[jo-jo]

We'll be using the dining plan for the first time this fall. Does anyone have any tips that you learned along the way that you would like to pass on? You know the ones that you learn when your trip was almost over. I'm afraid I'll be spending half our trip asking cashiers and servers over and over
"what can I get with this plan"?

[iluvwdw]

All I can say is I LOVE THE DINING PLAN!!!!!

At Table Service restaurants, most things are included. If they are NOT, the server will tell you...or it will state that in the menu. Also note that at some places, the servers will let you or the kids get a big MILKSHAKE as your drink instead of a soda or juice! MY DS thought that was quite fun!

Snacks are SO up in the air...it's mostly anything under $4. But there are exceptions...like the Popcorn Bucket in every park. It's under $4 but still NOT included as a snack. You can only get the small popcorn.

Just be sure to ask your servers if you have ANY questions!

[jo-jo]

Has anyone gotten both soda and coffee at one meal? I like something cold to drink with a meal, but coffee with dessert. If you can't get both, I'll just drink water and save the coffee with dessert (ahhhhh.. my own dessert).

[iluvwdw]

Originally Posted by jo-jo

Has anyone gotten both soda and coffee at one meal? I like something cold to drink with a meal, but coffee with dessert. If you can't get both, I'll just drink water and save the coffee with dessert (ahhhhh.. my own dessert).

You will have to pay for one. However, on a couple of occasions in December, DH got coffee after dinner and we weren't charged. We also got DD (18 months) an extra milk, and we weren't charged for her drink, either.

[jo-jo]

Originally Posted by iluvwdw

However, on a couple of occasions in December, DH got coffee after dinner and we weren't charged.

I guess I read this happening in some TR's, so that's why I wasn't sure.

[lovemysons]

Kim, you posted a great list one day of the snacks and such allowed on the DDP. Perhaps you could link that here?

[ssn]

Before you order at a CS or TS, tell the server right away that you are on the DP and he/she will tell you what is included since it seems to be different at every restaurant. Not sure about the coffee thing since we don't drink coffee - but pretty sure that would be seperate.

The snacks are the only confusing thing. Most CM's weren't sure either and would have to ring something up to tell me if it was included.

Like, the popcorn bucket was included at a stand in Epcot, but only the popcorn carton was included at a stand in MK.

Also, the CM at the MK bakery was surprised that my gummy bears, rice krispie treat and bucket of cotton candy were included.

Have fun we really enjoyed not having to worrry about what we were spending at each restaurant. It was really easy to use too!

[zefyr]

Since you have to tell the cashier or server you're on the DDP, alot of times they tell you want you can and cannot get. Especially when they offer the free-DDP they have alot of first time users to it's easier for them to tell you what's included instead of waiting for you to ask.

The important thing is to remember to tell them you're on the plan. I was at a cashier at Peco's Bills...the people next to me order all their food and then did an 'oh by the way we're on the DDP' after the cashier rang all the food up...those people didn't make too many friends that day.

[iluvwdw]

Originally Posted by lovemysons

Kim, you posted a great list one day of the snacks and such allowed on the DDP. Perhaps you could link that here?

Will do! Lemme find it...lol

[iluvwdw]

Originally Posted by lovemysons

Kim, you posted a great list one day of the snacks and such allowed on the DDP. Perhaps you could link that here?

Here's the link to that thread...I just updated the thread, too!

http://www.mousebuzz.com/forum/wdw-r...k-options.html

[lovemysons]

Thanks Kim! I see DisneyTeacher added it to the DDP FAQ sticky too. :)

[DisneyTeacher]

Originally Posted by lovemysons

Thanks Kim! I see DisneyTeacher added it to the DDP FAQ sticky too. :)

I did, it's such great list I couldn't not link it!

[LAURENGOLD]

Here's my tip (Love the DP!!!)

Don't be afraid to use your snack credits!!! The first time I used the plan, I found myself buying water OOP, since it was "only" 2.00. I figured We'd save the credits for something that cost more. Well, the last day we had something like 13 unused snacks. We were able to shop and buy a whole bunch of rice krispie treats to take home, but we should have used the credits earlier.

The second time we had no problems using all those credits!! I think they were gone by the fourth or fifth day!! LOL, I'd much rather have it that way though.

[missymouse]

Originally Posted by iluvwdw

All I can say is I LOVE THE DINING PLAN!!!

Me too!! We really think that it's a great deal!

[Disneyfever]

We loved the DDP! The only advice I can think of is to keep your receipts! When we ate at a sit-down restaurant the 2nd to last day of our trip, I decided that I didn't need to keep the receipt because I hadn't had any problems the entire trip.

Well, as luck would have it they made a mistake and charged us for an extra meal. I didn't know it until the last day when we ate at our last sit-down restaurant and I tried to pay with my card, they told me I was one meal short and would have to pay cash. I got it straightened out later at the hotel, but it would have been much easier if I had noticed it on the receipt when it happened. Every receipt from a sit-down restaurant will give you the remainder of sit-down meals left. Keep track.

Have fun!!