Changes to MYW Dining?

[freakylick]

I have a 10DS. Will he have adult credits? He loves the adult entrees and this would really suit us fine. Also my DD will only eat kid stuff anyway and we always need the kids menu items. I think with our structure we will just be using the meals as they are. Does this sound correct?

You are correct. Your DS10 will be considered an adult on the dining plan. 10+ is an adult. 3-9 is a child. Under 3 is free.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

I'd love to be the fly on the wall for that phone call to MYW Dining "...I'd like to cancel my booking, because I was planning on abusing the system via the loophole and you closed it.

Oh please, it's the old everyone's else doing it, so why don't I? How far do you go to save a few bucks, where does it stop? Can't believe posters are acting sanctimonious over this issue (pro & con). Bottom line is WDW can enforce their rules, despite whatever an individual CM tells you.

If I had a dime everytime I've heard or read one of the following excuses, well I'd OWN Disney.
1. everyone's doing it
2. Dion't be so judgemental
3. Don't you have better things to worry about (or someone else is doing things worse)
4. It's only to save a few bux to compensate for corporation XYZ charging too much.
5 MYOB, I'll do what I want, you do what you want.

Please, don't think you're being cheated because WDW has decided to enforce the original intent of the plan. Ever wonder if it's in response to the gloating on these boards and other sites? The plan's design is truly a wonderful opportunity, even @ retail price.

Very good points.

 

[DisneyDotty]

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?

I don't know if someone has already addressed this, but wanted to throw in my 2 cents...
Towards the end of our 10-day stay in June we treated two friends to counter service meals using our plan. (We still had a lot of CS meals leftover--went wacko with TS...) CM didn't ask to see their cards and didn't care who we were paying for--in fact, they made sure to add the desserts for everyone even though we forgot to order them.
If you've paid for 20 meals, you're entitled to 20 meals.
Don't feel bad about sharing meals--we did that a lot, too, and felt good about not wasting food. (Did leave a bit more in tip for server, though, as many brought extra plates or split the entree on two plates without us even having to ask...)
Enjoy your trip! I envy you! 3 more years. 3 more years.

 

[HayGan]

Since so many are claiming to know what Disney "intended to do" instead of what they did, please explain:

1. Why were credits pooled together and no distinction made between credits other than TS, CS and snack? And why does it remain that way today?

2. Why did the original brochure state:
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.

3. Why 7 months into the plan, does the OFFICIAL Disney brochure still state that there is no difference in credits (other than TS, CS, snack) when another free dining plan promotion is about to begin?

4. Why were travel agents informed in their MYW seminars that dining credits could be used by any member of their party and this could be used as a strong selling point for the dining plan?

 

[RichNKatHolly]

My last post on this issue. I just wanted to say, that for us anyway, we wanted the dining plan merely for budgeting reasons. One more thing that was already paid for. I really didn't think how we would use it. Unfortunately, it is not available with land/sea package. But, I don't see why I would criticize or not criticize what other people do. Broken my share of "rules."

That said - does anyone think it is possible that this change will include allowing land/sea customers to purchase the plan? I'd like to know that yet another part of our vacation is pre-paid.

Also, does anyone know the reasoning behind why land/sea and DVC people cannot purchase it? Is it because we've already been given deep discounts on rooms?

TIA

 

[Lewisc]

Repeating the same point 4 times doesn't strengthen your position.

We agree Disney set up the plan pooling credits. Yes, the brochure said so and the TA's also said so.

Maybe it was easier to set up the computer. Maybe they were trying it make it easier for guests. Maybe they didn't object to the occasional guest using an extra child credit for an adult meal. I don't think Disney intended for this strategy to become SOP. I don't think they knew that internet sites would say you could use your children as a license to print money.

The plan says children must order off the children's menu. The intent is clear; adults pay for adult credits and order adult meals, children pay for child credits and order child meals. Does anyone really think Disney intended for a guest being able to pay $10 and get a $50 TS meal, $12 CS meal and a $3 snack? No one can be that stupid.


THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION IS EASY, if the present plan stays the same then Disney may have intended this type of activity. If they change to adult/child credits than I'd say it wasn't intended, as SOP.

Since so many are claiming to know what Disney "intended to do" instead of what they did, please explain:

1. Why were credits pooled together and no distinction made between credits other than TS, CS and snack? And why does it remain that way today?

2. Why did the original brochure state:
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.

3. Why 7 months into the plan, does the OFFICIAL Disney brochure still state that there is no difference in credits (other than TS, CS, snack) when another free dining plan promotion is about to begin?

4. Why were travel agents informed in their MYW seminars that dining credits could be used by any member of their party and this could be used as a strong selling point for the dining plan?

 

[freakylick]

Since so many are claiming to know what Disney "intended to do" instead of what they did, please explain:

I don't think anyone here "knows" the true intentions. That's been part of my argument all along. But it seems that many people think that because a CM said something or "no one told us otherwise", that the plan is intended to be used that way.

But to answer your questions:

1. Why were credits pooled together and no distinction made between credits other than TS, CS and snack? And why does it remain that way today?

Has any Disney plan/promotion/policy ever been released without flaws? That's how they do things. Roll them out, get feedback, and fix it later. Heck, they even do it with their attractions...that's the whole premise of "soft openings".

2. Why did the original brochure state:
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.

I will answer that question with a question. Why doesn't the current brochure still say that? You interpret that statement one way, but I interpret another. Which way was Disney's intent?! Who knows.

3. Why 7 months into the plan, does the OFFICIAL Disney brochure still state that there is no difference in credits (other than TS, CS, snack) when another free dining plan promotion is about to begin?

I do not see that written anywhere. I admit that it does not specifically say that there is a difference, but it never says that there isn't a difference. But the absense of a statement does not make the statement true.

(P.S.-It appears that a new free dining promotion is not going to begin...just re-instate an old promotion )

4. Why were travel agents informed in their MYW seminars that dining credits could be used by any member of their party and this could be used as a strong selling point for the dining plan?

Well, this is the first that I have heard of this and without hearing exactly what was said, I am not going to comment on one persons interpretation/paraphrase of what was said.

 

[keishashadow]

My last post on this issue. I just wanted to say, that for us anyway, we wanted the dining plan merely for budgeting reasons. One more thing that was already paid for. I really didn't think how we would use it. Unfortunately, it is not available with land/sea package. But, I don't see why I would criticize or not criticize what other people do. Broken my share of "rules."

That said - does anyone think it is possible that this change will include allowing land/sea customers to purchase the plan? I'd like to know that yet another part of our vacation is pre-paid.

Also, does anyone know the reasoning behind why land/sea and DVC people cannot purchase it? Is it because we've already been given deep discounts on rooms?

TIA

When planning for my cruise and considering a L/S pkg, I was told that:

1. If you book the pkg thru DCL, you can't get the MYW dining (something to do with how the rooms are allocated thru the DCL computers).

2. If you book the components of your Cruise & hotel accommodations, MYW tix separately (and the hotel @ rack rate), you can add on the dining option. Go Figure...sometimes you can price out the trip cheaper yourself anyway.

FYI, DVC members have been clamoring for the opportunity to purchase the MYW dining option too. They're also telling us it's a matter of getting the computers to talk to each other and that they're working on it, but that I should check back before my next trip.

 

[RichNKatHolly]

When planning for my cruise and considering a L/S pkg, I was told that:

1. If you book the pkg thru DCL, you can't get the MYW dining (something to do with how the rooms are allocated thru the DCL computers).

2. If you book the components of your Cruise & hotel accommodations, MYW tix separately (and the hotel @ rack rate), you can add on the dining option. Go Figure...sometimes you can price out the trip cheaper yourself anyway.

FYI, DVC members have been clamoring for the opportunity to purchase the MYW dining option too. They're also telling us it's a matter of getting the computers to talk to each other and that they're working on it, but that I should check back before my next trip.

Thanks for the info! Unfortunately, I spent over a week working my l/s every which way. The package was cheaper by over $500. Not a biggie on the dining, we justwanted to know it was "taken care of." I told my TA though to keep her ears open in the event something changes.

Happy planning - I'm glad my question got a response through all the bickering. Thought it would get lost!

 

[wintermom]

You used to be able to add the meal plan to the land and sea package. I
added the meal activitie package (then called the silver plan) to my
L&S the first time we went, about 4 years ago. It worked about the same,
much cheaper for a childs add on per day than adults. Everybody got 2 credits per day. Use one credit for TS meals, 2 credits for signature TS meals.
Things like La Nubia cost two credits. That was when our travel agent
advised us to pay for our 4year old OOP some and use the credits to the maximum advantage. Waitstaff advises us to do this too!

Soo this program, or program like it has been going on for many years-
not something Disney just rolled out and didn't realize how it would be used.

I don't think they care. The fact that you get a price break on a small
child is their incentive for you to do the program. It cost the same for
for an 8 year old to ride as a 12 year old, yet the park tickets are priced different. Same when you take your children to a movie. Now maybe Disney
has now decieded that too many people are using this advantage and they are going to change it but to flame people who just used the plan to best of its options is rediculous!

Anyway I diegress. About the L&S package with meal plan, two years later
when we went again it was no longer offered. I was very dissapointed and
spoke to several supervisors . I was told too that the only way was to book it was to book the land seperate and then the cruise. This was about $500.00 more so we did not do that but the only real explanation I got about the program was the L&S is run by Disney cruise line and they don't offer the add on plan.

Wintermom

 

[ChrisLei]

Well, I cannot say I am suprised. I figured this was coming. I had planned all along to just use my 8 year-olds meal credits for kids meals...I am still planning, however, to share my meals with DD (11). She is considered an adult by Disney, so I see nothing wrong with sharing a meal or two with her.

THere is nothing wrong with that, you are paying an adult fee for that dining plan. What I think they are cracking down on are those individuals who were purchasing the dining plan for a child ($10 a day) then using the credits for an adult and having the child eat off thier plate. They really do have a child with them, but the child is not being served thier own meal. In this way they have an extra credit (or credits depending on how many children are going) to be used for a signature dining or for an extra sit down meal.

 

[jessieroo]

I think it will make it easier to keep track of things! Each person can be responsible for themselves. It's not so complicated that way!

 

[meatballsmom]

Ok, I have to put in my two cents here also. Although I would have loved to be able to use my child credits to save towards a couple of adult meals, I really don't believe it was Disney's intent for them to be used this way.

1. Why were credits pooled together and no distinction made between credits other than TS, CS and snack? And why does it remain that way today?

I'm actually not sure why Disney pooled credits and I don't think that any of us here could say for sure why. Only the execs at Disney could answer this question.

2. Why did the original brochure state:
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.

My opinion here is although Disney is stating any guest can use the meals from the account at any time, they meant that child use children meals and adult use adult meals. If you read further in the brochure, it also states that children MUST order off the children's menu when available.

3. Why 7 months into the plan, does the OFFICIAL Disney brochure still state that there is no difference in credits (other than TS, CS, snack) when another free dining plan promotion is about to begin?

Once again, only Disney execs know the answer to this one.

4. Why were travel agents informed in their MYW seminars that dining credits could be used by any member of their party and this could be used as a strong selling point for the dining plan?

This is the first I have heard of this. Are they actually telling travel agents this??? Mine was never told this.

 

[Pedler]

Has anyone yet confirmed the change? If they change it I am curious if they are going to put all credits, children and adult, on a single account or require you to have a seperate account for each person in your party. My primary concern is logistical with regards to account management. Keeping track of pooled credits on a single account is much easier than dealing with 4 seperate accounts in our case. Some people have reported the occasional problem with credits not being recorded properly. It would be signifigantly more work to track multiple accounts as opposed to one pooled account.

As for the reason behind the changes, if they occur. I would speculate that it is not necessarilly the abuse of people that paid for the dinning package and on occasion used the children credits as a license to print money but the people abusing the free dinning offer that they ran. I assume that Disney monitors the main internet boards and were aware of some people using children credits for adult meals. But at least they were paying something for the dinning plan, adult and children rates and there are people that leave with snack or counter service credits unused. They must have figured that in the end they made out alright.

Now with the free dinning promo you have people with AP's booking "phantom" children into thier rooms and buying a single day ticket and then getting free dinning for the length of stay. For example a couple with an AP could book a room at All Stars for 7 nights for example, make up two children and pay for a single day bare bones park ticket for each. Then they would have the equivalent of 4 TS credits per day or 28 for the trip. So for the cost of 4 single day tickets, that they don't use and can save for some other time, they could in theory eat at signature restaurant each day and use the counter service meals for breakfast and lunch. Just for the price of 4 single day tickets, $215, or only aprox. $31 per day they would get 2 counter service, 2 snacks and one signature meal. There is no way that Disney can allow that loophole to continue to exist. Admitedly the people doing that are engaged in outright fraud by booking children into a room that don't exist but it would be hard for Disney to monitor that type of fraud.

What Disney could have done during the promotion is required a length of stay park ticket to get the free dinning. If the goal was to sell more rooms and park admission then that would have accomplished it and prohibited some of the abuse. The other way is to seperate credits into children and adult. I just hope that they do this in a way that logistically isn't a big problem to deal with.

Just my .02

 

[angel's momma]

As for the reason behind the changes, if they occur. I would speculate that it is not necessarilly the abuse of people that paid for the dinning package and on occasion used the children credits as a license to print money but the people abusing the free dinning offer that they ran.

Now with the free dinning promo you have people with AP's booking "phantom" children into thier rooms and buying a single day ticket and then getting free dinning for the length of stay. For example a couple with an AP could book a room at All Stars for 7 nights for example, make up two children and pay for a single day bare bones park ticket for each. Then they would have the equivalent of 4 TS credits per day or 28 for the trip. So for the cost of 4 single day tickets, that they don't use and can save for some other time, they could in theory eat at signature restaurant each day and use the counter service meals for breakfast and lunch. Just for the price of 4 single day tickets, $215, or only aprox. $31 per day they would get 2 counter service, 2 snacks and one signature meal. There is no way that Disney can allow that loophole to continue to exist. Admitedly the people doing that are engaged in outright fraud by booking children into a room that don't exist but it would be hard for Disney to monitor that type of fraud.

What Disney could have done during the promotion is required a length of stay park ticket to get the free dinning. If the goal was to sell more rooms and park admission then that would have accomplished it and prohibited some of the abuse. The other way is to seperate credits into children and adult. I just hope that they do this in a way that logistically isn't a big problem to deal with.

Just my .02

Just wanted to point out that it's not just AP holders who could purchase a one day ticket if they wanted to "invent" a child. The tickets can be upgraded, so anyone could purchase the one day tickets & then upgrade the ones they actually needed for themselves. Personally, I don't think there can possibly be too many of these "invented" kids being used, but maybe I'm wrong.

As an AP holder, I'm very grateful that they allowed us to purchase the one day tickets and have the "free dining". Unlike most, we probably will not be able to take another trip to use those one day tickets. Since we originally planned to take food to eat in the room (no plans of cooking anything), wdw ended up getting more money out of us by offering the "free dining" - we paid rack rate (we already had secured an AP rate) and for one day tickets.

Personally I find the whole argument about how people are using the dining plan is getting very old. I plan to use the child credits for DD, but that doesn't mean that I feel others are misusing the plan if they pay oop.

 

[BESUNNYSIDEUP]

Has anyone else called about this? If so what did the CM say. I have ask several people that just got back (they were there last week) and they said everything is still on one card. Humm. Guess I will just find out for myself - IN 2 MORE DAYS!!

 

[Julia M]

Well, I cannot say I am suprised. I figured this was coming. I had planned all along to just use my 8 year-olds meal credits for kids meals...I am still planning, however, to share my meals with DD (11). She is considered an adult by Disney, so I see nothing wrong with sharing a meal or two with her.

THere is nothing wrong with that, you are paying an adult fee for that dining plan. What I think they are cracking down on are those individuals who were purchasing the dining plan for a child ($10 a day) then using the credits for an adult and having the child eat off thier plate. They really do have a child with them, but the child is not being served thier own meal. In this way they have an extra credit (or credits depending on how many children are going) to be used for a signature dining or for an extra sit down meal.

That's exactly my plan. I expect to use my 8 year olds credit for kids meals. However, I have 2 "adult" kids. Now sometimes my oldest ds (at 13) will eat alot. He will also enjoy eating off the adult menu. ANd I have every intention of asking for food to be fixed differently, if things don't appeal to him (meat without sauces, etc). Now my dd (at 10) is a whole different story. She doesn't eat alot, and the adult meal with appetizer, and dessert will be WAY too much food. Since I don't need all that food either , she and I will share some table service meals. Or more likely, between dh's and my credits, it will be enough for the three of us. I just plan to ask for an extra plate, so she can have some from both of us. Hopefully dh and I will be able to enjoy a signature restaurant.

julia

 

[calgarygary]

I may not know the true intentions of Disney with the original plan or the changes to the plan but it is very obvious what the motivation of CMs who advise people to pay OOP for kids and save credits for TS meals - it's called gratuities. Please folks, stop saying that because a CM is advising you to do this that "Disney" is telling you. The CMs are motivated to get more TS meals from a party because it directly affects their income.

As far as loop holes in the plan - well I'm taking advantage by only getting a pass for one day (lots of past days to use) and staying and eating for 7. Might have even considered adding "ghost" guests but I do believe that is crossing the line.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

The plan says children must order off the children's menu. The intent is clear; adults pay for adult credits and order adult meals, children pay for child credits and order child meals. Does anyone really think Disney intended for a guest being able to pay $10 and get a $50 TS meal, $12 CS meal and a $3 snack? No one can be that stupid.

I don't think it's stupidity. I think it's more of an intent to rationalize the exploit. And again, all they need to do is rationalize it. They've already made the decision to do it before hand so there is no need to justify it. Is it any wonder then, they end up finding something to accomplish just that no matter how stupid it sounds claiming Disney's intent all along was to use Junior as a money tree paying $10 and getting $35 for it?

C'mon guys. Everyone, including a CM, exploits the system at one time or another. But it is an exploit, we aren't entitled to it and Disney can put a stop to it whenever they so choose.

 

[Tiffany]

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

It was only going to be a matter of time before Disney closed that loophole. That is what the original intent probaly was but was not specificlly spelled out so the pooled thing happened.