Tell me the "secrets" of the dining plan please?

[sherry7]

Our upcoming trip will be our first with the dining plan. (1 TS, 1 QS, 2 snacks.) So, I'd be interested to hear what sorts of changes they allow you to make. For example, I've heard that they don't differentiate between an adult credit and kid credit for quick serve. Is that true? Also, will they allow you to exchange the included drink at quick serve for something else like a side or dessert? (We usually drink free ice water anyway.) Are there any other little "secrets" about the dining plan that I should know of? Thanks!

 

[jpeterson]

If you are getting drinks at a QS, you can get any size. So if you want a large, order a large.

Also there is an incredible array of things that are considered "snacks". Some of them are meals in and of themselves.

 

[sherry7]

If you are getting drinks at a QS, you can get any size. So if you want a large, order a large.

Also there is an incredible array of things that are considered "snacks". Some of them are meals in and of themselves.

Thanks for the tip! Does that apply at Starbucks too when using a snack credit? A large frapp is definitely preferable to a small frapp, ha ha.

 

[roller99]

Thanks for the tip! Does that apply at Starbucks too when using a snack credit? A large frapp is definitely preferable to a small frapp, ha ha.

Yes, you can get the largest Starbucks drink for a snack credit, one of the best uses of the snack credit imo.

 

[jpeterson]

It did apply to Starbucks last time I was there in December

 

[roller99]

Yes, I believe you can get an extra side or dessert instead of a drink if you drink water. Also, if you go to a food court, use your refillable mugs for drinks and then get a bottled drink to go and use later.

 

[Mom2Stitch]

If you are going during F&G or F&W-most items at the food booths are snack credit eligible.

 

[sharonabe]

Also, will they allow you to exchange the included drink at quick serve for something else like a side or dessert? (We usually drink free ice water anyway.)

They took this out of the brochure, but some places will still do it, so it never hurts to ask. It just means you'll have to ask every time.

 

[Faldred]

They used to allow the CS drink to be swapped - seems that's gone now (you may still be able to do so at resort food courts, though, from reports I've heard - any DDP-elgiible snack item would be your choice here). Look for alternative drinks instead of just fountain soda on the menu, odds are that they're included (unless they come in a souvenir cup).

CS credits are indeed pooled. A party of 2 adults, 2 kids could conceivable just order 3 adult CS meals and split it 4 ways, stretching the credits further.

Snacks can be used in lots of fun ways - as noted above, the festival booths at Epcot will take them. You can also get some nice savory items at some places that can act as a bonus light meal. Or you can just use them all on Dole Whip floats.

 

[samsteele]

At table service meals, ask what else is included in your beverage other than soda. At most Disney-run restaurants, they offer a non-alcoholic mocktail. At 3rd party restaurants, sometimes it is just soda. Make a point to ask your server. It is a nice perk to have a non-alcoholic cocktail with dinner instead of a diet coke.

 

[dolewhipdreams]

For TS I'm pretty sure if you don't want dessert (for whatever strange reason) you can get fruit instead.

For the QS beverages, we found that a lot of things we might consider a dessert counted as a beverage (milkshake, frozen lemonade, etc) so just be sure to ask if that sounds yummy to you!

 

[dolewhipdreams]

At table service meals, ask what else is included in your beverage other than soda. At most Disney-run restaurants, they offer a non-alcoholic mocktail. At 3rd party restaurants, sometimes it is just soda. Make a point to ask your server. It is a nice perk to have a non-alcoholic cocktail with dinner instead of a diet coke.

I remember specifically at Yak and Yeti in AK we were able to get virgin pina coladas and daiquiris. So yummy!

 

[avic77]

Its been a long time since i used the DDP we will have the QSDP this fall so these tips are very helpful.
Im so glad Starbucks is a snack credit!
Great tip about using refillable mug at resort and getting a bottle drink to go! I wouldnt have though of that.
Now that my kids are almost grown splitting meals probably will not work but we did it on our very first trip and it worked out great.

 

[samsteele]

A PP mentioned this but if you are at Epcot during Food & Wine, the food items at the booths that are priced over $6 are an excellent use of your snack credits. You now have 2 snack credits per day per person in lieu of the automatic CS dessert. Max out those snack credits. Some F&W items are $8 bucks plus. Looking at you Canada booth filet mignon & American Pavilion lobster roll. Make smart choices with your snack credits. If under $5, then put it on your magic band or put $20 on a F&W gift card bracelet. You can buy these at the Gateway Pavilions as soon as you cross from Future World into the World Showcase.

 

[melissa bottorff]

Is there a max cost on what a snack credit can be used on? How do we tell them if it's a snack credit or if it should go on our magic band. Totally new to this

 

[samsteele]

How do we tell them if it's a snack credit

If its eligible for a snack credit, there is a white & purple sign right beside the price. Like this. If over $6 its a good deal as a snack credit. If under $6 (a bottle of water, a banana, etc) then pay OOP.

 

[AllEar2017]

Is there a max cost on what a snack credit can be used on? How do we tell them if it's a snack credit or if it should go on our magic band. Totally new to this

This is my question too- do we need to explain every time we use the plan "I want this as a snack credit" "I want this as a side instead of dessert" etc?

 

[samsteele]

The short answer is yes. If you order an item at a QS or booth and want to use a snack credit on your plan, then order the name of the eg cupcake and say "I want to use this as a snack credit on my dining plan." You will then put the mickey head on your magic band to the sensor & 1 snack credit will then be deducted from your plan. Since no more desserts on the QS plan, you will say when you are ordering your QS meal, that you want either the dessert item X or a side as a snack credit on your plan. The CMs will help you through it.

 

[Nohal]

Another good use of a snack credit is the ham and cheese croissant at the bakery/QS in France. It is big enough to be considered lunch for us.

 

[OurLaughingPlace]

When you're at Hollywood Studios and you need a snack, go to Oasis Canteen - funnel cake with soft serve ice cream and strawberries $8.19 but... it's a snack credit! This snack can definitely be shared.

Funnel Cake - strawberry topping and soft-serve vanilla ice cream $8.19