In 08 will they let you get an app instead of dessert?

[frayedend]

Now that the appetizers aren't included, do you think that some restaurants will allow you to order an equal value appetizer instead of dessert on the dining plan?

I always get a salad and never get dessert when dining at home. It's not a huge deal if I am "forced" to eat a dessert and have to pay for the salad, but it would be nice if I didn't have to.

 

[just another guy]

I'm guessing probably not. They set strict guidlines for everything. I'm sure they are already planning on how many deserts to keep it stock per week or so. Letting people get an app instead of a desert would throw everything off.

 

[Mickiethepooh]

So far the answer has been no, of course the plan has not started yet either.

 

[MAKmom]

I am hoping they reconsider this & give you the choice of appetizer or desert.

 

[TDC Nala]

Current policy for '08 appears to be that you may order dessert but appetizer is not included, and there has been no official discussion regarding the possibility of substituting an appetizer for the dessert. At this point it does not appear that substitution will be permitted.

If you feel forced, you do have the option of not using the dining plan.

 

[just another guy]

I am hoping they reconsider this & give you the choice of appetizer or desert.

Sorry, but I REALLY doubt it. This isn't a mom and pop operation. This is a HUGE corp. They have to go through so much red tape to make the smallest change to anything. The smallest thing may take months to happen. Even items that are very important are overlooked and take a long time to get fixed. Recently, a lot of bars across property joined the rest in having the same drink menu. This was planned months and months in advance. The time came, and a friends restaurant was still short a couple of the beers and alcohol. It took about 2 weeks to get those in. The whole time, they didn't have the buttons in the computer to ring in all the new drinks. You would think it would be a simple call to the IT team, and thats it, right? Nope, took over a month to get the buttons to ring in the drinks. Maybe for 09 its possible to sub an app, but I'll put money down on it not happening for 08.

 

[MAKmom]

I won't be surprised at all. Disney policy changes & evolves all the time.

 

[suzannews]

As of today at my restaurant, we've been told no app instead of the dessert. Of course since the new plan doesn't start for another month and a half, this could change but just be prepared incase it does not.

 

[Nancyg56]

I would guess no as well. I n my family we generally order several appetizers for all of us and the same for dessert. If we could make changes on the DDP we may be tempted to do the same instead of adding on a few appetizers to start the meal.

 

[bicker]

Definitely don't plan on it. Disney had the opportunity to make it your choice, and clearly decided not to do so.

 

[frayedend]

If you feel forced, you do have the option of not using the dining plan.

I don't feel forced. If you read my post I did say it wasn't a huge deal. I was just looking for some opinions. I enjoyed having dessert last time on the plan, so it isn't a big deal. I am well aware that I don't have to get the dining plan. I still think it's a good deal, even with the changes or I would not have added it.

 

[frayedend]

Definitely don't plan on it. Disney had the opportunity to make it your choice, and clearly decided not to do so.

Actually it makes sense for them financially. I'm willing to bet most people eat soup or salad before a meal, but don't get dessert. I know most of my friends skip dessert at restaurants. So from that stand point Disney isn't losing the revenue from the appetizer and probably would have sold much less in the way of desserts. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to plan on gaining some weight

 

[Tricia1972]

I have no idea what substitutions will or will not be allowed. I am just thinking that financially Disney may think that they'll come out ahead offering dessert only. If people pay OOP for their appetizers and then don't order dessert it may be a win-win for Disney.

 

[Lewisc]

I agree with Bicker. Disney will make changes for 2009 if they sell less dining packages then projected.

Disney is offering the deluxe dining plan and are looking to give guests reasons to upgrade. I'm surprised the CS dessert doesn't disappear.

Guests who want an appetizer should be booking buffets.

 

[frayedend]

Guests who want an appetizer should be booking buffets.

Or simply pay for their appetizer

Sorry to get defensive, but I don't understand why sometimes a simple question on these boards ends with veterans telling people what they should be doing. As I said, I don't feel forced. And I don't think there is a reason I should book a buffet because I like appetizers. If need be, I pay. No problem. It was just a question about the possibilities.

Aside from that, it isn't so much the "appetizer" as a salad or soup. I guess in some places the soup and salad are considered a separate appetizer. Here in MA, in most (not all, but most) places if you order a dinner entree the salad or soup is included. So we have become accustomed to having it. I noticed in Disney that frequently the soup or salad is sold separately as an appetizer.

 

[Lewisc]

Sometimes a reply isn't intended for the OP, you clearly indicated you're willing to pay for an appetizer, but for others reading the thread.

Guests who want appetizers, who don't want to pay extra and who don't want to pay for the deluxe plan should consider buffets.

I agree with your observation. Many restaurants that offer a price fixed dinner special include soup or salad but not the complete appetizer menu. I think that's a fair compromise.

I agree with Bicker. I'm sure Disney considered giving guests the choice of appetizer or dessert.

Or simply pay for their appetizer

Sorry to get defensive, but I don't understand why sometimes a simple question on these boards ends with veterans telling people what they should be doing. As I said, I don't feel forced. And I don't think there is a reason I should book a buffet because I like appetizers. If need be, I pay. No problem. It was just a question about the possibilities.

Aside from that, it isn't so much the "appetizer" as a salad or soup. I guess in some places the soup and salad are considered a separate appetizer. Here in MA, in most (not all, but most) places if you order a dinner entree the salad or soup is included. So we have become accustomed to having it. I noticed in Disney that frequently the soup or salad is sold separately as an appetizer.

 

[frayedend]

Sometimes a reply isn't intended for the OP, you clearly indicated you're willing to pay for an appetizer, but for others reading the thread.

Good point. Sometimes I tend to read bad attitude into a post where none exists. My error. That's one problem with internet forums, email, etc. You can't tell what tone of voice someone is using.

 

[Lewisc]

Good point. Sometimes I tend to read bad attitude into a post where none exists. My error. That's one problem with internet forums, email, etc. You can't tell what tone of voice someone is using.

No problem. I agree with your point. I think the dining plan could/should include something like a soup/salad choice or an appetizer sampler platter for the table. Disney decided it's easier to explain deleting an appetizer rather then have guests complain about being "second class" diners and not being allowed to order any appetizer on the menu.

Almost any price fixed dinner special includes some kind of appetizer, frequently a choice of soup or salad.

Many of us speculate Disney wants to increase table turnover, many DDP guests won't want to pay extra. I think offering a limited choice soup or salad would work. An appetizer sampler platter could be dropped on the table at the same time water and bread is served.

 

[DCDisney]

I hope more of the entrees will be served with a veggie since salads won't be a DDP option anymore. The whole healthier thing won't ring true for me until I get something green on my plate

Yvonne

 

[SnwflkCts]

... An appetizer sampler platter could be dropped on the table at the same time water and bread is served.

Bread???? ... you would think the whole world (WDW?) was on Adkins since we rarely saw bread without paying for it ... hee hee - just thought that was funny!

OP - great question and one I was wondering about. DH and I decided NOT to opt for DDP in Feb 08 and I didn't even KNOW about the changes ... what rock have I been under! Anyway ... we rarely order apps except salad and those DESSERTS ... normally don't get any dessert but on DDP ... I have the pounds to prove I enjoyed it!

So, it would have made a difference if you could get apps instead of dessert but I honestly figured things were going to change someday sooo ... we will go with the flow - & see if we make healthier choices without the DDP