This is the first I've ever heard of a dining surcharge. Does this apply to anyone eating at Disney World between the previously mentioned dates? Is it something that pertains to the dining plan? I mad ADR’s for my upcoming July 4th trip and a surcharge never came up, unless it’s in the fine print. Any information would be appreciated.
Nope, it's not in the fine print. Disney has implemented this upcharge/surcharge the past few years, and they don't really make mention of it. It's for buffets, all you care to eat and fixed price meals such as: CRT, Boma, Tusker House, Chef Mickey's, Garden Grill, etc. You can find out from these boards or All Ears, for example, or, when you actually book your ADRs by phone, as CMs will review prices with you and will mention the upcharge/surcharge. If you book online, then you won't find out, unless you do the trick I mentioned above.
I have sent emails and called Disney about it, but this is how they do it. It ensures that they get their money - if you don't know about it until time of payment, you really have no choice but to pay, right?
They should be officially announcing the dates soon, but as I said, the prices have already been loaded into the computers for awhile now. It's not a good system, and isn't fair to the guest, but this is how Disney does it.
If you are going during July 4th, which is peak season, you will be subject to the exact price upcharges per meal/per person that I mentioned above if paying cash. If doing the DP, then Disney has already made a peak dining price of $46.99/adult for this time period, so you are covered in that respect.
HTH, Tiger