Why do waiters ask you if you're on a Dining Plan before you order?

[hookedonears]

I've always wondered why waiters ask if we are on a dining plan, when we are seated at our table, or before we order, as opposed to before they bring the bill? Could there be a subtle difference in the portions or quality of meats served to Free Dining people as compared to those who pay for it? I highly doubt this, but it sure makes me suspect it.

 

[rachellm]

I always thought it was so they could advise you on what to order. Like letting you know what counts as a drink, etc.

Even though they ask - they don't know if you have free dining or if you've paid for the dining plan. Not everyone going during free dining takes advantage of that promotion.

 

[sam_gordon]

I would guess so they know what's included with the order (or to let you know).

 

[clanmcculloch]

So they can explain the plan to you if you're using it, so they can advise of what is and is not included in the plan if you're using it and so they can ring the order up correctly to ensure that included items are separate from non-included items making getting your final bill together easier. Not knowing until it's time to present the bill could mean arguements over what was supposed to be included yet isn't as well as extra time to void out the bill and re-enter everything so that the included and non-included items are separated. Much more efficient to ask at the beginning of the meal.

 

[ses1230]

My guess is so the server can advise you what is and what is not included.

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

the server isn't going to ask if you if you're on free dining or if you paid for it. they want to make sure you order appropriately and know what you can have for your credit. plus, they want to know if you're on the regular or deluxe because the ordering options are different. you would be surprised to know how many people go with a dining plan and have no idea how to use it--for this reason, they have to explain/ask everyone. they also probably have to ring it in the system a certain way.

i don't think it affects your food at all!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

The last time I went to a table service restaurant in WDW was in August 2010 at Tony's Town Square and we were asked when checking in for the ADR if we were on the Disney Dining Plan. I guess they were doing that so the waiters don't need to ask and they know ahead of time when we sit down.

 

[hookedonears]

That all makes since. Obviously they have plenty of experience with people who don't completely understand how the dining plan works.

 

[figment_jii]

At almost every TS restaurant I went to the server asked if we were on the dining plan before we ordered (they did not ask if it was free or paid for). They often asked to see one of our KTTW cards. I agree that this so they could explain what was included on the plan.

We also paid out of pocket for some meals, but I did not notice any difference in food quality or server behavior.

 

[prttynpnk]

We ate at Narcoosees a few years ago and were treated to a 15 minute haranging of the wait staff when the bill arrived at the next table and they were shocked to find their alcohol charged to them. The manager even came out the explain the dining plan to them, but by then, the table was convinced the staff was in the wrong. I'm sure that waiter always explains the plan before people order now!

 

[Jestocost]

That all makes since. Obviously they have plenty of experience with people who don't completely understand how the dining plan works.

I have plenty of experience with people who don't completely understand the DDP just from standing in line behind about 1,000 of them.

 

[POOHsie]

We ate at Narcoosees a few years ago and were treated to a 15 minute haranging of the wait staff when the bill arrived at the next table and they were shocked to find their alcohol charged to them. The manager even came out the explain the dining plan to them, but by then, the table was convinced the staff was in the wrong. I'm sure that waiter always explains the plan before people order now!

This is a game people play to get comped food and drinks. I think it also answers why Disney wait staff asks if you are on DDP before service begins, so that there are no such "misunderstandings" when the check comes.

 

[juliebug1997]

I don't think they're trying to make any distinctions between those who pay for their dining plan and those who don't. Just like PPs said: they just want to make sure that you know what's included in your meal and what you can choose from. It's much easier to clear up any questions at the beginning than at the end.

 

[disnut8]

I've always wondered why waiters ask if we are on a dining plan, when we are seated at our table, or before we order, as opposed to before they bring the bill? Could there be a subtle difference in the portions or quality of meats served to Free Dining people as compared to those who pay for it? I highly doubt this, but it sure makes me suspect it.

I would not suspect it at all. We were seated right next to another couple at the 50s Prime Time. We have never been on the Dining Plan, they were. We both received the same treatment, the same portions, the same amount of attention. The only difference was the server had to take extra time to explain to the other couple what was included with the plan.

 

[bumbershoot]

In December, they would ask if we were on "a plan". We had the TIW card, so I would mention that up front, and it made it easier on the server, if they remembered, because they didn't have to print a bill, bring it, take the card, reprint the bill, bring it, etc etc. Saved a step for them b/c they knew already.

So IMO it's not just DDP they are asking about.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the Dining Plan board.

 

[3pletprincesses]

I asked a waiter last month about it and they ask to see oyur card in order to see which plan ou are on. He said that too often people think they are entitle to stuff and then when the bill comes they don't want to pay because it should be included. It's one way for them to avoid confusion.

 

[shoes99]

In December, they would ask if we were on "a plan". We had the TIW card, so I would mention that up front, and it made it easier on the server, if they remembered, because they didn't have to print a bill, bring it, take the card, reprint the bill, bring it, etc etc. Saved a step for them b/c they knew already.

So IMO it's not just DDP they are asking about.

Right, we have TIW, and I said to the server no we are not on a plan, just using TIW. The server said "TIW" is a plan.

 

[bytheblood]

The last time I went to a table service restaurant in WDW was in August 2010 at Tony's Town Square and we were asked when checking in for the ADR if we were on the Disney Dining Plan. I guess they were doing that so the waiters don't need to ask and they know ahead of time when we sit down.

They ask at the podium and again at the table.

 

[aubriee]

We ate at Narcoosees a few years ago and were treated to a 15 minute haranging of the wait staff when the bill arrived at the next table and they were shocked to find their alcohol charged to them. The manager even came out the explain the dining plan to them, but by then, the table was convinced the staff was in the wrong. I'm sure that waiter always explains the plan before people order now!

We saw this almost same thing just last month at Yak & Yeti. The table next to us were positive that appetizers were included with the DDP and rather loudly accused the poor waitress of trying to get to them. They insisted a manger being called, who explained that appetizers had not been included for several years now. The man got really abusive and said they had received them just the year before on the basic DDP. Uh, no it's been several years. He then demanded to know why the table next to them got appetizers then and the manager got to explain the DxDDP to them. The man finally backed down and said that the previous year's trip had been on his F-I-L's dime and maybe they did have the DxDDP and he just hadn't realized it. Duh, did you not also notice that you got more meal credits to use that trip.