why do they ask?

[jcpuppy.com]

If you are on the DDP at the START of the meal? If they ask can we avoid the question?
I know what foods we are allowed(usually)
I just got to thinking that kind of fits in the nunya category until we check out. Could this explain why some folks exp different services?

I have been on the DDP 3 times and not noticed a difference, but I know others have said they have.

 

[salmoneous]

If you are on the DDP at the START of the meal?

So they can (1) help you understand what you can/cannot order and (2) so they can ring in your food properly.

If they ask can we avoid the question?

You can, but it will pretty rude, forcing them to unring and then rering your order in many restaurants.

Could this explain why some folks exp different services?

Other than some extremely rare cases, I highly doubt it. Disney trains all their CM - in tipped and non-tipped positions - to provide good service. But people still sometimes get poor service. It's just that when folks are on the dinning plan and get poor service, they blame it on the plan. Read through tons of dinning reviews, and you'll see that folks sometimes get poor service when they are on the plan, and folks sometimes get poor service when they aren't on the plan.

I have been on the DDP 3 times and not noticed a difference,

With all due respect, you've been through this 3 times on your own, and you trust what strangers write on the internet over your own experience????

 

[eeyoresnr]

salmoneous no one could have said it better

 

[Nancyg56]

If you are on the DDP at the START of the meal? If they ask can we avoid the question?
I know what foods we are allowed(usually)
I just got to thinking that kind of fits in the nunya category until we check out. Could this explain why some folks exp different services?

I have been on the DDP 3 times and not noticed a difference, but I know others have said they have.

I would suggest that you continue to advise the CM that you are on the DDP. If you have not experienced a different level of service on previous trips, consider that you are three for three and go with that rather than trying to compare experiences that others may have had with your own.

The CM's ask so that they can ensure that your meal is as smooth as possible. If you throw a wrench into their attempt you may find that you have in effect sabotaged your own meal and level of service as well as impacting the other diners the CM is taking care of.

 

[skater]

I totally understand the OP's questions. I've been on the DP twice and still wonder if it affects service. (I know that's not a popular opinion on these boards, but I'm just going by some of our own experiences). We had some bad service last year during free dining, and I just started wondering if free dining was the cause. At LTT, the server insisted (after asking if we were on the DP) that we order dessert at the same time as entree - and then he disappeared until it was time to bring the desserts. If he didn't know we were on the plan, maybe he wouldn't have insisted on the dessert order. I guess there's no scientific way to answer this question - maybe he's a bad server, but I still wonder. At least it gives me something else to think about when I'm obsessing about Disney .

 

[karliebug]

I will be on the DDP, but may want to pay for my 10 year old oop if she decides she wants the kids meal at that place so we can save her adult credit but we won't know that before looking at the menu so I guess when they ask I'll say Maybe.

 

[lilyv]

Never been on a dining plan, but I do think it's kind of bizarre that Dining
Reservations wants to know your plan BEFORE they even begin to work on finding a meal reservation for you.

 

[Microcell]

OP posted because they want to know opinions, and here is mine, it is a customer service thing in my opinion. Most servers I had launched into the DDP explination right away upon hearing we had the plan. If they wanted to know ahead to treat you badly, they would turn their noses at you or something. Also, they do it at every restaurant, because they are trained that way.

You may be used to the ropes of the plan, but I will need a refresher when I go again after a year.

Besides, how many times have you stood and stared at the board at Mickey D's when the menu has not changed much in my 34 years! People need guidance!

Another opinion- the difference in service is the difference in people's outlook in general. That of the people being served and of the servers. If you get a negative server and are a positive person you may think they are just having a bad day or something is wrong with the servers life. If you are a negative person (or even just in a bad mood because it is stinkin hot in FL) then it is the server, the plan, and the family over to the right of you. If you are a positive person or having a good time and you get a positive server then a great time is had by all. If you are a negative person or in a bad mood (again, that darned sun) and you get a positive server they will be as annoying as all get out and won't leave you alone! The world can end, I have figured out how people get different service!!

 

[RJD]

Never been on a dining plan, but I do think it's kind of bizarre that Dining
Reservations wants to know your plan BEFORE they even begin to work on finding a meal reservation for you.

We're going in August & this is the first time we've used DDP. I have made a few meal reservations and have not been asked whether we are on the plan. So again, I guess it's all about what particular CM you're dealing with at the time.

 

[OneBadApple]

Never been on a dining plan, but I do think it's kind of bizarre that Dining
Reservations wants to know your plan BEFORE they even begin to work on finding a meal reservation for you.

I was wondering the same thing. It doesn't make sense to me.

 

[kcrew]

I totally understand the OP's questions. I've been on the DP twice and still wonder if it affects service. (I know that's not a popular opinion on these boards, but I'm just going by some of our own experiences). We had some bad service last year during free dining, and I just started wondering if free dining was the cause. At LTT, the server insisted (after asking if we were on the DP) that we order dessert at the same time as entree - and then he disappeared until it was time to bring the desserts. If he didn't know we were on the plan, maybe he wouldn't have insisted on the dessert order. I guess there's no scientific way to answer this question - maybe he's a bad server, but I still wonder. At least it gives me something else to think about when I'm obsessing about Disney .

I had the same thing happen at Coral Reef. When I posted about it then I caught flack with comments like, "you could have just refused to order the dessert". Yeh, well I tried and the Cm was not taking no for an answer and do any of us really want to get confrontational with a server while on vacation over a dessert order? But I interpreted it the same way. It was strictly for the CM's convenience and he just wanted to be done with us in one interaction, and certainly that would not have been the case if we were not on DDP. Also oddly enough he also insisted upon seeing our cards as soon as we sat down so he could scrutinize them--certainly no other server did that. AND my son never touched his entree after one bite, but the server didn't care and didn't offer any alternatives. Perhaps if he was concerned that his tip was based on us having a satisfactory dining experience he would have been more concerned? But on DDP with the tip guaranteed why waste his time asking how everything is, or returning something to the kitchen? All the same to him......

 

[kaytieeldr]

At LTT, the server insisted (after asking if we were on the DP) that we order dessert at the same time as entree - and then he disappeared until it was time to bring the desserts. If he didn't know we were on the plan, maybe he wouldn't have insisted on the dessert order.

IMO, the appropriate response to that is, “We don’t know yet what we want for dessert. We’ll order that later.” And if you’re still getting coerced, another polite, “Could you please send the Manager over?” should work.

Never been on a dining plan, but I do think it's kind of bizarre that Dining
Reservations wants to know your plan BEFORE they even begin to work on finding a meal reservation for you.

I asked, last time I called. The CM said they ask so they can give the restaurant the information, for payment purposes. It’s likely – although I didn’t question this – that they ask beforehand simply as routine, you know, like doing things in a certain order to make sure you do everything? Anyway, you can still change your mind – the Host/ess will also ask if you’re on any Dining Plan, and apparently inform your server (so the servers aren’t constantly asking this, but instead are concentrating on providing excellent service).

You may be used to the ropes of the plan, but I will need a refresher when I go again after a year.

I agree with this perspective. I’m extremely familiar with the DDP, but, for example, the drink options may change – one visit, or at one restaurant, you may be able to include any non-alcoholic beverage, while at another on the same trip (or even the same restaurant on a different day) you may only be entitled to soda/coffee/tea.

 

[lilyv]

IMO, the appropriate response to that is, “We don’t know yet what we want for dessert. We’ll order that later.” And if you’re still getting coerced, another polite, “Could you please send the Manager over?” should work.

I asked, last time I called. The CM said they ask so they can give the restaurant the information, for payment purposes. It’s likely – although I didn’t question this – that they ask beforehand simply as routine, you know, like doing things in a certain order to make sure you do everything? Anyway, you can still change your mind – the Host/ess will also ask if you’re on any Dining Plan, and apparently inform your server (so the servers aren’t constantly asking this, but instead are concentrating on providing excellent service).

I agree with this perspective. I’m extremely familiar with the DDP, but, for example, the drink options may change – one visit, or at one restaurant, you may be able to include any non-alcoholic beverage, while at another on the same trip (or even the same restaurant on a different day) you may only be entitled to soda/coffee/tea.

Thanks Kay. I do believe, though, that Disney makes a serious mistake in asking for your meal plan BEFORE they even begin to look for availability. If they need to give the plan folks the rules, options and so on, they should do that after the reservations is set, not before. Otherwise, Disney is giving an appearance that your choice of using DDP vs. paying cash OOP may have some affect on your ability to get a reservation.

 

[skater]

Kaytieeldr - I agree with your opinion of the proper response and I did try - my memory's getting fuzzy, but I think I finally caved - I really don't want confrontations at Disney! This year I feel a little more prepared for it and have decided I will not order dessert until I'm ready .

 

[kaytieeldr]

Well, you know, lilyv - you (and any other posters in or reading this thread with the same point of view) have a VERY good point. Since all my recent and upcoming visits include the DDP, I haven't tried telling the CMs I'm not using it. Given that mostly what I'd been trying to get is a reservation for Le Cellier, I don't think it would matter HOW I planned to pay for my meal - there just aren't any reservations available

And, skater - I don't expect to have that experience (not eating at either of the restaurants in question) but if it comes up elsewhere, I'll post my experience
In all honesty, while I (or anyone) may 'know' what dessert I'd like, if it's ice cream and after my entree I decide I'm too full and would rather order something I can take with me, well, I expect to be able to order what I want. We'll see...

 

[skater]

OP posted because they want to know opinions, and here is mine, it is a customer service thing in my opinion. Most servers I had launched into the DDP explination right away upon hearing we had the plan. If they wanted to know ahead to treat you badly, they would turn their noses at you or something. Also, they do it at every restaurant, because they are trained that way.

You may be used to the ropes of the plan, but I will need a refresher when I go again after a year.

Besides, how many times have you stood and stared at the board at Mickey D's when the menu has not changed much in my 34 years! People need guidance!

Another opinion- the difference in service is the difference in people's outlook in general. That of the people being served and of the servers. If you get a negative server and are a positive person you may think they are just having a bad day or something is wrong with the servers life. If you are a negative person (or even just in a bad mood because it is stinkin hot in FL) then it is the server, the plan, and the family over to the right of you. If you are a positive person or having a good time and you get a positive server then a great time is had by all. If you are a negative person or in a bad mood (again, that darned sun) and you get a positive server they will be as annoying as all get out and won't leave you alone! The world can end, I have figured out how people get different service!!

I am a very positive person and I love WDW - I am not looking for problems. If a server is negative, he is doing a bad job. Maybe its not the plan's fault, but it is his/her fault. I work with the public and even if I am having a terrible day, I still know how to be polite and kind. Even if my job performance slips or I make mistakes, I don't have to treat customers in a negative manner. I'm not sure its logical to assume I'm a negative person if I think someone is giving me poor service.

 

[Oh Bother!]

IMO, the CMs ask before they take your reservation because many restaurants aren't on the DDP. We were going to make a reservation for Rainforest Cafe and because the CM was on top of things, she let us know that this restaurant was not on the DDP, and that we'd need to pay OOP. At our request, she guided us toward places that would accept our TS credits. It would be easier to make reservations blindly, but I believe that asking whether or not I'm on DDP is an effort to provide better, more complete service. I now know where to find information on the DDP (Thanks, DIS!! ), but I'm sure many people assume that all restaurants are on the plan. However, that would be WAY too easy!

 

[melomouse]

Hi - I've been away from the boards for awhile, but I used the FDP last fall and this trip we are paying for it.

I'm always interestes in these types of discussions about service and DDP or not. In general, I agree with microcell about the attitude of the customer. Some people just elicit bad service! OTOH, Skater, you are right that servers can have "bad" moods, days, etc, and though we all agree that is inappropriate in customer service, sometimes it happens. When it does, it needs to be met with even MORE positive kindness. Tough one!

Even in Disney this happens and I think in our perfect WDW vision,no server should have an attitude or be uncooperative! Some think you get what you pay for, and if it's FDP, do these folks EXPECT inferior service??

I suspect that some of us might react based on world view, how often you eat out and where, what part of the country you live in and then, of course, what kind of day you are having in the moment.

WDW restaurants are NOT Olive Garden, but every restaurant is not V & A. either.

 

[OneBadApple]

IMO, the CMs ask before they take your reservation because many restaurants aren't on the DDP. We were going to make a reservation for Rainforest Cafe and because the CM was on top of things, she let us know that this restaurant was not on the DDP, and that we'd need to pay OOP. At our request, she guided us toward places that would accept our TS credits. It would be easier to make reservations blindly, but I believe that asking whether or not I'm on DDP is an effort to provide better, more complete service. I now know where to find information on the DDP (Thanks, DIS!! ), but I'm sure many people assume that all restaurants are on the plan. However, that would be WAY too easy!

Good point, I never would have thought of that.

 

[lilyv]

IMO, the CMs ask before they take your reservation because many restaurants aren't on the DDP. We were going to make a reservation for Rainforest Cafe and because the CM was on top of things, she let us know that this restaurant was not on the DDP, and that we'd need to pay OOP. At our request, she guided us toward places that would accept our TS credits. It would be easier to make reservations blindly, but I believe that asking whether or not I'm on DDP is an effort to provide better, more complete service. I now know where to find information on the DDP (Thanks, DIS!! ), but I'm sure many people assume that all restaurants are on the plan. However, that would be WAY too easy!

Another perspective, good to hear.
Disney needs to be careful about this, though. I've made about 7 ressies for our upcoming trip, and I've been asked the same question, each and every time BEFORE we even being to work on my requests.

This question doesn't, in use, appear to be used to help the customer. It sounds like they have two tiers of reservations.