Recent changes to Dining Plan working?

[Dano13]

We will be going down in about 8 weeks and some of the recent dining plan changes seemed like it may help my family out in a few ways. Has anyone been there recently and tried any of these substitutions? Was it easy?

 

[PoohsHunnyBee]

What changes specifically are you interested in? As far as substitutions, I would plan on asking the server what is available to be substituted for dessert or ask at the counter if your desired substitution is covered by the plan. As far as snack changes, just look for the menu logos which are appearing on many larger items. As far as ordering adult meals for children and paying for people not on the plan, ask because the most recent word I've seen is that this varies by restaurant.

 

[jon18uk]

Some changes are confirmed!

The PDF guide for the Dining Plan for 2016 lists that dessert or drink can be switched for a snack at a Quick service restaurant https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...ing-plans/january-2016-disney-dining-plan.pdf

 

[Alisha's mom Sarah]

Looking at the 2016 info, I should be able to swap a drink for soup at BOG during lunch then...

 

[PoohsHunnyBee]

Looking at the 2016 info, I should be able to swap a drink for soup at BOG during lunch then...

Should be! That's what I'm hoping to do also. That's assuming these changes are fully implemented and the soup is still a snack credit, which again should be true. I wish they'd make a clear announcement! But that seems to be expecting too much...

 

[Dano13]

What changes specifically are you interested in? As far as substitutions, I would plan on asking the server what is available to be substituted for dessert or ask at the counter if your desired substitution is covered by the plan. As far as snack changes, just look for the menu logos which are appearing on many larger items. As far as ordering adult meals for children and paying for people not on the plan, ask because the most recent word I've seen is that this varies by restaurant.

What really interests me is at table serves maybe getting a soup or salad instead of dessert. My son may prefer 3 snack items over a quick serve meal. He is big on fruits and side salads. Things of that nature.

 

[sharonabe]

I would just say keep checking this board; people should start reporting back more frequently as to what they were able to do. The TS substitution shouldn't be a problem at the Disney owned restaurants. I think all of them will have something you can sub for, but it may not always be a soup or a salad. It may be a veggie side. As to the 3 snack items, that will be more difficult, IMHO. They have to be exchanged at the same time at the same restaurant. Not all QS places will have 3 sides to sub for the credit. It's definitely easier to do at the resorts than the parks.

 

[supersnoop]

The 2016 brochure makes it look like you could get an entree and two snack items with a quick service credit.

 

[sharonabe]

The 2016 brochure makes it look like you could get an entree and two snack items with a quick service credit.

True, but most park QS only have two sides: fries and either apples or carrots. My DS15 will love being able to switch his dessert for an extra side of fries, but I'm not sure that's what OP has in mind. You'll have to do some QS research to find the ones that have the better sides to choose from for a switch.

 

[jon18uk]

I would just say keep checking this board; people should start reporting back more frequently as to what they were able to do. The TS substitution shouldn't be a problem at the Disney owned restaurants. I think all of them will have something you can sub for, but it may not always be a soup or a salad. It may be a veggie side. As to the 3 snack items, that will be more difficult, IMHO. They have to be exchanged at the same time at the same restaurant. Not all QS places will have 3 sides to sub for the credit. It's definitely easier to do at the resorts than the parks.

The original posts on WDWMagic and Touring Plans blog showed only a small section where you can switch one counter service for three snacks, these includes Karmell-Kuche, most resort shops and food courts and a few other select shops. I think this may still be true, but it won't be put in the brochure, just offered to those guests who ask about ways to use up QS credits. it's not the sort of thing I expect to be advertised but given it has happened at resort food courts before these rumoured changes I think it will continue and is an official but unannounced rule.

The brochure confirms the drink and dessert can be switched at any counter service so getting fries, soup, side salad or a frozen drink should be possible.

I think table service substitutions will need to be checked and reportted back on as there is no info at all, but I expect Disney owned restaurants may allow a side instead of dessert but I wouldn't guarantee third party restaurants will.

 

[PoohsHunnyBee]

What really interests me is at table serves maybe getting a soup or salad instead of dessert. My son may prefer 3 snack items over a quick serve meal. He is big on fruits and side salads. Things of that nature.

At table service, it appears that some, if not all, restaurants will offer substitutions for dessert; however, as has been noted above there's no guarantee that soup or salad is what is available as a substitute. You could be offered a small fruit or vegetable plate for example.

At quick service, it appears that you are now entitled to 1 entree and 2 snack items per QS credit. I think swapping the entree for an extra snack credit will be allowed at most QS locations, but I'm not sure and it's likely not every location will have that many snacks that appeal. I don't recall seeing any side salads that were available as snacks, but that doesn't mean they don't exist.