Didn't Know about the Dinning Plans, HELP!

[m.i.mom2001]

Booked our ressies at the Hilton onsite. Didn't know that we could NOT get the Disney Dinning Plan without staying at A WDW Resort. Is there anything that I can do at this point? Our ressies are for Apr. 27 - May 1, 2008. Did book a king towers room with conceirge service. Can they really help us with this? Wanted to surprise hubby with a fantastic dinner on 4/27 - his b'day.
Any help would be appreciated greatly.

Kim R

 

[Cheshire Figment]

There is nothing to stop anyone from making resewrvations at Disney restaurants, other than there is a finite number of spaces available.

The DDP is just one of several methods of paying for your food and that is only available for people staying at a Disney Owned and Operated Resort.

One restaurant that is wonderful, especially for a celebration on this short a notice is Victoria and Albert's in the Grand Floridian. A few things to consider are that children under age 10 are not permitted, it is a bit on the expensive side, and fairly strict dress code (for men jacket and no jeans or shorts). But then of course it is one of only 46 restaurants in the entire country that is rated 5 Diamonds by AAA.

Another option would be Bistro de Paris in the French Pavilion which only takes reservations 30 days out. This does not have a childen's menu as it is fine dining and children are discouraged.

 

[zima-cheryl]

Booked our ressies at the Hilton onsite. Didn't know that we could NOT get the Disney Dinning Plan without staying at A WDW Resort. Is there anything that I can do at this point? Our ressies are for Apr. 27 - May 1, 2008. Did book a king towers room with conceirge service. Can they really help us with this? Wanted to surprise hubby with a fantastic dinner on 4/27 - his b'day.
Any help would be appreciated greatly.

Kim R

W/out the dining plan the cost of the meals isn't included in your park tickets; so you'll need to pay for meals & food as you go. DDP isn't available at non-Disney hotels (that would include Swan & Dolphin too). But no big deal...just budget accordingly. You can still make reservations.

If you have concierge service - use it! We have always found (WDW or other trips) the conceirges are wonderfully helpful people. That is what they are there for & why you pay for the extra level of service.

Another idea - on the days you are in the parks, stop into guest services. We often have luck popping in there during the morning & coming out w/some nice dinner reservations. I think people must get up, change their minds & cancel in the morning & then the guest services people just nab one up for us!
Again - that is what they are there for, and they are good at it!

Have a great trip!!

 

[winterman]

Booked our ressies at the Hilton onsite. Didn't know that we could NOT get the Disney Dinning Plan without staying at A WDW Resort. Is there anything that I can do at this point? Our ressies are for Apr. 27 - May 1, 2008. Did book a king towers room with conceirge service. Can they really help us with this? Wanted to surprise hubby with a fantastic dinner on 4/27 - his b'day.
Any help would be appreciated greatly.

Kim R

Just decide where you want to eat and call Disney dining. 407-WDW-DINE Just do it soon. This late you may have to be flexible with the time. DH and I are staying offsite 4/26/08 thru 5/7/08 and I have made ADRs for almost every day.

 

[spiceycat]

while I love both french restuarants - don't know if a man would - a little too romantic. Especially Bistro de Paris but I definitely love it.

might go with EsPN - then expect to wait in a long line - don't think it takes reservation.

forgot there is a new place
Cooke's of Dublin - it is next door to the hilton in PI - DTD.

 

[DisneyDeeva]

Cookes of Dublin is a counter service place...but it is attached to Raglan Road. They have decent food and on certain nights live singing and dancing for entertainment.

Fulton's Crabhouse has good food and is also located at DtD. I don't know if you could get a ressie at Yachtsman Steakhouse or Shula's in the Boardwalk area but both have great steak options.