Some questions about the dining plan

[kathyg]

OK, so I'm pretty well convinced about getting the dining plan since we have three big eaters and three somewhat big eaters. My question is this: If we go to a signataure restaurant and that night happens to be one of the somewhat big eaters off nights, can I use points to pay for some of the meals and OOP for the others?

If so, how do you handle this with your server if you really don't know in advance what you are going to do?

Thanks.

 

[bicker]

Before you place your order, tell the server that you'll be paying for some of the meals with the Dining Plan and for some of the meals in cash. That way, she can split the check correctly.

 

[MaeDaisy]

I thought I saw somewhere that for signature restaurants, if one person used the plan, everyone in the party had to use the plan.

... Am I mistaken?

 

[bicker]

In a nutshell: No you're not wrong. You did read what you thought you did. However, I don't think it is necessarily supposed to be interpreted in the manner you're perhaps interpretting it, and kathyg can, indeed, pay for some meals with Dining Plan credits while paying for other meals in cash.

The details, though, get a little esoteric, so please skip the rest of my message if you've got enough information.

Lewisc often mentions that the Dining Plan brochure is worded

"Two Table Service meals for each person dining at a Signature Restaurant or Private (In-Room) Dining will be redeemed..."

instead of

Two Table Service meals for each person ordering a meal at a Signature Restaurant or Private (In-Room) Dining will be redeemed...​

He may be correct about the intent, but I don't think so -- from what I've read, the Dining Plan is intended to be operated as implied by the second of the two statements. His foundation for his assertion is that the same words ("for each person dining") are used with regard to the Cinderella's Royal Table character meal, and we know that you get charged for everyone (over 3 years old) there, regardless of whether they eat anything, at charcter meals. In the case of character meals, however, there is an additional statement in the brochure, which applies to all character meals:

One (1) Table Service meal for each person participating in the Character Dining experience will be redeemed from your meal plan balance...

I think it is this statement that implies that everyone there will be charged for, and the earlier statement just intends to communicate how many credits will be redeemed for each meal ordered.

[Emphasis added in quotes.]

 

[kathyg]

Thanks Bicker...I knew I could count on you

 

[Lewisc]

Actually I don't have any idea what Disney means, my only point is the language is sufficient to allow Disney to charge each guest two credits under the terms of the brochure. It is clear Disney isn't currently doing this.

Lewisc often mentions that the Dining Plan brochure is wordedinstead of

Two Table Service meals for each person ordering a meal at a Signature Restaurant or Private (In-Room) Dining will be redeemed...​

He may be correct about the intent, but I don't think so -- from what I've read, the Dining Plan is intended to be operated as implied by the second of the two statements. His foundation for his assertion is that the same words ("for each person dining") are used with regard to the Cinderella's Royal Table character meal, and we know that you get charged for everyone (over 3 years old) there, regardless of whether they eat anything, at charcter meals. In the case of character meals, however, there is an additional statement in the brochure, which applies to all character meals:I think it is this statement that implies that everyone there will be charged for, and the earlier statement just intends to communicate how many credits will be redeemed for each meal ordered.

[Emphasis added in quotes.]

 

[bicker]

Yup... that's what I meant by "Lewisc often mentions that the Dining Plan brochure is worded..." I'm sorry for the confusion if anyone thought that meant that you said that's what it meant.

 

[Lewisc]

Yup... that's what I meant by "Lewisc often mentions that the Dining Plan brochure is worded..." I'm sorry for the confusion if anyone thought that meant that you said that's what it meant.

I think it's more likely Disney will follow the CRT example and go to a set price for all guests at a particular restaurant rather than treat DDP guests differently. I'm surprised Disney hasn't done just that at CG.

 

[kathyg]

OK, you guys...now I am really confused....Is there a simple yes or no to this question? Semantics aside, can I use credits for some portion of the diners and cash for others?

 

[bicker]

As I said before:

...kathyg can, indeed, pay for some meals with Dining Plan credits while paying for other meals in cash.

Don't let the rest of the discussion confuse you with regard to that.

 

[kathyg]

Thank you, again, Bicker.