No More Appetizers on DDP?

[Texian@WDW]

I guess I've been out of touch too long. I just read that the DDP doesn't include appetizers as it did two years ago when we last used it! My question though, is can I sub and appetizer for a dessert? I'd much rather spare the carbs and sugar.

So does the deluxe dining plan include apps? If so, I may try to upgrade.

 

[RMulieri]

On the Basic dp, no appy is included anymore, and you can't substitute an appy for a dessert for any reason including medical.The deluxe dp does include appys.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

The deluxe plan does include appetizers ... we used it last month and had a great experience. From what I have read here & other places, you cannot substitute an appetizer for a dessert on the regular plan.

 

[Texian@WDW]

Thanks, guess I'll start looking into the deluxe - uggh - more money = grumpy husband (ha).

 

[Brian Noble]

Depending on how many TS meals you plan to eat, it might be less expesnive just to pay for apps as you go.

 

[Texian@WDW]

I think you're right Brian. Also, I just tried to navigate the WDW website to see if I could make those changes to my reservations and apparently it really is rocket science to do so. However, as you said, it would come out less to go with what I have - thanks.

 

[CruznLexi]

We are doing the AKL and with the basic dinning plan verses the DDP was nearly $1000 for 4 of us and 4 of us are considered adults.
Lexi

 

[SnowWhite12]

It says that guests age 3-9 do still get an appetizer. Is this in addition to their entree and dessert? Is it a "normal" appetizer?

 

[JanineandMike]

what about restaurants that take 2 TS credits, still no appetizer?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Some of the choices on the kids' menu are "three-part" (vs. course) selections - more or less pre-set meal combinations. Check out some of the kid menus here http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/disneydining.cfm to get a better idea. In addition to that, most TS locations offer a couple of a la carte selections for each course for kids. They get to pick one app, one entree, one dessert - to make all kids' orders equal.

Still no appetizer at Signature (2 TS credit) locations. Now, dinner shows are different - you get the same courses as Guests paying out of pocket, but that's limited to Hoop-De-Doo, Mickey's Backyard BBQ, the Luau, and CRT.

Guests on the Basic DDP who want appetizers and desserts would probably best be served by dining at buffets.

 

[Luv2Roam]

I just tried to navigate the WDW website to see if I could make those changes to my reservations and apparently it really is rocket science to do so.

Not certain, but I think you have to call in for that. (When modifying a current res, not creating a new.)

 

[TDC Nala]

Children's "appetizers" are not the same as adult appetizers. Children must order off the child's menu and pick the courses specifically from that menu. They can't order appetizers from the "adult" menu.

The only ways for adults to get appetizers on the basic plan are:

Buffets, or all you can eat family style restaurants like Ohana or CRT, or dinner shows (the dinner shows also include alcoholic beverages -that is the only way to get the dining plan to cover an alcoholic beverage)

The Fantasmic Dining Package at Mama Melrose or Brown Derby

The "pilot menu" at Le Cellier

Marrakesh allows basic dining users to order multi-course meals with an upcharge.

That's it. Substitution of appetizers for desserts on the basic dining plan is strictly prohibited by WDW.

for the OP - If you haven't seen it already, take note that the 2008 dining plans also do not include gratuities at table service restaurants, so it's necessary to budget to pay your own tips.