Chef Mickey's $35/adult???? when did that happen???

[debm]

Just wondering if anyone knows if buffet prices went skyrocketing. My parents are there with my sister, her DH, DS1 and DS2. They went to Chef Mickey's tonight. I've called them twice today just checking on everything and mom complains that it cost them $140 at Chef Mickey's for dinner for 4 adults without the tip. I told her that wasn't possible because we just ate there 6 weeks ago and the buffets are about $21 per adult. She is getting more and more upset on the phone with me because she is looking at her receipt that says 4 adults with the total price. No breakdown, nothing else. I think something sounds wrong. I've always gotten an itemized receipt that tells what I am paying for. They had nothing else to drink---didn't buy pictures. Should have only been the buffet they were paying for. Then mom tells me that Mickey didn't even come over to their table. Of course I asked if she told the staff. No, she didn't. We love our Disney trips!! I want them to have a good time. Help someone?? Is something wrong or have prices gone thru the roof at all the buffets???

 

[KathyTX]

Hmmm... allears.net shows the price for the dinner buffet as $26.99, as of 10/04. Kids 3-11 are $11.99.

So four adult buffets should have been 107.96 plus tax...

Could they have been charged for the kids' meals?

 

[debm]

I wondered the same thing but the kids are both under 3 and they weren't listed on the receipt. Just said "4 adult dinner" I can't think tax would have been that much. Just wondered. We ate there in October with 3 adults and 4 kids and I think our bill was just over $100. One of our kids is free.

 

[Muffy]

The total for 4 adults and 2 kids would be $131.94. Chef Mickey's must of charged for the kids. Buffets are free for 2 and under. She should go back with her receipt.

 

[PrincessDadx2]

Adding tax of 6.5% equals a cool $140.51. Looks like they were charged for the kids along with the adults.

 

[debm]

Thank you! I'll let her know!! Debi

 

[Jamie77]

My family and I have a PS for Chef Mickey's on Christmas day. And the HOLIDAY pricing is just $27.99. No, $35 a person can't be right because if they were going to charge this price for the buffet, Christmas day would certainly be a good opportunity to do it. Hope this helps!

Jamie

 

[cathie]

We also have a reservation @ Chef Mickey's on Christmas Day for the 8 of us. Does anyone know if the menu is different for Christmas? Cathie

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I thought the buffets were free for children "3" and under?

 

[mjmcca]

I thought the buffets were free for children "3" and under?

They are supposed to be. I took my 2 year old to Boma and sisnt pay for her. I also took her to LTT and Crystal Palace no charge.

 

[debm]

Thanks to all for the info. My mother called over to Chef Mickey's this morning and found out that yes, indeed the waitress charged for the 2 kids. Funny thing was my parents had specifically asked her about the kids and she told them they were free. The one child is not quite 3 so I can see it would have easily been an accident if she had charged for him but the other one is just over 1 and definitely is still babyish and not 3 looking. I think the fact that she specifically told them the children were free is suspicious to me. We have eaten at many many character meals and this is the first I've had something like this happen to anyone I know. I'm just not sure it was an honest mistake. But the person my mother spoke to was excellent and took care of it very professionally. Mom is glad she talked to me yesterday!! Saved her money!! Thanks all.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

The children are only free if they are under 3, once they hit their 3rd b-day it's $9.99 or so I think per child... ouch! I don't know any 3 years old who eat $10 worth of food... <a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008_ZNxdm414YYUS' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_12_6.gif' alt='Buffet' border=0></a>

 

[leebee]

Actually, the last time we were in WDW (June '04) the CMs at both Boma and Crystal Palace told us that my niece, aged 3, would be free- "3 and under" are free at buffets, not "under 3".

 

[DeeCeeSW]

I just called WDW-DINE where a CM told me that buffets are free for children UNDER three. Not three and above. Now if the restaurants list three and under, then I agree that it would mean three year-olds and under, meaning three but not four. My son is three and will be four two weeks after our trip. So can he eat for free at the buffets or not?!

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I am pretty sure that CM was wrong. It is "3 and under" meaning if your child is one day shy of being 4 years old, your kid eats free! I know for a fact that I took my DD to buffets when she was 3 and I told them how old she was and she was free. I even had a CM at Chef Mickey's NOT CHARGE for my DD when I told her she was 4. The CM was so nice...she said, "Oh, I see she did not eat much, I will not charge you for her." So of course I left her my customary 20% tip PLUS $5 extra.

 

[DeeCeeSW]

I called back again to try another CM and was told that when you are between the ages of 3-11, you pay ($9.99 etc.). So if you are 3 you pay, if you are under 3, you don't. I guess that each restaurant has been doing their own thing and/or it's at the discretion of your server, but it still is confusing as it is (apparently) not a rule across the board. I have ressies at several buffets for my upcoming trip and would not know how to handle being told I had to pay at one and not the other. If I have to pay, I'll pay, but if I don't really have to, I'd rather not, LOL!

 

[mareed]

We've been on several trips, and our DS's were free at the buffet & pre-plated meals (like CRT) when they were under 3. Once they're 3 you have to buy their meal just like you have to buy their park ticket! That's why it's a good deal to take your little ones shortly before they turn 3!

I don't dispute that some people have gotten free meals for their 3 year old children, but I think it would have either been the server being extra nice or else making an honest mistake. I would definitely not count on a 3 year old eating free.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

really? Sorry I gave you incorrect info...I could have SWORN it was free for "3 and under."

 

[beattyfamily]

It's UNDER 3 that is free...just as it is for park passes.

 

[Alice28]

Yep, it's under 3....and trust me, I think my 3 1/2 year old COULD eat $10 worth of food if he were hungry! He usually can eat more than his 7 year old brother- must be a growth spurt or something.