Free Disney Dining - Be Aware!

[escape]

Please don't flame me....I'm just the messenger here.

I just got off the phone with a Disney reservation agent and she informed me that you CANNOT use a TS credit for a counter service meal. She said that Disney has made some special allowances for it in the past but they are really cracking down on it. In other words, don't assume you that you'll be able to do this exchange especially with the free Dining option offered this fall. If you have any questions or concerns, you might want to contact a Disney reservation or dining agent.

 

[oogieboogie]

Thanks for the warning.

I guess my question is "Why would you want to use a TS credit for a CS meal?" I can see the other way around being controversial, but it seems such a waste to use a TS credit just for CS meals.

 

[mickeysaver]

Well, that makes even the offer of a free dining plan something that I would not take part in. Gabby is so picky that it would be a real nightmare trying to work out TS dining options for all the credits that you get. Even if we did a TS everyday, she would be eating off the children's menu. I swear, I have never met a more picky 30+ year old eater in my life. Luckily for me, she works with me on my many faults too. lol Maggie

 

[MomofKatie]

Well, that makes even the offer of a free dining plan something that I would not take part in. Gabby is so picky that it would be a real nightmare trying to work out TS dining options for all the credits that you get. Even if we did a TS everyday, she would be eating off the children's menu. I swear, I have never met a more picky 30+ year old eater in my life. Luckily for me, she works with me on my many faults too. lol Maggie

Hi, mickeysaver!

I know you can ask at just about every TS restaurant for less "fancy" food. If they offer a chicken dish with sauce on it, you can ask for the chicken plain, and most of the side dishes can be changed to fries or a baked potato (for example). You might be able to use the Free Dining plan if you ask for "plainer" versions of menu items.

 

[escape]

mickeysaver,

I like MomofKatie's idea. Another alternative would be to contact the reservation agent, if you are interested in the plan, to see if you can have all counter service credits with the snack credits in exchange for the TS & CS credits. It doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[escape]

oogieboogie,

I agree with you. However, because I've read several posts from people who liked the idea of being able to use a TS credit for a CS meal, I thought they should be forewarned.

 

[crisi]

And if you can't get seated because you don't have a PS, you'll be paying for your dinner.

 

[n2mm]

I guess it's rare that someone would want to, but I can't imagine why anyone would want to do this. I have no problem using the TS credits, it's the CS credits I have no interest in. Fortunately for us, we have several family members going with us that are not part of the dining plan that will put ALL of our CS credits to good use. Colombia Harbor House and Pecos Bill is the only 2 CS places I would ever return to. I'll trade my CS for someone's TS, just meet me at LeCelliers!

 

[mickeysaver]

We are not going during the free dining offer. I was just saying that if they popped up with it again for December, that I would most likely just keep the reservation as it stands without the dining offer. I appreciate the information about the menu alterations though. It might come in handy at some point. I just know what she likes and not to push her to try much outside of that. There is enough variety in the CS offerings around WDW in general to keep her happy. We do enjoy TS dining at Rose & Crown, RFC, and at almost every breakfast offering.
We liked the food at Le Cellier, but we were there for the CP package and the waitress gave us rather poor service. That kind of also taints my perception of how package deals work too. When the wait-rons feel that their tip is paid no matter what, they don't seem to work as hard.

We will just stick with doing it our way not Disney's way. Maggie

 

[Anewman]

oogieboogie,

I agree with you. However, because I've read several posts from people who liked the idea of being able to use a TS credit for a CS meal, I thought they should be forewarned.

However we all know that with all things Disney, ONE cast member saying it is so DOES NOT make it a FACT.

Disney cast members are famous for this type of stuff. Ask one get an answer, ask another cast member and get a completely diff answer.

I have not read any trip reports claiming either yet, but I am sure we will get some reports soon.

 

[novastar]

I think this is fine, by the sound of the title I thought they made huge changes, ...phew...

 

[thelionqueen]

Please don't flame me....I'm just the messenger here.

I just got off the phone with a Disney reservation agent and she informed me that you CANNOT use a TS credit for a counter service meal. She said that Disney has made some special allowances for it in the past but they are really cracking down on it. In other words, don't assume you that you'll be able to do this exchange especially with the free Dining option offered this fall. If you have any questions or concerns, you might want to contact a Disney reservation or dining agent.

This may be a really stupid question, but what is a TS & CS??? I'm new here, excuse my stupidity. thanks

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

This may be a really stupid question, but what is a TS & CS??? I'm new here, excuse my stupidity. thanks

Table Service/Counter Service.

Personally, I think it's silly they won't do it - a CS meal costs what, $10? You can easily spend at least $50 at most TS - it seems like Disney would encourage it, not outlaw it.

N.E.D.

 

[N.Bailey]

I guess it's rare that someone would want to, but I can't imagine why anyone would want to do this. I have no problem using the TS credits, it's the CS credits I have no interest in. Fortunately for us, we have several family members going with us that are not part of the dining plan that will put ALL of our CS credits to good use. Colombia Harbor House and Pecos Bill is the only 2 CS places I would ever return to. I'll trade my CS for someone's TS, just meet me at LeCelliers!

Not only can't I imagine why anyone would want to do this, I can't understand why Disney wouldn't allow it, heck even encourage it? This just makes no sense to me at all. It certainly would never effect me though.

 

[LisaBi]

I'm one that would like to trade some TS for CS. (Wouldn't make sense if you are paying for dining, but on the free plan...) We just don't like to plan that much. And it does seem that Disney would like people doing - it would be a lot less costly for them if people passed up the expensive TS places. Oh well - I've make TS ressies almost every day - we'll see how it goes!

LisaB

 

[Trixiezzz]

You can use your TS credits for Character Breakfast ~ which my picky eaters all love.

I know someone else said that this is not the most cost effective use of a TS credit (since a TS dinner costs more than a Char Bfst), but if it's something you really will get to use and enjoy, why not??

My kids favorite thing last time was CRT and Chef Mickey's.