What does a newb need to know about the DP?

[phillymummer]

Hello! I am going to disney Oct 19-22. I am staying at POFQ and have free dining.

I have never used the DP before. I have read the brochure (even printed it out!) and scanned some of the posts here, but is there anything a newb like me should know beforehand? Tips and helpful advice?

I already know that I will not be using all of my TS credits, so how do I go about changing one over to a CS credit?

Thanks.

 

[TDC Nala]

Apparently all you do is go up to a CS restaurant and say you would like to use a TS credit to purchase a meal.

Some of the info to watch out for is:

Drinks in souvenir cups or accompanied by glow cubes and clips are not included.
If you use a meal credit for breakfast, dessert is not included, there's no dessert at breakfast (and no substitutions for it). If you use a credit for breakfast you are essentially giving up the dessert allotment.
A number of restaurants have separate "fixed price" menus. If you order from those menus, you can get an appetizer covered, but you must stick to the choices on the fixed price menu.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Hello! I am going to disney Oct 19-22. I am staying at POFQ and have free dining.

I have never used the DP before. I have read the brochure (even printed it out!) and scanned some of the posts here, but is there anything a newb like me should know beforehand? Tips and helpful advice?

I already know that I will not be using all of my TS credits, so how do I go about changing one over to a CS credit?

Thanks.

Just curious as to why you wont be using up all your TS credits? In that case, i'd book a signature restaurant so that you can at least use 2 TS credits for one meal. The experience itself is worth it.

In the past, I have had one TS credit leftover...i'd ask the cashier if i can use it for CS meal and they said yes. It was my last day and i figured I might as well get something for it. All you can do is ask. Some places will say yes, others will say no.

For snack credits, look for the DP symbol. But you can get ALMOST anything for a snack credit. ie: dole whip, fries, cup of soup, a bagel, croissant, cookies, ice cream, cupcake, sundae, churros, etc etc. If your not sure whether its considered a snack credit or not, just ask.

 

[lmbcdb]

Just curious as to why you wont be using up all your TS credits? In that case, i'd book a signature restaurant so that you can at least use 2 TS credits for one meal. The experience itself is worth it.

I'm curious as well. You could also go to a dinner show. They are a lot of fun! My favorite is the Hoop-de-do.

 

[phillymummer]

We are not using all of the TS credits bc of the timing of everything.

On Friday, our flight is scheduled to land at noon. We plan on getting to the resort (via ME), checking in, and getting to MK ASAP. We don't want to sit down to a TS meal- we just want to ride the rides!

On Saturday, we are going to DHS. There are early EMHs that day so we have to get there early. No TS for breakfast. We are doing dinner at Sci-fi. We don't want to do a TS lunch also bc we did that last trip and we felt like it took too much time away from the day. We are not doing the parks commando style, but we still like the flexiblility of being able to eat when we want.

On Sunday we are doing the Halloween party. I want to spend the day relaxing at the pool or in the room and then be at MK by 4:00. I considered making an ADR in DTD since we are staying at POFQ, but by the time you calculate the amount of time spent waiting for the boat, riding the boat, eating, and stopping in shops, how much time will be left to relax? Not much. Plus, we have a 6-yr old girl who will want pool time. I already tried to get a late lunch/early dinner ADR at MK or a resort close to MK and they are all booked up! I may keep trying.


On Monday, we have to be on the ME for our flight home by around 10:45.
I am sure we will all need to sleep late after potentially being out until after midnight the night before. No time for a TS meal that morning.

I am getting free dining, so really I am not worried about "wasting" a TS credits on a CS meal. Free is free.

P.S.- I would have given up the sci-fi on Saturday to do the HDDR but it is closed for renovations while we are there.

 

[IrisSphere]

I am getting free dining, so really I am not worried about "wasting" a TS credits on a CS meal. Free is free.

Hmm, i may be missing something here, but you are likely paying full price for the room, if you have the free dining plan, no? In that sense you are forgoing any possible room discounts that may be available during that time. I believe moderates can get between 30-35% discount. Depending on the numbers and the exact calculations, you may actually be "in the hole" with the free dining plan (i.e. you could have picked the discount, and had the money in your pocket, and then saved money by paying OOP for meals). Just my thoughts!

 

[phillymummer]

That has been mentioned before. I thought moderates got between 20-25%. I did the calculations for 20% and estimated the FD was still the better offer. I have added LTT on the day we go to MK for the holiday party, so there is a second TS credit. Only one TS credit will be used for a CS credit.
If the moderates do offer up to 30-35% I will recalculate and I can always switch to the discount if that is the better offer.

 

[phillymummer]

Is there a list of food items that are not covered by the dining plan (i.e.- waffle sandwiches at Sleepy Hallow)? I have looked at the menus and it seems only the items available for snack credits are marked. Can I assume that all entrees at a CS restaurant are included in the DP?

 

[IrisSphere]

@philly You are likely right about the percentage I just wanted to point it out in case you haven't thought of it this way. Good Luck with everything!

 

[dznyfanatic]

We are not using all of the TS credits bc of the timing of everything.

On Friday, our flight is scheduled to land at noon. We plan on getting to the resort (via ME), checking in, and getting to MK ASAP. We don't want to sit down to a TS meal- we just want to ride the rides!

On Saturday, we are going to DHS. There are early EMHs that day so we have to get there early. No TS for breakfast. We are doing dinner at Sci-fi. We don't want to do a TS lunch also bc we did that last trip and we felt like it took too much time away from the day. We are not doing the parks commando style, but we still like the flexiblility of being able to eat when we want.

On Sunday we are doing the Halloween party. I want to spend the day relaxing at the pool or in the room and then be at MK by 4:00. I considered making an ADR in DTD since we are staying at POFQ, but by the time you calculate the amount of time spent waiting for the boat, riding the boat, eating, and stopping in shops, how much time will be left to relax? Not much. Plus, we have a 6-yr old girl who will want pool time. I already tried to get a late lunch/early dinner ADR at MK or a resort close to MK and they are all booked up! I may keep trying.

On Monday, we have to be on the ME for our flight home by around 10:45.
I am sure we will all need to sleep late after potentially being out until after midnight the night before. No time for a TS meal that morning.

I am getting free dining, so really I am not worried about "wasting" a TS credits on a CS meal. Free is free.

P.S.- I would have given up the sci-fi on Saturday to do the HDDR but it is closed for renovations while we are there.

One idea for your Halloween party day is to have an early dinner at Kona or 'Ohana it may delay your entry into MK a little but you'll still have plenty of time in the park before and during the party

 

[phillymummer]

I already booked an ADR @ Liberty Tree in MK on the day of my party and that took stalking the on-line reservation site. Thank you for the suggestion.

Also, I think I read somewhere that a dessert is also included in CS meals? True story? I either missed that when reading the DP brochure or I am misunderstanding.