Dining Plan credits I bought, should be my choice on how to use them

[journ116]

Anyone on your reservation can use the MB to pay for meals... Im referring to being able to pay for someone else's meal, a military family sitting at your next table, or an older couple, that you basically dont know In our experiences last year, everyone in my party were able to use their MB to pay for meals or snacks.

I've never tried with a TS meal credit because we participate in the QS meal plan. In June 2013, I stood at the Boardwalk Pizza window and treated 3 guests (and their families) to a large pizza, 2 drinks & 2 desserts = 2 QS meals x 3 = 6 QS meals used. My family and I just could not get thru all that food before leaving the next day, so like you, we sprinkled our own pixie dust!

So, your recent experience has been with redeeming a TS credit for someone not in your immediate party? What happened when you tried recently?

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

I've never tried with a TS meal credit because we participate in the QS meal plan. In June 2013, I stood at the Boardwalk Pizza window and treated 3 guests (and their families) to a large pizza, 2 drinks & 2 desserts = 2 QS meals x 3 = 6 QS meals used. My family and I just could not get thru all that food before leaving the next day, so like you, we sprinkled our own pixie dust!

So, your recent experience has been with redeeming a TS credit for someone not in your immediate party? What happened when you tried recently?

Me, personally, haven't tried since last November. The one time I was told it was a no no, was at Chef Mickey's for breakfast. Friends of mine went to Disney this past June, and tried at Raglan Road, Liberty Tree Tavern and Yak and Yeti, and were told it wasn't allowed. They were, however, able to tap people on the shoulder and offer to use their credits to pay for their meal. (Lotus Blossom Cafe and Sommerfest in Epcot, Launching Pad at MK and Flame Tree BBQ at AK) Not a problem. Sit down restaurants, it wasn't possible.

 

[Rob562]

I guess this new FP+ reservation system, and Magi bands have changed everything.

Has nothing at all to do with FP+ or Magic Bands, and has everything to do with Disney (apparently) starting to enforce a rule that's always been there:

From the DDP brochure: "You may not redeem meals or snacks for any Guests who are not on
your Disney Dining Plan."
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/me...alog/WaltDisneyWorld/en_us/PDF/2014Dining.pdf

-Rob

 

[Dwarful]

It is easier to do at QS locations. Last year was the last time we had the DDP. I have given away QS meals. This trip we saw a family at Pop give away 8 meals and it wasn't a problem. But for the TS I could see the locations wanting the cash vs. sharing the credits. We know of a family that goes every year as a group and does exactly what The Mom said. They have 8 in their group and four get the plan and four don't. They split the cost and split the meals. They have a whole spread sheet before they go and know who will order what, what they will split, what appetizers they will order to spread the food out and how much it will cost. That, too me, is not what the meal plan was meant for and it wouldn't be fun. I would be embarrassed to try to pull that off but that is just me. Perhaps more people were doing this and it was becoming a problem...maybe that is part of the reason why we now pay $30 for a $12 breakfast buffet.

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

Has nothing at all to do with FP+ or Magic Bands, and has everything to do with Disney (apparently) starting to enforce a rule that's always been there:

From the DDP brochure: "You may not redeem meals or snacks for any Guests who are not on
your Disney Dining Plan."
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/me...alog/WaltDisneyWorld/en_us/PDF/2014Dining.pdf

-Rob

Rob you hit the nail on the head... enforcing a rule that's always been there. I'll be honest, I was dumb about that rule for many years, just figured if I had extra credits, use them to make someone else's day. no harm, no foul. I guess it's just me looking at Disney through my rose-colored glasses... happiness is... well, Disney LOL The reality of it all is just sad...

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

It is easier to do at QS locations. Last year was the last time we had the DDP. I have given away QS meals. This trip we saw a family at Pop give away 8 meals and it wasn't a problem. But for the TS I could see the locations wanting the cash vs. sharing the credits. We know of a family that goes every year as a group and does exactly what The Mom said. They have 8 in their group and four get the plan and four don't. They split the cost and split the meals. They have a whole spread sheet before they go and know who will order what, what they will split, what appetizers they will order to spread the food out and how much it will cost. That, too me, is not what the meal plan was meant for and it wouldn't be fun. I would be embarrassed to try to pull that off but that is just me. Perhaps more people were doing this and it was becoming a problem...maybe that is part of the reason why we now pay $30 for a $12 breakfast buffet.

I'm with you, I could never do something like that. This is another case of people ruining it for others I guess, just like the Dole Whip they used to offer at Capt Cook's...

 

[JillC LI]

I'm with you, I could never do something like that. This is another case of people ruining it for others I guess, just like the Dole Whip they used to offer at Capt Cook's...

You mean that's not coming back after the construction?!

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

You mean that's not coming back after the construction?!

Its suppose to, at another location at the Poly, but no longer self serve

 

[Dwarful]

Exactly! The sheer organizing of it all, let alone explaining to every single waiter at every single meal...no thanks. But, if they figured out a way to 'make it pay' then I am sure others did as well. A few rotten apples spoils the whole barrel.

 

[DManRightHere]

We happen to be big fans of the Dining Plan. I like the idea of everything being paid for prior to our trip. If we are lucky enough to get free dining, we upgrade to Deluxe. Every year, we always would *spread the magic* and use credits to *buy* dinner for armed forces members and their families, couples on their honeymoon, senior couples, etc. Even last year we were able to do this at some signature restaurants, without question. Nope, no longer allowed. (or actually it hasnt been allowed for several years, but was never really enforced much) I always thought it was a dose of pixie dust to unsuspecting families and a nice gesture. You can't even use leftover credits for family members if they are at Disney.. I just don't understand it... you buy the credits (and lets admit, it's costly) you should be able to use them as you see fit. Sorry, rant over... but am I right?

I think you should too.

I think Disney's reasoning is they do not want anyone to sell leftover credits to other guests.

 

[lara78660]

Heck, They wouldn't even let me buy a kid meal for my 10 yr old.
And this was a meal plan I stupidly bought and upgraded to allow table meals.
What the crap did I buy but headaches!!!

 

[Chernaboggles]

The dining plan just seems very unwieldy to me. I think it might be better to pre-purchase gift cards for dining and, if one was so inclined, carry a couple extra to be given out as "pixie dust".

 

[Jessica Meier]

I am seriously considering not using the meal plan. And I have always been a big fan. Just seems like it costs more than it's worth and with a gift card or cash I can do what I want.