DDP Warning - Fulton's Crab House

[Darcy03231]

When you use the on-line reservation system and limit your search to DDP participating restuarants Fulton's Crab House comes up as an option. It isn't on the DDP. When you arrive for your reservation you'll be told you need to pay in full for your dinner.

I called Dining Reservations about this and was basically oh well, too bad. Its a glitch in the system. I was told I really shouldn't use the on-line system but to call instead.

If you have a reservation there, be prepared to pay out of pocket.

 

[vicki_c]

That has been an issue for a while. It is because the online info counts the Platinum and Premium plans as a "DDP" when those plans are not really part of the DDP. Platinum and Premium plans can be used at some restaurants that don't take the DDP (assume Fulton's is one of those, but there are a few other things/places as well) and because of that they show up when you search on locations that take the DDP. It's best to use the DDP brochure which lists all the restaurants that take the DDP and DxDDP.

I did think though once you clicked through to a particular restaurant that has this issue that is said it didn't take the DDP, but I can't remember.

 

[TDC Nala]

Fulton's accepts the premium and platinum package plans. That's why it comes up when you search DDP restaurants - even though the premium and platinum packages aren't the same as the Disney Dining Plans, because they have a dining component that is similar to the Disney Dining Plans, the website lumps all the plans together. If you were to click on the Dining Plan Information on the page you get when you make a reservation at Fulton's, you would see that it applies only to the Premium and Platinum Package Plans. A lot of guests, though, aren't going so far as to click a further link during the reservation process and are assuming dining plan meals all dining plans. Heck, most guests probably don't even know the premium and platinum package plans exist.

Yes, it's confusing - a lot of posters have been on here thinking that Fultons takes the dining plan - and I've been waiting for someone to come along and say they actually went to Fulton's thinking they could pay with the dining plan. The best way to deal with this is not through WDW-DINE (they have no idea what the website people are doing) but find some way to comment on the website. Most company websites have a "contact us" area for feedback.

It's not a question of "don't use the online system" but being aware of how they list dining plan/premium & platnium restaurants, which they didn't make easy to determine.

A better system for guests trying to determine what's on DDP is to use the printed DDP brochure (there is a link to one in the sticky threads of the Dining Plan board). If it's not on that brochure, it's not on DDP (make sure, though, that you are using an up to date brochure. A 2011 brochure should have a date in small print at the bottom of 121010; if it's dated any earlier, it won't be complete.)

 

[Cafeen]

The email for general guest communication is wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com . For technical services the phone number is (407) 939-7765. There is also a survey link at the bottom of all the pages on the site.

It's very confusing. They should really split it up and make 2 checkboxes. One for Disney Dining Plan, and the other for Premium/Platnium plans.

They have issues all over regarding data/information presentation though (Passholder Discounts page anyone?). One of these days, I may even take a few days and effectively QA this portion of their site (I know quite a bit about UI and Web Design, as well as how to actually do it for a few languages).

 

[brymolmom]

When making online reservations...you get to a screen with a small chart with the dining plans (QSDP, DDP, DXDP, platinum, etc) on the left and breakfast, lunch, dinner across the lower axis. It then states in each cell the # of credits for that meal at that location using that dining plan. For example, Lecellier for lunch on the DDP shows 1 but then move over to dinner column and it shows 2. For anything n/a for that dining plan (like table service restaurants can't use CS credit) - it shows that it is not available.

I am guessing, tho I've never tried Fulton's - that this grid accurately shows that it is n/a for the DDP or DXDP, but only for platinum and above.

Not sure if someone can confirm??

 

[maggiew]

Yes, when I was booking reservations, I noticed the little chart too.

Maggie

 

[Darcy03231]

Luckily for me I didn't have to find out when I got there! I found it by reading a totally unrelated thread on these boards.

I guess what bothered me was that the website isn't the slightest bit clear about it. After limiting my search to DDP restaurants, I checked menus. When you hover over the restaurant name it brings up a box wit the menus and there was another line further down saying Disney Dining Plan Accepted - nothing about it only being accepted on the Premier/Platinum plans. Its not until after you make the reservation that you get a grid at the bottom (which I don't think is really clear either), which I didn't pay attention to.

The CM at Dining Reservations was less than helpful or sympathetic. I think that also added to my frustration. Her whole attitude was oh well, too bad for you. I asked for a supervisor and was told they don't have them.

 

[maggiew]

I think it is very confusing! If the average Joe tried to make dining reservations and did what you did, they would have a high chance of not finding out until they got there. Not everyone lives 24/7 on these boards like we do.

What worries me more is that some people go with the DDP and don't make ANY ADRs and show up expecting to eat. They don't know its necessary to make these reservations. I really worry about them!

Maggie