DDP for Parents but not Kids?

[JMADgrad]

Maybe this should be obvious to me, but I haven't been able to pin down an answer to this question, so here goes...after looking at various TS menus at our preferred spots (Jiko, Cali Grill, Narcoosees) I am afraid that it may not be wise to purchase DDP for our daughters. They are teenagers and one is a light eater while the other is picky/has a child palate that may not be happy with the adult fare on these menus. Anyone have experience with this and have suggestions? I am assuming that if I make reservations for all of us at a given place, we don't all have to be on the DDP to eat there...but can "adult" children (ages 10+ I think?) eat off of the child menu if paying out of pocket (as opposed to being on the DDP), and if we go with the DDP for either child, could they eat off of the child menu even with an adult plan? I have read some posts which would seem to imply that in some situations folks have not been able to "eat down" if they are on the adult plan - which doesn't make sense to me given that the adult DDP would have cost more anyway...and there's also the consideration that eating down would defeat the benefits of the plan - wasting adult meal plan money for eating off the child menu.

I'd appreciate any observations/feedback from those in the know!

 

[mom2cinderella]

I *think* the dining plan is all or nothing - everyone is on the plan or no one is.

 

[figment_jii]

If I'm understanding the question, you're asking if you can pay a tab using both the DDP and "cash", right? If that is the case, yes, you can pay using a combination of DDP credits and OOP. Just tell your server who is using the plan and who is paying OOP.

If you're asking about only having some of your family on the DDP, that is not possible. Everyone on the room reservation must have the same package (i.e., everyone or no one is on the DDP).

Regarding adults order from the children's menu, most of the Disney resturants will allow it, but there have a few reports of some third party locations (i.e., La Hacienda, Marrakesh) not allowing it. Likewise, you must pay the adult price regardless of what is ordered at buffets (e.g., Chef Mickey's), all-you-care-to-eat/family style meals (e.g., 'Ohana), fixed price meals (e.g., CRT), dinner shows (e.g., HDDR), and dining packages (e.g., Fantasmic Dining Package).

 

[JMADgrad]

If I'm understanding the question, you're asking if you can pay a tab using both the DDP and "cash", right? If that is the case, yes, you can pay using a combination of DDP credits and OOP. Just tell your server who is using the plan and who is paying OOP.

If you're asking about only having some of your family on the DDP, that is not possible. Everyone on the room reservation must have the same package (i.e., everyone or no one is on the DDP).

Regarding adults order from the children's menu, most of the Disney resturants will allow it, but there have a few reports of some third party locations (i.e., La Hacienda, Marrakesh) not allowing it. Likewise, you must pay the adult price regardless of what is ordered at buffets (e.g., Chef Mickey's), all-you-care-to-eat/family style meals (e.g., 'Ohana), fixed price meals (e.g., CRT), dinner shows (e.g., HDDR), and dining packages (e.g., Fantasmic Dining Package).

Thanks! I did not realize that we must all be on the plan - that may have just ended our DDP hopes.

 

[POOHsie]

DDP isn't "all that." We've used it on many trips, and what with fussy eaters, sour tummies, end-of-day Disney exhaustion, too much sun and heat, etc., the idea of the Dining Plan was greater than the actual experience using the Plan. Price-wise, it was a wash. My adult DD's BF was impressed with the convenience of having, basically, pre-paid meals with the swipe of a KTTW card. Of course, it wasn't his pre-payment, it was mine. (which he was to pay back to me, plus his other trip costs, but never did, then they broke up.)

Realistically, you could charge your meals and tips to your room account by using your magic band, and it's the same convenience as using the Dining Plan. Only instead of pre-paid, you must pay it off at check-out or if you reach your charging max. You can always pay your charges as you go along, even daily, at the front desk. Use gift cards and save $ that way.

Since regular Dining Plan won't cover Apps, and forces you to order dessert, that's a little rigid. Many would prefer an App over a dessert, or 2 Apps instead of an entree. If you were to order Counter Service out-of-pocket, would you order dessert? Not me. So that's wasted DP dollars.

Look at the actual Dining Plan breakout (using my best guess). Daily Age 10+ rate was $58.66, now $60.64 (+$1.65). Keep in mind the Dining Plan covers the 6.5% tax. The old breakout was:
TS $37.66 = Entree $26.66, Non-Alc Bev $3.00, Dessert $8.00
CS $17.00 = Entree $10.00, Non-Alc Bev $3.00, Dessert $4.00
Snack = $4
Resort Refillable Mug with Non-Alc selected beverages = ?Value?

Using the Dining Plan allowances above, one might find a TS entree at $26.66 or more, but how many entrees, where you plan to go, are in the $18-25 range. And for a 2TS dinner, that would mean you were allowed $53.32 for an entree. There are 2TS entrees that cost more than that, but many are in the $40 range. So, how you order on the Dining Plan is as strategic as planning your FP+ selections. IMO, it gets old and tiring planning my Disney trips like the Allied Invasion of Normandy. I just want to go, and to have care-free fun, not details! details!! details!!! details!!!!