Don't hear about specials when on DDP?

[miamimama]

I was wondering if anyone else has had this experience. We were at a table service restaurant a few days ago for dinner, and, as is expected, the waiter's first question was "are you on the ddp?" No further explanation of the menu was offered, other than the usual description of whats included in the DDP. After we ordered, the table next to us was seated and asked the same question, but they were not on DDP. The waiter then proceeded to tell them about the specials of the day and describe in detail his favorite entrees, etc. I understand that the specials might not be part of the DDP, but I guess I was a little dissapointed that we didn't get the descriptions of the entrees, etc. Kind of made me feel like a second class citizen. But, the food was great - so no complaints there. Just seeing if this was typical.

 

[puddleduck]

We went just this past week on the ddp and at every restaurant was told about the menu items and what our server considered to be the best items on the menu. We ate at Le Cellier, Crystal Palace, Kona and Sci Fi.

 

[bicker]

I'm glad to hear another report of comparable treatment provided to Dining Plan patrons, especially since we'll be visiting two of the restaurants you listed, puddleduck.

 

[disneyjunkie]

I guess it's the luck of the draw.

I'm not planning to tell my servers we're on the dining plan until I ask for the check.

 

[n2mm]

I guess it's the luck of the draw.

I'm not planning to tell my servers we're on the dining plan until I ask for the check.

So I'm curious, when they ask you if you're on the dining plan, do you plan to tell them no? We have used the DDP 4 different trips this year and every time, yes every time, we checked in at the podium we are asked if we're on the dining plan, and everytime we are at the table, the server will ask if we're on the dining plan. I have to say first hand that we have been treated great while using the ddp. Yes we have been told about specials -- as my hubby loves to try specials (he tried the buffalo dish at concourse last month). We are treated great and often better than when we were not using the ddp. We do several meals OOP, and we just do not see any difference. We do find the server spends more time with us when we say yes we are on the DDP, mostly because they want you to know about the more expensive "specials" because the bottom line is, the more expensive your bill is, the bigger tip the server gets. I wouldn't worry about using the ddp at all. It's great, we love it, and find it an exceptional value. (BTW, we are DVC members and love this new perk!).

 

[meryll83]

I think I'd be happier for them to know I was on the DDP to make sure our server makes us aware of anything on the menu that is not included.

Are there a lot of menu items not available, or is everything available but at an extra charge?

 

[JimMIA]

I have no idea why they always ask about the DDP when you make ADRs or when you check in at the host desk -- unless they are just taking a survey (which to me would be a waste of time, because they have the accounting data which is more accurate). The only person who truly needs to know if your server.

It's actually a little annoying, and probably the prime reason we get so many "Will I be treated differently?" questions about the DDP.

For the record, we have never felt we were treated less cordially on the DDP, and in fact, have often felt the servers went out of their way to help us navigate the plan as it applies at their restaurant.

I can't say always (because frankly, I've never paid much attention to it), but my guess is we are almost always offered whatever specials there are.

 

[disneyjunkie]

So I'm curious, when they ask you if you're on the dining plan, do you plan to tell them no? We have used the DDP 4 different trips this year and every time, yes every time, we checked in at the podium we are asked if we're on the dining plan, and everytime we are at the table, the server will ask if we're on the dining plan. I have to say first hand that we have been treated great while using the ddp. Yes we have been told about specials -- as my hubby loves to try specials (he tried the buffalo dish at concourse last month). We are treated great and often better than when we were not using the ddp. We do several meals OOP, and we just do not see any difference. We do find the server spends more time with us when we say yes we are on the DDP, mostly because they want you to know about the more expensive "specials" because the bottom line is, the more expensive your bill is, the bigger tip the server gets. I wouldn't worry about using the ddp at all. It's great, we love it, and find it an exceptional value. (BTW, we are DVC members and love this new perk!).

When asked, I plan to say no.

When we used the plan last year, I always told them up-front that we were on the plan. As a matter of fact, I was never asked first, I always told the waiter when he/she introduced themselves. We never had any problems with service.

Reading about others experiences this year, service seems to be hit or miss.

I'm really not sure WHY anyone needs to know that we're on the plan before we're seated. I'm fully aware of what's included and what isn't. If we order something that isn't covered by the plan, I'm more the willing to pay OOP for it.

 

[Lewisc]

A few restaurants such as CRT and HDD charge for the meal when you make your ADR. DDP guests only have to give a credit card guarantee.

DDP guests tend to order appetizers and desserts for all guests at the table. They also tend to take longer to dine. Originally the restaurants were running out of some desserts and appetizers. By now the restaurants have an idea as to the % of guests on the dining plan.

It makes sense for the server to ask when you're seated. They can tell you about any exclusions. A few restaurants charge if you switch form soda with your meal to coffee with your dessert for example. It also saves time, wait until you get your check and the server will have to waste time processing your check a second time.

I have no idea why they always ask about the DDP when you make ADRs or when you check in at the host desk -- unless they are just taking a survey (which to me would be a waste of time, because they have the accounting data which is more accurate). The only person who truly needs to know if your server.

It's actually a little annoying, and probably the prime reason we get so many "Will I be treated differently?" questions about the DDP.

For the record, we have never felt we were treated less cordially on the DDP, and in fact, have often felt the servers went out of their way to help us navigate the plan as it applies at their restaurant.

I can't say always (because frankly, I've never paid much attention to it), but my guess is we are almost always offered whatever specials there are.

 

[bicker]

I think anyone who doesn't inform their server that they're on the Dining Plan thereby gives up the right to be upset if they later find out something they ordered is not included.

 

[miamimama]

As the OP, I will say that in general we have had no complaints about our treatment while using the DDP. I still plan on telling them up front that we are using DDP. The restaurant I was referring to in the original post was Raglan Road - is it possible that it is more independant that the park and resort restaurants and therfore might exclude more from the DDP, like the specials?

 

[kaybird]

We have always been given the specials, specifically on this last trip at Kona, Coral Reef, and LeCellier. Our servers have treated us well, and I always tell them upfront that we are on the DDP. Not all restaurants offer specials, but would guess if waitstaff neglected to tell you, there would be no reason not to ask if there are specials and what they are.

 

[GoofyBaseballMom26]

I agree with Bicker. If you tell them no and then order something not included on the plan.... don't fuss if you have to pay OOP.(although you did say you wouldn't fuss!) They need to know in order to inform you correctly. Things may have changed since the last time you used the plan, you know how the plan is constantly changing these days. I personally don't see any advantage to misleading them. If you do tell them no.. I hope you tell them you are on the plan before they go to the trouble of ringing up your bill. There's absolutely no reason to deliberately create more work for them, they are already busy enough. I have been there twice on FREE dining and I think I received the same treatment as others paying for their meals. I'm paying for the DDP this trip and don't anticipate any problems at all! I would play it safe and answer "Yes" when asked.

 

[minijeanie]

just thinking,,, when DH & I go to dinner our first nite on vacation we are going to want to enjoy a few cocktails.

If you are on DDP tip is included, but shouldn't I tip for the drinks? I would believe I would get a check and I should tip on that check...Correct?

 

[Halle]

We always order cocktails and my DH adds a tip onto that additional cost. It wouldn't be fair to the server not to.

 

[jjohnson]

If you order drinks, most establishments will already include a 18% tip.

 

[Corwin12]

When I was in WDW in March, I was was not on the Dining Plan. Some waiters treated us great, others were just so-so. So, I see this not as a DDP vs. non-DDP plan thing. But more as a good waiter vs. bad waiter thing.

 

[klinlin]

just thinking,,, when DH & I go to dinner our first nite on vacation we are going to want to enjoy a few cocktails.

If you are on DDP tip is included, but shouldn't I tip for the drinks? I would believe I would get a check and I should tip on that check...Correct?

It was our experience that when we paid OOP for things, they added the gratuity to that check as well. We had a second check at practically every meal, since my youngest son was not quite 3 on our last trip and we usually got him at least his own drink (not to mention our adult beverages.) I almost always left extra cash for a tip, and I never felt like a second class citzen on the dining plan.

 

[bicker]

If you are on DDP tip is included, but shouldn't I tip for the drinks? I would believe I would get a check and I should tip on that check...Correct?

If you're on the Dining Plan and order anything extra, including bar drinks, your bill will already have the standard 18% gratuity added. You can add more if you wish.

 

[TDC Nala]

As the OP, I will say that in general we have had no complaints about our treatment while using the DDP. I still plan on telling them up front that we are using DDP. The restaurant I was referring to in the original post was Raglan Road - is it possible that it is more independant that the park and resort restaurants and therfore might exclude more from the DDP, like the specials?

Raglan Road isn't owned or run by Disney. If you're using a Disney program, such as DDE or DDP, they have to process the checks twice, probably so they get their credit from Disney.