More menu items excluded from Dining plan?!

[CBear]

THIS ENTIRE THREAD revolves around one poster at an expensive non-Disney owned CS restaurant being limited to a house dessert.

I think this is directed to me and my original post. I have said, and will repeat here, I was NOT upset that I could only have the Baclava, I was just mildly annoyed because I had been told I would be able to have any dessert, at any participating restaurant.

And I would never classify TANGIERINE CAFE as an "expensive" restaurant. Most sandwiches and other entrees are in the $6.95 to $9.95 range. Come on - it's not Victoria and Albert or even Le Cellier!

 

[somcgregor]

My FDH and I are going in September for our honeymoon, we choose to do the dining plan before it was free and all, just because when I looked at the menus on all ears we would easliy eat $35 a day for just a lunch and dinner with no extras like appetizers and deserts. I am fully aware that things are subject to change and understand that certain add ons might be charge extra, if I do not want to pay the extra I will not order the item. I also think that given my frame and built that I will be ordering a lot of salads for the app and doing fresh fruit or something of the sorts for desert. I would like to say that all talk of contracts and what not is not necessary true, it all depends. People should just learn to use the plan for what it was intended to get individuals into more table service and encourgae them to try them on return trips. I think that no one will be denined a reasonable request for anything including making dietary modification, and if they do deny your request especiallly for medical reaons then that can be called discrimation. I think if people just go with the flow and don't become overly rude or demanding of certain items everything will work out for the best.

Good luck with your travels and please post what you were able to order.

 

[CBear]

I think our biggest problem is going to be how to lose the weight we're going to be gaining on the dining plan.

Ok, now we are in complete and total agreement!

 

[Lewisc]

I wasn't really saying that you were upset so much as this entire thread has posts from members who are concerned about all sorts of imagined reductions to the plan based solely on your experience. You may have only been mildly annoyed, which would have been my reaction, but people posting in this thread seem to think it's second only to the end of the world.

Obviously I'm not comparing Tangerine Café with ANY TS restaurant but it is probably one of the most expensive CS restaurants that participate. The cost of a meal with tax and the house dessert is $17-$18.

I think this is directed to me and my original post. I have said, and will repeat here, I was NOT upset that I could only have the Baclava, I was just mildly annoyed because I had been told I would be able to have any dessert, at any participating restaurant.

And I would never classify TANGIERINE CAFE as an "expensive" restaurant. Most sandwiches and other entrees are in the $6.95 to $9.95 range. Come on - it's not Victoria and Albert or even Le Cellier!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Because DH and I really liked Tangierine Cafe and we will probably go back there. It would have been nice to get a really GOOD pastry for dessert ON the plan. But I have been warned, so I will plan to pay the $5 for my pastry and move ahead. Think they would trade 2 baklavas for a really good pastry? DH has never even heard of it, so maybe he wouldn't care if I entered into barter negotiations with his baklava! But personally I found the CM's there to be rather stand-offish so I don't think I would actually attempt to barter anything with them.

CBear -
I think you have the unique distinction of being one of a VERY few DISers who have ACTUALLY been denied something. And your particular situation strikes a nerve with me because I really want that fruit filled thing with the powdered sugar and almonds on top. But maybe they won't even HAVE that pastry when we go back! Heck, the grocery store was out of bear claws the other day! Things happen!

But I also think there is a tendency for the frenzy to grow with so many of us fueling it. We go from ONE CS place restricting dessert to assuming that by the time we get there in a couple of months that the plan will only be good for hot dogs and tap water. I have another month before my final payment is due, but if the intent is to crack down on the rules when free dining starts then I'll have to pay for our package and hope for the best.

 

[lillygator]

Actually, it looks like just agreeing at the restaurant and then working out the matter at the hotel front desk has been the most effective strategy for several posters. I certainly wouldn't tell the waiter that I was willing to pay, I think what I would say is something to the effect of "I disagree with how you are interpreting the plan, but charge it however you think is best and I will take the matter up at the hotel".

So you seem to be already setting your mind up that there will be a "confrontation" (maybe not the best word) at some point in your vacation....

what would you do if Disney suddenly decided to hand guests on a dining package a completely different menu than those guests who are not? And it had two or three choices in each category?

 

[CBear]

I found the CM's there to be rather stand-offish so I don't think I would actually attempt to barter anything with them.

CBear -
I think you have the unique distinction of being one of a VERY few DISers who have ACTUALLY been denied something. And your particular situation strikes a nerve with me because I really want that fruit filled thing with the powdered sugar and almonds on top.

I know - it's been an interesting, amusing and occasionally infuriating discussion. But really, the point of my original post was that we loved the dining plan, and I was quite surprised that we only had two minor irritants.

I agree about the CMs at Tangierine. I went to the counter to order my lunch (can't even remember what I had) and before I could even mention dessert, she said something like "You can only have the Baklava if you're on the Dining Plan" And she didn't say it with a smile. As I'm basically a non-confrontational Canadian, I just smiled and said "Ok, I guess I'll have the Baklava for dessert please."

 

[DeirdreTours]

I started this thread worried that my choices would be enduring unpleasant discussions about the rules of the dining plan or accepting less than I paid for. I now feel that I have found the least confrontation way to handle this problem, if it should occur. Which really has made me feel much better about it.
I don't view politely telling a server that I disagree with them as confrontational, and luckily for me, my DH will help me with any final discussion with the hotel desk manager. I never raise my voice, use insulting or vulgar language or attempt to humiliate the service people that I deal with. On the pretty unusual occasions that I have had serious complaints, they have usually (but not always) resolved to my satisfaction. In the worst case scenario that I described in the thread, of course it will be work out--As we hold the only card that matters.

As to your question......I suppose that would depend on whether I knew I was getting a different menu than everyone else..........As they say, ignorance is bliss-- I could just leave thinking: "Wow! They have really cut back on the food choices at WDW!" If I became aware of it, I would request a standard menu.

 

[lillygator]

that's why I put that it probably wasn't the right word....but I couldn't spit out what I wanted to say all that well!!

I do hope that if you end up keeping your trip you and your family have a fabulous time! Hopefully you won't encounter any problems!! Well, maybe heat and rain (not sure when you are coming down here!)

 

[DeirdreTours]

Thanks! I am pretty sure we will. I plan to call WDTC when I make my final payment and ask if there have been any changes to the plan since my date of booking, etc. If they give me the same answers, than we are definately going.

 

[Pedler]

We go from ONE CS place restricting dessert to assuming that by the time we get there in a couple of months that the plan will only be good for hot dogs and tap water.

What! Its just hot dogs and tap water! I thought I overheard Elvis at the 7 11 talking about that.

Seriously I am interested in how many real first hand complaints get posted.

 

[Luv2Roam]

I almost get the feeling that with so many getting "free" dining that they are afraid their choices or quality will diminish. It seems to be that "If it's too good to be true, it must not be true" mentality.
Disney did this as a promotion. ANd it worked. They WANT happy guests! It's a good plan, free or not. Enjoy it and don't stress. It suppose to make guests happy.
If this plan creates near riots, I suspect they will use Plan B next time!

 

[Amyality]

I just noticed (on Disneyworld.com) one other change for 2006 - "dessert not available at breakfast" for counter service meals.

Why in the world would anyone want desert for breakfast? I think that is completely legitimate.

 

[maxaroni]

Why in the world would anyone want desert for breakfast? I think that is completely legitimate.

Dessert doesn't need to be a traditional dessert, I've read where you can get fruit as a dessert. Also, some are able to get the rice krispie treats which is then a snack for later.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I think the "desserts" some people may have wanted for breakfast might be things like doughnuts, danishes, turnovers, fruit, yogurt and granola parfaits, etc.

Weird bc the only cs breakfast place in Epcot (Fountainview) serves nothing BUT those items (except for a larger handmade hot pocket type thing)

 

[shellybaxter]

Weird bc the only cs breakfast place in Epcot (Fountainview) serves nothing BUT those items (except for a larger handmade hot pocket type thing)

Electric Umbrella serves counter service breakfast

Shelly

 

[unixadm]

I already have a couple of printed copies of Disney's Official document on the dining plan:

http://adisneyworld.disney.go.com/m...gespecific/eng/nontheme/tickets/MYWDining.pdf

If there is an issue with something not being included, I will politely disagree the server and show them the document. If it still an issue, I will ask for a manger. It is no different from what I would do at a regular restaurant that I go to in the city.

As far as kid's meals and appitizers, if my son's want one, they will get one. The plan specifically says:

Your Table service meal includes:

One (1) Appetizer
One (1) Entree
One (1) Dessert
One (1) single serving non-alcoholic beverage

Children 3-9 must order from the child's menu where available

This specifically says that anyone using a TS credit will get an appetizer, entree, dessert and drink. Since children are to order from the child menu, they should have the same options on that menu if one exists. My interpretation is that if a child's menu doesn't have all of those options on them, then they order what options they can from the child's menu and order the options that aren't available on the child's menu from the regular menu.

I am not going to make a big deal of it on the free plan, expecially since my kids don't eat a huge amount most of the time anyway, but if I was paying for the plan, everyone in my party better get what is promised on the plan or I will be talking to managers, and going up the chain from there.

Disney really does a poor job of documenting policies, packages and plans. It isn't just with the dining plan.....try to find any well spelled out details on their website

 

[Hodder]

Personally I think it's a good bargin even just knowing that everything is paid for up front. I am just gonna go and enjoy myself & not stress over desserts, appetizers, and so on, I'll just see what happens.

I do take that children 3-9 must order from the child's menu as meaning such. I booked in June before I had read alot of reviews and had never interpreted it to mean that they could order one from adult menu.

 

[Brian Noble]

It wouldn't have occurred to me that my six and four year olds were "owed" an adult appetizer, especially since (a) my wife and I are already getting one, (b) we usually only order one between the two of us, and (c) my kids barely eat their meals anyway (and that includes not finishing desserts).

Even if it did occur to me, seeing as how no one would eat those appetizers, I can't imagine taking time out of my vacation (and getting myself worked up to boot) going "up the chain" arguing with people about it.

When the ages for child buffets dropped to 9, everyone with 10 and 11 year olds ranted and raved about how their kids don't eat enough to justify the adult price. However, the 9-and-under set appear to need adult appetizers in addition to their children's meal?

I guess I'm just not getting it. Maybe I'm just not a savvy consumer.

 

[dcgrumpy]

It wouldn't have occurred to me that my six and four year olds were "owed" an adult appetizer, especially since (a) my wife and I are already getting one, (b) we usually only order one between the two of us, and (c) my kids barely eat their meals anyway (and that includes not finishing desserts).

Even if it did occur to me, seeing as how no one would eat those appetizers, I can't imagine taking time out of my vacation (and getting myself worked up to boot) going "up the chain" arguing with people about it.

When the ages for child buffets dropped to 9, everyone with 10 and 11 year olds ranted and raved about how their kids don't eat enough to justify the adult price. However, the 9-and-under set appear to need adult appetizers in addition to their children's meal?

I guess I'm just not getting it. Maybe I'm just not a savvy consumer.

I'm with you, if it says children must order from the children's menu I take it to mean just that. If they happen to have an appetizer on the children's menu fine, if not oh well. They can either share mine, don't get one or I pay out of pocket. It would never occur to me that they should be owed an adult appetizer when it only costs $10 for 2 meals and a snack.