Who has used the Dining Plan already? Please answer some questions for me...

[Trixiezzz]

I can't decide about the dining plan. For all of you who have actually used it already, can you tell me:

1) How did you know what your unused meals were ~ whether they were adult meals or kids meals?

2) Were you able to share sit-down meals between 2 people?

3) Can you carry over unused meals to another day? How about after you check out of your WDW hotel?

It seems like it will be confusing to keep up with exactly WHAT I have left, if all 4 of us don't eat every meal together every day. PLEASE give a report of how your dining plan worked. THANKS!!!

~Trixie

 

[jenr812]

1) How did you know what your unused meals were ~ whether they were adult meals or kids meals?

I haven't used it yet, but from what I understand, there is no differentiation between kids/adult meals.

I am eager to hear a report from someone who's already used it as well.

 

[WDWBetsy]

I have not used it yet, however, it is my understanding that once you check-in, all meals are pooled together. So the dining plan really won't differentiate between total adult and child credits - EXCEPT if you're at a restaurant and there's a child menu, your child has to order from it.

Not sure on the sharing, but I would think they would let you except at buffets.

As all meals are pooled when you check-in, you can use them in whatever way you choose - if you want to eat 4 table service meals one day, 6 table service meals the next, all your snacks in one afternoon, etc. - anyone in your room can use the meals until they're depleted. You can use the dining plan until midnight on the day you check-out.

You will receive a receipt showing the remaining counter service and table service meals and snacks. I could see a little confusion if some people in your party use meals or snacks and don't communicate it to you.

HOPE THIS HELPS!

 

[gigi1313]

if that's how it works, what would keep us from paying $10 for a child for the day and using his credits to eat at cali grill or jiko or HDDR or some other specialty restaurant while paying cash for the kids' meals or leaving the kids at the kids club (or w/gma)? i cannot imagine that it's all pooled and we can eat their tally of meals as well...

 

[Ellester]

if that's how it works, what would keep us from paying $10 for a child for the day and using his credits to eat at cali grill or jiko or HDDR or some other specialty restaurant while paying cash for the kids' meals or leaving the kids at the kids club (or w/gma)? i cannot imagine that it's all pooled and we can eat their tally of meals as well...

Well, from the posts I have read on the restaurant boards, that is exactly how it works. There are several reports there of people paying cash for their kids and using the credits for the adult meals. The number of meals remaining is printed on each receipt after you use them and they are pooled together. No differentiation between adult and kids. There is even a part on the Unofficial Guide page about it entitled "using your children as a liscense to print money", http://www.touringplans.com/MYWDining.html. Personally, that seems like cheating to me. It will be interesting to see if and how Disney closes that huge loophole.

 

[jenr812]

It will be interesting to see if and how Disney closes that huge loophole

My thoughts exactly. But I'm secretly hoping it doesn't happen for a while.

 

[lentesta]

Well, ten-year olds are considered "adults" under the plan, and are charged $35. I like to think of that and the meal pooling as balancing each other out. Insert "Circle of Life" music here.

Len

 

[sheblen]

I am confused on the difference between this meal plan through Disney and the meal tickets that can be purchased elsewhere. can anyone clarify these for me? Thanks!

Also what is the daily cost for a child age 3 - 9? Also, with the Disney plan how many meals are included per day? Can you make it for less than the number of days in the hotel, like if you are checking in late on the first night and don't need any food that day or our early on the last day?

Nancy

 

[HayGan]

Also what is the daily cost for a child age 3 - 9?

The child's meal plan cost $10+tax a day.

Also, with the Disney plan how many meals are included per day?

You get 1 counter service meal, 1 sit down meal and 1 snack per day

Can you make it for less than the number of days in the hotel, like if you are checking in late on the first night and don't need any food that day or our early on the last day?

No, you can't. If you are staying 5 nights, the plan will be for 5 days

 

[LilMamiBella]

I can't decide about the dining plan. For all of you who have actually used it already, can you tell me:

1) How did you know what your unused meals were ~ whether they were adult meals or kids meals?

They gave me a receipt that showed how much was left.

2) Were you able to share sit-down meals between 2 people?

I didn't do it because we had a lot of food to eat..but it can be done..I'm sure.

3) Can you carry over unused meals to another day? How about after you check out of your WDW hotel?

Yes and yes..we checked out and was still able to use it.

 

[Poohgirl]

LilMamiBella, maybe you can answer a question for me. When using counter meals, did your children ALWAYS eat from the children's menu. Some of the counter service's only have the option of a corndog or PB & J. My kid just will not go for that...What did you do?

 

[gigi1313]

I can't decide about the dining plan. For all of you who have actually used it already, can you tell me:

1) How did you know what your unused meals were ~ whether they were adult meals or kids meals?

They gave me a receipt that showed how much was left.

so the receipt clearly said # of Adult meals and type (i.e. sit down/counter/snack) and # of Child meals and type? therefore making it impossible to use a child meal credit to "pay" for an adult meal?

 

[LilMamiBella]

so the receipt clearly said # of Adult meals and type (i.e. sit down/counter/snack) and # of Child meals and type? therefore making it impossible to use a child meal credit to "pay" for an adult meal?

I just wanted to say that yes my kids ate off the children's menu the whole time. There's no other way unless you let them have one of your meals..

I think it said something like 3 table services available..and that meant like 3 for each person that is on the thingie. Also, if you're confused and don't know how much you have..you can go to the hotel's front desk and get a print out. If you have a child that is under three eating a regular kids meal..make sure you tell them that your child is an infant and you'll be paying separately. One time we ate at Le Cellier and the waitress added my daughter on the dining plan and took 4 instead of 2 meals off my son's plan.I had to go to the hotel's front desk and explain what happened. They took it off for me and gave me those 2 meals back.