sharing on dining plan

[LaurieA]

I will be travelling with my 17 year old son to the world in September. He has pancreatitis, colitis, problems with his esophagus and possible CF, lactose and possible gluten intolerance, asthma along with some other issues. We will both be on the free dining. He needs to eat frequently but not big meals. Are we able to order one meal in a sit down restaurant and share. We would like to do this 2 times a day, along with our counter. At home here, this is how we have to eat.

 

[dawnball]

I think that there has been a lot of emphasis for servers lately on not allowing sharing. This comes up a lot on the restaurant board. You may be able to get a dispensation or you may not. It's likely to be dependent on exactly which manager or server you get and how well you explain yourself.

 

[Selket]

Seems like if you do that (if it is possible) you would be limited to non-buffet restaurants (which might be o.k. with you). I'm guessing that people have different experiences with needing to modify the dining plan based on their needs and the restaurant. If you were allowed to share a meal it would mean (for you) eating one that is lactose and gluten free for his needs.

One of my sons is a type 1 diabetic and has a peanut/tree nut allergy. He is still a child on the dining plan (if we use it) but we would go ahead and pay out of pocket for that 2nd sit-down meal (for all of us) just to get the right food for him without having to wait. Especially if it is hot outside. It is a good chance to relax. The chef often makes him special things and caters to his needs and preferences and us adults get to eat what we like.

I wonder if contacting someone like Brenda Bennet in Magic Kingdom foods would help? She helps many folks out with allergy issues so she might have answers on the best way to handle this as well.

 

[LaurieA]

dawnball, are you saying I should wait till I get to the restaurant and ask? I wanted to make my adrs now. We would be consuming the same amount of food, just spread out a few hours in between. We would both be on the plan, I wouldnt be sharing with anyone else. It is these things that come up that are making this trip confusing to try and plan.

Also, does anyone know of more private bathrooms, as he would be in there for a while.

Thanks!

 

[cmwade77]

I would actually call Disney and see what they recommend doing, as it is a medical need they may be able to accommodate it in some manner not being discussed here.

 

[LaurieA]

Selket, Thanks. I will contact Brenda and ask her. I will eat what he is able to also. This is new to him and he is having a difficult time adjusting and I certainly wont make it worse by eating what he cant in front of him. I dont mind that at all, just part of being a mom. He is just so bad right now and I want him to enjoy the trip. I hope to have two sit downs a day as to also get him out of the heat as he cant tolerate it too much anymore. I am just looking forward to this trip with him and want to make it do-able for his needs.

 

[LaurieA]

Thanks everyone- now what number should I call to speak with Brenda? Is that who I should call about sharing? You all are so helpful.

 

[Selket]

I can understand Laurie. I think that there never seems to be a definitive answer on what will be allowed with the dining plan because people have different experiences.

I am not sure Brenda B. can help but it certainly cannot hurt to call her and ask! I would call and not email - perhaps talk to her directly if possible.
I found this on another thread:
Brenda Bennett
MAGIC KINGDOM Foods
407-824-5967
brenda.bennett@disney.com

I really don't know what the answer would be - I hope you can work something out!

 

[dclfun]

I'm surprised to hear that sharing is discouraged since it should be a person's choice as to how much food they can or want to consume. While I can certainly see it as an issue at a buffet I'm not sure why they can't do it at a TS restaurant, and certainly at a CS place. My family went to Boma in January and next to us was a couple with children. The adults decided to each order a salad and split the filet entree..the server didn't hesitate at all. I'd rather see that than food going to waste, or waist.---Kathy

 

[kaytieeldr]

It's a potential issue on the Dining Plan. The plan specifies "no sharing", but while that is absolutely determined to be 'no sharing credits (or the accompanying food) with Guests not on the DDP", some restaurants interpret it more strictly and will not let the DDP Guests share among themselves. Rarely, but it does happen.