Okay, so my family and I decided we wanted to go to Disney World for my daughter's birthday at the end of August and when we called our travel agent she told us about the free Disney Dining Plan. We usually go to Disney every year but never think about the dining plan, but she said it was free with the package so now were curious about it. We already made reservations at the restaurants we want to go to but I have some questions about them..
We're going to Le Cellier for lunch one of the days and a few people that we've talked to recommended the beer soup? I'm not sure of the name of it, but they said it was very good. Well anyway, it says you can get an appetizer with your meal, now does anyone know, can we get the soup instead of an appetizer? Because I'd really like to try the soup.
Also, when we go to these restaurants, our friend told us the tip is included, but I think I'd feel funny not leaving a tip.. are you supposed to..or is it really included?
Thanks if you can help!
2007-06-10 06:20:28 · 9 answers · asked by Jess 3 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Orlando
The dining plan is a great deal and to get it free is even better, you can't beat it.
Le Celliers is one of my favorite restaurants. You were very lucky to get it, especially during free dining. I think you will have a great time.
You can get the soup or appetizer, it is your choice. However, the best thing to do is talk with your waiter when you get there. Just tell them you are on the dining plan when you get there and you are new to it, they will expaling everything and let you know what you can and cannot get. It makes things a little easier on you and you don't have to keep asking questions. Plus, you will get your moneys worth ;-) Some waiters are a little harder to deal with and may give you a different answer, but you should have no problem getting the soup for your appetizer.
Tip is included in the dining plan, the whole amount as well. So, most of the time the waiters will get a better tip than many quests leave. I believe it is 18% now, that is what is considered proper in Orlando. It is one of the reasons that the dining plan is such a great deal, even when you have to pay. So, you really don't have to leave a tip, it is already included. However, if you feel your waiter did a really great job, you can always leave a little extra. Many times they deserve even more than they get. Since the dining was free anyway, it is nice to make their day when you can. I almost always leave something extra for them.
I hope this helps!
Have a great time!
2007-06-10 08:01:42 · answer #1 · answered by tech_fanatic 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I love the Disney Dingin Plan! It is absolutely worth using it--and espeically FREE! Lucky you. If you feel odd about not leaving a tip, then you have never traveled to Europe. The tip is included with the meal prices there. Having said that, the gratuity is indeed included in the plan and the servers don't expect more b/c they get full gratuity. It will display on your receipt that the tip was 18% (or 20%) so don't feel bad at all about not leaving anything more. It keeps the M in the Disney Magic to simply sign the slip and walk away. :)
You can indeed have the Beef and Barley soup for an appetizer (see 1st link below for the full menu). You get an appetizer, entree, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage of your choice for each person on the plan.
Disney does do programs where the dining plan is free to guests as an incentive to "get the word out" so to speak. Many people are still reserved about using the plan & giving in a package deal is a way to promote the plan. It really is fabulous!
Your snack credit can be a popcorn, ice cream, drink, etc. from the carts or walk up services. The counter service can be used anytime during the day for the walk up services. At the end of the week we had extra snack credits left and so as not to waste them we went to the bakery on the boardwalk and used them for muffins, breads, bagels etc. for the plane ride home. Keep in mind that your plan begins on the day of your check in, so if you don't arrive until say 4 pm to your hotel then you will have a snack, counter service, and table service for that day. Thus, leaving you an extra table service to use as say, The Flying Fish (Fabulous!) because the FF takes 2 table service credits for the meal, as does the Character meals.
At Epcot if you would like a counter service that is yummy then try the Japanese hut at the top of the hill in Japan. You can get a skewer of Terriyaki chicken, steamed rice and veggies for the meal. Be careful using the counter service at the food court in The Land because we had only a half sandwich and drink and they took it as the full counter service. You can elect not to get an appetizer or dessert which is why they don't say anything if you don't show up with one. We didn't know, so compare the Japanese lunch to the 1/2 sandwich and drink and it's not even comparable.
The link below has the menus for ALL the Disney restaurants as well as the FAQ of the dining plan. We truly enjoyed oursevles using the plan and will use it again on our next trip to WDW. I hope this helped and have a Magical vacation! :)
2007-06-10 15:57:35 · answer #2 · answered by vaautumn 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
They ARE running a special promotion right now where the dining package is free if you are going during certain dates. You're fortunate that you're going during the time when the dining plan is free; but even if you weren't it's still a good investment!
You can get soup/salad/ or appetizer with the meal, and the tips ARE already included. Hard to believe, I know - but it's GReAT! I love not having to carry cash / credit cards around WDW! That little card they give you does it all! Room key, park pass, credit card - it's AWESOME! It's also tied to your fingerprint the first time you use it as a park pass!
2007-06-13 15:28:54 · answer #3 · answered by Romans 8:28 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have used the Dining plan and it is awesome. Ate in restaurants we would normally have not. Le Cellier is awesome the food is great and ate lunch there last year and will again this year. You can go to DIS.com and look up the restaurants and the menus and see what they offer for lunches and dinners. If you get a chance, the Cyrstal Palace breakfast or dinner is great. Also WOlf Gang Pucks Cafe in downtown Disney is also a great restaurant.
2007-06-12 19:10:30 · answer #4 · answered by emtleigh 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I can tell you 2 things...the dining is not free. It may come with your package but you are paying for it in some way or the other. Either way it is a pretty good deal. Two, the tip IS MOST DEFINITELY INCLUDED! It is 18 %. We just went and they assured us that it was included...on the website, on the phone, and in the restaurants! Check the website. Disney.com
2007-06-12 22:47:01 · answer #5 · answered by Joy 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
1. The dining plan doesn't cover a tip.
2. Each meal on the plan, includes for each person, an appetizer, salad, entree and dessert. The best part about being on the free plan -- you don't feel obligated to eat until you are miserable.
3. Only non-alcoholic drinks are included in the meals. You will have to pay for anything else seperately.
Sorry about any typos, spell check wasn't working.
2007-06-10 14:05:06 · answer #6 · answered by L J 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋
the disney dining plan is great wouldnt go to disney without having that plan and the tips are already included with the plan
2007-06-10 14:27:24 · answer #7 · answered by sassygirl 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
dining dosnet cover tip
soup sometimes comes with meal
depends on what you order
2007-06-12 03:24:33 · answer #8 · answered by singing_star 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
2 much 2 read
2007-06-10 13:22:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 8⤋