Dining Plan "credits" question

[SewIn2Disney]

I need a confirmation on this please (JP Von Drake??). I read on mousesavers.com that your Dining Plan credits are "pooled" within your party. So my family and I are going this August with the dining plan, staying for 7 nights and 6 days. So in our family of four, we should have 24 sit down credits, 24 counter service credits and 24 snack credits. I should be right so far.
Now, there is there any way my mom and I could even possibly eat all of that food. And, like we usually do when in Disney, we split an entree at a sit down place. Will we still be able to do that while on the dining plan? Our hopes is that if we split most of our meals at a sit down place, we will have "saved" enough credits for all four of us to eat at a "Signature Dining location" and use 8 credits there. We know that we can't split buffets, and possibly the Teppenyaki Room, but on most normal sit down resturants, would we be able to share our appetizer, entree and dessert?

Also, can anyone confirm the snacks up to $4.00? I would love to be able to get pastry items.....that constitutes breakfast!

Thank you so much in advance!

 

[gboiler1]

Your math is off a bit. It should be 28 counter, 28 table, 28 snacks based on # of nights x # of people in the package.
We didn't do it, but I believe you can "split" a meal by asking for an extra plate so thus saving the meal credits to pool for something bigger, etc.

Also, check out the new post on the Dining Plan Just Got Better or mousesavers.com which lists the expanded dessert/snack item list.

 

[Dwarful]

I am working on a large group trip in June of '07. with approximately 24+ people going. Is there a way to keep it sorted according to families I'd hate for any confusion to occur and some family not get what they were entitled to.

 

[lawyergirl77]

I am working on a large group trip in June of '07. with approximately 24+ people going. Is there a way to keep it sorted according to families I'd hate for any confusion to occur and some family not get what they were entitled to.

IIRC, the credits are allocated by room. So if the families are each in separate rooms, then there shouldn't be a problem.

 

[JPVonDrake]

Yes, I can confirm that when a family is on the Magic Your Way Plus Dining Package, the entitlements for all the guest in the same room are "pool" together, and there is no difference between an Adult or Child entitlements.

For your example, of a family of 4 paying Guests (all age 3+) staying 6 nights would get a total of (6 x 4 =24) 24 Table Service Meals, 24 Counter Service Meals, and 24 snacks that can be used by anyone in the room, anytime, until each entitlement is depleted or until midnight on the date you are scheduled to check out.

(I am assuming you meant to state you have a 6 night / 7 day stay)

Any dining location with an a la carte menu will allow Guests to split a meal. If the location offers an "all you care to eat" menu (buffet or family style) then everyone seated must pay.

The previous posting of a change in the snack entitlement is simply an internet rumor only. The official lists of snack entitlements includes:

-- Snacks include a choice of one (1) of the following:
Frozen ice-cream novelty
Single serving box of popcorn
Single piece of fruit
Single service Grab Bag of Frito-Lay's Brand Chips
Apple Juice
20 ounce bottle of Coke, Diet Coke or Sprite
24 ounce bottle of Dasani Water
Medium sized fountain soft drink
1/2 pint of milk (where available)

I will be happy to report back if this "officially" changes.

Hope this helps! :sohappy:

 

[SewIn2Disney]

Thank you so much! I knew you'd come through.

And actually, we tacked on an extra night as we drive to FL, so we stay the last night and leave early the next morning. Is the amount of credits you get dependent on the amount of days or the amount of nights?

One other question: Does the 20 oz bottle of Coke etc, include the Poweraid, or is that part of the rumor to snacks as well?

Thanks again.....you rock!

 

[JPVonDrake]

Glad to be of help.

The number of dine entitlements is based on the number of nights you are staying at the Resort on your vacation package.

The list I posted is a direct copy/paste from Cast Portal, and verified with the list in DRC's information database. Officially these are the only items included as snacks, however, each restaurant/snack location is free to add additional items at their own discretion. Look for the DDP logo for additional snack items on the posted menu.

:sohappy:

 

[SewIn2Disney]

Great! Thanks again!

(It seems you've been quite popular around these boards the past few days....you're name has been in a bunch of titles.....keep up the excellent work!)

 

[SewIn2Disney]

Actually, two more questions (since you're so great!). Don't hurt me! It's just that this dining plan has me so confused! :brick:

Some resturants have both appetizers and starters, or another category above the actual category called "appetizers" can we order from any category for our appetizer, or does it have to be a specific appetizer? For example: If you look at the Jiko menu (http://allearsnet.com/menu/menu_jiko.htm) There is a category called "from the Cooking Place" then another category called "appetizers". Can we order from either as our appetizer? Also, the California Grill has sushi, but not under the appetizer section, would I be able to order sushi?
And question two: When it says a non-alcholic drink, is that any drink, including smoothies, or just a soda/tea etc. (I know that glow cube drinks are not included)

Thanks again! You've been invaluable!

 

[MouseearsDeb]

Add me to the list on the previous question

Second me on the list for appetizer and drink questions. Thanks JP for the answers on the pooling of points/credits. Sounds like if one evening we're not hungry enough for 4 sit down dinners, if the rest. allows, we should be able to split 2 and save the other two maybe for a breakfast or such.

 

[Dagger]

Yes, I really love the idea that everything is pooled per family! Too cool.

 

[JPVonDrake]

Actually, two more questions (since you're so great!). Don't hurt me! It's just that this dining plan has me so confused! :brick:

Some resturants have both appetizers and starters, or another category above the actual category called "appetizers" can we order from any category for our appetizer, or does it have to be a specific appetizer? For example: If you look at the Jiko menu (http://allearsnet.com/menu/menu_jiko.htm) There is a category called "from the Cooking Place" then another category called "appetizers". Can we order from either as our appetizer? Also, the California Grill has sushi, but not under the appetizer section, would I be able to order sushi?
And question two: When it says a non-alcholic drink, is that any drink, including smoothies, or just a soda/tea etc. (I know that glow cube drinks are not included)

Thanks again! You've been invaluable!

Sorry it took me a while but I wanted to get you an official answer.

At any al a carte menu Table Service Restaurants each guest on the dine plan choices:
1 item from the Appetizer Section
1 item from Entree Section
1 item from the Desert Section
1 single serving non-alcoholic beverage

Items listed under separate menu sections such as starters, side items, etc. are generally not included. However, the waiters at each restaurant are trained in knowing about select exceptions to this policy.

Most items listed as "appetizer for two" or "entree for two" can be ordered but must be shared by two guest on the dine plan. Again your waiter will know what can be included what can't.

For example, I contacted a manager at California Grill to verify this answer for you and was told certain "appetizer sized" sushi menu items can be included as an appetizer, while other sushi menu items could count as your entree. As menus are always changing, there is no hard and set rule to go by in advance, you must ask your waiter upon ordering.

As their gratuity is included in your plan, (and based 18% of your total food cost) you can be sure your waiter will be more then happy to let you know everything that is available to you on the menu, and is even willing to box any portion of your meal to go for that all important midnight snack at your resort. :snore: :slurp:

As far as your beverage is concerned, milkshakes, smoothies, frozen cokes, etc. are included as long as they contain no alcohol and are not served in or with a souvenir (i.e. glow cubes, take home cup, etc.):slurp: The single serving disclaimer is if a restaurant offers a "drink for two" item on the menu it may not be included, but again the individual restuarant has the option to make exceptions.

Sorry for the delay, but I hope this helps! :sohappy: