Originally posted by Tara2004
Karen, I have just started to relax. I had no idea what fast pass, and park hopping was all about. I was freaking out. There was too much to learn. Now I have free dining, it all starting again. ....Can I just order anything? Is there only certain places I can use my credits? The food is all different prices, should I just pick the most expensive to get the most value??? Grrr Its never ending.lol
Free dining QS style is the plan on which to relax, in particular there are no ADRs, there are heaps of places that the credits can be used (basically anywhere other than a TS restaurant) and the opening hours are long.
Firstly, it is important to know that the credits are all loaded on your room keys at the beginning and do not expire until midnight on the last day (after you check-out). As such you can use as many or as few as you want each day, and you can share QS meals if you want. I recommend keeping at least one key without charging privileges and using this when paying with credits.
Having said that you do not want to get too far behind in the count and have to rush to use up the rest at the end. Each receipt should print the number used and the number left, otherwise you can simply ask a cast member to swipe your card and check the number of credits left for you.
Secondly, a QS credit gives you an entree, a dessert and a drink (except for breakfast, but a QS credit should rearly be used for breakfast). The price is irrelevant, but obviously it does give a guide to the 'value' you are getting for the credit.
Thirdly, look up all the menus in advance on allears.net and wdwinfo.com under dining, and for park menus easywdw.com has pictures of the actual menus. QS menus usually stay the same, but obviously there are sometimes minor changes from time to time. Here are some recommendations: -
*QS meals
Magic Kingdom - Cosmic Ray's, Tomorrowland (particularly the Chicken and Ribs combo entree), Columbia Harbour House
Epcot - Sunshine Seasons, The Land (wide variety, but the Strawberry Shortcake dessert is a must)
Animal Kingdom - Flame Tree BBQ
Your resort food court at POP itself gets great reviews, but I have never been there.
*Snacks (look for the
DDP symbol, anything $3.50 and above is great value)
There is an entire list here -
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2640292
Magic Kingdom - Pineapple Float
yay
OLE WHIP
), Aloha Isle, Adventureland
Epcot - check the World Showcase, particularly the new Germany caramel shop
Hollywood Studios - Cupcakes, Starring Rolls Cafe
Animal Kingdom Lodge - Zebra Domes, Mara (worth going to see the animals and the resort)
Again, your resort food court at POP gets good reviews for breakfast snacks to start the day.
The most important thing is to choose things that you and your family will actually enjoy and eat at times convenient to you.
as DH as pre existing heart condition and there is only oneplace to get adequate coverage. Plus this year we had to pay additional as DD ended up in the emergency room with a suspected broken wrist at new year. The medical centre sent us there! Turns out it wasn't broken, though pre existing was needed as we attended a hospital emergency room even though real treatment wasn't required. I rang and checked.
Pop is a fun place to stay!
