Narcoossee's crab legs question

[colorbubble1]

Hi all - first time poster, long time reader. Third trip coming up in a couple of weeks with DH and DD (6,8,10). We usually stay off-site but this trip we have a 2 night lead-in stay with the 5 of us at AoA before the rest of the trip off-site with other family members. I signed up for the regular Disney dining plan with 1 TS and one QS, 2 snack credits daily. I don't have much experience dining on-site and no experience with the dining plan.

I have a reservation at Narcoossee's for one of our nights (I figured we would just blow all of our TS credits here), and our family has been talking about our dinner there. I had assumed when I booked this reservation that kids could order from the adult menu (like they could on our Disney cruise) but I am realizing from reading that they probably won't be able to do this (correct?).

My kids are not traditional kid's menu fans, and they love crab legs this is what they will want to order when we are there. I looked at the kids menu and they won't want what is offered. My question is, what is the best way to do this? I see crab legs on the menu only under the side dish/snack section of the menu. Does this mean it isn't included on any meal on my plan and I would have to have Deluxe dining to include this (as an "appetizer"?). Has anyone ever ordered these at Narcoossee's? Any input on the portion size?

I think my 10 year old will get an adult selection anyway, right? If I decide to pay out of pocket for the other two kids, can I save their 4 table service credits (2 each) and spread them out to cover a counter service breakfast for 4 at the AoA restaurant?

If I upgraded to Deluxe Dining, would that change my ability to order from the Adult menu for the kids? (they might be okay with the selections under that entrée selection) Would the crab legs even count as the appetizer included in the deluxe plan or does it specifically have to be under the "appetizer section"? Could you sub a salad for an appetizer?

Sorry for so many questions, I have read about this but I am still confused. My 8 year old, though little, usually eats more than me, and I would like our Narcoossee's dinner to be special and not feel limited by the dining plan. Suggestions?

Also, as an aside, if we wanted to hang around the Grand Floridian afterward to catch a view of the MK fireworks that evening, what is my best bet for viewing?

Thanks in advance!

 

[supersnoop]

If you want to use credits, then kids will have to order from the kids menu. The “enhancements” (crab legs) are not covered on any plan. You can choose to pay out of pocket for whatever you want and only order entrees for fewer members of your party. This is a great place to split meals.

I think that covers all your questions.

 

[sharonabe]

I think my 10 year old will get an adult selection anyway, right? If I decide to pay out of pocket for the other two kids, can I save their 4 table service credits (2 each) and spread them out to cover a counter service breakfast for 4 at the AoA restaurant?

Yes, your 10 yr old can order from the adult menu, and yes you can pay OOP for the other kids and save their credits.

However, you may already be paying more for the plan than you would OOP for everything. Are you sure you want to keep the plan at all? Are you eating any other TS meals?

 

[momof2halls]

If you want to use credits, then kids will have to order from the kids menu. The “enhancements” (crab legs) are not covered on any plan. You can choose to pay out of pocket for whatever you want and only order entrees for fewer members of your party. This is a great place to split meals.

I think that covers all your questions.

We have the Deluxe plan for our trip this year. Is anything on the entree list excluded? I thought i had read somewhere the lobster dishes were not on the dining plans. Thanks!

 

[Colleen27]

Your 10yo has the adult plan and can order as an adult. The other two will have to order kids' meals.

You can absolutely pay cash for the kids' meals and use their credits elsewhere, but they're kids' TS credits. You won't be able to use them for adult meals or for CS.

If you upgrade to the deluxe plan, the kids will *probably* be able to order from the adult menu. That's been pretty standard for quite some time now and DxDDP credits are not separated into adult/child, but because the official plan terms say kids have to order from kids' menus that is subject to change at any time without notice.

No plan will get you the crab legs. Nothing under the "enhancements" section of the menu is covered by any of the dining plans, not even in lieu of an appetizer. But the lobster entrees are available on the adult plan.

It sounds like the plan may not be a very good fit for your travel plans. Two-credit meals aren't a good use of credits, in terms of value, and it doesn't sound like the plan inclusions suit the way your family prefers to eat. You might want to think about dropping the plan and just paying cash for what you want, rather than trying to figure out how to make the plan work.

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

colorbubble1, why don't you go to Cape May Cafe? The whole family can have crab legs and everything else, and only use one credit. Also, the Disney website doesn't show crab legs at Narcoosees, though the Dis shows it.
I agree with other posters, I think you would be better off paying cash rather than trying to use the DDP if you are dead set on using it at Narcoosees. How about Cape May to use one credit and get your crab legs, and 1900 Park Fare the next night to see Cinderella, Prince, and the stepsisters are a hoot! The food is good too. Or Akerhus at Epcot, which is about the the max you can get from one credit dining. You dine in a castle, meet all the princesses, and they have an adorable parade of the princesses and young princesses through the restaurant your girls might enjoy. At buffets, your girls can eat whatever they want, not limited to the kid section of the buffet. Personally, I really like the variety they offer. I am not a big eater, but at a buffet I can take 2 tablespoons of 15 different things, and really enjoy myself, and have room for dessert too. Cape May Cafe & 1900 Park Fare are both in resort hotels, so you don't need park admittance.
Since you have not dined on site much, these would be a couple great options for you. And Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom, which are Pooh family of characters. You are moving off-site, and apparently dining off-site after this quick 2 night getaway with just your family, so enjoy a new experience.
Have a great trip

 

[supersnoop]

why don't you go to Cape May Cafe? The whole family can have crab legs and everything else, and only use one credit.

Cape May has snow crab. Narcoossee’s has king crab legs. I wouldn’t compare the two.