"Disney doesn't know if it's child or adult credit"

[DebIreland]

DIS4MYGIRLS,
According to Mousesavers you can indeed do that, here is what she says "You can use table service meal credits at a counter service restaurant. Likewise you can use counter service credits for snacks (but be prepared for the cashier to think you're nuts). You'll lose some value, but gain flexibility." Or click
here to read the article.

 

[fakereadhed]

I was just assuming (and yes I know what assumptions do) that any company that could scan my bone measurements in my fingers to prove that my ticket was mine could surely fix this problem that you and several others have apparently lost sleep over.

 

[mjmcca]

I doubt i will ever do the dinning plan. My kids are young and would have to order from the kids menu but they sometimes want items from the adult menu. To me it wouldn't be worth the hassle of trying to tell my 4 year old why they cant have what they want.

 

[pedro2112]

I am not sure stealing is the accurate word, more a loophole that at this time has not been closed. I won't get into the whys, I know why, but many are not interested in change, so I will keep that info to myself. I would hate to be accussed of posting something that is not accurate. Even though I was told this by Dining management and not Net hearsay.

Interesting, because I spoke with three people from Dining Management last week while at WDW, and they felt that WDW made more money when people "stretched" out TS credits and paid out of pocket for kids. Perhaps the analysis wasn't complete when you spoke with management?

 

[pedro2112]

Just wondering. How much (on average) would it cost Disney for any given adult TS meal? What is their markup? Does anyone have a clue? As I was reading the various opinions, I was wondering if Disney might not come out ahead if someone chose to purchase kid's meals OOP.

This is exactly what has been happening. When I spoke with some people in Disney Dining Management when I was at the world 2 weeks ago, they indicated that they make more money if people pay out of pocket for children and spend the "extra" credits on another TS meal. Especially if it is a signature restaurant (apparently they are less of a value for 2 ts credits). When I asked if they would get rid of pooled credits in order to reduce the stretching of credits they seemed somewhat amused; like asking a business owner if they were going to prohibit a practice that brought in more money.

 

[Pedler]

This is exactly what has been happening. When I spoke with some people in Disney Dining Management when I was at the world 2 weeks ago, they indicated that they make more money if people pay out of pocket for children and spend the "extra" credits on another TS meal. Especially if it is a signature restaurant (apparently they are less of a value for 2 ts credits). When I asked if they would get rid of pooled credits in order to reduce the stretching of credits they seemed somewhat amused; like asking a business owner if they were going to prohibit a practice that brought in more money.

Interesting... I am going to have to reevaluate the whole 2 TS credit signature meal thing. Bicker said he has reviewed it and also feels that using two TS credits for a signature meal isn't worth it. Better to pay OOP and use the credits for two 1 TS meals.

It looks like Scrooge McDuck definitley put in some overtime creating the dinning plan.

 

[michvin]

I find it very, very funny to say the least that people actually think that a conglomerate, a huge, huge company such as the Walt Disney Company would leave a "loophole" for people to "steal" meals. If Disney wanted to limit how people used their credits, they would, in fact, have the kids meals on the card coded ON THE CARD. Coded in the card so as to prevent the meals from being used in what way they are being used. I mean, really, I don't see anyone talking about the counter service meals, where you are also supposed to just order a kids meal. We, having spent over $5000 at WDW last fall, did not feel like I was "stealing" when instead of ordering two adult CS meals and 2 kids CS meals, we ordered 3 adult CS meals and split them between the 5 of us, one of us being "free" as we have a wee 2 year old. And yes, the last two days we were there, we only had 4 TS meals left, and used them for the adult meals and paid for the kids OOP. I guess that I was "stealing" from the "loophole" in paying on average of $40 extra to using the TS meals and including a moderate tip. How naive we are to think that in 2006 a company like Disney would leave an opening for people to be flexible in how they use a dining plan that they paid for. How interesting that a company that scans your fingerprints to your card has chose to leave such a "loophole" in place. I am sure that they would be raising the price of the dining plans and rooms and tickets regardless of how people with children under 9 used their TS credits while they are on vacation. I remember seeing these posts a year ago and its a shame that posters feel they should use such judgmental assessments as stealing, lying, cheating, etc. Its a business run like a business where the company markets everyone to death about their product..and we eat it up in Orlando, at the Walmart, and the movies. So, if people decide to use a couple of thier TS credits to extend one of thousands of dollars spent on vacation, then they should do what they are able to do until the process by the big company makes it so they can't.

 

[Nancyg56]

I find it very, very funny to say the least that people actually think that a conglomerate, a huge, huge company such as the Walt Disney Company would leave a "loophole" for people to "steal" meals. If Disney wanted to limit how people used their credits, they would, in fact, have the kids meals on the card coded ON THE CARD. Coded in the card so as to prevent the meals from being used in what way they are being used. I mean, really, I don't see anyone talking about the counter service meals, where you are also supposed to just order a kids meal. We, having spent over $5000 at WDW last fall, did not feel like I was "stealing" when instead of ordering two adult CS meals and 2 kids CS meals, we ordered 3 adult CS meals and split them between the 5 of us, one of us being "free" as we have a wee 2 year old. And yes, the last two days we were there, we only had 4 TS meals left, and used them for the adult meals and paid for the kids OOP. I guess that I was "stealing" from the "loophole" in paying on average of $40 extra to using the TS meals and including a moderate tip. How naive we are to think that in 2006 a company like Disney would leave an opening for people to be flexible in how they use a dining plan that they paid for. How interesting that a company that scans your fingerprints to your card has chose to leave such a "loophole" in place. I am sure that they would be raising the price of the dining plans and rooms and tickets regardless of how people with children under 9 used their TS credits while they are on vacation. I remember seeing these posts a year ago and its a shame that posters feel they should use such judgmental assessments as stealing, lying, cheating, etc. Its a business run like a business where the company markets everyone to death about their product..and we eat it up in Orlando, at the Walmart, and the movies. So, if people decide to use a couple of thier TS credits to extend one of thousands of dollars spent on vacation, then they should do what they are able to do until the process by the big company makes it so they can't.

Exactly right. I really think that people take this issue so personally because it is easy to forget that Disney is not a Mouse whose house we visit, but a huge company. Disney is a place that we take our families to, share in the joy of being childlike once again, and bring home memories to sustain us until we escape to this destination once again. It is nice that so many are protective, but I find it amusing that the same people who happily accept a free upgrade in housing, or are thrilled when a CM allows an unplanned for guest to stay free of the $25 charge scream that a CM who suggests that using a childs TS credit towards a signature meal is stealing in order to bump up their tip.

Disney is a successful company because as an entity, it has managed to bring personalized service to an incredible amount of people. Free upgrades, towel animals, and "extra" meals equal the Pixie Dust that brings us back clamoring for more. And of course we are bringing our wallets with us, spending our "savings" as we go.

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

If Disney was strict on this each person would have a dining card and would be required to finger scan at each meal, along with the card.This is not the case so I am planning to pay OOP so we can enjoy a signature meal.

 

[lookingforward]

Exactly right. I really think that people take this issue so personally because it is easy to forget that Disney is not a Mouse whose house we visit, but a huge company. Disney is a place that we take our families to, share in the joy of being childlike once again, and bring home memories to sustain us until we escape to this destination once again. It is nice that so many are protective, but I find it amusing that the same people who happily accept a free upgrade in housing, or are thrilled when a CM allows an unplanned for guest to stay free of the $25 charge scream that a CM who suggests that using a childs TS credit towards a signature meal is stealing in order to bump up their tip.

Disney is a successful company because as an entity, it has managed to bring personalized service to an incredible amount of people. Free upgrades, towel animals, and "extra" meals equal the Pixie Dust that brings us back clamoring for more. And of course we are bringing our wallets with us, spending our "savings" as we go.

I totally agree! Disney is making plenty of money offering "free dining" and will continue to do so as long as it is profitiable for them. If the "loophole" was hurting them in any way they would take it away. A few months ago there was a "loophole" on their online reservation system that was allowing people to book rooms for about $10 per night. It was obviously a mistake but there were many people who jumped on board and made the reservations. I did not see many people arguing against doing it either. But Disney found out about the error and fixed it real quick. Then, they only allowed the first night of the reserved stay to be at the "lower" price. People were incensed. Some had reserved ten nights at the Beach Club for less than $150. Disney did not stand by and let that happen.

 

[jensen]

I am amazed at how long this post has been hanging on... I've already responded once with my opinion that credits should be used as "intended". But, the more posts I read, the more I think that Disney really doesn't care how you use the credits. I'm beginning to agree with - or at least not think badly of - those people who use the plan to their best advantage.

 

[NMW]

jumping in here to say that last year, we were not allowed to pay OOP for dd4's chef mickey's meal and my sis who went the same week different time was told the same thing. All or nothing... This was last year in late Sept so I am not sure if it has changed....

there was no where else this was a problem....

I heard this from friends there in Dec about Chef Mickey's. Either everyone uses the plan or no one does. They were told no about paying cash for kids meals, unless they were out of credits.

 

[pedro2112]

I heard this from friends there in Dec about Chef Mickey's. Either everyone uses the plan or no one does. They were told no about paying cash for kids meals, unless they were out of credits.

The dining plan brochure states that at a character meal, everyone in the party must deduct at TS credit. When we did character meals, that's what we did.

 

[HayGan]

The dining plan brochure states that at a character meal, everyone in the party must deduct at TS credit. When we did character meals, that's what we did.

Actually the brochure states that one TS for each person participating in the character dining experience will be redeemed from your meal plan balance, unless otherwise noted.

We had absolutely no problem in paying OOP for our kids at Crystal Palace and 'Ohana (both breakfast)

 

[pedro2112]

Actually the brochure states that one TS for each person participating in the character dining experience will be redeemed from your meal plan balance, unless otherwise noted.

Same thing. The rules state that at a character meal (or signature dining experience), everyone needs to expend a credit. Yes, some CMs may let you get around that rule, but I was just stating why this happened at Chef Mickey's.

 

[Joyce Kingkade]

Let's see, I'm sure the children's price states they must eat off the children's menu. So if you are an adult wanting to use the childrens priced TS you should then eat off the children's menu! To order off the adult menu when you know what you have paid for is unethical. Why do we try to justify this? Just because I see someone's purse in a shopping cart does not mean I can take it, because the opportunity is there. It is taking advantage of the situation!

 

[Bird-Mom]

We paid OOP for my dd age 4 at Chef Mickey's last September. I think the "unless otherwise noted" in the rules refers to if you ask to pay part credits/part cash. If it was me and I was told everyone had to use credits, I would ask for a manager. According to the flexibility of the plan, I can choose how I use my credits.

I think the examples in the rules (character meals, signature restaurants) are merely that, examples.

 

[Lewisc]

We paid OOP for my dd age 4 at Chef Mickey's last September. I think the "unless otherwise noted" in the rules refers to if you ask to pay part credits/part cash. If it was me and I was told everyone had to use credits, I would ask for a manager. According to the flexibility of the plan, I can choose how I use my credits.

I think the examples in the rules (character meals, signature restaurants) are merely that, examples.

The "unless otherwise noted" phrase isn' included in in the signature restaurant section or in the dinner show section. The most logical explanation is the "unless otherwise noted" refers to the fact that one character meal (CRT) costs 2 credits not one credit.

 

[BlondeAlligator]

The dining plan brochure states that at a character meal, everyone in the party must deduct at TS credit. When we did character meals, that's what we did.

What if not everyone in your party has purchased the plan? We will be there with my parents and my DH's parents. Me, DH, DD & my folks are in a 2br villa & have all purchased the plan. DH's folks are in their own studio and are not purchasing the plan. This may be a silly question, but how does Disney handle this type of situation when we will all be dining together?

 

[Bird-Mom]

The "unless otherwise noted" is really vague. At the top of the page of the MYWDining PDF, it says:

Use your meals and snacks in any order and in any amount throughout your package stay until your total is depleted.

Nowhere does it say you must pay for your character or signature dining experiences with your DDP. Nowhere does it say you must use all credits and not pay part cash/part credits. The whole point of the plan is flexibility.

This thread (and previous ones like it) is like a train wreck. Arguing ethics and semantics as if the DIS boards needs to save Disney from itself. They know what they are doing. In my pre-child life as a travel agent (and a Disney specialist to boot!), I have seen them offer several meal plans. The basic design is to keep people onsite, Period. More money (even with free dining, stretching credits) is the result. Really a win-win situation. Disney is happy and guests enjoy a wonderful dining (and recreation with some of the plans) experience where they will spend more money (kid's meals, adult beverages, souvenirs, recreation, etc) or get hooked on TS meals (if they were previously CS clients).

Why is everyone so worried about what other people are doing or that Disney is going to disappear b/c someone used a (non-existant)child credit as an adult?