Question regarding splitting DDP/cash and sharing

[mamatojon]

My SIL/BIL and their three kids (10,12, and 6) are coming with us on a huge family trip this winter. We are reserving a total of 4 rooms, multiple cousins are coming along and will likely be playing musical rooms with eachother. I've put their youngest child on my reservation since my son is very close in age to him.

They want to purchase the dining plan - so they will be charged a total of 4 adults per night, yet when they use their TS credits, they will have to either buy a kid's meal or let him share. I don't know if that is going to be allowed, although it would definitely be enough food. If they went to a buffet, they know that they would have to purchase a kids buffet for him, but I think they want to try out SciFi and a couple of other TS places where they will be ordering off a menu. I told them I think they might have to order a kids meal there as well - does anyone have any experience with this?

 

[saffy]

I haven't been yet, but from what I've read here, there isn't a problem splitting on the DDP, or paying OOP for a kids meal, provided that it isn't a buffet.
As you said, at buffets or all-you-care-to-eat places, they will have to pay for him to have a kids meal.

 

[disney9707]

When our family of 5 was there this past January 2007, we were allowed to share our meals at the TS restaurants. Often during the week my DD (14) and I weren’t very hungry so we would split 1 Adult TS meal; and one of our DS (5 and 7) wouldn't want his kid's meal. By our last day we had 1 Adult TS and 2 Children’s TS meals left. We used these for breakfast at Concourse Steakhouse in the Contemporary. Our boys each ordered a kid’s meal, and my DH ordered the steak and eggs breakfast. There was plenty of food for each of us to share. My daughter did order a fruit plate which we also shared. All of our waitstaff was very accommodating and never had a problem with our doing this. I imagine your family would be able to do the same. Have a great trip!

 

[jjohnson]

It seems it would be easier to just have their own child under their reservation. Then they would only have to pay $11 for him to eat each day.

 

[mamatojon]

It seems it would be easier to just have their own child under their reservation. Then they would only have to pay $11 for him to eat each day.

That would definitely be easiest and preferable, but room occupancy limits to four per room. I chose to put the youngest on our room since of the three kids he is more likely to be with us than the other two.

 

[mamatojon]

When our family of 5 was there this past January 2007, we were allowed to share our meals at the TS restaurants. Often during the week my DD (14) and I weren’t very hungry so we would split 1 Adult TS meal; and one of our DS (5 and 7) wouldn't want his kid's meal. By our last day we had 1 Adult TS and 2 Children’s TS meals left. We used these for breakfast at Concourse Steakhouse in the Contemporary. Our boys each ordered a kid’s meal, and my DH ordered the steak and eggs breakfast. There was plenty of food for each of us to share. My daughter did order a fruit plate which we also shared. All of our waitstaff was very accommodating and never had a problem with our doing this. I imagine your family would be able to do the same. Have a great trip!

Thanks, it is nice to know that the system is flexible.

 

[Jenniww]

Its my understanding everyone in your reservation has to pay for the dining plan. I do agree its enough food to sharebut I also noticed they started separating the kids from adult meals on your account. It now says you have X amount left for adult meals and X amount for kids.

 

[JimMIA]

As I understand your OP, I think they are going to have trouble with the recent changes in DDP. The adult and child credits are now segregated, and CMs are under severe sanctions if they violate the DDP policies.

When that family goes to a TS, they are going to be able to order 4 adult meals, but they're going to have a child left over. If they choose to pay OOP for the child, that would be fine. But if they want to share, some savvy CM who values their job may well say no...reason being, you can't "legally" share with someone not on the DDP, and they will know he's not on the DDP.

I think your advice to them is correct -- they will probably have to buy a kid's meal.