DxDDP changes?

[Colleen27]

So it looks like we might finally be going back to the World. And it looks like a lot has changed with the deluxe dining plan since the last time I used it (way back in 2011!).

Am I reading it right that kids can now officially order off the adult menus on the DxDDP? If so, are there any exclusions/exceptions? I'm primarily concerned about the non-Disney-owned restaurants because we'll almost certainly be dining at several.

Also, is trading meal entitlements for snacks now an official policy? I know it is a lousy value, but to use up leftover meal credits or if we want more tastings at Flower & Garden than we have snacks it might come into play.

Any other big changes that have come along that I might not have stumbled onto yet?

 

[Faldred]

So it looks like we might finally be going back to the World. And it looks like a lot has changed with the deluxe dining plan since the last time I used it (way back in 2011!).

Am I reading it right that kids can now officially order off the adult menus on the DxDDP? If so, are there any exclusions/exceptions? I'm primarily concerned about the non-Disney-owned restaurants because we'll almost certainly be dining at several.

Also, is trading meal entitlements for snacks now an official policy? I know it is a lousy value, but to use up leftover meal credits or if we want more tastings at Flower & Garden than we have snacks it might come into play.

Any other big changes that have come along that I might not have stumbled onto yet?

Officially, kids must order from the kids' menu when using a DxDP credit. In practice, it seems that this is not commonly enforced.

I'm not sure if trading down for snack credits is an official policy, but no one seems to have any problems doing it.

Other changes: 1) you may now use your credits to "treat" other diners not on your plan; 2) when using a deluxe credit for CS, you only get beverage and entree (just like a normal CS credit has been changed to); 3) in 2018, your beverage entitlement may be used to get an alcoholic/specialty beverage if you like.

 

[sharonabe]

As Faldred said, OFFICIALLY kids are supposed to order from the kid's menu, and with the addition of an alcoholic beverage to the dining plans, I fully expect Disney to find a way to enforce this for ALL plans, but as of this date, MOST restaurants will let kids order from the adult menu when using a DxDDP credit. The non-Disney owned restaurants are hit or miss, so you'll just have to hope for some pixie dust.

 

[Colleen27]

Well if the kids ordering as adults isn't official policy, I may go with my first impulse and upgrade youngest DD (9yr 8mo as of our trip dates) to an adult to be on the safe side. She hasn't liked Disney kids' menu options since she was about 4, and in the real world is seldom satisfied with kids' menu portions lately. I'm not going with the plan for savings anyway - I'm doing it for the all inclusive factor, since I'm traveling with two adult-teens and a 16yo and we'll certainly be splitting up in all different configurations at times.

I'll be sure to let all the kids know about desserts disappearing from the counter service meals. I wasn't aware of that change at all. But we seldom eat CS anyway; our vacation style is 1-2 sit down meals a day with snacks to fill in the rest. Especially since we'll be there during F&G with all the yummy tasting booths. And without a dessert on CS, trading down for snacks doesn't look so bad value wise.

 

[otg]

Well if the kids ordering as adults isn't official policy, I may go with my first impulse and upgrade youngest DD (9yr 8mo as of our trip dates) to an adult to be on the safe side. She hasn't liked Disney kids' menu options since she was about 4, and in the real world is seldom satisfied with kids' menu portions lately. I'm not going with the plan for savings anyway - I'm doing it for the all inclusive factor, since I'm traveling with two adult-teens and a 16yo and we'll certainly be splitting up in all different configurations at times.

I'll be sure to let all the kids know about desserts disappearing from the counter service meals. I wasn't aware of that change at all. But we seldom eat CS anyway; our vacation style is 1-2 sit down meals a day with snacks to fill in the rest. Especially since we'll be there during F&G with all the yummy tasting booths. And without a dessert on CS, trading down for snacks doesn't look so bad value wise.

The credits are not separated on the deluxe plan. With your daughter so close to Disney adult just tell them she is ten if they say anything. It doesn't matter who is on the reservation for deluxe. For example if you only have two adults on the plan you can pay for anyone's meals using your credits. I have never had a problem on the deluxe plan, but if your worried just make the adrs for all adults by choosing other instead of you daughter when making your reservation and you will be good to go.

 

[disney55]

Anybody know if alcoholic beverage with meal at CS is allowed with deluxe dining?

 

[sharonabe]

Anybody know if alcoholic beverage with meal at CS is allowed with deluxe dining?

In 2018 it is allowed at CS with ALL three plans. In 2017 it is NOT allowed at all on any plan.

 

[Colleen27]

The credits are not separated on the deluxe plan. With your daughter so close to Disney adult just tell them she is ten if they say anything. It doesn't matter who is on the reservation for deluxe. For example if you only have two adults on the plan you can pay for anyone's meals using your credits. I have never had a problem on the deluxe plan, but if your worried just make the adrs for all adults by choosing other instead of you daughter when making your reservation and you will be good to go.

That's a good idea. I don't know why I didn't think of that when I read that you can now treat people not on your reservation to meals. Thanks.