[gracie]

Hi all,
We just got back from WDW after using the Dining Plan for a week and I have to say it was great!
We saved a TON of money by using this and never had to skrimp on anything.
Here is a quick rundown of where we ate:

Chef Mickeys - always a classic. Decent food, great character interaction. My DD would have a fit if we didn't go there.

Mama Melrose - food was good, great service. My DH had the Mozzarella and Tomatoes as an apetizer, and the Charred Sirloin Steak. Both were delicious. I had the Baked Caprino Cheese and the Chicken Pipette. Both were decent.

Donald's Breakfastasaurus - great food and service. I found that the characters were a little scarce. They only came out once we finished eating, and it was really quick.

Trail's End - this was a last minute change since my sister came and join us at WDW and she had no PSs made. I didn't realize that we now needed PSs here so we waited close to an hour for a table. None of us really liked this place although my DH loved the ribs. I found it a little too "rustic" for me (I'm a city girl ;) Not much choice for deserts and my DD couldn't find much to eat that she liked.

Le Cellier - I LOVED THIS PLACE!!! This is by far THE BEST RESTAURANT ON WDW PROPERTY!!! I had the Mushroom Filet Mignon and cheese soup, my DH had the NY Sirloin and both were tender as butter. I had the creme brulee for desert and it was great also.

1900 Park Fare - Great character interaction and the food is great.

Princess Breakfast - food was average (nothing too exciting). They did have great cinnamin rolls... I was disappointed with the characters since the two that we were waiting for were not there. My DD had dressed as Snow White and wanted to take a picture with her but she wasn't there. Neither was Ariel...
We saw Mulan, Mary Poppins, Belle, Aurora.

For the three of us, we saved at least 50$ - 100$ per day on food. Feel free to order a cappuccino or Latte after supper since this is included in the plan(along with your regular drink).
I would go back to all these restaurants except Trail's End. (My opinion, I know there are plenty who love this place)...

That's all for now! Feel free to ask questions.

[queensmama]

Yummy sounds like you had a very tasty trip.

[BuzzLightyear]

Sounds great!!
We had the same great time using the dining plan in May.

And LeCellier is really getting some great reviews these days. I fell the same way as you about the place, nothing has been better so far

[DisneyTeacher]

Thanks for the report, it sounds like you ate well and saved plenty of money. I can't wait to try Le Cellier this summer, it has been on waht want to try list for long enough.

[Laneysdad]

WHOA! WAIT! When did Mary Poppins become a Princess!? Was there a vote I missed? Last I checked she was still just a Nanny using sugar as a healing ointment and flying with an umbrella. Perhaps she is a good witch but I must question her royalty status.

AHH A NEW THREAD IS UPON US.

[Dopey]

I am so excited now about this Dining Plan.
I hope that they don't figure out that it saves us money. So if you have something good to say about the plan, in the future, send only PMs to EVERYONE on the board

[robinmouse]

I am really worried that so many people are going to be on the dining plan that eating will be a problem. I really don't like planning every single dinner before I even get on the plane, but I'm afraid that if I don't do that, I won't be able to get seated each night. We like to plan our days on the fly most of the time. Having AR's every night is really going to make my husband cranky, but being turned away at every restaurant will be worse. September is usually deserted when we go. I hope the restaurant situation will be ok for us. Do you think calling for an AR at the beginning of the day for that evening might be enough notice at that point? We don't intend to do any character meals or anything.

[Dopey]

Originally Posted by robinmouse

I hope the restaurant situation will be ok for us. Do you think calling for an AR at the beginning of the day for that evening might be enough notice at that point? We don't intend to do any character meals or anything.

I deffinitely think that calling in the morning will be fine. Specially when it's desserted, as you say.

[mickey]

Originally Posted by robinmouse

Do you think calling for an AR at the beginning of the day for that evening might be enough notice at that point? We don't intend to do any character meals or anything.

If you want to eat somewhere in the parks like Le Cellier, I would plan accordingly. Even when the parks are dead, I have waited over an hour there, even with a PS. If you are on the dining plan, I would try to plan out as much as you can ahead of time, and then make changes that morning if needed/possible.

[BESUNNYSIDEUP]

Just added the Dining plan to our plan this week. We figured it would be same price if we just eat CS and didn't get any extras. Then when I called they didn't charge me the full amount. I ask the total 3 times and then called back twice to confirm that it was added to our account. Big Mickey Yeah for saving even more money!!
I am SOOO looking forward to it. I hope to plan my PS this week too. It is hard to figure out where you will be and when. Are any of the parks slower on Sundays? We wanted to do MK on Monday but I have been told it is extra busy on Mondays and it is also a EMH day.
We probably won't do many CB but do want to eat at some nice places. Does anyone have any other places that have been great in the past?
P.S. thanks for the tip on the latte after dinner. How is that included if you already had your beverage? Maybe I shouldn't ask.

[BESUNNYSIDEUP]

Also, Does anyone know if Boma at AK is any good?

[gracie]

At at least 4-5 of these places I had a capuccino after supper and none of them charged me extra for it. The coffee at the Pop Century was soooooo bad that I was craving coffees my whole trip!

As for not making PSs or ARs, I would suggest planning most in advance if you are going a busy period. My sister came down last minute, and we couldn't get tables anywhere. I was really surprised that most of them were full, but they were. In fact last week all of the values and intermediate hotels were all booked! I tried to get her a room and couldn't find one, so they ended up staying off-site.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by BESUNNYSIDEUP

Also, Does anyone know if Boma at AK is any good?

I love Boma for breakfast and the dinner is ok too. It's definately worth a trip over there just to see the animals. Try getting a breakfast PS...great selection and great food.

[pearlelpis]

Originally Posted by BESUNNYSIDEUP

Also, Does anyone know if Boma at AK is any good?

We've been to Boma a couple of times for both Breakfast and Dinner. The restaurant has very interesting food with a good variety of soup and entrees selection. Great service. We especially like their fruit punch (called "Frunch") which usually serve during breakfast (but they'll also give it to you if you ask for it during dinner).

[Soundgod]

Now, if Disney Travel could only impilment this kind of meal plan in Disneyland as well. We just went out there and used one of their meal plans. It doesn't compare. Instead of just presenting your Key to The Kingdom and getting your meal, despite actual cost, st Disneyland, they give you vouchers for specific dollar amounts, with the exception of one character dinner and one character breakfast. So in spite of being on a 5 day plan, we must have shelled out an additional $300 easily for the two of us. Adding insult to injury. They include 4 "snack" vouchers worth $5.68. Go toa cart for a pretzel and a coke and you owe them a dollar. A total waste of time and effort.