Child as adult on DDP

[divawife]

Intentionally upgrading a child knowing that the child will prefer kids meals most of the time and then paying OOP for the kids meals is taking advantage.

I agree, that is not what I wrote. I do not see any issue at all if you have upgraded an 8 year old to an Disney "adult" because they and you want them to have better choices (or they eat more) than the usual crappy kids meals. If you do 3 buffets out of 9 TS choices there is no reason not to pay OOP for a kids buffet and use the adult TS credit for a non-buffet meal.

That being said, even though I agree it is still not against the percieved rules to do what you wrote. There are no such rules.

 

[Celidh]

Paying OOP for a child's buffet when you've stated that the child is an adult is not a goodwill issue; it's actually against the rules. Yes you can get away with it but it is against the rules. OP has said that she wishes to follow the rules and will not do this. I think she was genuinely asking what are the rules in order to avoid violating them which is the right thing to do.

The goodwill IMO comes into play as a very personal decision type of thing. I do not judge anybody for making different decisions than I do and I do consider this to be a grey area since it's not breaking any rules. The goodwill is that Disney does allow people an extra amazing deal of being able to upgrade a child to an adult during free dining for the minimal cost of the difference between a child and adult ticket. The reason that the goodwill matters is that if too many people take advantage of a loophole, Disney does close it. They've shown this many times. Paying OOP for a couple kids' meals (not fixed price meals because this is LYING to Disney and against the rules) when you're going over your meal alotment isn't really taking advantage which is what OP is doing. They'd be paying for some meals OOP regardless. Intentionally upgrading a child knowing that the child will prefer kids meals most of the time and then paying OOP for the kids meals is taking advantage. If enough people do this, Disney will stop allowing people to upgrade like this. Taking advantage of their goodwill hurts all the people who are wanting this kind of upgrade for the reasons it's intended. Any time somebody exploits a loophole they end up hurting lots of people because that's what gets loopholes closed.

I guess I'm trying to say that my concern over the goodwill of Disney really isn't just about doing right by them. It's really just as much about respecting their intentions and not poking them in the eye because that results in this kind of generocity being recinded. You're right that Disney looks out for Disney. Don't poke Disney in the eye.

I do think you need to look up the definition of oxymoron because Disney goodwill is not one. If you think of Disney as some evil organization that is out to make everybody around them miserable then I'm not sure why you bother going to WDW (that's the only way it could be an oxymoron). Yes, Disney is a business but businesses are capable of goodwill. Allowing people to upgrade kids during free dining is goodwill. It costs people maybe $30 to upgrade kids but it costs Disney a heck of a lot more than that in the food consumed by that kid using adult credits. All the more reason to NOT poke them in the eye. This ability can be taken away at any time. Be respectful to the rules and to the amazing deal that they're allowing people to benefit from.

So, if I am understanding you correctly, I will be taking advantage of Disney's "goodwill" by paying the extra $25 to upgrade my daughter to adult so she doesn't have to live off of chicken nuggets and pasta on our QSDP for 10 days and then when I pay somewhere around $200.00 more to eat at Chef Mickey's but only pay child's meal price for her rather than saying she is an adult as we have her on our dining plan?!?! So by spending an extra $200 on food at Disney, I am poking them in the eye and taking advantage of them!

I get that it isn't right to upgrade a child to adult and then buy all or most of their meals oop only to give their adult credits to other people in the party to try and skirt the system. But to choose to pay for a few meals oop for your child at child prices because it works for what they want that day and end up using the credits for someone else in the party rather than wasting them is a different thing. Although you may not have technically not "paid" for your dining plan if you have fd, you have in other ways by paying rack rate for your room. There is no point in throwing meal credits away just because your child doesn't want to eat an adult meal all the time. They might as well get used by someone else rather than not using them at all.

I really don't think Disney is hurting at all and I am willing to bet money that they know perfectly well what people do.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

So, if I am understanding you correctly, I will be taking advantage of Disney's "goodwill" by paying the extra $25 to upgrade my daughter to adult so she doesn't have to live off of chicken nuggets and pasta on our QSDP for 10 days and then when I pay somewhere around $200.00 more to eat at Chef Mickey's but only pay child's meal price for her rather than saying she is an adult as we have her on our dining plan?!?! So by spending an extra $200 on food at Disney, I am poking them in the eye and taking advantage of them!

I get that it isn't right to upgrade a child to adult and then buy all or most of their meals oop only to give their adult credits to other people in the party to try and skirt the system. But to choose to pay for a few meals oop for your child at child prices because it works for what they want that day and end up using the credits for someone else in the party rather than wasting them is a different thing. Although you may not have technically not "paid" for your dining plan if you have fd, you have in other ways by paying rack rate for your room. There is no point in throwing meal credits away just because your child doesn't want to eat an adult meal all the time. They might as well get used by someone else rather than not using them at all.

I really don't think Disney is hurting at all and I am willing to bet money that they know perfectly well what people do.

Excellent point. Disney is getting more money in the end.

 

[GMU MOM]

The discussion on this thread has got me really confused so can someone please clarify because I too was thinking of upgrading DS3 to an adult on the DDP but only because of the CS credits.

Just to be clear, my kids NEVER order from the kids menu at restaurants. So they would never go for the kids choices at Disney either.

All the TS meals we have booked are either family style or buffet so wouldn't the child who is actually a child on the plan be able to eat the adult food anyway? Please correct me if I'm wrong...So even if I upgrade him to an adult, he would still be using 1 TS credit for his meal, right? That's what has me confused!!
In our situation, the difference is really in the CS meals where he would have more selections from the adult menu. Also, for certain CS meals my two kids might be able to share one meal and then later in the day share another CS meal using 1 CS credit each time. Isn't that the same as two adults (over 18) in the same room sharing one CS meal?
This is our first time on the DDP so please help me understand without any judgement.

Thanks

 

[smiths02]

The discussion on this thread has got me really confused so can someone please clarify because I too was thinking of upgrading DS3 to an adult on the DDP but only because of the CS credits.

Just to be clear, my kids NEVER order from the kids menu at restaurants. So they would never go for the kids choices at Disney either.

All the TS meals we have booked are either family style or buffet so wouldn't the child who is actually a child on the plan be able to eat the adult food anyway? Please correct me if I'm wrong...So even if I upgrade him to an adult, he would still be using 1 TS credit for his meal, right? That's what has me confused!!
In our situation, the difference is really in the CS meals where he would have more selections from the adult menu. Also, for certain CS meals my two kids might be able to share one meal and then later in the day share another CS meal using 1 CS credit each time. Isn't that the same as two adults (over 18) in the same room sharing one CS meal?
This is our first time on the DDP so please help me understand without any judgement.

Thanks

Are you getting free dining? If not the difference b/w the adult DDP and child DDP price is HUGE. If it ONLY matters for 1 CS a day, I would think you would do better to search for CS places with no kids meals, search for CS places with other options, share with your child and treat the kids CS meals as snacks, and just pay for the extras OOP. Also, remember that adult CS meals can be rather large and include a drink and dessert...I can't imagine an adult and child CS meal not being enough for me and my 5 year old to share even if we threw out the chicken nuggets (that would still be two drinks, a dessert, grapes/carrot sticks, and an adult entree)! (not judging, I like to eat )

 

[GMU MOM]

Are you getting free dining? If not the difference b/w the adult DDP and child DDP price is HUGE. If it ONLY matters for 1 CS a day, I would think you would do better to search for CS places with no kids meals, search for CS places with other options, share with your child and treat the kids CS meals as snacks, and just pay for the extras OOP. Also, remember that adult CS meals can be rather large and include a drink and dessert...I can't imagine an adult and child CS meal not being enough for me and my 5 year old to share even if we threw out the chicken nuggets (that would still be two drinks, a dessert, grapes/carrot sticks, and an adult entree)! (not judging, I like to eat )

Yes we are on the free dining plan so the difference is only $25. And we usually go for combo meals anyway (even at reastaurants near home)because DS10 LOVES ribs so the two kids could easily share one of those combo meals.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Yes we are on the free dining plan so the difference is only $25. And we usually go for combo meals anyway (even at reastaurants near home)because DS10 LOVES ribs so the two kids could easily share one of those combo meals.

What OP is talking about doing is instead of using an adult TS credit for her child's buffet meal, pay OOP for that meal at the kids rate and save the adult TS credit to use at another meal. If you are doing mostly buffets anyways and the 3 and 10 year old could share a meal I wouldn't upgrade, use the kids CS meals for breakfasts. If it was me I definitely wouldn't since I'd have to pay 18% tip on the higher buffet price since we are a party of 6.

 

[maggiew]

The discussion on this thread has got me really confused so can someone please clarify because I too was thinking of upgrading DS3 to an adult on the DDP but only because of the CS credits.

Just to be clear, my kids NEVER order from the kids menu at restaurants. So they would never go for the kids choices at Disney either.

All the TS meals we have booked are either family style or buffet so wouldn't the child who is actually a child on the plan be able to eat the adult food anyway? Please correct me if I'm wrong...So even if I upgrade him to an adult, he would still be using 1 TS credit for his meal, right? That's what has me confused!!
In our situation, the difference is really in the CS meals where he would have more selections from the adult menu. Also, for certain CS meals my two kids might be able to share one meal and then later in the day share another CS meal using 1 CS credit each time. Isn't that the same as two adults (over 18) in the same room sharing one CS meal?
This is our first time on the DDP so please help me understand without any judgement.

Thanks

No. You are exactly correct.

The discussion here is focusing on the fact that the OP wants to upgrade her child to an adult during free dining so they can get the adult food instead of children food at non-buffet type TS restaurants. However, they want to pay OOP for the child at the buffets and pay child prices and then use those leftover ADULT credits for a signature meal for themselves later on while grandma and grandpa watch the child.

At least, that is my understanding of the conversation.

Maggie

 

[maggiew]

What rules? I have checked the DDP brochure.

Disney Dining Plan meals and snacks may not be redeemed
for cash in whole or in part, sold separately, transferred or
refunded.
Number of Meals During Your Package Stay
The Disney Dining Plan includes one (1) Quick-Service Meal, one (1)
Snack, and one (1) Table-Service Meal per person, per night of your
package stay for everyone in the party ages 3 and over.
Finding Disney Dining Plan Locations
-Over 100 select Quick-Service and Table-Service restaurants,
including our legendary Disney Character Dining, participate in the
Disney Dining Plan.
You can also find select Snack locations throughout the Walt Disney
World® Resort.
Using Your Meals
Use your meals and snacks in any order throughout your package
stay until your total is depleted.
All unused meals and snacks expire at midnight on your package
reservation checkout date.
Redeeming Your Meals
-Present your Key to the World card to the server or cashier at the
time a meal or snack is purchased and specify the number of
meals or snacks being redeemed for Guests ages 10+ on your
Disney Dining Plan and the number of meals or snacks being
redeemed for Guests ages 3-9 on your Disney Dining Plan.
-You may not redeem meals or snacks for any Guests who are not on
your Disney Dining Plan.

I'm not completely sure what the PP meant about breaking rules. However, I took it to me that you pay for buffet prices based on AGE. In the system, the child is listed as an adult so would be charged adult prices. (I believe on the KTTW card it would be listed as 3A.) But then trying to pay OOP at child prices would be going against that.

I don't think the PP was talking about the rules of the DP.

Maggie

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

I'm not completely sure what the PP meant about breaking rules. However, I took it to me that you pay for buffet prices based on AGE. In the system, the child is listed as an adult so would be charged adult prices. (I believe on the KTTW card it would be listed as 3A.) But then trying to pay OOP at child prices would be going against that.

I don't think the PP was talking about the rules of the DP.

Maggie

Lets put dining plan aside for a moment and say me and DH have APs but our 3 year old needs a ticket. We got free dining last fall with 2 day tickets but grandma was unable to join us last minute (junior was still free) so we now have an extra 2 day adult ticket in our possession. We could save that for later a couple of years down the road or just let junior use it and upgrade it to the number of days we need this trip. Ultimately it's $25 more than the kids ticket but the first 2 days are already paid for so its less money OOP now than buying a brand new ticket. So because my 3 year old is carrying an adult ticket should they be charged adult prices? No one would argue that. Buffets are based on AGE, not what type of ticket your have or even what type of dining plan you have. That's how they make it fair for everyone.

 

[WrenNCuckoos]

Honestly, if my son were only going to eat the amount my daughter eats at a buffet, I'd be paying OOP for him as a child. As it is, he'll out eat me and then some, so I don't really mind using the adult TS credit for that. If, however, he's having a bit of an off day or just desperately wants the child meal option, I don't see why I should use an adult credit for that.

As has been pointed out, I can choose to not use a TS credit for myself at a meal because I don't want a whole meal, then my husband could use it later for himself, could he not? I don't see this as any different.

 

[maggiew]

Lets put dining plan aside for a moment and say me and DH have APs but our 3 year old needs a ticket. We got free dining last fall with 2 day tickets but grandma was unable to join us last minute (junior was still free) so we now have an extra 2 day adult ticket in our possession. We could save that for later a couple of years down the road or just let junior use it and upgrade it to the number of days we need this trip. Ultimately it's $25 more than the kids ticket but the first 2 days are already paid for so its less money OOP now than buying a brand new ticket. So because my 3 year old is carrying an adult ticket should they be charged adult prices? No one would argue that. Buffets are based on AGE, not what type of ticket your have or even what type of dining plan you have. That's how they make it fair for everyone.

Yeah. I wasn't arguing one way or another about whether that was breaking the rule or not. I was just trying to explain what the PP might have meant.

However, I don't think your example is quite the same. Because you are using an adult TICKET but wanting to pay child prices for DINING. So I think that is ok and have no problem with it. However, the original discussion was that they are flip flopping the childs age for DINING depending on how it benefits them. They claim adult for one meal (non-buffets) but then claim child for another meal (buffets). Again, not sure its a big deal and I am not the one who said it was breaking the rule. I was just trying to explain how it could be looked at as breaking a rule.

Maggie

 

[maggiew]

Honestly, if my son were only going to eat the amount my daughter eats at a buffet, I'd be paying OOP for him as a child. As it is, he'll out eat me and then some, so I don't really mind using the adult TS credit for that. If, however, he's having a bit of an off day or just desperately wants the child meal option, I don't see why I should use an adult credit for that.

As has been pointed out, I can choose to not use a TS credit for myself at a meal because I don't want a whole meal, then my husband could use it later for himself, could he not? I don't see this as any different.

Yeah, I see your point. However some people do see this as different. You are an adult and your DH is an adult and are using adult credits. However, you are upgrading a very young child to the adult plan during FREE DINING. I think that is what some people have the problem with. I am not saying me, but in general that would be the perception of people who see a difference in the two examples.

I will say that we have never done the dining plan because it doesn't fit how we eat. My DDs (both teenagers) have on occasion ordered a kids meal at a table service restaurant. For example, they both got kids pizzas at Coral Reef because nothing on the adult menu appealed to them. (They hated the pizza, by the way.) So I definitely do not have a problem with your young child ordering a kids meal if he is having an off day or if that is what appeals to him.

Maggie

 

[WrenNCuckoos]

So would it really be different if my child were 10 and we were still on the DDP but I chose to order some kid meals or say just an appetiser for him then used that adult TS credit for myself later?

Disney is getting just as much money out of us when he is 6 and an adult on the plan as they would when he is 10 and an adult on the plan, aren't they? I'm paying the increase in ticket price and, as has been stated by others, child meals are not only for children except in the case of buffets. In fact, if I eat more meals at Disney by using those TS credits for an extra meal, they are making more money out of us. We are likely to go offsite for meals that aren't in the plan, or cook in the villa. Either way, Disney isn't getting anything from us for those meals as opposed to getting any alcoholic drinks (very likely on a night we're out without the kids), appetisers we might spring for and tip.

 

[crabbie1]

You do what you want to do and it is noone elses business.You are paying the extra for the adult DDP and as mentioned it is per room though my understanding from the reciepts I have kept it does split TS child and adult but snacks and CS meals are per room. My DD is 9 when we go this time and I have paid the extra for an adult ticket as now she is older I think the kids choice is appauling.There are only so many chicken nuggets pizza and mac cheese she can eat. I ended up paying OOP for her to have adult meals last time so disney made a profit out of us. When I phoned about upgrading her disney were quite happy as long as I bought the adult ticket which wasn't much difference in price. Until last year she was happy with the kids choices but I did try and do a lot of the buffets as they can eat anything. I would not force her to eat food she didnt want and to save me money,not disney I have paid for her to have the adult plan. She will be with us for all meals.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

You do what you want to do and it is noone elses business.You are paying the extra for the adult DDP and as mentioned it is per room though my understanding from the reciepts I have kept it does split TS child and adult but snacks and CS meals are per room. My DD is 9 when we go this time and I have paid the extra for an adult ticket as now she is older I think the kids choice is appauling.There are only so many chicken nuggets pizza and mac cheese she can eat. I ended up paying OOP for her to have adult meals last time so disney made a profit out of us. When I phoned about upgrading her disney were quite happy as long as I bought the adult ticket which wasn't much difference in price. Until last year she was happy with the kids choices but I did try and do a lot of the buffets as they can eat anything. I would not force her to eat food she didnt want and to save me money,not disney I have paid for her to have the adult plan. She will be with us for all meals.

 

[TDC Nala]

I don't know how it works in the UK, but unless you have that child listed as 10 years old on your reservation, you get the child's plan and tickets. If you register any child as 10 years old and buy them an adult park pass, you will get adult credits for them. As long as you purchase the adult ticket, Disney for the most part appears to have no problem with this whatsoever.

As for paying OOP for kids meals for the "adult" child and using the credits on other occasions for the parents, that is acceptable as long as the credits are being used WITHIN THE SAME PARTY. For example according to Disney's published rules you couldn't use those credits to treat Grandma from Orlando to dinner. But the parents who are on the same reservation can use them. The dining credits are not designated as belonging to specific members of the party. They belong to the entire party. It is also each party's individual decision as to whether or not they want to pay extra to purchase meals outside of the plan allotments. If your child is six but registered as 10 on the room reservation, and you want to PAY outside the plan for a child's buffet I do not see how that is not acceptable. Disney doesn't care what you have listed on your card as long as you don't try to use your dining plan to purchase more meals than your party would be entitled to in one transaction. You can always use the dining plan to purchase fewer meals.