DDP TS Questions

[momtotaryn]

I'm sure these questions have been asked before...

We have the DDP ~ DH, DD (age 10), and me.

We are not big eaters, especially my DD. Would TS restaurants allow us to use a credit for an appetizer? For example, we would order two meals and an appetizer to share between the three of us.

How about DD ordering from the children's menu? Can we use a credit for that? Is she even able to order from the children's menu?

Is it possible to just order two meals and share with DD? Would that be allowed?

 

[Cafeen]

I'm sure these questions have been asked before...

We have the DDP ~ DH, DD (age 10), and me.

We are not big eaters, especially my DD. Would TS restaurants allow us to use a credit for an appetizer? For example, we would order two meals and an appetizer to share between the three of us. - Yes and no. They will allow you to order 2 meals and split an app, but that app will have to be paid out of pocket

How about DD ordering from the children's menu? Can we use a credit for that? Is she even able to order from the children's menu? - While you can, know that it's not the best use of a credit at all. A TS credit on DDP "costs" roughly $28. A kids' meal costs around $7.50.

Is it possible to just order two meals and share with DD? Would that be allowed? - This is allowed in the same manner as the first answer. Note that in buffets, all you can eats, and other fixed price locations, your DD would be required to pay full price (in your case, the full # of credits).

Individual responses inline.

In your situation, it may make the most sense to simply pay OOP for most of DD's items and save the credits for you and DH. Basically, if it's a standard type of location (non-buffet, non-fixed price, etc), if DD isn't going to order a full adult meal, you'd be better off saving that credit and just paying OOP. If this happens at two meals, you've essentially saved up enough credits for you and DH to have a covered meal elsewhere (or do a signature somewhere). This works because credits are not stored individually, but rather per room. It also works because your DD will be using Adult Credits (as you know), so applying them to you and DH will work.

 

[3pletprincesses]

Can't help for the appetizer othen tat you can's substitut dessert for appetizer.

Yes your DD can order off the child menu.

Yes sharing is allowed as long as you are not at a buffet.

 

[Faldred]

The only addition I'll make it that sometimes at some locations, you might be able to order an appetizer as your entree. Depends on place/server/date/time/phase of the moon/whatever.

I agree with the general advice of not using a TS credit for anything less than a full meal (or buffet/other admission restaurant).

 

[tyandskyesmom]

I have a 12 year old son and this will be the firs ttime usin gthe DDDP since becoming a Disney Adult (we have used it before though) and while he has recently aquired a very expensive addition to steak, he likes it plain and he would not eat an adult's preparation for it. So, we plan on using his meal credits for him at buffets/all you can eat/fixed price meals and at the one credit meals but we are paying out of pocket for him at signatures. Mostly because he'd prefer a plain kid's steak or piece of fish than a fancy all sauced up adult version. That way, we can enjoy a few more meals than we woul dhave otherwise.

This works for us though and part of the reason it does is because this is a paid upgrade from free dining so we are not paying for it and then paying more on top of it.

And we have been in The World enough to know we are not missing out on something out while dining. We also think all the dining enhances our vacation...so it extra meals appeal to you, and you think the three of you could eat off of two meals at a time (other than pay one price types of meals) or you don't mind paying out of pocket for your daughter to get a kid's meal, that might be a good way for you to do the DDDP.

Oh, and I would NEVER use an adult credit for a kid;s meal...not even on the free DDP!
the DDDP

 

[purple figment]

I have a 12 year old son and this will be the firs ttime usin gthe DDDP since becoming a Disney Adult (we have used it before though) and while he has recently aquired a very expensive addition to steak, he likes it plain and he would not eat an adult's preparation for it.

You can also have the steaks prepared plain without the sauce or other accompaniments.

 

[momtotaryn]

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

I forgot to mention that we have free DDP, and would rather not pay OOP at a TS restaurant, if possible. The reason? I'm thinking if we pay OOP for my DD (instead of using the credit for a child's meal or appetizer), then we'd have too many credits leftover.

I guess my next question is...Can we use leftover credits (TS and/or CS) towards snacks that we can take home? Would it be more worth it to "waste" a TS credit on a kid's meal at TS restaurant?

 

[Sparkie]

I have read on here that some TS resturants will allow adult TS credits to be used for child TS meals and some will not and that there really isnt any rhyme or reason to it. You just have to ask.

It is also hit and miss as to whether converting TS/CS to snack credits is allowed. Technically by the constraints of the plan, Disney doesnt have to allow it at all but back in the day when there was typically only the free dining in Sept, there were reports of TS being allowed to be downsized to CS and CS downsized to snacks. But this was not absolute and there is no guarantee it would be allowed.

If your DD isnt a big eater, then I think the best way to maximize your DDP credits is to do the buffets- there is a kid friendly section at all of them.

If you and your DH are not buffet people or the thought of eating a buffet for every meal just sends shivers through your spine, then I would look at the menus for the TS you have chosen and see if there are any meals that can be de-sauced or de-vegged that she may like; even if she doesnt eat it all.

Which TS do you have planned so far- I have gone with kids that age and on the DDP before maybe I can help you with some choices.

 

[momtotaryn]

Here are my ADRs:
Teppan Edo
Kona Café
Mickey's Backyard BBQ
Crystal Palace
Boatwright's
Chef Mickey's
Raglan Road
Hollywood & Vine

I guess I'm one of those people who would hate to see good food go to waste, if we all order adult meals (I'm talking non buffet restaurants, of course). However, I would also hate to waste credits either. It would be ideal for us to order 2 meals and 1 appetizer (or kid's meal), if a credit was accepted for the latter. I am primarily looking at Kona Cafe, Boatwright's, and Raglan Road. Not a big deal, if we can't do it, but thought I'd ask anyway.

 

[Faldred]

Okay, so this really only applies 4 times, as the other reservations are "admission" locations.

Assuming your credits completely cover those ADRs, what is being suggested is that you could pay OOP for an appetizer or kids meal, save those credits, and add 1 or 2 more reservations.

If your credits don't cover all of those ADRs, then use the "leftover" credits to pay for a few meals you had planned to do OOP.

 

[momtotaryn]

Thank you, Faldred! Yes, our credits cover these ADRs, but no more ressies for us! It's enough to be already tied to these ressies. Don't want to add anymore. Not to mention, we still have the CS credits to use too, but I think it will be easier to spread those out for the other meals during the day.

Now I totally understand when people post that having the DDP means way too much food. It's a good thing we're doing free DDP this time. I probably would not purchase DDP on future trips.