Dining Plan for Dummies?

[ziggylu]

I booked a package today for Halloween week. I went ahead and booked the Dining Plan even though I don't really know much about it...but at $38/pp I figured we'd probably spend that each day eating anyhow. We prefer table service for dinner and figured we'd easily spend the $76/day as a result...

But I'm kind of confused by it so a few questions if anyone can explain in really simple terms:

1) I understand there is one table service, one counter service and one snack per day. do these ahve to be used everyday or do the carry over from day to day if we don't use them all?

2) when traveling we tend to eat heavy at one meal adn very light the rest of the day. Often we'll split something at the smaller meals...if we were to split a counter service lunch for instance...what happens to the other? again can we carry over?

3) if we each get one counter service per day would we be able ot use one at breakfast and split it and another at either lunch or dinner and split it? (for table service we would always order separately so not an issue here).

4) I've seen references to using unused credits for candy to bring home? How does this work?

5) We generally arent' planners. Will we have trouble with the table service meals if we don't book way ahead? Can we wait til we get there and book successfully the day ahead? (we're going oct 30-nov 3)
Gratuity is included. Do most people still tip additionally?

THanks for the help!

 

[ajcolorado]

Here's really good information about the dining plan: http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/packages07a.htm

I think you may have trouble with table service restaurants if you don't book ahead. You really should if there is some place that you really want to try. I tried booking a Fantasmic Dinner Package for early Oct. w/ 2 or 3 weeks advance notice and could not get in at all. If you really aren't fussy, call 407WDW-Dine from your cell phone early or mid-afternoon and ask where & when they can seat you. Having at least that much of a reservation will eliminate alot of standing around waiting.

Use the list on this thread for getting the most from your snack credits: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1109080

Most food items costing less than $4.00 will be included on the plan for using snack credits- this generally includes candy. Someone suggested this rule of thumb: pay cash for anything under $3, use snack credits for items over $3.

You receive a set amount of credits and you are free to use them however you wish. Use all your table service credits on one day, if you'd like. But they expire on your check out day (you can eat on check out day) so that's where you can use up any extra snack credits.

 

[JediTim]

One of the things my wife and I do is split a b-fest in the morning and then again a lunch in the afternoon. More often than not the amount of food you were given was way too much.

I would suggest you at least book reservations for dinner...it may be difficult to get a reservation when you are there unless you eat early (5PM to 5:30PM)

Tim

 

[asmit4]

Reading the above posts will help but here is the answers.

1. Carry over, you can use them ANY way you want on ANY day of your trip.

2. Carry over

3. Carry over

4. People use their snack credits for candy and things like rice krispie treats to take home. Just go to many of the shops/food courts to find items on the DDP and you can buy them to take home.

5. THIS october? Make your reservations for table service NOW. IMMEDIATELY. If next Oct. it's 180 days out plus 10 for staying onsite I think. Make them at least 6 months in advance....190 outs is best

 

[asmit4]

Tips- you can tip more but they get 18% tip so use your own judgment.

Of course you should tip on extras like alcohol since they only get tipped on the DDP items not the extras you want like alcohol.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Welcome to the DIS Ziggylu!

You have come to the right place. Somebody here knows something about everything!

There is a sticky at the top of the board that explains the DDP and has a FAQ section too. Here is the link

This should answer most of your questions,

The hard thing about reservations at Disney right now is because so many people are planning so far in advance, some table service restaurants are literally booked up and sold out months in advance.

If you are flexible with your times and where you want to eat, you should be ok. I would still call now and book at least a few TS.

An 18% gratuity is included. If you normally tip more or have excellant services, the servers would be thrilled with extra.

Have fun planning and feel free to ask any questions you have

 

[ziggylu]

Thank you for all the replies! I apologize I missed the sticky last night.

Bummed out about the reservation situation. Is it easier to get lunch reservations at late notice?

 

[beroh2253]

You can check out the Restaurants menus here this may give you an idea of where you may want to book your ADR's. WE like to plan ahead.
There are some very great choices, we just returned from a 9 night stay and can't complain about any of the meals TS or CS or the service, We were not treated like second class with the DDP like some people say. Every waitress was great we didn't have any waiters.
Have a great trip.



http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm

 

[Pumbaa_]

Ziggylu,
Make a list of where you would like to eat, and the days. Get a nice glass of your favorite beverage and get comfy. Pick up the phone and call Disney Dining. See what they have available. Resort hotels may be easier to book than some themepark resorts.

Flexibility is key. Here is a link to the DIS Menus.

Kona Cafe is a wonderful place at the Poly. Also, Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge is fantastic.

Let us know how you make out!