Dining Plan question... credits confuse me!

[MadameMim]

Hi all! We are headed to WDW next month (!!!) and will be enjoying the free DP promo.

We are a family of six. I have ADRs for three of our six days there. I was planning to just do CS the other odd days.

My question - will we be able to use the extra TS credits we aren't using for CS?

The last time we were at WDW was in 2006 and the Dining Plan credits were more lax then. I've just read some threads here that you can no longer trade CS credits for extra Snack Credits....so now I'm concerned that the same may apply regarding doing CS instead of TS.

Please advise!

 

[believinthemagic]

I don't think they let you trade out at all

 

[beachta1]

While I'm not entirely sure if you can trade "down" and use a TS credit for a CS, I'd highly recommend taking advantage of that free meal plan and use your TS credits! Since it is "free" I'd use it the smartest way you can. Depending on meal times and what time of year you are going, some TS restaurants will take walk-ins. I know September is not a really crazy time at WDW with many students returning to school, so I think you'll be able to walk-in to some TS restaurants.

 

[PuppyPrincess]

I totally agree. Take your full entitlement of TS meals, as they are free. Go someplace you wouldn't normally go with your family because of cost. Just be sure it isn't a signature restaurant that requires 2 TS credits per person. There aren't very many of these, but just be on the safe side. Disney offers a wide variety of TS meals for you to choose from at the Parks and Resorts. You could do a late buffet breakfast, then a light CS dinner somewhere. Or have a muffin as a snack for breakfast, a CS for lunch and TS for dinner. Your options are really endless. My problem usually is trying to find the right combination because there are soooo many great places to eat at Disney - both TS and CS! Enjoy your free dining and enjoy your vacation.

 

[minnie mum]

While I'm not entirely sure if you can trade "down" and use a TS credit for a CS, I'd highly recommend taking advantage of that free meal plan and use your TS credits! Since it is "free" I'd use it the smartest way you can. Depending on meal times and what time of year you are going, some TS restaurants will take walk-ins. I know September is not a really crazy time at WDW with many students returning to school, so I think you'll be able to walk-in to some TS restaurants.

Sorry, I have to disagree with the whole walkup thing. We usually are there during FD in Sept. Many of the popular park and resort restaurants will be turning away walkups from what we have seen.

Disney is now pretty strict with their credits. No trading up or down. So OP you are looking at the possiblility of wasting half of your TS credits if you can't find a walkup. I would suggest that you either make ADRs to use up those credits, or at least try to get same day ADRs through your resort concierge in the mornings.

 

[MadameMim]

YIKES!

I'm so glad I found out about this ahead of time.

Thanks for your input!

 

[MadameMim]

I totally agree. Take your full entitlement of TS meals, as they are free. Go someplace you wouldn't normally go with your family because of cost. Just be sure it isn't a signature restaurant that requires 2 TS credits per person. There aren't very many of these, but just be on the safe side. Disney offers a wide variety of TS meals for you to choose from at the Parks and Resorts. You could do a late buffet breakfast, then a light CS dinner somewhere. Or have a muffin as a snack for breakfast, a CS for lunch and TS for dinner. Your options are really endless. My problem usually is trying to find the right combination because there are soooo many great places to eat at Disney - both TS and CS! Enjoy your free dining and enjoy your vacation.

These are great options, and what we'd like to do if it was just us adults, but with four kids it's not so easy. Two of them very picky and one being autistic and easily over-stimulated around food (big food phobias...restaurants can be traumatic for him).

I'll definitely be trying to figure this out before out rapidly-approaching trip! Thanks!

 

[smitch425]

You CAN use a TS credit for a CS meal anywhere on property. I am 100% sure of it. People have posted emails directly from Disney on this site saying that it is allowed. I'll see if I can find one of those posts...

 

[smitch425]

Read this thread (the email is in post#11)...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2954859

 

[TDC Nala]

Yes, Disney has specifically said you can trade a TS for a CS meal. No extras with the CS meal though, it's a one for one trade, entree or combo and beverage.

 

[MadameMim]

Thanks everyone!

I ended up calling just to make sure sure sure, and we can trade TS for QS as an even exchange. Not a great value to do that, for sure, but we are on the DP for free, so I can't complain too hard.

Now if I can just nail down a table at Chef Mickey's I'll be a happy mouseketeer.

 

[sharonabe]

You may also want to try places like The Plaza and Liberty Tree Tavern (lunch) at MK as they are a little more low-key TS and your DS will probably be okay at these.

Another possibility would be Coral Reef at Epcot. The aquarium may keep him and the others entertained.

 

[StacyMarie]

From personal experience, you can use a TS for a CS meal. Have fun!!!!