Quick Service vs Table Service vs Counter Service??

[moralesfam]

We are staying at WDW using the DDP next month. Its a last minute trip and we are trying to get ressies. My question is that some of the dining descriptions are confusing. For example, many of the restaurants are listed as Quick Service, but they are sit down (ex, San Angel in Epcot). I assume this means its a quick sit down meal? My DH was researching where he wants to eat at Epcot, it states that it is Quick Service, but suggests reservations. I thought I had this all figured out, but now I am soooo confused. I know one of the other options for the DDP is two QS and two snacks....HELP

 

[Willow1213]

You sound just as confused as I was when I first starting planning!

Read through the FAQ at the top of the Dining Plan forum here. There is lots of info.

To answer your question directly, there are two main types of restaurant at Disney, Counter Service (not to be confused with the Quick Service Dining Plan option) and Table service. They are exactly what they sound like.

Also, a few restaurants have two options, like San Angel. In Mexico, there is a table service restaurant, San Angel Inn, in which you are seated and served and requires reservations. There is also a counter service location, Cantina de San Angel which is the fast food equivalent.

I know it is confusing, but please look over the FAQ and download the dining plan brochures for info on the restaurants.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Quick service = counter service = you get in line, read the menu board, order and pay for your food, proceed to the counter, pick up your food, go find a table, sit, eat.

Table service / buffet / family style = you approach a host/ess podium, check in, are seated. At a table service location you are given a menu, you make your choice and tell your server what you want, the food is brought to you; buffet, your server takes your drink orders, probably advises you about the buffet, keeps your table cleared as you go to get more food, keeps your glasses filled if applicable; family style, your server brings platters of the available food and places them on the table for everyone to serve themselves, also brings drinks, replaces/replenishes food and drink as applicable. In all cases, your server brings you a check at the end of your meal, and you pay for, and tip for, your food at that time.

If reservations are suggested, it is not quick service/counter service. That type of restaurant does not accept reservations. Note that a few table service restaurants do not, either - Beaches & Cream, ESPN, Big River Grille, RFC at Downtown Disney, maybe some others...