think it is great as I feel it was exactly how the plan was supposed to be. I don't mind if the credits are "pooled" or not, however an adult credit should be used for a adult meal and a child's, for a child's meal. We are paying for the dining plan and booked through CRO at Disney, and I was never given the impression that I should pay OOP for my kid's food and use their $10 credits for another adult TS meal. It was not until I found these boards and read posts by people who were doing such things that it even entered my mind. Personally, I couldn't believe it and still can't. So what if a cast member suggested that someone do it - does that make it right ? It is not "Disney" who suggested it, but just another person in their employ who is either not too honest or was never explained how the credits work in the first place. Besides with the plan being relatively new a few months back, perhaps some of the CM's thought it was okay, but now that the "bugs" are being worked out, realize that they were originally mistaken, and now do not suggest to the public that it's okay to pay OOP for a child and use their credit for an adult meal at a later time. Same goes for the CM who suggests a family order tons of food in hopes that the bill is nice and high and therefore their tip will be higher as it is included in the plan. I know it's a shame to order more food than my family will eat, and even though we "paid" for it, will not necessarily all order appetizers and desserts at every meal. We never do it now when we go out to dine, so why should we at Disney??? If a CM suggested a high dive off of the TOT, would some fool looking for the ultimate thrill take them up on it? I know, not the same, however my point is, it if something seems shifty, think twice about it.

The way I looked at this MYW dining plan from the get-go was...we will use our paid-for credits as they were intended, and if we run out, just pay OOP for all of us. As far as some people being "bummed" if the plan changes and their plans get foiled (ie. if their "plan" was to use their child's credit for an adult meal), just remember, a few bad apples can spoil the whole bunch. This is JMO and if someone flames me for it, I will still sleep well knowing that I am not taking extra advantage of the plan.

 

[HayGan]

I'm told the "free food" offer for WDW Resort guests will be offered again, starting tomorrow, and running through August 5. Valid dates are supposed to be August 21 - Oct 4.

Len

Thanks for the info, Len (as usual )

I really think if they were going to make such a dramatic change to the plan before such an offer, they would have changed the OFFICIAL publication on the plan to reflect those changes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[GrumpyBa*D]

My oh my, where's the glue factory because this is certainly beating a DEAD HORSE


Just do what you think is right....

 

[novastar]

It seems to me that this doesn't change a thing. You can still 'pool' credits if you want, i.e. order 2 entrees and share for 4, or you still order 1 CS at Ray's Dinner and Share with 2 people. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE (...besides have to present more than one card at checkout) IS THAT CHILDREN'S CREDITS CANNOT BE USED FOR ADULTS FOOD! Obviously some big implications, but it is really the only difference as a result of the change.

 

[Pedler]

Getting this back to the main post, Has anyone confirmed the change and when it is supposed to take effect? I am curious if and when this is going to happen or if it is still in the rumor or planning stages.

Now back to the regularly scheduled DIS morality debates.

FYI after this I think you should start discussing the whole mug thing!

(It is amazing over 5 pages of posts, most of it on the typically scripted DIS morality conversations.)

 

[LisaRay]

I can understand Disney stopping children's credits being used for adult meals. Especialy for people not even buying the MYW package.




Well we weren't going to use the children's credits to pay for dinner for the grandparents. I was just thinking that my 5 yr. old will have no problems eating his kids meal with his kids credit however my 14 yr. old DD will have trouble eating a 3 course meal at a couple of the sit downs that are not buffets so perhaps if her and I share the 2 table service meals then we will be 2 credits ahead and the grandparents could use them.

I know I have read in some reviews or maybe in some trip reports where others have used there extra meal credits on occasion for a visiting relative or friend. Not on an every day basis but just once in awhile.

AlsoI understand that at this point it is all just everybody's best guess as to what will happen.

Did I miss it or does anyone have any idea when this new change with credits will be happening?

 

[InnerStrength]

Wow, this argument always makes me laugh So many people want to say "well, you are abusing the system and not doing what Disney intended to be done with the plan." Well, if that is the case then why has Disney consistently said that credits are pooled together and not treated differently and can be used as the bearer sees fit

Here is what the most recent brochure (which, by the way, is still up on the website) reads:
The Disney Dining Plan includes (1) counter service meal, one (1) snack, and one (1) table service per person, per night of your package stay for everyone in the party age 3+. For example, a party of 4 staying for 5 nights would receive 20 counter service meals, 20 snacks, 20 table service meals to use during their package stay.

Using Your Meals
Use your meals and snacks in any order and in any amount through your package stay until your total is depleted.

For example, on the day of your arrival your party could use (4) counter service meals, and then on day 2 your party could use four (4)table service meals, four (4) counter service meals, and (2) snacks. you can continue using meals any way you like for the rest of your package stay until the number of meals/snacks are depleted.



I couldn't have said it better myself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

People want to read between the lines and point fingers at others for what is their "interpretation" of what Disney meant rather that what Disney has put in black & white!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HayGan,

You may interpret *Any way you like* one way and I another...but sorry, I still do not take *any way you like* to mean using a $10 child credit for a adult TS meal. Interestingly enough, I also called the PS ressie line and spoke with a CM who explained the plan to me, and when I quoted the "AWYL" from the brochure, she stated that it refers to using as many credits per day so that you are not limited to 1 snack, 1 CS and 1 TS per day. And also being able to use 2 TS credits for a dinner show or a Signature restaurant. Without my asking, she also added a story about how she received a complaint call from an irate man who was complaining that he was at CG and the server was refusing to allow him to use the 4 TS credits he had left on his account for a meal for him and his DW. Apparently his children were in the Nerverland club or something to that affect, and 2 of the credits left were child TS credits. The man was told that he could not use child credits for an adult meal, and she stated that the resolution was he had to end up paying OOP for a meal, and used the 2 adult credits that he had for 1 adult meal. So it seems to me that Disney is cracking down on those who believe it is okay to save child credits to be used at adult ones. If that was the case, the meal plan would be X dollars per person, regardless of age. Then I could see using credits any way I liked.

Again, JMO and my interpretation. You and anyone else may and will do whatever they see as being "just" and "right". I guess Disney just needs to clarify things more for the future and but them into black and white. That alone should prevent any misunderstandings. Perhaps if there are people here who continue to try the practice of trying to use their child TS credits for adult meals, they can post how well it worked for them so others who plan the same tactic can be prepared. I for one, would be VERY SURPRISED if the practice continues. That ought to be an interesting thread.....

 

[lillygator]

I didn't take the "brochure" statement "to use any way you like" to mean use child credits as adult credits.

 

[HayGan]

There is NO such thing as adult and child credits unless they have changed it in the past 3 days (which is what this thread is all about)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And there have not been adult and child credits since the MYW plan started!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Credits are credits in Disney's eyes as MANY of us have been told by CM's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[madge]

I'm discouraged to see such practices coming from what should be holsum families, especially church goers. I know you are smart enough to know this is wrong. It's sad that Disney has to control all the loop holes and abuses done by the tourists. If the program was designed to be all adult credits only, there would be no necessity to differentiate the two and obviously Disney did not have that intention when the program was started.

I'm enjoying the free dining plan promotion coming up, but I couldn't believe the amount of scheming that was going on to get extra, non-existant people onto the plan to get more credits. Also, AP holders buying one day of tickets to get free dining for all for the entire length of their stay was dissappointing, too. Technically, you can do it, but it stretches the point of the promotion.

I'm sure, if a change goes through by Disney, there will be a grandfather clause for those who are already in the program before they make this change official.

Okay, now you can tell me how wrong I am.......

well, holsum is spelled wholesome.

I am one of the cheaters that bought the package with one-day tickets. When I called the Walt Disney Travel Company, I explained that I didn't need passes, as I already have days left over on 10-day MYW passes I purchased in March. The Walt Disney Travel Company Cast Member explained to me that I could buy a one-day pass for each member of my travel party, so that is the option I booked, per her suggestion. Not once did the cast member suggest that I am stretching the point of the promotion. Immediately after I booked the package, she assisted me in setting up a priority seating for the Hoop Dee Doo Review, and gave me tips on how to secure CRT for my daughter's birthday. It was an absolute PLEASURE working with this cast member.

I am offended at the implication of wrong-doing on my part, whether or not I go to church has nothing to do with it. The last time I checked, the package was called "Magic Your Way"....which tells me that it's a plan I can customize to fit my needs, and that's what I did

 

[tikkipoo]

I guess I just think if it was allowed, then it is alright. You can't tell me that Disney didn't think of the scenario before they started the Dining Plan.

 

[InnerStrength]

Getting this back to the main post, Has anyone confirmed the change and when it is supposed to take effect? I am curious if and when this is going to happen or if it is still in the rumor or planning stages.

I called the PS res. line today (7/20) and spoke with a CM who explained to me that as of now, the credits are assigned to each card (ticket) separately. To clarify, I asked her if my family were to dine at a TS restaurant (2 adults, 2 children), could we present the server with 1 card (say, DH"s), and all 4 credits be deducted off of the card for the meal? She said no, there is no longer a "master card" nor are all the credits tied into all of the cards. She stated we would have to provide the server with all 4 cards, and then the credits would be deducted off of each card accordingly.

Then I asked a similiar question with regard to a CS meal, and again she stated that with each meal ordered, the proper card would have to be provided. So one could not provide 1 adult card and 1 child, and order 2 adults meals...or I suppose they could, but the meals would be deducted from the adult card, and nothing would be deducted off of the childs. She did say that for snacks, it made no difference since a soda from an adult plan is the same as a soda from the childs (or popcorn, whatever). She stated the credits are not "pooled" and are basically assigned to the card that you are given upon check-in ~ the one with the room "key" assigned to it and the park admission (if one pays for that as well). So basically it seems as though there are now "adult credits" and "child credits" and they are tied to each individual card - the CM also stated that the card has the name of the guest imprinted on it, and it either states, "child or adult" right on the card. If what I was told is correct and up to date, I guess it is going to be pretty hard to use a child's credit for an adult meal from now on. But good luck to those who will still try.....

 

[kristen17]

Wow. I wrote up this big long analysis of how my plans and costs would change if pooling meals goes away. After seeing the tone this thread has developed, I'm hesitant... Oh well, here goes:

So, I was planning on taking advantage of the pooling to do a couple of extra TS meals. We are a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids) staying 7 nights. We'll have 28 TS credits or 7 meals if we used 4 at each meal. I had planned 10 TS meals paying out of pocket for the kids meals a few times and saving their credits. Here’s what I had planned, as well as what I had expected to pay out of pocket (based on reviewing the menu and figuring out what the kids would want, etc.):

Day 1: Dinner at Alfredo’s 2 TS for adults, $15 for kids
Day 2: Lunch at Tony's 2 TS credits $10 for kids
Dinner at Ohana 2 TS for adults, 2 TS for kids
Day 3: Dinner at Concourse Steakhouse 2 TS for adults, 1 TS for kids, $8 for extra child’s drink & dessert
Day 4: Lunch at CRT 2 TS for adults, 2 TS for kids
Day 5: Lunch at Biergarten 2 TS for adults, $15 for kids
Dinner at Les Cellier 2 TS for adults, 1 TS for kids, $8 for extra child’s drink & dessert
Day 6: Lunch at 50s Prime Time 2 TS for adults, $12 for kids
Dinner at Mama Melrose 2 TS for adults, $15 for kids
Day 7: Dinner at LTT 2 TS adults, 2 TS kids
Day 8: Lunch at Sci Fi, 2 TS adults, $15 for kids

Totals: 10 TS meals (6 dinners, 4 lunches), $98 cash for kids meals

When I saw this thread, I tried to figure out which TS meals I’d give up and wondered how much it would cost to rework my meal plans using child’s credit’s exclusively for kids. Here’s what I came up with. I tried to estimate our meal cost based on meal and included 7% tax (not sure what the rate is) and 15% tip (although we might tip more, of course).

Day 1: Dinner at Alfredo’s 2 TS for adults, 2 TS for kids
Day 2: Dinner at Ohana 2 TS for adults, 2 TS for kids
Day 3: Dinner at Concourse Steakhouse 2 TS for adults, 2 TS for kids
Day 4: Lunch at CRT 2 TS for adults, 2 TS for kids
Day 5: Lunch at Biergarten $72
Dinner at Les Cellier 2 TS for adults, 2 TS for kids
Day 6: Lunch at 50s Prime Time $52
Dinner at Mama Melrose 2 TS for adults, 2 TS for kids
Day 7: Dinner at LTT 2 TS adults, 2 TS kids
Day 8: Lunch at Sci Fi $52

Totals: 10 TS meals (6 dinners, 4 lunches), $177 cash for 3 lunches paid out of pocket

I don’t think the $80 difference (assuming my somewhat hurried calculations are correct) is worth giving up my sit-down lunches at fun, theme restaurants that I think my kids will really enjoy. (I'm prepared to give them up if our touring plans change, of course.) So I’ll likely stick with my plans as they are.

I’ll also note that the difference isn’t significant to Disney either. If they don’t change the pooling, I won’t feel a bit bad about taking advantage of it. I know others disagree.

I realize, too, I picked my meals based on what I thought our family would most enjoy and that I’m not maximizing the $$ of each and every meal on the meal plan, as some folks seem to be. My extra meals are lunches – not signature restaurants. So some enterprising folks can probably ring up a much bigger “bill” using the pooling opportunity. I’ll note that a family that didn’t use pooling, but simply ate 7 meals at Les Cellier and the like could also ring up a much bigger “bill” than we will – even if we are allowed to pool our meal credits. For folks that see the whole pooling thing as a moral issue, though, I guess the $$ amounts shouldn’t be significant, but rather the principal of the thing.

I don't know how interesting that all is for you guys, so sorry if too long and boring.

 

[lillygator]

if they are not "credits" what is the correct term to use?

 

[calie_j]

I really don't understand the debate here and am surprised that with all the quotes from the "black and white" rules noone has found this information that IS in the official dining plan brochure and has been from the very beginning:

"CHILDREN AGES 3-9 MUST ORDER FROM THE CHILDREN'S MENU WHERE AVAILABLE. CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 3 MAY SHARE FROM THE ADULT'S PLATE IF DESIRED"

This seems pretty clear to me that it was intended for the $10 child credits to be used only for a children's meal. Nowhere in the official print does it say you can use child credits for adult meals. It simply states you can use them in any order and amount until they are depleted with the example showing day one using 4 CS and 2 snacks, day 2 using 4TS 4CS and 2 snacks.

These are the "official" rules by Disney higher-ups who make the policies. I am in agreement with those who think that they should change the way this works so it shows the adult and child credits seperately so they are used they way they were intended.

Calie

 

[HayGan]

if they are not "credits" what is the correct term to use?

They are credits but there aren't "adult" credit and "child" credits - they are just credits

 

[Anewman]

if they are not "credits" what is the correct term to use?

Are you seriuos?
The correct term is Credits.

There are 3 kinds of Credits, TS, CS and Snacks.
There is no such thing as "Child" or "Adult" Credits. Notice the quotation marks.

 

[InnerStrength]

There is NO such thing as adult and child credits unless they have changed it in the past 3 days (which is what this thread is all about)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And there have not been adult and child credits since the MYW plan started!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Credits are credits in Disney's eyes as MANY of us have been told by CM's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gee, I just called today and there seems to be a difference. Perhaps it only happened within the last 3 days ??? The CM I spoke with has worked for Disney dining since March of this year. Maybe "credits" were just credits 3 days ago, but today they seem to be also called "adult credits" and "child credits". And what is up with all of the quotation marks?

Breathe in - breath out

 

[HayGan]

When many of us booked packages, this wording was in the OFFICIAL MYW dining guide:

Note: Upon check-in, all meals from the package are combined into one central account for maximum flexibility. Any Guest in the party may use the meals from this central account at any time during their package stay until all the meals are depleted.

While Disney does reserve the right to change the terms of the package, this is a big bait and switch for many of us who have had these packages booked for months (if this actually turns out to be true)!!!