no more Smoothies on DDP as of 1/1/07?

[Lewisc]

One (1) single serving non-alcoholic beverage is the language. It doesn't say
ANY

Shakes and smoothies seem to be generally included but espresso and cappuccino don't seem to be included. This is the kind of thing that can change. The plan is popular, in part, because there are very few exclusions.

didn't the literature from 2005-2006 say any non-alcoholic beverage??

 

[Disfan3]

One (1) single serving non-alcoholic beverage is the language. It doesn't say
ANY

Shakes and smoothies seem to be generally included but espresso and cappuccino don't seem to be included. This is the kind of thing that can change. The plan is popular, in part, because there are very few exclusions.

the language also does not say: some exclusions apply. I think smoothies qualify as NON alcoholic...unless you make it a margarita...then obviously it is not.

Either way we always had these included any time we asked and most of the time the server offered.

This is just my experience with the DDP...twice within a 12 mo period.

I will report on the changes of this when I return in March...

 

[ZekeKelso]

espresso and cappuccino don't seem to be included.

My SIL is a big cappuccino drinker. The TS restaurants were all over the map - set got it as her beverage at some place, was asked to pay extra at another, and got it as a dessert at one.

As a rule, they aren't included. But many of the TS seem to let you have one as a little bit of pixie dust.

 

[DisneyKidds]

I guess we'll just have to wait for some results from people who have eaten at places like Le Cellier since January 1 to see if the alleged memo nixing shakes and smoothies is a reality. Bicker has done a great job of assembling bits and pieces of information he has been given, but even the word that comes from CM's is not always correct.

 

[Lewisc]

Since the language doesn't say all or anything that implies all non-alcoholic beverages are included there isn't any reason to say some exclusions apply.

We already know that's exactly what Disney means since cappuccino and espresso are excluded in many restaurants.

I'll agree with your second point. Shakes and smoothies appear to still be included but that could change without advance notice.

the language also does not say: some exclusions apply. I think smoothies qualify as NON alcoholic...unless you make it a margarita...then obviously it is not.

Either way we always had these included any time we asked and most of the time the server offered.

This is just my experience with the DDP...twice within a 12 mo period.

I will report on the changes of this when I return in March...

 

[Disfan3]

Ick. I hate getting into these debates...and fwiw...I am one who never even DRINKS smoothies (DIET for me all the way!!)...it was my girls who were getting the smoothies and the dh who was getting the SHAKES!! I did get the PBJ shake at 50's once...

Lewis that is what I was thinking...non alcoholic beverages, does, to me IMPLY ALL of them....I think they may need to add this in print somewhere (if they have not already for 2007). We always went thinking we were to order sodas or teas or milk or juice, but almost ALWAYS offered the smoothies as you can see from my list above.

Either way...I am saying the two times we used DDP, it was a non issue and actually we were offered the smoothies before ordering them...(shakes too). I can see how a customer would be upset if they wanted a smoothie as a drink and was told no only sodas, tea, or coffee were included. I think this is the reason why they need to be more specific.

Here is my opinion: they were always included. They are just being ordered more and as a cutting cost measure....they are being eliminated from the DDP. That is how I see it. At 5 bucks a smoothie and a buffet at 30 bucks, I know this was one EASY way to keep costs down.

Thats IMO.

 

[disney1990]

When we ate at Sci Fi, we were offered milkshakes as our beverage. When we ate at 1900 Park Fare, we were offered smoothies as our beverage. If things have changed, oh well.

 

[bicker]

I think where they're listed on the menu governs whether they're actually included or not. If they're on the beverages part of the menu, then ostensibly if they're not going to be available then they're an exclusion. However, if they're on a separate part of the menu, then they're not included, and if they're offered, they're truly an extra special bonus.

This is consistent with the way things work for entrees. Some entrees have been separated off onto a Specialties menu at some restaurants, to indicate that they're not an "entree" for the Dining Plan. Again, if folks are allowed to order them on the Dining Plan, they should consider that extra special pixie dust, because ostenisbly Specialties aren't included.

 

[maryliz]

I'd be thrilled if they let me order a shake, even as my dessert option, and then I could still get a Coke ... shakes make me more thirsty! I don't think they were ever intended to be part of the plan ... so if I want one, I'll pay for it ... if they include it as part of my meal drink/dessert, I'll be

 

[lonegungirl]

I think where they're listed on the menu governs whether they're actually included or not. If they're on the beverages part of the menu, then ostensibly if they're not going to be available then they're an exclusion. However, if they're on a separate part of the menu, then they're not included, and if they're offered, they're truly an extra special bonus.

This is pretty much what one CM told me on the phone when I asked about this, prior to our first visit with the DDP. That this was not being followed altogether strictly was evident when even some of the drinks listed under "beverages" were not permitted us, like regular coffee.

The second time we went with the DDP pretty much anything you wanted as far as smoothies, etc. were offered. It seemed as though it had sort of opened up when the snack options opened up.

So I suppose all you can really know is that it's ultimately up to the server's discretion, and mileage can vary wildly. Still and all, it's better than a poke in the eye.

 

[Cookie Princess]

I was delighted to be able to get my beloved PB&J shake as my drink at 50's PT along with a dessert. However, if I have to pay for that shake...I would!

 

[NARM Forever]

I've not heard it mentioned. Are they saying that juice is not allowed?

N

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

3 times on the DDP and my kids often ordered smoothies and shakes as included beverages. At every single TS restaurant where we dined I ordered an ice tea to drink with my meal and a coffee to drink with dessert. I was never charged for an additional beverage. At Boma I was offered a press pot of kenyan coffee for my beverage, which is far pricier than smoothies or shakes...


YMMV

 

[blanq]

I just got back from WDW yesterday, and had 8 nights on the DDP. We were told by our servers at Le Cellier, Kona and 50s Prime Time that any non-alcoholic drink, including flavored sodas, smoothies, and shakes were considered a "beverage" on the DDP. We did opt for some of these instead of the traditional soft drink during our trip. While at 50's Prime Time, I had a Sour Apple Freeze for my beverage, and the PB&J shake for my dessert. I have to say that every server we had asked at the onset if we were on the DDP, and then clearly laid out the menu options for us. It helped and made the experience an easy one.

 

[timandlesley]

BIG HUGE BUMMER if this is true. We LOVE the shakes at WL for our drinks at the Whispering Canyon Cafe, oh well, we can just pay out of pocket if need be right.

Lesley

 

[phlufster]

I guess we'll just have to wait for some results from people who have eaten at places like Le Cellier since January 1 to see if the alleged memo nixing shakes and smoothies is a reality. Bicker has done a great job of assembling bits and pieces of information he has been given, but even the word that comes from CM's is not always correct.

Just thought I'd chime in since I was being mentioned in previous posts!
Just got done working about an hour ago and was NOT able to give smoothies as drinks. I was able to give capuccinos (sp) as desserts. This may be specific to my location (GFC) however like I said previously, the information that we were given with the new DDP roll out stated that smoothies and milkshakes did not count "world" wide. Please understand that even though I left work less than an hour ago, things may have changed. I can honestly say that Disney changes there policies as they see fit. It is not unusual to be told something at preshift and then be told that it has changed half way through your shift!!
We have changed the way we ring DDP several times now since the begining of the year, and we have been told that it will change yet again! None of this affects the guests, they are just trying to find an easier way to seperate credits without servers having to split every check.
Hope this helps!!

 

[Ellester]

Last week we were able to order smoothies for our drinks at Kona for dinner, the waitress suggested it. We also got milkshakes for our drinks at Sci Fi.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

We were able to order smoothies at the Coral Reef last week at dinner time, infact our waitress suggested them.

 

[Mrs.Reese]

We were not able to order any smoothies, specialty drinks, etc as part of the DDP drink. Our servers never suggested them EXCEPT for Kona where she counted the pressed coffee as a drink. DH and I had water to drink at CR and nothing was said.

 

[phlufster]

Ok, I asked my manager tonite just to clarify...
We are not supposed to be offering anything other than soda, tea and coffee as the beverage. Places that are offering smoothies, etc. are not supposed to be. This is up to area management to enforce. Clearly some areas are more relaxed about the rule, but don't be surprised if you can't get shakes etc. on the DDP.