Just back - latest on the dining plan

[bellenbuzz]

One Question:
Is TAX included & GRATUITY??? So we do not need to pay any tax or tip out-of-pocket????
All this information is really really helpful, Thanx a Bunch!

 

[zachnlucy]

One Question:
Is TAX included & GRATUITY??? So we do not need to pay any tax or tip out-of-pocket????
All this information is really really helpful, Thanx a Bunch!

Yes, tax and gratuity are included.

 

[jonimce]

RFC was on the old dinning plan. We had a 2lb whole lobster for lunch in 2004.
Old plan was much better, but twice the price.

 

[pedro2112]

If all the same reservation it will be one big pool. Dive in and have Pun.




Sorry

Not Chip,

It's per room, even if one is paying for both rooms. I wish it were different as I am paying for our room and my mother and her bf's room also... unfortunately, none of their "credits" are pooled with ours.

 

[patsal]

I just wanted to mention that there is ALSO a gratuity added to table service meals not on the dining plan. My hubby noticed that right away, checked with our server and confirmed. We used the DP for ourselves and ds12, and paid oop for ds7 at every table service. The wine/beer was on the bill with ds's meal and the 18% gratuity is clearly marked on the bill as well. I don't imagine the servers care to point that out to people but its true. of couse if you had amazing service and want to tip beyond 18% that's entirely up to you.
We loved Boma's and Le Cellier.
The lunch at Wolfgang Puck Express (in the marketplace at Downtown Disney) was excellent too.(counter service)
I got alot of good advice about meals on this board. It really helped when choosing places in a hurry.
thanks everyone!

I noticed that in December after the fact of course--as a matter of fact the only thing DH and I ordered was not on the DDP was two drinks--the total seemed high since we used the DDE--but since the waitress circled the area for tip and total both in red I figured not. Once I got back to the room and checked my reciept it did indeed already include an 18% gratuity--she managed a 38% tip on two drinks! NOt really a huge deal but for us something to remember for future trips!

 

[pedro2112]

Just some information:

I called DVC the other day since we will be allowed the plan starting in April. She told me that each person in the party will be getting their own card with their own credits on it, no pooled credits. I'm not sure if this is correst but that is what I was told!

That would be a significant change to the dining plan. Several other posters have indicated they "heard" this rumour also. So far, nothing official from Disney on this. If so, that would put an end to the flexibility of the dining plan, and would make it a lot less attractive to many customers.

 

[Dale-Not-Chip]

We've got a trip booked in Oct, my wife, 4 kids and the 2 IL.; so thats a total of 8 people, 4 adults and 4 kids. If we go with the Dining Plan can we split up the group and will we still be able to use the plan ?
For example, if the in laws want to have a quiet meal away from the kids, can they have access to the DP cards/coupons (whatever they are) or do we as a group get only one card/coupon that must be used together ?

yes that will not be a problem

 

[happy-go-lucky]

I am TOTALLY confused with this whole dining plan!!! We go in May and are unsure about using it. Everywhere I've read tells me to get the dining plan but it sounds so confusing! Ok...question. Why do you sometimes have to pay out of pocket? And, why for the kids?

Can some very wonderful, fabulous person give me a lesson (101) about the dining plan? Thanks!

 

[patsal]

I am TOTALLY confused with this whole dining plan!!! We go in May and are unsure about using it. Everywhere I've read tells me to get the dining plan but it sounds so confusing! Ok...question. Why do you sometimes have to pay out of pocket? And, why for the kids?

Can some very wonderful, fabulous person give me a lesson (101) about the dining plan? Thanks!

The plan is really quite simple, it is when we begin to understand and manipulate it that it becomes difficult. Basically the plan is something that you have to purchase for every member of your party for the entire length of stay. The cost is $37.99 per adult and $10.99 for children 3-9. Each person gets one TS, 1CS and 1 snack per night of the reservation. The credits are good from check in through midnight on check out day. You may use these credits in any combination, so if you have a family of four for 5 nights you would get 20 of each credit to use as you see fit throughout your stay. If you split up during the day you could each eat whenever using the key card. Most TS restaurants are 1TS credit, but some signature dining are 2TS credits--this is mostly where the paying OOP comes in. ALso alcohol is not included so that is an OOP expense. Some people may feel a person in their party is not going to eat their money's worth so it is better to order and pay OOP to stretch the credits. Many of the favorites from the snack/treat offerings at WDW are not included as a snack credit, so that would be another OOP expense. A snack in considered a piece of fruit, small popcorn, ice cream bar, soda or water. CS is considered one entree or combo meal, dessert and drink, TS is considered one appetizer, 1 entree, 1 dessert and one NA beverage. Children must order from the children's menu where available.