Dining plan complaints

[shoppingnut]

It's funny, I don't consider drinks (water and Cola products) as snack.....but Disney does.

I was hoping for one cookie or one donut as a snack. Oh well.

Well, I for one am glad that Disney considers soda as a snack considering I don't really eat popcorn and it's usually too hot for ice cream as I hate when it melts and runs down you arm. At least with soda and water as an option it doesn't force you to eat junk food if you don't want it.

 

[wannabeBelle]

BigAl Does this help...​

Note: Upon check-in, all meals from the package are combined into one central account for maximum flexibility. Any Guest in the party may use the meals from this central account at any time during their package stay until all the meals are depleted.

From "The Brochure" that is becoming so popular. We should have this thing disected soon!

​

I assume this goes on your room key!

You are 100% correct on that New!!! Belle

 

[BigAL]

Thanks!

So if three people in a party of five have the package and two come later in the week. Can they possibly use say a sit down dinner from our vouchers or whatever they give you? I know the official answer is no but what is the real answer?

 

[slappy magoo]

I think the biggest complaint is the fact that guests who aren't purchasing passes, either because they have AP or leftover days, aren't eligible to purchase the dining add on.

But at least AP holders can now buy into the Disney Dining Experience. THAT, to me, is a much better value than the new dining plan.

I wonder if they'd refuse people with leftover days on old Park Hoppers to add a dining plan...

 

[Laura]

So if three people in a party of five have the package and two come later in the week. Can they possibly use say a sit down dinner from our vouchers or whatever they give you? I know the official answer is no but what is the real answer?

I think you could do that. Let's say you have 3 adults in your package staying 5 nights. That means you would have a total of 15 sit down credits (5 for each person). Then if you have 2 more adults join you for a meal, I'm sure you could simply say that you'd like to use 5 of your 15 (or however many you'd have) sit down credits to pay for the meal.

But I don't see how that would help you out any. Then you'll end up paying for your missing meals out of pocket later on.

 

[TURKEY]

It was reported on another site that many snack locations are run by third parties and do not accept the snack coupons that come with the dining plan.

Cheers.

I know of no snack carts that are run by 3rd parties other than the coffee locations.

 

[BigAL]

Meals

Not if you only want to eat several sit down meals and not one every night. It would work to my advatage that way.

 

[jesserin]

Time for a little Clarity...

Okay guys - let's clear up some questions!

First of all - to the TA who posted this thread - thank you - you are a smart TA and it sounds like you'd be a great person to work with!

Here on WDWmagic there are several TA's that can help get the facts, as well as several CM's which are also wonderful for clearing things up -

I'm going to give a quick plug to Pam from Kingdom Konsultants really quick - for those wanting more info on discount tickets and vacation packages - she's a great girl and is the official wdwmagic.com travel agent...

That being said - I'm also a travel agent, and would love to get some things out on the table for y'all...

1. There are some snack carts that only sell McDonald's French Fries, or Turkey legs - wether these are run by an outside vendor or not doesn't matter - What Disney is saying is that not all snack vendors sell Popcorn, Ice Cream Bars, or Sodas. That's what is in included in the snack plan - so that's all you can get - so don't ask for anything other than these options... simple right? Not for everyone.

2. The Dining Plan is $35 per adult per day and $10 per child (ages 3-9) per day. Disney has to put some restaurant restrictions in there - b/c this plan is so affordable. With a little effort - the restaurant choices are quite extensive and can really pay off... however, this plan was not created to screw Disney over... this plan was created to provide an affordable way to prepay your dining experiences... so don't assume that every restaurant will be included - nor should you assume that the new plan is bad just b/c it restricts some of the more pricey restaurants... It is simply a way of making Disney Dining affordable for families...

3. Here is a link to the Disney Dining Program: This is from Disney - so if your favorite restaurant isn't on this list - then plan accordingly and bring extra $$ for that restaurant.
http://adisneyworld.disney.go.com/media/wdw/images2003/languagespecific/eng/nontheme/tickets/MYWDining.pdf

4. As for what's included - pay special attention when the counter service says: 1 entree, 1 dessert, and 1 single serving beverage OR 1 Complete Combo meal (this includes fries people!), and dessert and beverage.




Overall - this doesn't have to be the best plan for you - it doesn't have to be your idea of a good plan... but please remember that this is an OPTION. If you do not like it or you do not want to do the proper research - then by all means, you will be the one to give the plan a bad review. For those who do the research, and proper planning - you'll be pleasantly suprised with the package - and you may just give it a Great review!

I really love this package personally - I am not planning on it being my entire meal plan for my entire stay as it seems some people are doing... but I am using it as a great guide for excellant money saving options! For example - if you really want to dine at the Rainforest Cafe (not included) then book yourself a fantastic dinner at the California Grill - using 2 options - and then enjoy your meal at the RC... it's a win win!

Hope this helps clarify- feel free to ask any more questions - and thank you to those of you who PM'd me asking me for advice! Anytime y'all need it - I'm here to help!

 

[wannabeBelle]

Hey there Jesse, Thanks for the clarifications!!! I appreciate the input!!! Are there limitations in terms of what you can order for your appetizer or entree?? or is it anything that is on the menu in that given restaurant?? I am interested in how this works, but as I Am an AP holder it doesnt apply to me!! I did sign up for the Disney Dining Experience program so I Am a happy chick!!! Once again good discussion people!!! Let's keep it going!! Belle

 

[jesserin]

No problem Belle!

Let's clarify the counter service first k?

When you look at the menu, it will list Entrees and Desserts... You can pick one Entree (you'll notice that 99% of them come with fries or salad or whatever... something other than just the burger) and one Dessert -

The reason they seperate it is this: Some places offer things like a Cesear Salad, or a Turkey Salad (AK) and those don't come with fries... well, in that case you wouldn't get fries. But if you order a Sandwhich Combo - it would come with fries...

They have to clarify otherwise people will be wanting to order a Burger with a side Hot Dog... um no. Or a Salad with a side of Fries... still no.

Some entree's include things like a sandwich, beans, corn, and a drink - that would be considered a combo - so all you have to do is pick your dessert.

------------------------------

Okay - now for the Sit Down Restaurants...

When you open the menu - it will list Appatizers, Entree's, and Desserts... Same goes for the ordering...

No you can't order 3 appatizers instead of an entree and dessert - No you can't order 2 desserts and one Entree...

You can order 1 Appatizer (single serving - not family sized), 1 Entree, 1 Dessert, and 1 non alcoholic single serving beverage...

The big confusion on restrictions is those few who like to make the ordering process difficult...

Some drinks are not single serving (you know, the one's that say - serves two... - such as certain milkshakes, or souvineer cups)

Some Appatizers are not single serving (again, the one's that say - sample platters, or servings for 4 - not included)

Now, can you substitute fruit for fries? sure! Can you substitute chips for fries? Sure! Can you substitute corn for your mashed potatoes? Sure Can you substitute a Pork Chop for fries? No! don't ask!



All in all - if you stay relatively simple - the plan is simple - there are no restrictions - such as "you can't order shrimp or crab cakes as an appatizer b/c they are expensive" Or "You can't order the T-Bone b/c it's too pricey" - if the restaurant is on the list - and it is a single portion meal, you can choose what you like...

edit:
Oh there is the Captain Jack's exclusion of the "some prices may require surcharges" - Please don't expect to pay $35 for the dining plan and then walk into Captain Jack's and order the 2 Lobster Tail Dinner ($32) for your entree... that would be a surcharge. Also CJ's allows you to add a Lobster Tail to any entree for $12... don't expect that to be included in your plan either...

The plan overall is very reasonable - but it's not the "ultimate Disney scam" either... they protect themselves by limiting the expensive options...

But if you think about it - any single sit down restaurant in WDW... when adding a appatizer, entree, dessert, and drink together - you're going to be upwards of at least $40 - so this one meal would have paid for your entire day... and you still have a counter service and a snack to enjoy!

~Jess

 

[BigAL]

Another Question

I am still trying to figure what kind of media (ticket, coupon etc.) you get with this plan? Is it a piece of paper for each item that has no names on it? Is it one card like your room key? Hopefully my question makes since.

 

[jesserin]

Sorry - forgot that one!

No, when you check in to your Disney Hotel, you will be issued a room key that looks like a credit card, on this card will be your Magic Your Way tickets to the parks, as well as your dining plan... no paper slips required! That one card is your "entrance to the world" as they say... You can also connect this card to your credit card (or debit, or cash) and charge purchases throughout your stay - so that you only have to carry this one card the entire trip! Each person in the room will be issued a key - and it's up to the parents to add the charging privilages to every card or just their own cards...

When dining, All you do is hand the waiter your card and you'll receive a receipt stating the amount of dining options you have left... If the restaurant you are dining at is not covered under the dining plan - You can pay by Credit Card, Debit, Cash or your Disney Resort Key (if you allowed the charging privilages...)

make sense?

No tickets, no paper - it's all right there on your card and very easy to keep track of!

 

[longfamily]

This will not make me happy in the happiest place on earth. I like to be happy when paying thousands of dollars on a trip

Let us know how this works out. I hope that this plan is not a hassle for you. I recommend bringing some extra $$$ just in case...:lookaroun

Longfamily and I have been trying to figure this out since November.

Cheers! It certainly seems as though the older plans are still much easier:lol:

 

[jesserin]

Longfamily~ you certainly are right on that point - the old plan was a whole lot easier - but a whole lot more expensive...

Computer Magic~ Try not to stress on it too much - now that the CM's and TA's are used to the package it's alot easier to answer people's questions - Disney changed about 1,000 things when the package first came out, so we've all been learning and relearning this plan for 2 months now... We're trying - and we'll gladly try to answer any questions y'all have!

 

[wannabeBelle]

Thanks Jess!!! I had the majority of it down. As you said it is mostly common sense type of stuff. I was wondering if there were any limitations on the one entree or appetizer, such as the surcharge you mentioned and you answered it wonderfully. Thanks again for your input!!! Belle

 

[Nansafan]

I thought I had read everything about the dining plan but I now see that I missed a key thing. I understood everything said about how the meals work, I understood the reasoning behind the certain limitations on what you could order. I printed out the brochure about the plan and have the current list from the Disney website about what restaurants accept the plan. How did I miss the part about AP holders not being able to use it? We have AP's, will be visiting the world in July to get in one more trip before they expire and were seriously looking at the Dining plan as an option. I guess I didn't realize it was an "add-on" to the MYW ticket thing. Oh darn it anyway. We'll have to do the usual charge it to the room and pay later thing.

 

[wannabeBelle]

Hey Nan, Did you hear about the Disney Dining Experience program that is open to us AP holders?? I signed up the day after I found out about it. it is a yearly fee of $50 for AP holders, which is $25 off the regular price. You get two cards and you and up to 9 guests get 20% off everything on your dining bill at most of the sit down restaurants in Walt Disney World!! I was so thrilled!!! Let me know if you need any more info or look up the thread I started when I heard the great news!!! Belle

 

[Nansafan]

Vaguely remember hearing about it Belle. I'll do a search and see what I can find. Thanks for the hint.

 

[wannabeBelle]

hereis the link to the thread. http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=49086
Hope this helps!!! Belle

 

[Dwarful]

Ok so I am totally confused at this point. as AP holders we did get the offer of paying the $50 and saving the 20% off of the sit downs. But our trip early May will be the last on this AP. Are we able to add on or not add on the MYW. Our family usually eats a simple breakfast (sometimes at the resort), late lunch and a light dinner. Example : breakfast at the resort, late lunch at the Biergarten and then burgers from counter service...OR we grab a snack and then maybe ice cream before bed.
BUT we were thinking about doing the package, then using our ap's and saving the tickets for the next trip..or if possible to apply them to the cost of our next ap's!