Dining plan? Please explain :)

[amy-momofthree]

We have the dining plan for the first time in October.

Can someone please explain exactly how this works so I don't hold up the line asking these questions when I pay at Counter service meals

Can any food item/ meal count towards your quick service credit?

For example, at our resort (csr), there is a cs restaurant that we will eat at upon arrival. Pepper market.

I would most likely get the quesidillas while I am sure dh will get the steak. The steak is $10 more, is there a max on how much is allowed for a CS meal? Can we both get what we want and not have to pay any difference??

Does it work this way? Do you ever have to pay extra when using the dining plan? Other than for alcoholic bvgs or appetizers.

Thanks!!

 

[Secretmagic]

For eash dining plan cs credit, you may choose an entree, dessert and a non-alcholic beverage (soda, coffee etc.). The cost of the entree doesn't matter. I read something about a 10% gratuity at pepper market ( I'm not sure if this applies to the dining plan, I'm sure someone else will weigh in). Tell your hubby to enjoy the steak!

 

[havoc315]

You can get any CS entree at a CS location, with a CS credit. 95% of the CS entrees are under $10, but there are a handful that are more -- even significantly more. And they are covered as well. I believe the steak at Pepper Market is $15... so a good $5 more than most of the CS entrees.

 

[scanne]

If you are on the regular dining plan, you will get 1 table service, 1 counter service and 1 snack per day.

Table service meals are for sit-down restaurants or buffets. Examples include Crystal Palace, Chef Mickey's, 'Ohana, Liberty Tree Tavern, Whispering Canyon Cafe, etc.

Counter service are called "quick serve" locations by Disney. These are the places where you walk up to the register, order and carry your own food away.

For both types of meals you are entitled to an entree, dessert and beverage.
For the table service meals, you have to pay gratuity - it is not included.

Cost of entrees doesn't matter - there is no cap. So you can get the $28.99 entree with your dining plan credit.

If you book a signature restaurant or plan to go to a dinner show, this will cost 2 of your table service entitlements. Some signatures are Narcoosee's, California Grill, Cinderella's Royal Table, etc.

Some of the best use of counter service credits are:
Wolfgang Puck Express at Downtown Disney
Flame Tree BBQ at Animal Kingdom
Cosmic Ray's at Magic Kingdom

On my trip last week, I noticed that I was able to get regular counter meals for my kids even though we paid the kids price for them for the dining plan. We did this at nearly ALL the quick service locations. So for example, my kids were able to get the larger portion of chicken nuggets at Columbia Harbor House, a large beverage and a regular dessert offering. This worked out as my son is 9 and has a larger appetite and the small portion of kids' chicken nuggets would not have been enough for him.

Snack credits can be used for sodas, ice creams, popcorn, cotton candy, rice krispy treats, etc.

I would have to say that most things are very well labeled throughout WDW and the CM's are (usually) very helpful.

Enjoy your trip and your dining plan!!! Hope this was somewhat helpful to you!

 

[TDC Nala]

Pepper Market apparently now has signage stating the 10% service charge is not included in the dining plan.

 

[amy-momofthree]

Wow! Thanks so much everyone! It sounded too good to be true. Thanks for the heads up on the 10% service fee at Pepper Market. Loving this dining plan

 

[leebee]

It has its detractors, but we love the Pepper Market. I am surprised that Disney considers this a cs restaurant on the dining plans. IMO, the food here is of a higher quality and there are better options than at many of the on-property cs restaurants. If only it were easier to go from POP to POFQ!

 

[Dizneydaz]

Check out this thread to see all the snack credit possibilities. You can get more than popcorn, soda, water, fruit, and ice cream novelties. So much more

2011 Confirmed Snacks

Happy Dining!