family of 7; 4 on dining plan

[MMmomto5]

We are planning a trip with my parents in May. We are staying at AK ( 9people total in two rooms , dh, me, dd6, dd5, and ds2 in my room and mom, dad and ds 9 and ds10 in their room)for the first 4 days. After that we are moving to a 2 bedroom at AKV for 8 nights. We originally agreed to do the dining plan for all the days, but now mom and dad only want to do the dining plan for the last 8 days. I know it's probably a dumb question, but since only 4(not including my 2 yo in the equation) of my family will be on the dining plan, how will it work when we go for dinner? My mom and dad are light eaters and will do CS, but we want to do a TS each day (all 7 of my family). Will I just pay OOP for my two oldest? Is that allowed? This is really goofing up my plans, but I don't want to rock the boat with my parents, so I just need to figure it out.The dining plan is a good value for our family, so I hate to not get it at all. I have to make my ADR's in 12 days, so do I explain to the CM that some are on the dining plan and some are not? I am just so confused.

Thanks for help!

 

[tinka-belle]

Just make your ADRs for 7 or 9, whatever your complete party is for that meal. They will ask about the DDP when you make ADRs but that's not written in stone. However, definitely explain to the CM when you are seated that some will be DDP and who will be paying, they will split the bill.

You can only use the DDP for the number of persons listed on your key card, which in your case looks like 2AD/2CH (ages 5&6). The DDP can only offically be used for the persons on the card. Your children in your room would be on the plan, can't "swap" a child meal for an adult meal. You can pay for the 9 & 10 year old's child meal for those days.

Be aware that 18% gratuity is automatically added for parties of six or more, whether the bill is split or not.

 

[RescueRanger]

Just let them know when you make your ADRs. I misread your post intially. I thought you were trying to make package reservations with different dining plans. I need more coffee.

 

[MMmomto5]

Just make your ADRs for 7. They will ask about the DDP when you make ADRs but that's not written in stone. However, definitely explain to the CM when you are seated that some will be DDP and two are paying, they will split the bill.

Be aware that 18% gratuity is automatically added for parties of six or more, whether the bill is split or not.

Thanks! I sort of figured it would work where they would just bring a seperate bill for my two oldest. I've paid OOP on the dining plan for extra milkshakes and those pirate punches with the light up things on the straw, so I guess it will work the same. It was just confusing in my mind.lol.I guess it will just be a little extra work for those first few days. I don't mind the gratuity being added in, that actually makes it easier for me.