Using the deluxe dining plan at a signature restaurant lounge

[JLC123]

We were hoping to avoid making a reservation for our first night. I am wondering how deluxe dining plan credits work at a signature dining lounge. For example, if we walk into the lounge at the California grill would it be just like eating dinner in the restaurant- 2 credits?

 

[drwadadli]

You are talking about eating at the bar instead of grabbing a table...

Yes, it works the same way or at least I guessing it does since I haven't done that. But on our last trip, we were sitting at the Nomad Lounge waiting for our tablet at Tiffins and noticed people sitting at the bar and they had ordered a complete dinner from the Tiffins menu. So, I guessing you can order from the complete menu and then pay for it however you wish (DDP or OOP).

 

[JLC123]

You are talking about eating at the bar instead of grabbing a table...

Yes, it works the same way or at least I guessing it does since I haven't done that. But on our last trip, we were sitting at the Nomad Lounge waiting for our tablet at Tiffins and noticed people sitting at the bar and they had ordered a complete dinner from the Tiffins menu. So, I guessing you can order from the complete menu and then pay for it however you wish (DDP or OOP).

Yes - that’s what we are hoping to do. Sit at the bar attached to a signature restaurant, order off the regular menu, and pay with DDP credits. Thanks for your help!

 

[Moliphino]

If the bar is part of the restaurant it shouldn't be a problem. If the bar is its own entity (like the Brown Derby Lounge, Nomad Lounge) I'm not sure, since those places don't technically accept the dining plan.

 

[gillep]

If the bar is part of the restaurant it shouldn't be a problem. If the bar is its own entity (like the Brown Derby Lounge, Nomad Lounge) I'm not sure, since those places don't technically accept the dining plan.

In the past, this was not possible at Brown Derby lounge, we have asked. Not sure about the others, but in general the lounges are not listed as accepting the dining plans, so my inclination would be no.

Edited to add: California Grill would be a lounge that this may work at only because it is just listed as California Grill Lounge and not as a different entity, Jiko's bar for instance is specifically listed as Cape Town Lounge and clearly says it does not take dining plans as does Nomad Lounge and Brown Derby Lounge.

 

[JLC123]

In the past, this was not possible at Brown Derby lounge, we have asked. Not sure about the others, but in general the lounges are not listed as accepting the dining plans, so my inclination would be no.

Edited to add: California Grill would be a lounge that this may work at only because it is just listed as California Grill Lounge and not as a different entity, Jiko's bar for instance is specifically listed as Cape Town Lounge and clearly says it does not take dining plans as does Nomad Lounge and Brown Derby Lounge.

That makes a lot of sense. Thank you!

 

[alex9179]

In the past, I've seen that credits were not accepted in the lounges. Several of them allow you to order from the restaurant's menu, though. I wouldn't count on being able to use your plan, even if they're basically part of the TS space. The names of the lounges aren't a factor, as Sanaa Lounge doesn't accept the dining plan. There would be a capacity problem if they did. Can you imagine all of the DDP people angling for a walk-up?

Edit: Website site says dining plans not accepted, which is in reference to meal credits. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/contemporary-resort/california-grill-lounge/
DFB says the plan is. http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/california-grill-lounge/
Someone on Tripadvisor was able to use credits in 2016.

 

[cedricandsophie]

It’s not that easy to get up to CG without a reservation. I’ve seen people turned away at the checkin desk who wanted to go up for a drink. Probably depends on how busy it is.

 

[alex9179]

It’s not that easy to get up to CG without a reservation. I’ve seen people turned away at the checkin desk who wanted to go up for a drink. Probably depends on how busy it is.

Yeah. Going early, when it's first open, is the usual advice.

 

[gillep]

We were hoping to avoid making a reservation for our first night. I am wondering how deluxe dining plan credits work at a signature dining lounge. For example, if we walk into the lounge at the California grill would it be just like eating dinner in the restaurant- 2 credits?

As another option, if you are interested in Disney Springs there are a few restaurants there that you can book via OpenTable so that you don't have to worry about the no show fee, as they have much more forgiving cancellation policies. Personally, much prefer Wine Bar George to CA Grill anyway.