Dining Plan Q...

[can'twait]

Well, after reading all the posts about the plan lately, I'm just confused.
I told DH about the debates here, so he said, well call and get the real deal. I said, but others have called and e-mailed and nobody can get a straight answer! It depends on who you talk to and what waiter you get! He couldn't believe it - he started yelling at me! I was just trying to explain how frustrated I was that it was so confusing! He calmed down after I explained I'm calling our TA in the am.

But, it occurred to me that there might be different dining programs out there, with different rules, and that might be why these dining plan threads are so heated? When I initially started researching my trip, I was overwhelmed by all the options. Onsite, offsite, which resort, Magical Express or not, which package, which promotion, should I book it myself online or use AAA? Yikes! So, I started wondering, is there a difference between the program where you pay for it and the free promotional program? Are there several types out there, offered by different TA's or Disney? Because if it were free but some menu items were restricted, I wouldn't mind spending OOP for a dessert or an appetizer here and there, if I really wanted it and I knew about the restrictions ahead of time. I mean, if 98% of it were free, then why not? But if I paid for the program and then they added restrictions that you could only get a certain dessert, then that isn't right - I paid for "a dessert", dammit! Why should it matter which one I get? I could see restricting you or making you use 2 credits at a high end TS place, but to tell me I can't get a certain CS dessert is nuts. Really, what could the price difference be? Hmmm... What do you guys think?

 

[can'twait]

Oh, come on! NO responses? My feelings are hurt. Sniff.

Well, I just got off the phone with my TA who called Disney while he put me on hold. He came back and said there is only one version of the dining plan, whether it's free or not, and there should be NO restrictions on desserts, etc. So, if your CM gives you a hard time ask for the manager and if they give you a hard time then ask for someone else until you get the answer you want.

He also said he thought you got vouchers for each meal, labeled for kids and adults, so that sounds like it eliminates the "funny business" we have heard about. I'm still not sure what to believe!

The good news is that I've been upgraded to a free dining package and saved $500 on the trip - Yippee!

 

[PrincessAlina]

Congrats on getting the free dining. I have read so many different and conflicting things about the dining plan that I give up trying to understand it. I'll see what happens when we get there.

 

[highlander447]

Good for u and I wouldn't worry those that have used the plan seem happy with it, I just think people are wondering what the catch is as its free for some stays but I think they are forgetting its only free to the lucky ones who manage to book it and its a slow time for Disney at that period they want people in their rooms & parks spending $$ and those who hae saved on Dining will spend it on souveniers most probably and theres a better profit margin on those than dining

 

[Luv2Roam]

Not every plan works for everyone. And they are not made to. Each of us has different expectations and needs.
There is not that many Disney dining plans right now.
There are variations. And because of the variations the discrepancies come into place. Stuff happens. I am sure if you went into one Kmart, SOMETHING would be different from another down the street. We just put Disney under a microscope.
You would think everyone gets the same messages. Sometimes they do. Sometimes not. And interpretation is the key. Look how the child's appetizer has caused a heated debate here over how it can be interpreted. It is too bad it is not spelled out better and everyone would be happier -- esp the CMs I would guess.
And we all know that ANYTHING with Disney is subject to change at any given time. That is just the way it is.

 

[clombardi]

He also said he thought you got vouchers for each meal, labeled for kids and adults, so that sounds like it eliminates the "funny business" we have heard about. I'm still not sure what to believe!

Glad you got the free dining! We paid for ours for our trip this month, but it was definitely worth it. There are no "vouchers" howerver. All the meal credits are linked to your room key.

 

[can'twait]

One more note - when I told the guy I heard on the net that people coming back had stories to tell, he said, Oh, where'd ya hear that, some message board? I was like, yeah, it's really helpful. LOL!



I love this thing!!! But I thought her name was Malefecent? With a T at the end?

 

[tortoni]

Hi can't wait,

We are going on the free dining plan in August too. I think there is only one--MYW dining and I have the sense that there are variations based on which CM you get. Since it's free, we'll have fun no matter what. There are also dining discounts, like DDE, which gives you 20% off at TS restaurants, but this is different from the plan you are on. Have a great time!