Lets just think logically here

[shadonjenon]

Now i will be the first to admit that i am not a disney vet by any means. But common sence tells me that some of these "sharing worries" may be a bit over the top. If my family goes to a table service resturant and we all order with the ddp. dh, me, dd13, ds9, dd7, and dd2. Now that would be 3a/2c TS credits, with my 2yr old not being on the plan. If my ds9 lets his ds2 eat some of his food and my dd13 lets her db9 eat some of her food where is the problem in that. I mean really i cant imagine that the cm will be going around to each table to be sure that no one is eating off of each others plates! If i get an appitizer that i don't really care for but my dd7 likes it no one is gonna tell me that i cant let her eat it! If i dont finish my food and my ds9 is still hungry he is more than welcome to have mine! I think that we are all given more than enough food on the ddp. And i don't see a need to try and squeeze and count every crumb. If i start out with 6 cs credits the rules say that i can use them any way i want until they are all gone. If i want to order two cs meals at the same place, on the same day at the same time i can. How would the cm know if i was not just a really big eater or if i was trying to share with my child are they gonna follow me to my table to watch me? This is not an attempt to break the rules. I plan on using exactly what i paid for. If we go to a cs place that had poor kid choices than no one can tell me that my son can't have 1/2 my burger. Please someone chime in if you see where i am coming from. Or set me straight if i am way off base.

 

[MissMagnolia]

I completely agree with you. My DD3 eats like a bird. An appetizer, entree, and dessert is a COMPLETE waste of food. We just got back from Dairy Queen where we ordered her a small Blizzard and she ate *2* bites and was done .

I think that for CS meals there is no way they can force you to order meals for all the members of your party at one time (what if DH and myself split up and I only have one child with me). I plan on sharing with my DD3 for CS meals. In the heat of August, when I am hungry and probably tired, I DARE a CM to tell me I can't share.

If the no sharing is true, I can see it becoming more of an issue with a TS meal where the server is bringing the food to the table. Even then I have an issue with it. Granted, we will be using the DDP for the first time in August when it is free, but if I were paying for it I would raise more of an issue. In my family's case we have myself, DH, DS6, and DD3. If I were purchasing the DDP, then WDW should allow me to only pay for the DDP for 2 adults and 1 child. My DD3 would share with us, I wouldn't be wasting the $38.00/day for her (or whatever the cost is for a child on the DDP), and WDW would have NO say in the matter. Also, if I were to choose to pay OOP for her if she was unusually hungry, then that would be up to me.

 

[taximomfor4]

I completely agree with you. My DD3 eats like a bird. An appetizer, entree, and dessert is a COMPLETE waste of food. We just got back from Dairy Queen where we ordered her a small Blizzard and she ate *2* bites and was done .

I think that for CS meals there is no way they can force you to order meals for all the members of your party at one time (what if DH and myself split up and I only have one child with me). I plan on sharing with my DD3 for CS meals. In the heat of August, when I am hungry and probably tired, I DARE a CM to tell me I can't share.

If the no sharing is true, I can see it becoming more of an issue with a TS meal where the server is bringing the food to the table. Even then I have an issue with it. Granted, we will be using the DDP for the first time in August when it is free, but if I were paying for it I would raise more of an issue. In my family's case we have myself, DH, DS6, and DD3. If I were purchasing the DDP, then WDW should allow me to only pay for the DDP for 2 adults and 1 child. My DD3 would share with us, I wouldn't be wasting the $38.00/day for her (or whatever the cost is for a child on the DDP), and WDW would have NO say in the matter. Also, if I were to choose to pay OOP for her if she was unusually hungry, then that would be up to me.

You would have to purchase the plan for everyone in your party ages 3+. So you would have already paid the $9.99 (somewhere right around $10) for the 3 yr old. The sharing issue is: would WDW make you use credits for everyone at the table...in which case, you may as well order the 3yo her own meal.

I don't think they will disallow sharing. But if they do, I'd imagine they'd have a reason for it. The dining plan has never looked like a very good deal for us, so we are using it for the first time in August ONLY because it is free. If it got to where we were not just going to restaurants and ordering a meal per person, we would skip the dining plan altogether. It is not a perfect fit for everyone.

OP, I definitely get what you are saying!! I just like to believe that if WDW adds rules to their DDP, they probably have what they deem a good reason for doing so.

 

[jessica52877]

Hmm, I think I missed a big discussion about sharing along the way somewhere! But I know at breakfast I would only be ordering it for my son. Husband and I do not eat breakfast (this would be counter service) so if I am understanding right from above posts they are wanting all to be used at the same time?

 

[!@#$%]

Im not sure what spawned this, and I may be premature in what I say, but you have nothing to worry about. Really. Ive done the free DDP. Theres SOOOOO much food!!! We all walked around all week saying "We have to eat again??? Oh noooo!" We felt like gluttons all week. My daughter was 2 last year. She NEVER went hungry. NOTHING was ever said EXCEPT for one time when the cast member said "I'll have to charge you if she eats off your plate". We said "She's not hungry anyways" and when she left the table, we gave her tidbits from our plate discreetly. Other than that one occurance, most servers were more than happy to bring her a little "mini dish" free of charge. many of them just automatically assumed such and asked "what will she have?" We always asked if hers would cost and they always said "Of course not". It just wasnt a problem ever. We all 4 ate like pigs all week, and only 3 of us were on the plan, and we NEVER EVER bought our 3 year old daughter anything to eat. Like one poster here said, my daughter dont eat much either, but even if she did, they kinda seemed to have the common sence idea that she was going to eat off our plates. Now if you have 2 or more that will be eating who arent on the DDP, or if you have someone with you whos not on the DDP who is a above 3, I can see that possible creating some problems, but if your descreet, they too could be easily resolved.
Nothing to worry about. Disnety specializes in worry free vacations. enjoy your trip!
PS Flame Tree Barbeque RULES!!!!!
And you GOTTA try the 3+ hour meal at California Grill!!! the food... (our meal was almost $300.00 but free of course on the DDP) was so good.... Words cant express. The sushi was amazing!!! It just took too long.

 

[Sammie]

ok my take on the situation.

They do not want adults using child entitlements (credits) to purchase adult meals. I said this all along and I think it has been proven with the addition to the brochure.

As to sharing I really don't think they have a problem of sharing within a family. For one reason they allow nonDDP guests to do that, so why should they limit DDP guests.

However I don't think they want the plan's entitlements transferred (shared) to others not on the plan. I understand this due to marketing. If you have someone dining with you that is not on your plan, they can pay OOP.

At this time since the entitlements are not seperated on the cards, (coming) I think they are trying to control these issues with some measures at the restuarants that are clouding the situation.

Just as soon as the credits (entitlements) are seperated, I think it will all fall into place.

At this time you will have what is printed in their brochures and what is procedural at the restuarant. Problem is you can train a CM in procedures and hope they follow it, but not necessarily. Especially at Disney.

As long as you use the adult entitlements to purchase adult meals, child to purchase child, what you order and share once it gets to the table is no concern to them.

My take on it.

 

[bicker]

I agree with Sammie. I think the only danger with regard to sharing on the DDP now is that until they can establish a business case for improving the information systems so that child and adult credits can be accounted for separately, restricting sharing is the most expedient method of asserting some measure of control over violations to that "adults cannot use child meal entitlements" rule.

 

[Luv2Roam]

I also agree wih Sammie.
As others have stated repeatedly, I think the plan is simple. Many try to make it complicated.
I will be VERY surprised if with newer packages the A/C credits are not separated.
I also agree it is too bad (and odd) there are not better children's offerings on meals than there are (from what I have read here).
I think free or not, the DP is a great opportunity.

 

[Merriwind]

I agree with Sammie too. I think with the changes to the DDP, Disney is trying to accomplish two things. One, no more using child entitlements to purchase adults meals. Two, not using DDP credits to pay for meals for those not on the plan. If, somehow, enacting an "all-in or all-OOP" rule helps Disney accomplish those goals, that is what Disney will do.

Of course they will not prevent anyone from sharing any appetizer with a child, or a meal. Obviously, they are not going to be yanking the fork out of someone's hand. But, they could still deduct a credit (entitlement) from everyone sitting at the table, whether they actually order or not. I certainly hope that they don't do this, as the DDP provides more than enough food for most people. (If we buy the DDP, DH and I would like to share a few meals.) Many people do share for a variety of reasons that don't include trying to using C entitlements for A meals, or treating other guests. The shame of it is, many may wind up being punished for the actions of a few.

 

[LizinSTL]

Hmm, I think I missed a big discussion about sharing along the way somewhere! But I know at breakfast I would only be ordering it for my son. Husband and I do not eat breakfast (this would be counter service) so if I am understanding right from above posts they are wanting all to be used at the same time?

No. You can order your son a CS breakfast and later in the day, order yourself and your dh a CS lunch and share with your son OR order him his own lunch, either use another CS credit or pay OOP. That's completely allowed. In your case, it would work in your favor to have Disney separate the credits into Adult and child so you could avoid any appearance of impropriety...from overzeolous cast members or nosey guests.

You are NOT required to order 3 CS meals every time you redeem 1. Disney is smarter than that, imo.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Agree. I don't think it is sharing they have issues with. It maybe HOW guests share. Only as examples, I think it's one thing to share between yourselves to sample, or on a restricted diet. I can't see a CM telling someone at a table they can't share plated food between family members.
I could see (depending on the restaurant) them deducting credits whether a person orders food or not, or charging an entertainment fee or plate charge. The restaurants are going to watch out for their bottom line, just as guests are looking out for theirs!
If the plan does not work for restaurants, I could see more eateries pulling out of the DDP, or charging 2 table service credits. Which apparently they do have control over, from what we read here.
The restaurants only receive $X per credit used at that meal. If too many share entire meals, that is cutting their profit at each table this occurs. I can see that being a real issue. Esp for those restaurants who can pack in guests who will pay full price for every seated guest.
If you were in business, which would you prefer?
I think many will be punished for what many have done/doing. If it were only a few there probably would not be changes.
There are always going be someone making a lot of effort to get more than they should. There always is in everything. Some consider it sport and enjoy it.
When a policy is greatly abused -- then the red flags come up and changes occur.
And what I am considering is sit down restaurants, rather than CS.
My percepetion only of course.

 

[bicker]

If the plan does not work for restaurants, I could see more eateries pulling out of the DDP

This is becoming a more significant concern, now, with rumors that Chefs de France won't participate in the Dining Plan in 2007. I'm still waiting for some confirmation or (hopefully) repudiation about that. However, if it does come to pass, we can probably "thank" the folks who have been "working the system".

 

[pooch]

all our credits will be Adult so no issues there. And I expect everyone will order their own at TS's. But I also expect to only use 3 CS's for the 4 of us most of the time, using the other CS for a breakfast platter to share in the AM along w/ some OOP sides. Since, as suggested, at least part of our party will be looking for a table at the CS, I don't think sharing is an issue there.
We can worry ourselves to death here but why? Its VACATION!!

 

[Luv2Roam]

Let's face it. No one knows for sure, but we can all guess this is exactly what happened with the extra free DDE membership card we USE to get. (Now have to pay an extra $25 for, whether it is a spouse or SO in the same house.)
How many times even here did we read where someone was getting the extra free card for someone not living in their household? Sometimes the other person was not even in the same state!
Now anyone wanting a second DDE card pays $25.
I would have preferred the DDE people re-word the policy and enforced it.
Instead all DDE members suffered.
And I can see this happening with the DDP.
They are re-wording the brochure. If that doesn't work, I would assume additional measures are and will be in place if the plan is not used as intended.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

If my family goes to a table service resturant and we all order with the ddp. dh, me, dd13, ds9, dd7, and dd2. Now that would be 3a/2c TS credits, with my 2yr old not being on the plan. If my ds9 lets his ds2 eat some of his food and my dd13 lets her db9 eat some of her food where is the problem in that. I mean really i cant imagine that the cm will be going around to each table to be sure that no one is eating off of each others plates! If i get an appitizer that i don't really care for but my dd7 likes it no one is gonna tell me that i cant let her eat it! If i dont finish my food and my ds9 is still hungry he is more than welcome to have mine!

Since everyone will be ordering their own meal this will not be a problem. I think the "sharing" would be if you went in and order your three adult meals and told the server, the other kids will just be sharing with the three of you and there by almost doubling the number of TS meals you could have on the dining plan (i.e. 5 people X 6 nights = 30 meals which would normally mean 6 TS meals on the plan. Using only 3 credits per meal your family could have 10 TS meals on the plan) I think this may be what the concern is not about one member of your party eating something off of your plate IN ADDITION to their own meal (vs. instead of their own meal).

I don't think this is an issue with CS meals as it is more of a serve yourself.

 

[disneymom06]

ok my take on the situation.

They do not want adults using child entitlements (credits) to purchase adult meals. I said this all along and I think it has been proven with the addition to the brochure.

As to sharing I really don't think they have a problem of sharing within a family. For one reason they allow nonDDP guests to do that, so why should they limit DDP guests.

However I don't think they want the plan's entitlements transferred (shared) to others not on the plan. I understand this due to marketing. If you have someone dining with you that is not on your plan, they can pay OOP.

At this time since the entitlements are not seperated on the cards, (coming) I think they are trying to control these issues with some measures at the restuarants that are clouding the situation.

Just as soon as the credits (entitlements) are seperated, I think it will all fall into place.

At this time you will have what is printed in their brochures and what is procedural at the restuarant. Problem is you can train a CM in procedures and hope they follow it, but not necessarily. Especially at Disney.

As long as you use the adult entitlements to purchase adult meals, child to purchase child, what you order and share once it gets to the table is no concern to them.

My take on it.

Sounds like a voice of reason. Couldn't have said it better myself, Thanks!

 

[Sammie]

Sounds like a voice of reason. Couldn't have said it better myself, Thanks!

Thank you, it's so nice to be the voice of reason instead of that idiot that thinks Disney cares if a guest uses child's credits to buy adult meals when we all know different.

 

[Lisa_Belle]

Just as soon as the credits (entitlements) are seperated, I think it will all fall into place ... As long as you use the adult entitlements to purchase adult meals, child to purchase child, what you order and share once it gets to the table is no concern to them.

This is the most sane and logical response I have ever seen in regards to the dining plan. If I have six adult TS meals and six child TS meals what difference does it make how I use them as long as I use them for six adult meals and six child meals?

 

[bicker]

Yes, exactly. Hopefully they'll make those changes sometime soon.

 

[punkin]

I agree as well. When Disney stops pooling the credits and advertizing them as pooled credits all these arguments will be completely moot.