Quick service dining plan not going well for us.

[fla4fun]

I've never used a DDP. I do know that being flexible during a Disney trip is important. I believe having to eat based on a structured plan interferes with flexibility.

Your pre paying for the meals that you anticipate having as opposed to paying as you go in an environment that can be chaotic and often throws unexpected twists. It works for those that really understand it, and can add it in with their touring plan with little effort.

A Disney trip has become somewhat complicated (especially for those seeking efficiency vs spontaneity) ; Have a touring plan, Hop or not, LLMP, LLSP, VQ's. A DDP just adds to that. I like eating what, when, and where - without the need to follow more plans.

If it's a free perk, great, well worth the extra learning effort.

I agree that the DDP is just another tool, and it can work for some people. I also agree that it makes a difference whether you are paying for the plan or getting it “free” as part of a promotion. I am sure most people don’t worry nearly as much about whether they use all those “free” credits as they do when they are paying separately for them.

My personal preference is to not use it. I am accustomed to eating smaller meals and often order from the kids menu at QS because the serving size works better for me. It doesn’t hurt that the meals usually cost a little less as well. I know I don’t spend as much on food OOP as the QS dining plan costs. But each family is different and what works for me may not work for someone else.

I am just glad the OP was able to use the credits they paid for.

 

[Snowwhyt]

Yup, the new plan is absolutely, No Plan! LOL. This was my least favorite trip and the longest I’ve ever spent at Disney World.
I was happy to leave this time to go home. I’ve never had that feeling before.

 

[Nancyg56]

Yup, the new plan is absolutely, No Plan! LOL. This was my least favorite trip and the longest I’ve ever spent at Disney World.
I was happy to leave this time to go home. I’ve never had I

I'm sorry it turned out to be so stressful. The best plans are the ones that work for you. For some folks that mean no plan, especially if you have paid for something you then need to use.

 

[nursejackie]

I guess what others can take away from this, if you have allergies, is to check out the menus before you arrive, and make a note of where you can eat safely, and not potentially waste time in the parks doing it.

 

[Snowwhyt]

I guess what others can take away from this, if you have allergies, is to check out the menus before you arrive, and make a note of where you can eat safely, and not potentially waste time in the parks doing it.

Well yes that is true especially for the common allergy they will list those items for you. My allergies are not one they choose to list. It’s often listed as seasonings. Like Italian seasonings or Mexican spices or Latin flavors. I’m not upset with that. I know how to eat at restaurants with high school employees who just don’t know how to find out what is in products.
My worst experience was when I was told they had no garlic or onions in a crab patty and she was sure because they make it there. Well what they did was took the premix added flour and fried it.
She was right “they didn’t add onion's”, but the mix came premade with onion/garlic. It was tasty the first time I had it but not as nice the second time I had it about 30 minutes later!
Anyway most people can do well with practices in place. We just don’t go often enough to know what’s there for me. I don’t want to stop everyone from using the plan. Two things didn’t work out for me. First my allergies, and Secondly my knowledge of the parks and changes over the past 8ish years.
But try it if you want, I did not waste any credits.

 

[aleria24]

Well yes that is true especially for the common allergy they will list those items for you. My allergies are not one they choose to list. It’s often listed as seasonings. Like Italian seasonings or Mexican spices or Latin flavors. I’m not upset with that. I know how to eat at restaurants with high school employees who just don’t know how to find out what is in products.
My worst experience was when I was told they had no garlic or onions in a crab patty and she was sure because they make it there. Well what they did was took the premix added flour and fried it.
She was right “they didn’t add onion's”, but the mix came premade with onion/garlic. It was tasty the first time I had it but not as nice the second time I had it about 30 minutes later!
Anyway most people can do well with practices in place. We just don’t go often enough to know what’s there for me. I don’t want to stop everyone from using the plan. Two things didn’t work out for me. First my allergies, and Secondly my knowledge of the parks and changes over the past 8ish years.
But try it if you want, I did not waste any credit

I am sorry you had a rough trip. 2 of the 3 of us have allergies that are not in the top 8 listed, so I get that mindset. We have never had issues at Disney with allergies. It might take 5 extra minutes to consult with a chef about them and make a choice. It's never been a time suck for us. It seems like a lot of your are seasoning based. We have that for one in our party. My best suggestion going forward would be more table service meals. It is much easier there to get something made without those ingredients.

It sounds like you got seriously confused about what was included in your dining plan. My best suggestion for next time would be to ask before ordering. They will tell you what you can and cannot order. If you want to do mobile ordering, just walk up to any cast member at the location and ask, then do your order.