[RobinHood]

Even though I have been to WDW half a dozen times or so, this year is our first time using the DP...

Just a few 'real questions'...

For a table service, can you get the most expensive thing on the menu?

Table Service... includes a dessert and an appetizer?

What exactly can you get for a counter service?

[CarolinaTilt]

You will love it!! Every restaraunt, CS and table service, will give you great instructions and make sure you know what to do.

Table service: Yes, appetizer, meal, and desert.
Counter service: Desert, meal, and I think appetizer (maybe not appetizer). What you can get ranges from standard fast food far to very good chicken and healthy alternatives.

You can definitely order the most expensive thing on the menu!!

If you have time before you upcoming trip, book some reservations.

Enjoy!!

[DisneyTeacher]

Unless you are on the deluxe dining plan the appetizer is no longer included in the dining plan.

At table service restaurants you get an entree, dessert and drink. At a counter service you get a meal, dessert and drink.

[PrincessPooh]

OK-here is an abbreviated run down:

Basically, there is a difference between the deluxe dining and the regular dining plans.

The basic dining plan includes 1 table service, 1 counter service and 1 snack per day. The table service meal includes only your entree and dessert, or a buffet. The appetizer IS NOT included [anymore], and 1 non alcoholic beverage. Usually, there aren't any restrictions as to what you can order. I have heard that some restaurants give you a different menu if you are on the dining plan, but having done the dining plan 3 years in a row, I haven't missed anything on a menu yet. As for now, the gratuity is also included-but that will be changing in 2009.

For counter service options, you can basically get one combo meal which includes a main item and a side, 1 dessert and 1 non alcoholic beverage. And don't think it's just hot dogs and fries. There are lots of great counter service spots all around WDW, especially at Epcot! Each country has their own counter service spots which serve typical food from that nation.

You also get one snack per day which consists of just about any item under $4-with a few exceptions.

The big difference between the basic and deluxe plans are that the deluxe plan consists of 3 meal credits per day and you choose whether you want to utilize them for counter service or table service. Also, the deluxe plan table service meals come with an appetizer [where the basic plan does not]. Also, the deluxe plan comes with refillable mug to be used at the food court at your resort.

Here is a great link that I think clears everything up:
Walt Disney World Vacation Packages

[whitba]

Unfortunantly they took away both the gratuity and the appetizer earlier this year, can't remember when.

Along with PrincessPooh's great info this brochure will fill in a few more of the details. If you still have questions someone here will have the answer for sure. It takes a bit of prep work but the DDP is a great feature.

http://adisneyworld.disney.go.com/me...s/08Dining.pdf

We're looking forward to Surf & Turf!

There is an awesome Snack list here on MB - maybe someone can help find it, I'm sleepy and not being successful...

[DisneyTeacher]

Originally Posted by whitba

There is an awesome Snack list here on MB - maybe someone can help find it, I'm sleepy and not being successful...

It's a sticky at the top of this forum (restaurants). Kim does a nice job of keeping it up to date.

[iluvwdw]

Originally Posted by PrincessPooh

OK-here is an abbreviated run down:

Basically, there is a difference between the deluxe dining and the regular dining plans.

The basic dining plan includes 1 table service, 1 counter service and 1 snack per day. The table service meal includes only your entree and dessert, or a buffet. The appetizer IS NOT included [anymore], and 1 non alcoholic beverage. Usually, there aren't any restrictions as to what you can order. I have heard that some restaurants give you a different menu if you are on the dining plan, but having done the dining plan 3 years in a row, I haven't missed anything on a menu yet. As for now, the gratuity is also included-but that will be changing in 2009.
For counter service options, you can basically get one combo meal which includes a main item and a side, 1 dessert and 1 non alcoholic beverage. And don't think it's just hot dogs and fries. There are lots of great counter service spots all around WDW, especially at Epcot! Each country has their own counter service spots which serve typical food from that nation.

You also get one snack per day which consists of just about any item under $4-with a few exceptions.

The big difference between the basic and deluxe plans are that the deluxe plan consists of 3 meal credits per day and you choose whether you want to utilize them for counter service or table service. Also, the deluxe plan table service meals come with an appetizer [where the basic plan does not]. Also, the deluxe plan comes with refillable mug to be used at the food court at your resort.

Here is a great link that I think clears everything up:
Walt Disney World Vacation Packages

Gratuity is NOT included this year. You will have to pay gratuity OOP.

[PrincessPooh]

OOOPS! I'm so sorry! I thought grat was still included for now. I guess it's a good thing someone caught me on that since I'm leaving next month!

[RobinHood]

Thanks so much for the advice. I asked my DW some questions who looked over it briefly and she suggested I 'ask my new friends'.

We have the basic plan and have 5 of the 6 table service reservations used up.
> Breakfast with the Princesses (counts as 2) - 1 week from today!
> Teppan Edo
> Dinner @ Chef Mickey's
> GF Cafe (dinner)

I am guessing that if you did order an appetizer (or anything else that is not covered) they will just give you a bill for the OOP amount? Thanks again.

[DisneyTeacher]

Yes, if you order something that isn;t covered, like an adult drink or appetizer, you will get a bill.

[Cincy]

Originally Posted by RobinHood

I am guessing that if you did order an appetizer (or anything else that is not covered) they will just give you a bill for the OOP amount? Thanks again.

Yes. Any adult beverages or anything not on the plan will be seperate.

[whitba]

You're bookings look like fun. You can review the menus at Restaurant Dining Menus from Walt Disney World

[RobinHood]

Thanks. I found that Menu link yesterday and added it to my favorites. 3 of the 4 we never did before, so we are looking forward to it.

[Jennatrz]

Originally Posted by RobinHood

Thanks so much for the advice. I asked my DW some questions who looked over it briefly and she suggested I 'ask my new friends'.

We have the basic plan and have 5 of the 6 table service reservations used up.
> Breakfast with the Princesses (counts as 2) - 1 week from today!
> Teppan Edo
> Dinner @ Chef Mickey's
> GF Cafe (dinner)

I am guessing that if you did order an appetizer (or anything else that is not covered) they will just give you a bill for the OOP amount? Thanks again.

oh I can't wait to hear what you think of Teppan Edo. I have been wanting to try that for so long.

[PrincessPooh]

Looks like you have some great choices for character interaction! I always love the character meals...it's something you can only do while you're there! We're going to Teppan Edo for the first time next month also, and I'm really looking forward to it!