Going w/ Boyfriend's Family...

[smala]

Just a couple questions for all you WDW junkies out there, maybe you know the answers or can simply give advice/suggestions...

I'm going to DW in September w/ my boyfriend and his family. They are all planning on getting the DDP, which is perfect for their eating/dining needs. I want to eat with them, BUT I haven't decided if the DDP is right for me because:

1) I don't really eat a lot. I generally skip breakfast, maybe have a cup of soup or half a sandwich for lunch, and a *light* dinner. I mostly drink water and usually pass on dessert.
2) I'm *really* low on money after paying for airfare and park passes, and although everyone tells me that $40 a day for meals at DW is quite inexpensive, I think I could make it for less because of my eating habits.

So basically I have two questions...

1) Would it create a logistical nightmare if everyone else I'm going with has the DDP and I don't? (i.e. can the TS restaurants do separate checks?)
2) Do any of the TS restaurants allow diners to order *just* a salad or *just* a soup? Or nothing at all, just water? (while the rest of the group I'm going with will probably be ordering full meals...)

Any advice or suggestions would be sooo appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

[kaylie&laurensmom]

If you are staying in their room, all members of the party MUST be on the same package. So, if Mom & Dad have 7 day tickets with the dining plan, you have to get the same thing. The only way to avoid this would be to have your own reservation in your own room.

As to your other questions, you can order anything you like in any restaurant whether you're on a dining plan or not. And separate checks are no problem.

Hope this helps! Have fun on your trip!

 

[goofyboyzmom]

If you are not in the "package" with the others and they do not know you are in the room, then you don't have to worry abou being in the DDP with them. If you are one of the 3/4/5 people in the room/ticket package and everybody else is getting the DDP, you also have to get it. Same with the magical express. If you are not registered in the room, you will not receive tickets for the Magical Express or be able to attend the EMH (if you are not on property).

 

[Frantasmic]

Sounds like you are an extra add on that isn't really on any plan. They paid for their package and said you could come along since the room was already paid for and you only had to purchase air fare and park tickets and dining on your own.

As others have said, it appears they may be unwittingly putting you at a disadvantage with EMH attendence, Magical Express, as well as any dining reservations they have made on their own.

It might be best to clarify the arrangements prior to leaving so that you aren't left out in the cold.

 

[JimMIA]

1) Would it create a logistical nightmare if everyone else I'm going with has the DDP and I don't? (i.e. can the TS restaurants do separate checks?)
2) Do any of the TS restaurants allow diners to order *just* a salad or *just* a soup? Or nothing at all, just water? (while the rest of the group I'm going with will probably be ordering full meals...)

Any advice or suggestions would be sooo appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Your problem is not with the restaurants -- it's with the hotel. Your boyfriend's family purchased a package which included a certain room rate, a park ticket, and the dining plan for all occupants of the room for each day of the stay. It's a package; you can't mix-and-match. The problem is not menues, but who is staying in the room (s).

I see three choices:

• You can pay for the dining plan.
• You get a seperate room for you and BF and neither of you would be on the DDP. You would pay OOP for your meals.
• You all stay together and nobody is on the dining plan.

 

[Markstudy]

So much food that you can split and share meals. Don't get the DDP unless you have to.

But, if you are stuck on the package and have to get the DDP to match the others in your party.....but still worry about not eating enough to get your moneys worth.... here's an idea

Disney has some restaurants that are very fancy, and so expensive that they require two table service credits to eat there.

Get the dining plan and go to the 2 credit restaurants but order one meal (you'll still use your credits twice as fast) and then share the meal. Your boyfriend and you get to eat at the most expensive and lavish restaurants and you will only get a small amount of food that he shares with you (soup or salad), but enjoy the best experiences you can at Disney..... If you're into fine dining? (dressing up, nice decor, fancy views)