More menu items excluded from Dining plan?!

[Joan1]

Lewis writes: "Most price fixed menus have surcharges for some menu items" and later adds the charming "use a little sense".

Well gosh, Lewis, your right! Many price fixed menus do have surcharges and other limitations! That is why I specifically ASKED about those sorts of limitations WHEN I BOOKED THE PACKAGE. Yes, that's right Lewis, I specifically asked : "Will we be able to order as we choose or are we limited to specific items?" I was absolutely ASSURED by the CM that except for a couple of places in DTD (like Wolfgang Pucks), that there would be no limitations in participating restaurants. .

I understand your fustration but how many times have we found out on this board that what some cm's tell you is incorrect?

As always on all written information from disney it always says "subject to change"

 

[bicker]

Lewis writes: "Most price fixed menus have surcharges for some menu items" ...

I specifically asked : "Will we be able to order as we choose or are we limited to specific items?" I was absolutely ASSURED by the CM that except for a couple of places in DTD (like Wolfgang Pucks), that there would be no limitations in participating restaurants.

Sorry, but I agree with Lewis. It is unreasonable to expect, given what you indicated you said, that the CM you asked knew that you were asking about add-ons. From what you said you said, it sounds like you were asking whether any entrees were excluded -- nothing about add-ons.

I understand that you're not happy that the program isn't as you would want it to be -- I understand that you want it to be everything you wished and dreamed that it would be, but I do believe that you read far more into what Disney promised than they explicitly did promise. I do acknowledge and respect your frustration -- it's very clear that you're frustrated given that you've gone into this program in several threads, including creating one of your own. I just cannot agree with you that Disney is being unfair to you or nefariously trying to do anything other that provide a wonderful dining experience as they had promised to.

 

[DeirdreTours]

Joan--It isn't like I got the one dippy CM! All who ask at booking are being told that there is no set menu, that one can order whichever appetizer, entree, dessert appeals at that moment (with the exception of the two places that are clearly noted in the brochure). I am not attempting to hold Disney to the mistake of one castmember (although, now that you mention it, I would expect waived cancellation fees if erroneous info prompted me to book a package I wouldn't have otherwise booked).

 

[Belle♪♪♪]

The dining plan looks the same to me, what changes are we talking about??

 

[sammax]

The dining plan states you are entitled to 1 entre, 1 dessert and 1 single serving non alcoholic beverage for counter service. It doesn't say that individual restaurants not owned by disney, but participating in the plan can't limit that dessert to a choice of their own. They are offering you a dessert for your plan. If you don't like the choice eat at another counter service restaurant.

 

[vatmark]

I looked at the link for the plan that is suppose to be the revised. No where on there does it state that there are limitations at any resturant except for a surcharge on certain items at Wolfgang Puck and Planet Hollywood.

I have to agree with Deirdre. I don't think it is asking to much to get what we paid for and told we would get. I don't expect my child to get an adult appetizer or an adult dessert. I don't expect to get additons to an entree such as shrimp or what have you that would normally be extra. But I do expect that if something is listed as an entree or as a dessert I should be able to get. I'm also not asking for an appetizer or dessert that is meant for 2 just for myself. I don't want to hear "Oh you cannot get the $5 creme Brulee off the dessert menu...you can only get the $2 scoop of icecream" because we need to make even more money off of you.

Those of you who are saying "Come on people...how much do you really want for free"...how is it free? I am paying for the dining plan. Disney is still making money.

I think Disney has to get all the CM's on the same page and put out a dining plan brochure that reflects exactly what is included and what is not and not be so vague.

I thik mnay people have gotten the same response from the CM's about the dining plan. They all said there was no limitations as far as what you can order off the menu. Is there anyone out there who has heard otherwise from a CM?

Annie

 

[DeirdreTours]

Sorry, but I agree with Lewis. It is unreasonable to expect, given what you indicated you said, that the CM you asked knew that you were asking about add-ons. From what you said you said, it sounds like you were asking whether any entrees were excluded -- nothing about add-ons.

I understand that you're not happy that the program isn't as you would want it to be -- I understand that you want it to be everything you wished and dreamed that it would be, but I do believe that you read far more into what Disney promised than they explicitly did promise. I do acknowledge and respect your frustration -- it's very clear that you're frustrated given that you've gone into this program in several threads, including creating one of your own. I just cannot agree with you that Disney is being unfair to you or nefariously trying to do anything other that provide a wonderful dining experience as they had promised to.

I WASN'T talking about "add-ons"-- I am not sure how you got the impression that I was? I am referring to the standard menu-- individual sized (not designed for 2 or more) appetizers, entrees and desserts. I have no opinion on the "add-ons" and it fact, wasn't aware of their existance before reading about them on this board.

Also, a number of posters have suggested that we are all getting "free" dining-- By my calculations the dining is costing my family about $700. $700 is the difference between the rack rate we are paying for the room and tickets and the lower prices we could have obtained the same room and tickets for outside of the plan.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

One side is arguing fact, when the other is arguing opinion (it seems to me)

Fact: Disney's policies are subjects to change.

Opinion: The changes and inconsistencies lately are unfair.

Both are correct.

Now my opinion: the biggest problem is the inconsistencies. Some CM's do things one way, while others do not. Some restaurants effectively prevent utilization of all credits by (for example) offering only one dessert that many people cannot eat.

Can Disney do this? Certainly! But, wouldn't it be helpful to KNOW all that before you go? People would simply avoid that place and eat somewhere where they know they could get a dessert that was on the plan. People are told one thing and experience another.

Disney is a huge professional corporation. Some people get free dining, others do pay for it, so it's not like it's a fly by night operation. Places or entrees that are excluded or limited should be noted in advance so diners are aware of this before they make ADR's.

It's not really a case of "you're getting it for free, don't complain" because there are some people who have paid for it. I think we should keep this in mind.

 

[Lewisc]

GEE MANY OF us posted the disclaimer in the brochure that says the terms and components are subject to change without notice. My comments on surcharges and limitations is only my perception of what changes might be made. In fact what changes might even be reasonable as an alternative to making some WS restaurants 2 credits or forcing the restaurants to drop some of the more expensive items from their menu.

You previously said the only reason you booked this trip was the unrestricted nature of the plan. You continue to complain about children appetizers even after Disney stated, in an email to a poster, that the section of the brochure concerning appetizers refers to adult customers and referred to the requirement that children must order from the children's menu. Other posters have listed the many restaurants that have added children appetizers to the menu. You seem concerned that some restaurants are or might start excluding the most expensive dessert from the plan.

I know the brochure says adult and child credit get pooled. When I see guests planning to use none of the credits for child meals I know it's only a matter of time before Disney uses the subject to change provision of the brochure to correct the situation.

You probably should just cancel your trip. You're setting yourself up for a major disappointment. It sounds like the major purpose of your trip is to use the dining plan. Even a change in the menu may be enough to upset your plans. Does it really matter if a restaurant drops the menu item you're planning on ordering or surcharges it? Either way you won't be a happy camper.

Lewis writes: "Most price fixed menus have surcharges for some menu items" and later adds the charming "use a little sense".

Well gosh, Lewis, your right! Many price fixed menus do have surcharges and other limitations! That is why I specifically ASKED about those sorts of limitations WHEN I BOOKED THE PACKAGE. Yes, that's right Lewis, I specifically asked : "Will we be able to order as we choose or are we limited to specific items?" I was absolutely ASSURED by the CM that except for a couple of places in DTD (like Wolfgang Pucks), that there would be no limitations in participating restaurants. I can't understand why you think it is so unreasonable for me to EXPECT that what I booked and paid for is what I will receive. Of course, Disney can change it's product offering whenever it chooses-- but those who paid for x should be at least notified that x is no longer available and given the option to cancel. Instead, Disney is apparantly telling people (still) at the time of sale, that they will be able choose anything and then surprising them with the limitations on arrival. That you can defend such a practice astounds me. That you can condescendingly tell me "to use a little sense" when I object to such practices offends me.

I am even on of those that asked if everyone had to use their own credits (more because I don't really eat three meals a day, but I have an ALWAYS hungry son) and was assured that anyone could use any credit! (in our case, I don't think this would result in an adult using a child credit, it will probably more likely be the other way around). That you would be delighted to get Y when you bought and were promised X if fine-- but it isn't fine for me. I resent your repeatedly informing me that I should be happy with whatever YOU think is a good deal.


My objection to the lack of appetizer for the children isn't the amount of food on the plate (although I am NOT one of those who said their children didn't eat much-- even my two year old has a huge appetite). I simply want everyone to have food at the same time--I think the practice of some diners digging in while others are served nothing is inherently rude. We won't be doing that. The food cost for Disney to toss a few grapes and cheese on a plate and call it a child appetizer is pennies. And I don't think anyone believes that Disney wasn't aware from at the very latest, DAY TWO, of the Dining Plan's introduction that some percentage of children were ordering the appetizers. Good grief, we are talking about a corporation that tracks most of it's sales in real time-- Do you think it took them 6 months to notice? Clearly, the practice was if not actually intended (which I believe) at least accepted, up until recent weeks. We means that what is happening is a CHANGE-- Not simply the way Disney wrote it.

 

[vatmark]

I don't think anyone is talking aboutadd ons. What we are refering to is being told that we can't get a regular item on the menu such as a certain dessert. If it is listed as a dessert for one person under the dessert section why should I not be able to get it? How is my asking for a dessert listed under the dessert section being unresonable?

Annie

 

[ntburns22]

I just hope everything is in order for our trip in October (not free dining). We were planning on the 3 courses for our DD because we were going to split her meals with DS. As I look at it now it may not save us money because we will have to order for DS. They are both pretty good eaters. I guess we shall see what happens.

 

[maxaroni]

I think Disney has to get all the CM's on the same page and put out a dining plan brochure that reflects exactly what is included and what is not and not be so vague.

This is exactly my issue. I posted earlier about this and it's the lack of continuity in answers that is most frustrating to me. My ds12 will be charged as an adult...I wasn't one that was affected by the change in ages but the CM's are all handling this change differently. Various posters have said that they have called dining and/or guest services about the MYW dining issues and there are all different answers. Now, what one gets told on the phone and what actually happens may not be the same.

On a side, we aren't ones to feel the need to order the most expensive meal or get the bigggest bang for the buck on the plan. We are eating where we want to eat and will order what we want to eat. If it happens to be a higher priced meal, so be it. However, we don't have an agenda in mind to suck it dry. We have been known to order the least expensive or on the low side, many times.

I feel that with the vagueness and lack of same answers when questioning a CM, the interpretation of the plan can lead to different views by the public (us dis'ers for one).

 

[sammax]

As I stated, when I paid for my plan in May, I asked at each restaurant what was included for dessert. The only limitation was at the Tangerine cafe, but it was also the only WS restaurant I ate at. If they choose to limit the dessert in order to be part of the plan, I'm happy to be able to eat a wonderful meal there. I PAID for an entre, a beverage and a dessert on my plan, and that's what I ate. If I wanted a different dessert i would have paid for a different one and not been upset. I think from reading the menu on allearsnet.com that once you are on the plan, you are eating what they consider a combo meal, and baklava is what is included, like your fries at mcdonalds. Just my opinion.

 

[Carrie Ellis]

People are mean on the DIS lately. I am scared to mention that I am getting a discount or something "free." I might get screamed at to shut up and be happy. This is crazy!!!!!

The brochure stinks if what folks are saying is now coming true. I have posted one of my email responses on the other thread and I will carry it with me. I have now sent another one to Disney. I will carry that response too; once I get it. Then I will deal with if I need to when I am there. I am paying for this plan BUT my sister, dad, and mom are not. They are paying rack rate at the POP plus the additional charge for adult. I really want it to be magical for them.

I have said it before and I will say it again....Do you really think the Disney professionals are dumb? Do you think they are just figuring things out? Do you think the only people who go to Disney are on the DIS boards? Disney is making a killen off all the people who have no idea how to use the dining plan to their advantage and all the ones that don't use up their credits.

I am wondering if we don't have some disney spies on this thread and another! I would love to hire a few of you to advertise for my company!

Final thought...I would only cancel if they said my children could not have a dessert because there is not one on the child's menu.....that would be cruel!

 

[vatmark]

Well if it is a combo meal at Tangerine cafe that already comes with the Baklahva then I can see that they say you will have to pay extra for another dessert. Do they have entrees that are not combo meals? And if so are you only able to get the baklahva? Or can you then get some other dessert?

Annie

 

[Lewisc]

EXCELLENT POINT.

The dining plan states you are entitled to 1 entre, 1 dessert and 1 single serving non alcoholic beverage for counter service. It doesn't say that individual restaurants not owned by disney, but participating in the plan can't limit that dessert to a choice of their own. They are offering you a dessert for your plan. If you don't like the choice eat at another counter service restaurant.

 

[Joan1]

Why don't you print the brochure on Disney's site out and take it with you then if you run into any problems you can show them the brochure and what it explains

 

[vatmark]

Lewis...are you doing the dining plan? And if so if you were to go to a resturant of your choice that is on the dining plan and you walked in and sat down to order and they told you that this chicken entree is what you get and this dessert is what you get and this coke is what you get you would be okay with that? After all they are providing 1 entree, 1 dessert and 1 beverage.

Annie

 

[DeirdreTours]

No, Lewis, I am not in the least concerned that the "most expensive" dessert may be eliminated. My concern is that the dessert I want from that menu at that moment (whether it is .50 or $50) might be elimintated. Or the one my husband wants (which is more likely, he is a far pickier consumer than I). I was concerned enough about that possibility to inquire at the time of booking and to read the promotional materials carefully for exclusions. I am concerned enough now that I will certainly speak to someone a little higher up in the food chain that the reservations CM before we make the bulk payment on the package- and cancel if we can't get a clear, unequivical answer (meaning a list of exclusions that do not negatively affect our plans).

Cancelling doesn't mean we will never go to Disney again, but that the package no longer offers enough of a real savings for us to go in a hot, potentially rainy month several months earlier than we had planned.

And yes, we radically changed the timing of our trip to take advantage of this package pricing. But as I have said repeatedly, the package is only a real "value" to me if we can use it the way we intended and were told was fully allowed at the time of booking.

 

[crisi]

DeirdreTours, you need to cancel. Push comes to shove, no CM, no manager at Disney, except perhaps Eisner or Igers will be able to give you the assurance you need. The terms and components are subject to change without notice. Its that simple. If you can't live with that, this is not the program for you.