Getting the Most of your DP meals

[Disney_Trippin]

So I haven't used the dining plan before so I hope you'd be able to help me with a few questions.

With each meal you get, appetizer, entree and dessert, right? Plus one non-alcoholic beverage.

So can you wrap part of your food? I've heard the portions are pretty large. For example, I would eat more than enough for one meal with most restaurant's appetizer and dessert. So if I ordered a sandwich (like a panini at Tony's or the Tri-Corner at LTT) would I easily be able to save it for later?

Also, at a restaurant like The Plaza in MK, where there are no appetizers, do they comp you something else? Just curious?

I'm at a value resort and I'm considering upgrading to the basic because while I usually don't like to take the time out of touring, but since my trip is solo and there are a few I want to do (incl Candlelight Process.) I think it would actually be cheaper for me to upgrade they pay OOP for the restaurants I really want to experience.

Thanks for any input!!!

 

[kaytieeldr]

You don't get appetizers with the Quick Service or the Standard Dining Plans. Appetizers come with only the Deluxe Dining Plan and above, and childrens' meals.

 

[catne]

So I haven't used the dining plan before so I hope you'd be able to help me with a few questions.

With each meal you get, appetizer, entree and dessert, right? Plus one non-alcoholic beverage.

So can you wrap part of your food? I've heard the portions are pretty large. For example, I would eat more than enough for one meal with most restaurant's appetizer and dessert. So if I ordered a sandwich (like a panini at Tony's or the Tri-Corner at LTT) would I easily be able to save it for later?

Also, at a restaurant like The Plaza in MK, where there are no appetizers, do they comp you something else? Just curious?

I'm at a value resort and I'm considering upgrading to the basic because while I usually don't like to take the time out of touring, but since my trip is solo and there are a few I want to do (incl Candlelight Process.) I think it would actually be cheaper for me to upgrade they pay OOP for the restaurants I really want to experience.

Thanks for any input!!!

First off, you only get an appetizer if you buy the Deluxe Dining Plan. That's the one that will run you about $72 per adult per night this year (or about $40 a night to upgrade from free QSDP)...I think 2011 it goes to $78 a night per adult. The regular dining plan -the plan that now costs about $42 a night per adult -- this plan comes with one snack, one Quick (counter) Service meal and one Table Service meal per night. Counter service & Table Service have same basic components: 1 entree/1 non-alcoholic beverage/1 dessert. So unless you're buying the Deluxe, no app. Keep in mind special deals like the Candlelight Pro. will cost you 2 Table Service credits on the dining plan, so count your credits accordingly.

If you do buy the Deluxe and choose to go to The Plaza...they count the salad or soup on the menu as appetizers so you get the choice of a cup of soup or a small salad as your appetizer.

And yes, regardless of what plan you choose, if you have leftovers, you can get a to-go box. Just remember what a hassle this can be unless you're immediately going back to your hotel room...the containers are not air tight, so liquids will dribble out. And most of the year Florida is too hot to safely carry around perishable foods...just a heads-up

 

[Disney_Trippin]

i didn't catch the no app thing so this helps. i knew that candlelight process was 2TS credits.

thanks for the info.

 

[MissBritt]

Just a side note on The Plaza... this meal is one of the cheapest (but still one of my favorite!) TS places in WDW. Great food and great value. If you are trying to get maximum value from your plan, this isn't the place to do it. However, it's a great restaurant and cheap to eat at if you need to add on an OOP meal.