The Big Fat Plan! Let’s eat for “free”

[disneyAndi14]

The Big Fat Plan! Let’s eat for “free”

Hi Everyone

My name is Caroline! You can usually find me on the trip reports thread on the Dis! I love traveling to Disney and Universal Studios.

This trip was with my friend @Steppesister We met on the Dis boards and have traveled together several times to Disney!

I have met so many wonderful people on this forum!

This trip included the free dining plan. The DDP is something I have not used in many years.

We had 5 nights at AKL and we were upgraded to a savanna view room. The room was beautiful with zebras and giraffes outside of our room.

Our DDP included 5 TS meals, 5 QS meals, and 5 snacks. Each meal came with an alcoholic drink or a nonalcoholic drink and a refillable mug to use at the resort.

I flew in the evening so my first night was at All Stars movies.

Here is my first drink in the Delta lounge.

A vodka and cranberry cocktail.

This was free so it was pretty good.

My first meal was a Mickey’s Waffle Kid’s meal.

I payed out of pocket for this.

It had 2 waffles, tots, and bacon with a small Diet Coke.

This was very good. The waffles were fluffy, tots crispy, and the bacon was tasty. 4 out of 5 stars ️ for a kid’s meal.

I headed out to Universal Studios for the day. I just snacked while there.

I had the Shrek pretzel with the house made green cheese and a pink lemonade soft serve ice cream cone with sprinkles. The pretzel was a 3 ️

and the ice cream cone was a 5 ️

The ice cream was very tasty and the sprinkles really added to the experience yummy!

The first evening we went to the new Beak and Barrel lounge in MK. This was an out of pocket expense.

I had the Salty Seas MARRRgarita. This was good but honestly it is like getting robbed by pirates! The cost was $20, crazy in my opinion! I give the drink 3️

The drink was Lalo Blanco Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, Ube, and Lime ‍

I also tried one food item,

Cook’s Corn Griddle Cakes with Chipotle-braised Chicken

Warm Corn Cakes stuffed with Melted Cheese, Lime Sour Cream, Chili Peppers, and Cotija. $14 I’m not sure why it says cakes because you get one not two!
This was pretty good, could have been warmer with the cheese melted in which it wasn’t. Mutiny on deck, haha
3.5️


Stay tuned for more food porn and ratings on the Big FatPlan!

 

[Steppesister]

It was so fun to travel with you again! I really enjoyed my time with you, as always!

The Shrek pretzel looks yummy! I ended up at the Howl-o-scream over at SeaWorld and our pretzel was absolute garbage.

I was shocked that the “ melted cheese” was literally just a slice of cheese that they hoped would melt before it got to the table. I was not impressed. I will admit it was pretty tasty though, in the end, and I ate almost all of mine. I think they’re counting the fact that they slice it in half as “2”, and I agree that is sort of a joke. But to be fair, it was plenty of food, and the drinks are strong. I left yo-ho’ing.

Here is what I got in case anyone anyone’s interested:




Hibiscus Rum Punch Royale: Rum-based drink topped with prosecco. The bubbly effervescence combined with hibiscus, demerara, and citrus will make you feel like you’re charting the Atlantic. $19



The folks next to me, talked me into:

Barrels Ablaze: It features Jack Daniel’s Bonded Bourbon, a hint of honey, and a dash of spice. $19

I figured I would make my home state of Kentucky proud if I at least tried a bourbon drink. I mean, you gotta. and I really enjoyed it too. It wasn’t very bourbon forward.

Shockingly, and sadly, I did not get a picture of this. And not so shockingly, I dropped a crap ton of money at this place. But it was worth it once. I think for me it was a one and done, kind of like Oga’s. There were a ton of hidden Easter egg goodies to find in this place and I’ll post more of those when I get my laptop that I ordered since Disney broke and busted the one I had taken for my conference. There’s even a pretty cool hat tip to Marc Davis on a map in there. Definitely a cool place!

 

[hardcorestitch]

Nothing beats a Mickey pretzel… NOT EVEN SHREK!

 

[DLo]

Following along . Looking forward to reading more .

 

[PolyRob]

The Big Fat Plan! Let’s eat for “free”

Hi Everyone

My name is Caroline! You can usually find me on the trip reports thread on the Dis! I love traveling to Disney and Universal Studios.

This trip was with my friend @Steppesister We met on the Dis boards and have traveled together several times to Disney!

I have met so many wonderful people on this forum!

This trip included the free dining plan. The DDP is something I have not used in many years.

We had 5 nights at AKL and we were upgraded to a savanna view room. The room was beautiful with zebras and giraffes outside of our room.

Our DDP included 5 TS meals, 5 QS meals, and 5 snacks. Each meal came with an alcoholic drink or a nonalcoholic drink and a refillable mug to use at the resort.

I flew in the evening so my first night was at All Stars movies.

Here is my first drink in the Delta lounge.

A vodka and cranberry cocktail.
View attachment 1021225
This was free so it was pretty good.

My first meal was a Mickey’s Waffle Kid’s meal.

I payed out of pocket for this.

It had 2 waffles, tots, and bacon with a small Diet Coke.
View attachment 1021226
This was very good. The waffles were fluffy, tots crispy, and the bacon was tasty. 4 out of 5 stars ️ for a kid’s meal.

I headed out to Universal Studios for the day. I just snacked while there.
View attachment 1021229
I had the Shrek pretzel with the house made green cheese and a pink lemonade soft serve ice cream cone with sprinkles. The pretzel was a 3 ️
View attachment 1021227
and the ice cream cone was a 5 ️
View attachment 1021228
The ice cream was very tasty and the sprinkles really added to the experience yummy!

The first evening we went to the new Beak and Barrel lounge in MK. This was an out of pocket expense.
View attachment 1021230
I had the Salty Seas MARRRgarita. This was good but honestly it is like getting robbed by pirates! The cost was $20, crazy in my opinion! I give the drink 3️
View attachment 1021231
The drink was Lalo Blanco Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, Ube, and Lime ‍

I also tried one food item,
View attachment 1021232
Cook’s Corn Griddle Cakes with Chipotle-braised Chicken

Warm Corn Cakes stuffed with Melted Cheese, Lime Sour Cream, Chili Peppers, and Cotija. $14 I’m not sure why it says cakes because you get one not two!
This was pretty good, could have been warmer with the cheese melted in which it wasn’t. Mutiny on deck, haha
3.5️
View attachment 1021233

Stay tuned for more food porn and ratings on the Big FatPlan!
View attachment 1021234

I’ve been enjoying your wonderful trip reports for years, and I can’t believe I never commented before. Your posts always brought back such fond memories of traveling to WDW with my mom and sister. Our trips evolved in similar ways over time, with the growing crowds at paid ticketed events, changes to park hours and Extra Magic Hours, and that familiar feeling of never having enough time to do it all.

I was a little sad to see you were done writing trip reports, but I’m so glad you’re still sharing your food adventures!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Hiya Caroline and Liesa. I’m here to hear all the craic and feast my eyes on ALL the food and drinks.
Beak and Barrel looks pretty cool though it definitely sounds like a body’s wallet would take a hammering in there. Those drinks sound right up my alley. Maybe they make them pricey so you don’t enjoy too many of them “hic”

 

[amazingact21]

I'm here and following along!
Very cool you were able to try Beak and Barrel, but I can see what Liesa is saying. You pay for the experience and don't have to rush back.

 

[disneyAndi14]

It was so fun to travel with you again! I really enjoyed my time with you, as always!

This was a wonderful trip with just the right amount of touring, relaxing, and of course eating!

The Shrek pretzel looks yummy! I ended up at the Howl-o-scream over at SeaWorld and our pretzel was absolute garbage.

It is really good except this one was a little more moist?? Like it was not near as good as the first one I had there. The cheese can’t be beat there it is so darn good!

I was shocked that the “ melted cheese” was literally just a slice of cheese that they hoped would melt before it got to the table. I was not impressed. I will admit it was pretty tasty though, in the end, and I ate almost all of mine. I think they’re counting the fact that they slice it in half as “2”, and I agree that is sort of a joke. But to be fair, it was plenty of food, and the drinks are strong. I left yo-ho’ing.

Haha my blonde is showing, I was thinking two of the little made up cakes not counting the top and bottom as 2. It really was a tasty little sandwich. Perfect for a light dinner. Very flavorful overall

Shockingly, and sadly, I did not get a picture of this. And not so shockingly, I dropped a crap ton of money at this place. But it was worth it once. I think for me it was a one and done, kind of like Oga’s. There were a ton of hidden Easter egg goodies to find in this place and I’ll post more of those when I get my laptop that I ordered since Disney broke and busted the one I had taken for my conference. There’s even a pretty cool hat tip to Marc Davis on a map in there. Definitely a cool place!

It sure was pricey! I also feel like one and done in there unless the menu changes up some in the future! You need to find a treasure chest full of gold to frequent this establishment

Nothing beats a Mickey pretzel… NOT EVEN SHREK!

Haha I think the cheese with the Shrek pretzel is really delicious

Following along . Looking forward to reading more .

Thank you, glad to have you following along!

 

[disneyAndi14]

I’ve been enjoying your wonderful trip reports for years, and I can’t believe I never commented before. Your posts always brought back such fond memories of traveling to WDW with my mom and sister. Our trips evolved in similar ways over time, with the growing crowds at paid ticketed events, changes to park hours and Extra Magic Hours, and that familiar feeling of never having enough time to do it all.

Thank you very much! I am very happy to have you following along! I totally agree about all the changes, however, like you the memories are so wonderful! Andi found the Dis years ago when we were preparing for a trip and I loved all the trip reports and dining info. I was hooked!

I was a little sad to see you were done writing trip reports, but I’m so glad you’re still sharing your food adventures!

I may still write one a year. Andi and I have our annual end of summer trips still a go for now. Love those trips! Thanks again for following along on all my reports!

Hiya Caroline and Liesa. I’m here to hear all the craic and feast my eyes on ALL the food and drinks.
Beak and Barrel looks pretty cool though it definitely sounds like a body’s wallet would take a hammering in there. Those drinks sound right up my alley. Maybe they make them pricey so you don’t enjoy too many of them “hic”

Hi Moira! Glad to have you follow along! The B&B is expensive for sure! It was a fun experience overall but not something I would need to do again. You do only get 45 minutes or something like that so yes they want you to pay $$$ for your limited time. Haha

I'm here and following along!
Very cool you were able to try Beak and Barrel, but I can see what Liesa is saying. You pay for the experience and don't have to rush back.

Hi Alicia! Glad to have you following along and yes it was fun to check out the new lounge but wow it is pricey! There are quite a few Easter eggs in there and the bar is designed very well but give me Nomad Lounge anytime!

 

[Wood Nymph]

We had 5 nights at AKL and we were upgraded to a savanna view room. The room was beautiful with zebras and giraffes outside of our room.

That was a great upgrade. I would love that view.

Our DDP included 5 TS meals, 5 QS meals, and 5 snacks. Each meal came with an alcoholic drink or a nonalcoholic drink and a refillable mug to use at the resort.

I would think that someone who took advantage of the alcoholic drink would get a lot of value out of the DDP.

The first evening we went to the new Beak and Barrel lounge in MK. This was an out of pocket expense.

I think for me it was a one and done, kind of like Oga’s.

We are going to try to get a reservation in February. I imagine that it is like Oga's.

Did you get a table to yourselves?

 

[disneyAndi14]

That was a great upgrade. I would love that view.

It was wonderful. I stopped at the front desk and talked with a very nice CM and when she told me where we were going to be initially it was no where near my request. She said oh I see your request let me see what I can do and she went above and beyond because she actually got us a full Savannah view room, not a partial or the fence area.

I would think that someone who took advantage of the alcoholic drink would get a lot of value out of the DDP.

We sure did try to do this! We ordered a drink at each meal and even with a QS if they offered alcohol we had that! I will try to compare the prices with and without the DDP on here.

We are going to try to get a reservation in February. I imagine that it is like Oga's.

Did you get a table to yourselves?

You do have a time limit and we got standing at the bar. This does get me a little steamed just because a lounge to me is relaxing and Disney has this “dumb” idea that people enjoy standing in a lounge I detest the standing part of these newer lounges.

 

[PolyRob]

Thank you very much! I am very happy to have you following along! I totally agree about all the changes, however, like you the memories are so wonderful! Andi found the Dis years ago when we were preparing for a trip and I loved all the trip reports and dining info. I was hooked!

I may still write one a year. Andi and I have our annual end of summer trips still a go for now. Love those trips! Thanks again for following along on all my reports!

You’re welcome! The DIS has been an amazing resource even before all these vloggers and YouTubers.

I’m so glad you and Andi still have your end of summer tradition going strong. I will definitely follow along if you write it up, but if not, it’s nice to know you’re still enjoying your Disney + Uni time together!

 

[disneyAndi14]

I’m so glad you and Andi still have your end of summer tradition going strong. I will definitely follow along if you write it up, but if not, it’s nice to know you’re still enjoying your Disney + Uni time together!

I really look forward to this trip each year! We both love Halloween so much!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Thursday was my first day using the Big Fat Plan (BFP) Liesa had used 1 QS the day before.

I started with a breakfast at the Mara, the QS restaurant at AKL. I chose the Savanna Platter
Scrambled Eggs, French Toast Sticks, Crispy Potato Barrels, Bacon, and Sausage
$13.49

I also got a bottle of Diet Coke which is part of the plan at a price of $5.50 crazy to me. I would never buy either of these items if I wasn’t on the BFP. I didn’t photograph my breakfast for some reason?? Weird for me because I am always saying the phone eats first

Everything was very tasty on the platter. I shared some sausage with Liesa. This could easily be shared by two people. I ate about 1/2 of the platter. I would have preferred Mickey waffles instead of French toast sticks. I would give this a solid 3️

We headed into AK and rode my all time favorite ride, which is nearing extinction

Lunch was at another favorite of mine. Yak and Yeti.

Liesa became a Landry member and had $25 to spend at the restaurant. We decided to share the Ahi Tuna Nachos

Sushi grade Ahi tuna, Asian slaw, crispy fried wontons, wasabi aioli, sweet soy glaze
$22.99


We both had water to drink. This was out of pocket at a whopping $5.00

The nachos were delicious The tuna was very tasty with the crunchy cold slaw and crispy wontons! We both loved the dish and give it 5️

We had a wonderful day at AK and our evening was at Epcot. I got a magic shot, I really liked this one!

Our dinner was at San Angel Inn tonight, we were a little late because we had a kitchen tour with a rat! We had FP$$ for Remy’s ride. Oops it took longer than we expected. We apologized about being late and did get seated fairly quickly, but not right by the water which I was hoping for, oh well! We were using a TS credit tonight. Our server was nice if not a little rushed. We both picked a margarita for our drink. I went with the The Cucumber
Tromba blanco tequila, fresh cucumber and lime juice, orange liqueur, Abasolo corn whiskey, agave, Tajín chile-lime powder rim
$18.25

We found out on the BFP you can order any alcohol drink less than $20 so not bad!

Liesa had the Blood Orange
Tromba blanco tequila, blood orange vodka, gin, LeJay black currant liqueur, Dos Hombres mezcal and Tajín chile-lime powder rim
$18.50

My entree choice was Tacos
Shaved Ribeye. Poblano and red peppers, onions, bacon, and Monterey Jack cheese served with corn tortillas and plantains, topped with crema Mexicana and cotija cheese
$35.00

These were delicious. The meat was very flavorful and tender. I really enjoyed this dish. I gave it 4️

Liesa chose Pollo a Las Rajas
Grilled chicken breast over roasted potatoes with onions, Poblano peppers, corn and a Poblano cream sauce, topped with queso fresco
$33.00

She didn’t like her dinner as much as I liked mine. She had wished she had tried something else. She said the chicken was bland.

Dessert is included in the BFP. I usually never get dessert so this was a nice little treat.

I had the Brownie Sundae
Fudge brownie served with dulce de leche ice cream and topped with cajeta sauce
$12.00

This was simple but really delicious and rich. I enjoyed it. Just give me a warm gooey brownie with yummy ice cream and I am happy! I will give this 4️ mainly because it made me happy! Just like the Gran Fiesta ride in the Mexican Pavilion!

Liesa had the Flan
Vanilla flan with toasted almonds, berries, and whipped cream
$12.0O


I left this dinner a tad tipsy and happy so I give it a win!

Liesa liked her margarita but the rest of her meal not as much!

Today would have cost me $78.74 but it was “free”

A very good day of eating and drinking for me!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Sounds like a decent day “free dining” for you. Bit of a shame that Liesa’s food was sub par. Fingers crossed she has a tastier day tomorrow

 

[buzzrelly]

Joining! I haven't had the DDP in years! Looks like you're making the most of it! The Beak and Barrel looks disappointing. Honestly, I went in September and got a diet coke and no food so I should go back but it was just meh for me so I'm not sying to get back there. That said, I do have an ADR in December with Allie so maybe we will try it again.

Your San Angel dinner looks good!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Well, I don't know how I missed this starting but I'm here now!

I'm sad to hear about your experience at Beak and Barrel. I have a ressie there at Thanksgiving. But hey - you have to try it ONCE right?

I'm looking forward to the rest of your food report. You always get the best drinks!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Sounds like a decent day “free dining” for you. Bit of a shame that Liesa’s food was sub par. Fingers crossed she has a tastier day tomorrow

Haha It was but I don’t know how people get their money’s worth on this DDP aka BFP! The plan we had costs $97.79! That is a crazy cost per person per day! I ordered the most expensive meal and drinks and still $20 short of the daily cost! Proves I would never get the DDP again!

Joining! I haven't had the DDP in years! Looks like you're making the most of it! The Beak and Barrel looks disappointing. Honestly, I went in September and got a diet coke and no food so I should go back but it was just meh for me so I'm not sying to get back there. That said, I do have an ADR in December with Allie so maybe we will try it again.

Your San Angel dinner looks good!

The Beak and Barrel was okay but I wouldn’t rush back for pre mixed $$$ drinks and most of the place is standing bar only! I’m glad I got to see it but honestly it was very crowded and hard to look around at all the Easter eggs!
This trip sealed why I never get the DDP haha It was fun to have it for “free” but in reality it costs more with rack rate for a room. I did come out about the same with taking my 5 day PH and getting a new AP rather than renewing mine in September but not by much!

Well, I don't know how I missed this starting but I'm here now!

Hi there Nice to see you following along!

I'm sad to hear about your experience at Beak and Barrel. I have a ressie there at Thanksgiving. But hey - you have to try it ONCE right?

It is definitely worth visiting and I did enjoy it overall! It is just very $$$ and I detest standing especially as much as I walk in a day on my trips. My drinking and eating are best enjoyed sitting down!

I'm looking forward to the rest of your food report. You always get the best drinks!

I enjoyed it overall but as I said earlier it would be a hard no for the DDP ever again. I can’t eat that much and honestly I don’t know how you can with just 1QS, 1TS, and 1snack a day. The cost is almost a $100 a day per person nowadays if you don’t have it “free”

 

[disneyAndi14]

Hello Everyone

A little information on the DDP before I give you some delicious food and drink porn haha

The regular DDP, which we had, costs $97 dollars a day +tips. Knowing this, I already would have not spent enough my first day to come close to the $97. I do know even with a snack I would not have spent $97. We also paid for the tips out of pocket (OOP). I guess years and years ago tips were included on the plan. The last time Andi and I had the “free” DDP it was about $54 a day and you got 2 snack credits, now it is one snack a day. I was saving all my snack credits for F&W. Basically this plan has almost doubled in price with one less snack in about 10 years, crazy

Thursday I would have spent $78.74. I was already in the hole. Well, I didn’t count the refillable mug we got. The mugs now cost a whopping $22.99. The mugs are smaller and do not keep anything hot or cold for very long. This is something I would never buy because I don’t drink enough soda, coffee, or other beverages to make it worth it. I filled the mug I got with the “free” plan a total of once. The Mara was a little far from our room, and again just not something I needed. I drink mostly water on my trips and of course alcohol haha

Today was Friday and it was time to use more credits on the BFP!

We had a reservation for Topolinos this morning. This is a prixe fixed character dining meal at breakfast. This is still one TS credit. Yay! I love this breakfast.

We got an alcohol beverage with our meal.

I had Island Fusion Punch
Mount Gay Eclipse Rum, Minute Maid® Passion Fruit Orange Guava Juice, Pineapple and Lime Juices
$16.50


Liesa had Classic Bellini
Charles de Fère Cuvée Jean-Louis Blanc de Blancs Brut, Peach Purée
$16.50

I thought both drinks were very tasty.

We also had coffee included with the meal.

The first course included with the meal is a painters bowl filled with pastries This included croissants, muffins, and fritters. You also get butter, jam, and Nutella for the pastries. Very good.


I had Wood-fired Steak and Eggs*
Polenta, Pomodoraccio Tomatoes, Roasted Potatoes, Wild Mushroom Conserva, choice of Two Eggs-Any Style* $54

This was delicious, the eggs were over easy medium and cooked perfectly, the steak was medium rare and also cooked perfectly. The mushrooms and polenta also very tasty. 5️

Liesa had Sour Cream Waffle
Roasted Apples, Chantilly, Orange-Maple Syrup, and served with choice of Smoked Bacon, Ham, Sausage, or Plant-based Sausage, she chose ham $54

Her meal was also delicious, we shared everything.

Two thumbs up for this experience and look at Mickey, how cute

We took the Skyliner to DHS and we had a snack at Baseline Taphouse in the afternoon. This was OOP

We tried the new menu item. Avenue Chips
House-made Ranch Kettle Chips served with Beer Cheese Fondue
$7.00

Delicious and addictive chips, you can’t stop eating them!

The beer cheese yummy!

I had the Golden Road Mango Cart
16 oz. Draft Beer | Los Angeles (4.0% ABV, 10 IBU)
$11.75

I love this crisp lightly fruity beer.

Liesa had Coronado Brewing Co. Superfruit Hard Cider
20 oz. Cider | San Diego (5.5% ABV)
$13.25

I give this experience a solid 5️

In fact it was marvelous darlings!!


Dinner was at Primo Piatto at the Riviera Resort.

I had Margherita Pizza
Fresh Artisan Hearth-baked Pizza topped with Tomato Sauce, Heirloom Tomatoes, and Fresh Mozzarella finished with a drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Fresh-cut Basil
$13.29 with a Diet Coke $5.50


Liesa had Beef Bolognese
Slow-braised Beef Bolognese, Pasta, Herbs, Parmesan
$14.99 with a soda $5.50.

Both entrees were delicious 5️

I might be generous with the 5️ ratings today but really everything was so delicious this day!

We did screw up by not ordering an alcohol drink here, we could have had a beer or wine for around $13.00 but we didn’t realize this QS served alcohol oh well remember it was “free”, haha

I would have spent $89.29 on the food/drinks covered by the DDP. I was a little closer to the $97, it would have been close if I would have had wine with dinner.

Stay tuned for more food and drinks coming up soon!