FAQ about the Disney Dining Plan

[DisneyGirl2005]

I am looking at the pamphlet I received on 6/18 when I checked in at CSR. It says the snacks included are :

Frozen Ice-Cream Novelty, Popsicle or Fruit Bar
Popcorn Scoop (single serving scoop)
Single Piece of Whole Fruit
Single serving Grab Bag of Frito-Lay's Chips
20 oz. Bottle of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite or 24 oz. Dasani Water
Medium Fountain Soft Drink or Apple Juice

Some of our experiences with the Dining plan:

At the Pepper Market we were only allowed to choose from a
cookie or a muffin for dessert. Not realizing this, my first day using the
plan here for lunch I got a fruit tart, the cashier told me the the rule on
the desserts, but put it through on the dining plan anyway. A few days
later at breakfast I asked if I could get a muffin as a dessert on the
dining plan, I was told that I could not get a dessert at breakfast. So I
decided to get a cinnamon roll and pay out of pocket. Well when we
went through the line the cashier put it through the dining plan without
even a question. A bit confusing and inconsistent. This was the only
place we had CS breakfast so I don't know if this is just a Pepper Market
rule or not. I have to say the Pepper Market rules annoyed me a bit. I
enjoyed the food, but it seemed ridiculus that I could only choose a
cookie or a muffin for dessert when at every other CS meal we had there
were no limitations to our desserts.

At Concourse Steakhouse we were told we could not have the
add on of shrimp.

At Ohana we were only allowed the pineapple and caramel for
dessert. This was not a concern for us because I had ordered a cake for
my husband's birthday.

Also at a few places if we wanted to order a shake or frozen drink for my
DS7, we were told it would count as his dessert. If I remember correctly
this was at Sci-Fi Dine In, Backlot Express, and
Whispering Canyon. This was not a problem at all due to the amount
of food included in the plan. By the end of the week my DS13 was not
even interested in dessert.

Overall we were pleased with the Dining Plan. I think we would tweak the way we use it, if it is available next time we visit. I was trying to be careful with the snacks so we would not run out and we ended up having 4 leftover. I also don't think I was very good with spacing out meals. I do not think I would have CS lunch and TS dinner on the same day. I think I would lean more towards having bigger breakfasts whether it is TS or CS and then one other meal late afternoon early evening. Probably with some type of snack in between ( like splitting a CS or paying out of pocket for something like a soft pretzel).

I will try to do a complete dining report soon. These are just some of the thoughts I had about our dining plan experience.

 

[gocolts]

Another question,

I have two rooms under the same reservation, will the meal credits be pooled all together, or per room?

 

[robinb]

Another question,

I have two rooms under the same reservation, will the meal credits be pooled all together, or per room?

I am almost certain that they would be per-room.

 

[tink2020]

Anyone know if Dole Whips are counted in the "frozen ice cream treat" category? We're getting one regardless (mom's a pineapple freak and has never had one!) but it would be great if it could be a snack credit, as I have a feeling we'll have extra to spend!

Thanks!

 

[Minnie1156]

When we stayed at Cor several years ago, I was told that the Pepper Mill was not owned by disney and that is why some of their policies were different. I was not happy there at all and will not eat at the Pepper Mill. They make their own rules. On the pamplet they do not say anything about limits on desserts. At Cinderella's Castle even the slipper is included!!!

Only 16 more days to go!! :thewave: :thewave: :thewave:

I am looking at the pamphlet I received on 6/18 when I checked in at CSR. It says the snacks included are :

Frozen Ice-Cream Novelty, Popsicle or Fruit Bar
Popcorn Scoop (single serving scoop)
Single Piece of Whole Fruit
Single serving Grab Bag of Frito-Lay's Chips
20 oz. Bottle of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite or 24 oz. Dasani Water
Medium Fountain Soft Drink or Apple Juice

Some of our experiences with the Dining plan:

At the Pepper Market we were only allowed to choose from a
cookie or a muffin for dessert. Not realizing this, my first day using the
plan here for lunch I got a fruit tart, the cashier told me the the rule on
the desserts, but put it through on the dining plan anyway. A few days
later at breakfast I asked if I could get a muffin as a dessert on the
dining plan, I was told that I could not get a dessert at breakfast. So I
decided to get a cinnamon roll and pay out of pocket. Well when we
went through the line the cashier put it through the dining plan without
even a question. A bit confusing and inconsistent. This was the only
place we had CS breakfast so I don't know if this is just a Pepper Market
rule or not. I have to say the Pepper Market rules annoyed me a bit. I
enjoyed the food, but it seemed ridiculus that I could only choose a
cookie or a muffin for dessert when at every other CS meal we had there
were no limitations to our desserts.

At Concourse Steakhouse we were told we could not have the
add on of shrimp.

At Ohana we were only allowed the pineapple and caramel for
dessert. This was not a concern for us because I had ordered a cake for
my husband's birthday.

Also at a few places if we wanted to order a shake or frozen drink for my
DS7, we were told it would count as his dessert. If I remember correctly
this was at Sci-Fi Dine In, Backlot Express, and
Whispering Canyon. This was not a problem at all due to the amount
of food included in the plan. By the end of the week my DS13 was not
even interested in dessert.

Overall we were pleased with the Dining Plan. I think we would tweak the way we use it, if it is available next time we visit. I was trying to be careful with the snacks so we would not run out and we ended up having 4 leftover. I also don't think I was very good with spacing out meals. I do not think I would have CS lunch and TS dinner on the same day. I think I would lean more towards having bigger breakfasts whether it is TS or CS and then one other meal late afternoon early evening. Probably with some type of snack in between ( like splitting a CS or paying out of pocket for something like a soft pretzel).

I will try to do a complete dining report soon. These are just some of the thoughts I had about our dining plan experience.

 

[Cindy B]

I am looking at the pamphlet I received on 6/18 when I checked in at CSR. It says the snacks included are :

Frozen Ice-Cream Novelty, Popsicle or Fruit Bar
Popcorn Scoop (single serving scoop)
Single Piece of Whole Fruit
Single serving Grab Bag of Frito-Lay's Chips
20 oz. Bottle of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite or 24 oz. Dasani Water
Medium Fountain Soft Drink or Apple Juice

Some of our experiences with the Dining plan:

At the Pepper Market we were only allowed to choose from a
cookie or a muffin for dessert. Not realizing this, my first day using the
plan here for lunch I got a fruit tart, the cashier told me the the rule on
the desserts, but put it through on the dining plan anyway. A few days
later at breakfast I asked if I could get a muffin as a dessert on the
dining plan, I was told that I could not get a dessert at breakfast. So I
decided to get a cinnamon roll and pay out of pocket. Well when we
went through the line the cashier put it through the dining plan without
even a question. A bit confusing and inconsistent. This was the only
place we had CS breakfast so I don't know if this is just a Pepper Market
rule or not. I have to say the Pepper Market rules annoyed me a bit. I
enjoyed the food, but it seemed ridiculus that I could only choose a
cookie or a muffin for dessert when at every other CS meal we had there
were no limitations to our desserts.

.

So, if I understand correctly the muffin and cookie were the only dessert options at Pepper Market ever?

Or was it only during breakfast?

I have heard that during breakfast, the Pepper market staff can be a bit vigilant on what is included.

I am trying to figure out if lunch/dinner will be the same way. We will have most of our CS meals at Pepper Market. We are on MYW as well.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

DH and I got regular desserts at Pepper Market. The kids got a cookie. I don't know if it's changed since we went in January.

 

[DisneyGirl2005]

So, if I understand correctly the muffin and cookie were the only dessert options at Pepper Market ever?

Or was it only during breakfast?

I have heard that during breakfast, the Pepper market staff can be a bit vigilant on what is included.

I am trying to figure out if lunch/dinner will be the same way. We will have most of our CS meals at Pepper Market. We are on MYW as well.

Sorry if I was not clear in my earlier post.

At lunch I was told the only dessert allowed was a muffin or a cookie.
At breakfast I was told that no dessert is allowed.

But to add to the confusion both times the desserts were put through the Dining Plan. The first time was at lunch when I did not realize the limitations. I had a fruit tart - the cashier told me the rules but said she would put the dessert through since I did not know about the limitations. Then at breakfast I really wanted a cinnamon roll, so I figured I would just pay out of pocket for it. Well when we went to the cashier she put it through the dining plan without a word. Although I really liked the food at Pepper Market, I was disappointed with how they are handling the Dining Plan.

 

[eaturpasta1]

has anyone had a similar experience or different at WL?

 

[cbusby]

I was very confused on alot of what and wasn't on the plan...fruit cup or crossiant came w/ breakfast. Lunch a cookie or brownie which ever one they had. The plan worked really well for us. I didn't make any PS's until I got down there. I couldn't believe I got in every restaurant I wanted.

Sci-Fi
50's Prime Time
Wispering Canyon
Beaches N Creme
Yachtsman Steakhouse - excellant (filet mignon could cut with a fork)

I did speak with the CM's about what you could have on the plan.
He did say that management was looking into posting info for the guest to see before picking their choices of snacks and desserts. Which would be very helpful.

 

[Cindy B]

Sorry if I was not clear in my earlier post.

At lunch I was told the only dessert allowed was a muffin or a cookie.
At breakfast I was told that no dessert is allowed.

But to add to the confusion both times the desserts were put through the Dining Plan. The first time was at lunch when I did not realize the limitations. I had a fruit tart - the cashier told me the rules but said she would put the dessert through since I did not know about the limitations. Then at breakfast I really wanted a cinnamon roll, so I figured I would just pay out of pocket for it. Well when we went to the cashier she put it through the dining plan without a word. Although I really liked the food at Pepper Market, I was disappointed with how they are handling the Dining Plan.

Interesting.

The last time we went to Pepper Market with our Q & C vouchers they had no problem with giving us a "real" dessert. I wonder if getting a to go box makes it any easier for the cashier to input correctly. I may not want to sit. Eating outside sounds pretty appealing actually.

 

[kristen17]

We'll have the "free" dining plan for our late September trip, and I've started making PS calls. I reserved two TS meals today, and both times she asked me if I was on the dining plan and the ages of my children and told me that the meal would be 4 table service credits. Now, at several meals, I plan to pay for the kids' meals in cash & just use the credits for the kids. Folks on this board have been able to do it, and the UG website suggests doing it. I get that it's a loophole, and I'm not feeling too conflicted about it. I'm wondering if Disney is going to try and close that loophole during the "free" dining promotion. I've obsessively organized my week with the idea that I'd maximize the table meals, so that we could sit down at several table service lunches and would be then be able to use some of our counter meals for hot breakfasts. I know we've talked about this on this thread before. (I read the whole thread, I promise.) Anyone else have this experience, these concerns? Not an emergency/disaster, I know. We'll just roll with it. But if I'm going to have to rework our dining plans, I'd rather to it from--not on the fly.

 

[princess aurora]

We'll have the "free" dining plan for our late September trip, and I've started making PS calls. I reserved two TS meals today, and both times she asked me if I was on the dining plan and the ages of my children and told me that the meal would be 4 table service credits. Now, at several meals, I plan to pay for the kids' meals in cash & just use the credits for the kids. Folks on this board have been able to do it, and the UG website suggests doing it. I get that it's a loophole, and I'm not feeling too conflicted about it. I'm wondering if Disney is going to try and close that loophole during the "free" dining promotion. I've obsessively organized my week with the idea that I'd maximize the table meals, so that we could sit down at several table service lunches and would be then be able to use some of our counter meals for hot breakfasts. I know we've talked about this on this thread before. (I read the whole thread, I promise.) Anyone else have this experience, these concerns? Not an emergency/disaster, I know. We'll just roll with it. But if I'm going to have to rework our dining plans, I'd rather to it from--not on the fly.

To be honest I'm not too worried about it. For those that feel it's cheating the system or whatever trust me there are lots and I mean lots of people that do not have the benefit of the knowledge from DIS or UG and therefore will pay and use their credits "in due course" or "as indended". I however hope to use some of the extra counter service meal credits by having my children share an "adult" meal and perhpas pay a few OOP table service meals for the kids so I may use those credits towards Signature Dining experiences. Let's face it the CMs are even using the Dining Plan to their advantage by enticing you with "extras" to increase their tips. I have no problem trying to leverage the most I can out of the program. Do you really think Disney is losing money on this? I don't. However having said that and they do change the program, oh well, such is life and a bunch of people were able to get a few extra desserts and meals I wasn't. In the end I AM getting FREE Dining for my trip and I while I will try to make a few PS in advance my life nor trip will be ruled by it. It's meant to be a vacation not a dicatorship of one person's planning. While I know planning and preparing ceratinly help....there is nothing like the spontanaity that goes along with a vacation and contributes to the magic of the adventure and the memories for years to come.

So that's my take, do what you want and what you feel comfortable with but by all means have a some fun with it

Yippee I'm in double digits!!!!!!!

 

[kristen17]

No qualms about maximizing the plan, and I've been on enough vacations with my kids to know that things never go quite as planned.

I guess I'd compare the way I'm feeling about the dining plan and our whole "surprise-bargain-we-hadn't-even-been-planning-on-going-this-year" vacation to the way you feel when you just heard about a great sale, and you're hoping that they'll still have those adorable sandals you've been admiring. Or maybe it's more like when you've got a coupon you were planning on using, but now you're worried that for some reason they won't let you use it. Doesn't make sense to worry, but you still kinda do.

 

[princess aurora]

No qualms about maximizing the plan, and I've been on enough vacations with my kids to know that things never go quite as planned.

I guess I'd compare the way I'm feeling about the dining plan and our whole "surprise-bargain-we-hadn't-even-been-planning-on-going-this-year" vacation to the way you feel when you just heard about a great sale, and you're hoping that they'll still have those adorable sandals you've been admiring. Or maybe it's more like when you've got a coupon you were planning on using, but now you're worried that for some reason they won't let you use it. Doesn't make sense to worry, but you still kinda do.

That's it exactly if you don't over plan then you "might" miss an opportunity but then again the over planning kinda takes the some of the fun out of it. But only some There is plenty of pixie dust to go around. Here's to great vacations all around!

 

[MOM POPPINS]

I just got off the phone making my ressies as well. I told the CM we would not all be using the dining plan. She stated to just make sure to tell your server how many credits you will be using..

 

[disneynan]

What does "suscribing to this thread" mean?

I too love this thread and have left it up on my computer so I don't forget where I have read up to. Then I do a bit of house work and then "take a break" and read a few more pages.

I am especially interested in the proposed changes to the policy. We will be there the first week of the free package and hope nothing changes with the pooled policy and the meal sharing. We are not necessarily trying to get more food for free, but would like to experience more TS meals without either eating too much or paying out of pocket. The potential for wasted food if we MUST all order a meal each time would be enormous.

 

[kristen17]

My travel agent just sent me an email about the dining plan that contained a link to a mousesavers page of tips for making the most of the dining plan. The major suggestion is to pool the family's meals and pay out of pocket for the kids or just let them share w/adults. Can't post the link (I'm too new), but it's there.

Anyway, I'm using a travel agency that specializes in Disney, and they're still suggesting the pooling strategy, so I'm officially going to stop worrying about that.

And start worrying about something else.

 

[kimisabella]

What does "suscribing to this thread" mean?


When you post to a thread, like you did above, that means you "subscribed" to it. Therefore, whenever a new post is added, you are notified - you don't have to keep the screen up. You should be notified via email when someone has added something new and you can just click on the link in the email and it will bring you to the new posts.

 

[Minnie1156]

You are not subscribed to the thread automately. Yoou have to subscribe through the thread tool at the top of the page. Click on Thread tool and then ckick on subscrio to thread.