Dining Plan Changes

I just went through the Disney Parks Blog and did not see any official word, but I have seen the reports with the rumored changes.

That would be an incredibly good change. Sometimes we prefer the salad to a dessert. Hope this comes true !!:mickey:

I read about the changes as well and honestly, it sounded really confusing. It's going to be a pain for awhile while they (and the guests) get the hang of it.

BrerGnat;2458923 wrote: I read about the changes as well and honestly, it sounded really confusing. It's going to be a pain for awhile while they (and the guests) get the hang of it.

The dining plan didn't want to feel left out from all the other confusing aspects of planning a WDW vacation. ;)

Melanie;2458925 wrote: The dining plan didn't want to feel left out from all the other confusing aspects of planning a WDW vacation. ;)

Seriously. They should make a dining plan app next so people can virtually plan out their day's credit usage.

BrerGnat;2458927 wrote: Seriously. They should make a dining plan app next so people can virtually plan out their day's credit usage.

But the app wouldn't count the credits right, so they would have to give you a FP+ for your trouble.

A bit more seriously though, as great as this may be, I wonder how much extra Disney will charge for the dining plan next year?

The changes have been evidently internally announced, although a public announcement has yet to be made.

Here's a distilled (and hopefully less confusing) list of the changes effective 5/31/15:

New Eligible Snack Categories

Snack Credits now can be redeemed for any item in the following categories:

• Any side item served at a Quick Service Location
• Any single scoop ice cream sundae in a non-souvenir dish

Introduction of the "Breakfast Snack"

Guests wishing to use the Dining Plan for Breakfast, but not wishing to use a Quick Service Credit now have more options. During Breakfast hours at a Quick Service location, Guests may redeem 1 Snack Credit for any one of the following options (if available):

• Biscuit and Gravy
• Cereal with Milk
• French toast sticks
• Grits
• Hard-boiled egg
• Oatmeal
• Side of Bacon
• Side of Eggs
• Side of Potatoes
• Side of Sausage
• Quinoa

Introduction of the 'Snack Meal'

Guests wishing to use their Quick Service Meal credit for lighter or alternative fare have a new option:

• At Quick Service locations, 1 Quick Service Meal credit may be redeemed for any 3 Disney Dining Plan Eligible Snack Items.

Substitutions Accepted

Guests now have some options in substituting portions of a Dining Plan Meal credit:

• At select Table Service locations, Guests may substitute a side salad, soup, or fruit plate in lieu of a dessert. Guests should ask their server if this option is currently available at the time of their meal.
• At Quick Service locations, Guests may substitute any available side item for a dessert or beverage when redeeming one Quick Service Meal Credit.

Credit Restrictions Lifted

Guests can now redeem credits in ways previously restricted:

• Guests may redeem credits for Guests in their dining party not on their Dining Plan at Table Service Locations.
• Guests on the Deluxe, Premium, and Platinum Plans may redeem 1 Child Credit for 1 Adult Meal at Table Service Locations.
• Guests may redeem 1 Child Credit for 1 Adult Meal at Quick Service Locations.

Thanks Jason! I hated to post them if they were not "official". I think it's going to be nice like if you got a soft pretzel you had to pay for the little cheese cup, now I think it's going to be included. Stuff like that. I also love the idea of additional options for a breakfast snack instead of just a pastry!

I have to say these changes seem quite generous on Disney's end, considering how restrictive they were in the past. So far I'm pleased with these offerings.

But, a couple of years ago, we had CMs stressing constantly, that we could order an adult meal at counter service using my son's child credit. At the time he had zero interest in the adult menu, however I was surprised how many times they would point out this option to us.

I wonder if they'll next offer a TS credit for 1 CS and 1 snack option. There was a brief test period of this that we took advantage of a couple of years ago.

Sorry, hate to say it and blast me if you must, but I can't wait for even more holdups at the counter service locations with confused folks. I'm glad it's seemingly a good things for guests, don't get me wrong. Maybe it's because I've never done the dining plan, but man this seems confusing.

Melanie;2458968 wrote: Sorry, hate to say it and blast me if you must, but I can't wait for even more holdups at the counter service locations with confused folks. I'm glad it's seemingly a good things for guests, don't get me wrong. Maybe it's because I've never done the dining plan, but man this seems confusing.

I completely agree.

Maybe Disneyland has had it right all along with prepaid vouchers. ;)

Melanie;2458968 wrote: Sorry, hate to say it and blast me if you must, but I can't wait for even more holdups at the counter service locations with confused folks. I'm glad it's seemingly a good things for guests, don't get me wrong. Maybe it's because I've never done the dining plan, but man this seems confusing.

I really think there should be at least one "Non Dining Plan" line at every counter serve. I agree it is really frustrating when you just want to pay to be behind people trying to figure out their credits.

Any idea how much more this is going to cost? I would imagine that there's going to be an increase - and with the option of kids being able to order off the adult menu it seems that the price could go up significantly - especially for the kids dining plan.

Melanie;2458968 wrote: Sorry, hate to say it and blast me if you must, but I can't wait for even more holdups at the counter service locations with confused folks. I'm glad it's seemingly a good things for guests, don't get me wrong. Maybe it's because I've never done the dining plan, but man this seems confusing.

There is plenty of documentation on how the Dining Plan works. Now, if people read it is a whole other point. I haven't done the dining plan since my Dad died in 2010, as it was the only way I could get him to let me pay for meals, but it never confused me or any of our family. Mel, if you ever did the Dining Plan, I am sure you would pick it up pretty easily after reading the pamphlet.

AgentC;2458980 wrote: I really think there should be at least one "Non Dining Plan" line at every counter serve. I agree it is really frustrating when you just want to pay to be behind people trying to figure out their credits.

That would be great! We don't eat at many counter service restaurants, but that would be a great option when we do eat at Peco's Bills or Cosmic Ray's. If we hear people around us who seem confused on what they can get, we will usually introduce ourselves and help them, if only so the line moves faster.