I just so confused....a few questions..

[My2QTs]

I have a couple of questions I hope someone doesn't mind answering.

1.) When we came in Dec. 05 we ate at crystal palace and it was great, however, I just noticed when I was reading the menu that the food looks like it is completely different now; very strange items like tofu this, and balsamic basmati rice.... Now, i am not knocking those foods, but I am not exaactly overly adventurous with my food choices. So what happened to the normal food?

2.) We did the DP last time and were definitely planning on doing it this time. In fact, its already in our package. But now I am beginning to wonder. It seems so much more restrictive now. Is it really still worth it? When we used it in 05, the tip and appetizer were part of it, and they did not distinguish between kids meals and adult meals. Now I am thinking until I pay for the plan and then have to be dropping a 20% (or close to it ) tip every night, its going to add at least $120 to our expense list. NOt to mention if we want an appetizer that is no longer included. Do you all think it is still worth it? I can't even find a place that tells what I am paying for the plan. Its the basic one for two adults, two kids, eight nights.

3.) We are going with friends of ours who have a son with a very serious peanutallergy and I am afraid we will not be able to eat anywhere together. All of the restaurants have nuts in their food. While I realize that he can have something specially made, is it still safe to even have his food prepared in a place where there are other dishes made with nuts?

thanks everyone. the disboards are amazing. I just stumbled onto them about a week ago, after having been to wdw at least seven times in my life, I never knew about this place. Its amazing, and people are sooo willing to help.

thanks.
Kelly

 

[septbaby]

I think the plan can be worthwhile:

Tofu is a great item for Vegetarians dining at Disney. Basmati rice is white rice widely used in Indian dishes, just Normal white rice. I cooked my last for a stir fry tonight.

Try feeding a child at Disney for just $9.99 a day. You couldn't take them to one character meal for that amount (that means their CS meal and snack for that day are "free"). If you were using those child credits for Adult meals before that wasn't a good deal for the Disney restaurants and so things had to balance out to keep the plan viable. We used the plan in 2007 and the credits were separate then too.

As for appetizers that is a moot point whenever you select a buffet, all you care to eat or Fantasmic package with the DP. At any other TS meal if you want an appetizer you will pay OOP on the base plan.

As for whether it works for your family you'll need to do some math:
Dining plan will cost your family about $96 per night ($768).
If you can feed your family for under $100 daily you don't "need" the plan.
Taxes are included in the DP fee, so that's like a 6.5% discount vs OOP.
Depending on the dates of your trip check to see if "Holiday" pricing in effect for any buffets you choose. You don't pay that extra amount if you're on the DP. In 2008 those holiday prices apply for the month of June, so check.

The adult rate is $37.99 per night: $3 for an average snack, $13 for an average CS meal including drink and a dessert item which leaves $22 for a TS meal. Lunch Crystal Palace would be $22 and Dinner at Chef Mickey's would cost $32 (all prices include taxes). Keep in mind that your CS meal could definitely cost more. An entree at Coral Reef would certanly cost $22 or more and you'd still have to pay for any other items you buy. Even if you lower the CS cost to just $10 its hard to get a $25 TS meal, including tax at Disney.

I have not used the 2008 plan yet. However, what I learned in 2007 is you've gotta understand the plan and know what is and isn't included. The CMs at our resort CS were really helpful. One example: They suggested I get a combo meal vs just a pizza. That way for one Adult CS credit I ate the salad an our 6yo had his fill of pizza. We also got a bottled beverage and slice of cake; plenty of food for the two of us. At a CS breakfast you can get juice and a second beverage; we often grabbed a water to take to the park so we didn't use a snack credit for that at the park.

As for the allergy, those parents deal with the allergy daily, so they know how to eat out with the in mind. Also Disney is pretty well equipped to handle these concerns, they can talk to chef's at the meals to get peace of mind.

If the changes in the plan are too drastic for you to accept such that you find yourself lamenting and complaining the whole time, don't get the plan; its not worth the stress on vacation. However, if you saved $300 back in 2005 but only save $100 in 2008 in my book that plan was still worth it to me. Also consider if having the meals pre paid is something you really want. This time I know I'll pay tips, but it will still be nice to be "pre paid". Its a personal decision; good luck with yours.

 

[tinkcrazy68]

DDP is definately worth it. Also, if you are a foodie or plan on doing things like the Luau or Brown Derby or California Grill then check into the deluxe dining plan. For example, the Luau for a child is $24.99 and the del dp is 19.99 plus they still have another full service meal, 2 snacks and the refillable mug. for juniors and adults the Luau is 54.99 the del dine plan is 69.99. yes it's $15 more, than the Luau but you still have another meal, the 2 snacks and the mug for drinks at the resort.

As far as peanut allergies go the chef's at the Walt Disney restaurants are probably the best chefs in the entire world when it comes to allergies. The reservationist will notate the allergy and the Chef will come out and speak to you personally about the allergy. It is not uncommon for then to have to do this 30-40 times a day. I have odd food allergies myself and have been to a buffet at 1900 PF where the chef said there was not alot on the buffet I could eat and personally went back and made me a piece of prime rib about the size of a plate and brought it back out. Trust me no worries on that front. and they can definately dine anywhere.