Disney First Timers on the DxDDP

[NYCgrrl]

What a great gift from Disney. Just in case you haven't tried to also figure it out yet please remember that since there is 6 of you that tips will be automatically added to your bill. The more expensive the meal the more the tips will be. Also they add everything apps, entree, and dessert and that total amount for 6 people time 18% will be the automatic tip. Personally I put the amount on a gift card ahead of time to make sure I have it calculated into my cost and charge to the room and then pay with the gift card. My last trip on the DxDDP my tips was over $400. Don't want you to be caught off guard.

I've never computed my tips separately because I eat on the deluxe dining plan the same way I eat at any restaurant. I chose whatever credit card to pay off the balance that'll give me the best points.

 

[Rich M]

I've never computed my tips separately because I eat on the deluxe dining plan the same way I eat at any restaurant. I chose whatever credit card to pay off the balance that'll give me the best points.

Good strategy but some people just do realize how much it can be when your on the deluxe. I know I was kind of shocked my self when you see the tips can be over $50 added automatically to a bill and with so many credits it can add up quickly. It can be sticker shock for sure.

 

[Yujailec]

What a great gift from Disney. Just in case you haven't tried to also figure it out yet please remember that since there is 6 of you that tips will be automatically added to your bill. The more expensive the meal the more the tips will be. Also they add everything apps, entree, and dessert and that total amount for 6 people time 18% will be the automatic tip. Personally I put the amount on a gift card ahead of time to make sure I have it calculated into my cost and charge to the room and then pay with the gift card. My last trip on the DxDDP my tips was over $400. Don't want you to be caught off guard.

Thank you for bringing this up! It definitely can catch anyone off guard specially that set 18% for big parties. I have kept this in mind and as NYCgrrl suggested, I have a couple of cards set aside specifically for gratuity.

 

[Yujailec]

The best value of the deluxe dining plan is to utilize a 2-credit signature each night of your trip, which you'll find most guest who go on the DxDP will choose to do. We'll usually do a 1 TS credit lunch around noon, and then a signature dinner around 7:00 or later.

Flying Fish is very good, especially their appetizers. There are better options for seafood & steak (Narcoossee's, Citrico's), but Flying Fish is still very good.
Be our Guest - don't waste a dining credit there.

Jiko is one of our favorites, while California Grill and Narcoossee's are always must-do's on our trip (especially if you time CG for the fireworks in Magic Kingdom, there's an awesome viewing area).

What would be your top suggestions as far as dining? Either 1/2 table service credits?

 

[Yujailec]

I would encourage you to continue looking for an earlier ADR for Jiko's since your Boma breakfast is at 7:55 AM. Or look for a later breakfast.
Are 3 meals (1 buffet and 2 TS) too much? Depends on what you chose to order particularly at the buffet.

You made some great signature choices in my opinion as there will be something for everyone at each locale.
Have fun!

I was planning Jiko on my first night considering that it’s a signature restaurants and may take longer to for the meal? Is this accurate to think?

Boma I thought for breakfast on AK day since I am planning the late lunch (2:20) at Sana’a. I don’t want any hangry people walking a hot park! We are looking forward to ROL so we want to be back at the park for it which is why I thought a quick dinner at the park if anyone gets hungry. Any thoughts?

 

[NYCgrrl]

I was planning Jiko on my first night considering that it’s a signature restaurants and may take longer to for the meal? Is this accurate to think?

Boma I thought for breakfast on AK day since I am planning the late lunch (2:20) at Sana’a. I don’t want any hangry people walking a hot park! We are looking forward to ROL so we want to be back at the park for it which is why I thought a quick dinner at the park if anyone gets hungry. Any thoughts?

I think eating at Jiko's is a fantastic idea for your arrival dinner. Everyone will be excited to be together and eat a celebratory meal at what many consider one of the best eateries in Disney World. We've never had a bad meal at Jiko, the service is attentive but not overly formal while the restaurant itself is in a gorgeous setting. I've brought children there (ages 8 through 12) and they loved it. I've observed younger children and they seemed to be having a fine time as well.

I haven't eaten at Boma or Sana'a yet as I'm saving them for a time when we stay at their resort. Again, I always hear well of them and I would just be sure to let all your traveling guests be aware that one is a buffet so they can gauge their eating accordingly. I should also point out that we are very light breakfast eaters so that can make a difference as well. I'm sure you find good eats at the Pandora QS that will fit nicely into your ROL show plans.

 

[wishuponastar1984]

I was planning Jiko on my first night considering that it’s a signature restaurants and may take longer to for the meal? Is this accurate to think?

Boma I thought for breakfast on AK day since I am planning the late lunch (2:20) at Sana’a. I don’t want any hangry people walking a hot park! We are looking forward to ROL so we want to be back at the park for it which is why I thought a quick dinner at the park if anyone gets hungry. Any thoughts?

Unless you have really big eaters in your party you will also have all those snack credits you need to use up as well. There is no way I could eat all the food on the deluxe dining. While I consider myself a foodie I would prefer to spend more time in the parks. Many of the 2TS restaurants could be a slower paced meal ,are you willing to dedicate that much time to eating? I would look into HDDR as it is 2TS and really fun!

 

[Yujailec]

Unless you have really big eaters in your party you will also have all those snack credits you need to use up as well. There is no way I could eat all the food on the deluxe dining. While I consider myself a foodie I would prefer to spend more time in the parks. Many of the 2TS restaurants could be a slower paced meal ,are you willing to dedicate that much time to eating? I would look into HDDR as it is 2TS and really fun!

I am considering to save some of those snack credits for days that we will skip meals. For example, I plan to skip lunch on Day 4 and Day 5 so those snack credits may be used to hold us off until dinner. How much time would you I should allow to enjoy a table service meal? I am kind of calculating as I would any restaurant 60-90 mins. Does that sound accurate?

Thank you for your response!

 

[MrWonderful]

Dinners, I plan 2 hours for signatures, 1 1/2 for standard meals.
Lunches, usually allot for 1 hour, or 1 1/2 hours if a signature lunch or event, i.e. CRT etc
For V&A.. allow 4+ hours

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

Hello, everyone!

I am planning my little girl's 5th birthday at Disney World this September 2018. This will be our first time visiting all 4 Disney parks and our first time on the deluxe DDP. We do not have much background when it comes to dining at Disney so we would like to experience as much as possible.

Our party consists of 4 adults, 1 teen and my 4 year old. We will be staying at the Art of Animation and have our own car for transportation if that makes a difference. Of course, I want to make the most out of the dining plan and want to make it as memorable for her as possible but with mostly adults in our party I want to make it enjoyable for us as well. We are not picky eaters, I'd say most of us have an adventurous palette including my 5 year old (she'll take shrimp and steak or chicken tenders, it just depends on the day.) I am looking for a mix of good food and good ambiance.

I've read several threads, watched podcasts, looked at menus, pictures and read reviews, however, I am still kind of stuck since it's my first time doing it all. I will include a list of my current ADRs below and would love the input of more experienced Disney goers. Would you do anything differently? Any places you'd suggest I add/remove from my list? I am pretty much open to consider anything! We would like a good balance of table service, character meals, signature dining and quick service (if necessary) and are open to suggestions in the parks, resort areas and Disney Springs.

Day 1: Arrival - Hotel Day
(B)
(L) Skip
(D) Jiko at 7:50PM (though I am considering an earlier ADR)

Day 2: AK
(B) Boma at 7:55AM
(L) Sana'a at 2:45PM
(D) Satu'li Canteen before park close
Is this too much food? I am feeling like it might be but I've read all great things and would love to get to try them all.

Day 3: EP
(B)
(L) Akershus at 1:40PM
(D)

Day 4: HS
(B) Cape May Cafe at 8:45AM
(L) Skip
(D) Flying Fish at 7:50PM

Day 5: MK
(B) Be Our Guest at 9:55AM
(L)
(D)

Day 6: Departure - Disney Springs
I am considering an early ADR breakfast before enjoying the resort pool until checkout OR breakfast at our resort food court and then a good lunch at Disney Springs before heading home.

Thank you in advance! I look forward to all of your suggestions!

Your current ADRs look great but as PP mentioned before, BOG breakfast is a terrible use of your dining plan credits and the breakfast time you booked at is a bad time, at 9:55am you should be hitting rides before the park gets really crowded. If you are early birds, try for an 8am ADR there if you really want it on a 9am park opening day. Crystal Palace would be a better use of your deluxe dining plan. Other good meal options at MK, Liberty Tree Tavern and Columbia Harbour House.

Resort dining, we really like 1900 Park Fare for the dinner/character meal, would likely be fun for a 4yo and for the family too, my DH enjoyed that dinner a lot. We've done Ohana breakfast at Poly and we like that a lot, good characters and fun atmosphere. Also nice since food is served family style you don't spend your time waiting in a buffet line, and it's all you care to enjoy!!

At AKL, we also did Boma breakfast, not super exciting but good and there's something for everyone which works good for large parties. I can't see leaving AKL mid day to have lunch at Sanaa, just to go back. I would reverse this and do lunch at Satuli and dinner at Sanaa. I know it's just a bus ride away but it's a poor use of your park touring time.

Epcot, if you like Mexican, add La Hacienda or San Angel inn at EP, La Hacienda is better food but San Angel Inn has a unique dining atmosphere inside Mexico. Garden Grill is a character breakfast that looks appealing, have yet to try it but could be a good option there.

Some tidbits when it comes to ADRs in general and the Deluxe plan....sorry if this is repetitive-

the more table service meals you have, the more tipping you'll be doing and I think gratuity will be automatically added with 6 people in your party.

Table service meals take a lot of time out of your day and after 3 table service meals for 4 days straight, you may be OVER IT. I know we are.

Items to note, you won't always be seated at the exact time of your ADR. A lot of times many of the restaurants are delayed, especially the buffet/character meals so know that you will need to build in time to get to your ADR and from your ADR to your next place, fast pass, etc.

The deluxe plan is a lot of food and sitting around, which in my view is less fun time in the parks, or swimming in the pool or whatever. We never do more than 1-2 ADR's per day and if we do 2, it's not two consecutive meals.

Only you and your family will learn what works best and your Disney dining style may change but for a first dining plan/ADR visit, I would do the DDP or QS DDP not the deluxe. You can still have a great culinary experience and have a good amount of ADRs on one of these plans and save your money.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I am kind of calculating as I would any restaurant 60-90 mins. Does that sound accurate?

That's about right, they get you in and out. Day 2, you're not getting to the parks till late and it will already be packed and hot, then 2 1/2 hours later it will be time to head back to Sanaa for lunch, it seems like a lost day. Maybe skip Boma or Sanaa on day 2 and do it as a late dinner on day 5.

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

We are big eaters, and it was a lot of food for us. I thought, "Well, we eat 3 meals a day at home..." What I didn't consider was that the three of us would never go to a restaurant and order 3 appetizers and 3 desserts. It was fun to try a lot of restaurants though.

For us, I think DxDDP would work best to do either a breakfast or early lunch each day and a late signature meal. Maybe a character breakfast early and a more grownup meal in the evening. You can use snack credits in the afternoon if you are hungry.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

BTW, is your MDE app party 6 people or just your dining party?

We are big eaters, and it was a lot of food for us. I thought, "Well, we eat 3 meals a day at home..." What I didn't consider was that the three of us would never go to a restaurant and order 3 appetizers and 3 desserts. It was fun to try a lot of restaurants though.

For us, I think DxDDP would work best to do either a breakfast or early lunch each day and a late signature meal. Maybe a character breakfast early and a more grownup meal in the evening. You can use snack credits in the afternoon if you are hungry.

I agree with this, we're big eaters but it's tiring eating all that food. Plus we also found that since we eat fairly healthy, wholesome foods at home, the food at most of the restaurants is very overtly salty and prepared very differently than our food at home so it's more bloating/filling than what we're used to. It's even worse when it's hot out since we don't like eating heavy food or a lot of food when we're sweating all day. Also, it's a waste on our girls, they eat like birds so it's really a waste of the dining plan for them. Different strokes for different folks but it's a NO for our family park visits.

 

[CraigInPA]

Day 1 I'd suggest starting with California Grille. Nothing beats the view for a 4 year old from there, especially if you are there for the fireworks. It's a real treat for someone who has never been to WDW to start there.

Day 2 is entirely too much running around. I'd drop either lunch or breakfast that day, and put Jiko in for dinner.

I'd trade that Akershus lunch for breakfast, and the go to Yachtsman, Monsieur Paul, or Flying Fish for dinner on that Epcot day.

I'd replace Flying Fish with Hollywood Brown Derby on the DHS day.

For your MK day dinner, I'd suggest Narcoossee's or Citrico's. Adults and teens generally aren't the biggest fans of Spirit of Aloha, but the 4 year old would love it.

 

[GillianP1301]

I think you're got a pretty good plan in the works. I love all the dining options at WDW and have done the DxDP several times and it really does play a big part in the overall enjoyment of the vacation.

With a 5 year old, I would caution against later dinner ADRs. For example your 7:50 at Jiko won't wrap up until 9:00ish or a bit later getting you back to room and the 5 year old settled close to 10:00. And with an early breakfast ADR the next day, you may really be cutting back on sleep. My number one tip for a meltdown free WDW trip with young kids is to keep their eat and sleep patterns as close to home as possible.

I don't think your Day 2 is too much food. But, we are 3 meals a day people even on vacation. You're ending with the QS meal so if you are still pretty full, you could always meal share there or order something a little lighter. I would probably opt for a bit earlier lunch, but other than that it looks good.

For your EP day, I would consider Garden Grill for breakfast. It is one of our favourite character meals on property and I like that it's served family style and not a buffet, far more relaxing. Akershus is a great choice for a little girl's birthday trip.

MK day, I would suggest Skipper's Canteen. One of the more unique menus and IMO the best TS in MK.

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

I think your daughter will really enjoy the Princess parade at Akerhus. It is so cute. Have your cameras ready.
Regarding your AK day--since Sanaa and Satuli are ala carte, you can order as much or little as you want and share, so you eat the amount of food you want. I agree with a previous poster to suggest switch Boma breakfast to Tusker House late breakfast or early lunch--you all might enjoy the character interactions, and you can try for a Rivers of Light Dining reservation. You said you wanted to be back in the park for it at night. Keep trying for your Cinderella's Royal Table reservation. Things get cancelled and open up all the time, even the day before. It will be special if you can work it out, and worth the time spent securing it. Agree with others to replace BOG breakfast (no good) with Crystal Palace breakfast or lunch. The Crystal Palace itself is quite beautiful, and I enjoy the Pooh family characters more than most of the other characters in the park.
Are you sure the cast member "pixie-dusted" you with free DxDP for 6 people? I have never heard of that one before. I didn't think they had that much of a slush fund! You mentioned later, in post 8, the DDP, which is significantly less food and less planning. I just don't want you to be suddenly, unpleasantly surprised, after all the planning.
Have a wonderful trip.

 

[NYCgrrl]

We are big eaters, and it was a lot of food for us. I thought, "Well, we eat 3 meals a day at home..." What I didn't consider was that the three of us would never go to a restaurant and order 3 appetizers and 3 desserts. It was fun to try a lot of restaurants though.

Instead of trying to eat 3 full meals to get your perceived monies worth on a deluxe plan here's another strategy:

Eat a Continental type breakfast, the same kind they serve in CL rooms, via snack credits.
Opt for mostly 1 credit higher priced entree lunches and then go for 2 credit Signature dinners. You won't lose the cost of the appetizer at lunch if you don't want it or feel guilty/sluggish about either eating too much or over paying for the food. As for breakfast can't think of any eateries (beyond maybe a brunch) that serve appetizers so you are safe there, LOL.

As far as dinner is concerned a meal in comfortable surroundings where you are not apt to be given the "bum's rush" (except at BD on Christmas Day...sigh) makes for nice together time that allows you to discuss the day's events and laugh/commiserate whilst planning out that night's future. I dislike many of the desserts available at DW (garish colours and too much "sugah") but a nice dish of fresh fruit with or w/o ice cream/sorbet does fine on this end and is easy to substitute at many restaurants. I will say that so far I can eat any dessert that FF serves with total ease.
Finally don't fall into the TGIF's/Olive Garden's fast food marketing plot of having protein for an appetizer or bread for a starter. Not particularly healthy and leaves less space for the "main event".

Treat your body as the life's engine it is and you'll probably be here long enough to annoy your children and have your grandchildren as your defenders.

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

I want to add--if you keep your Jiko reservation. Afterward, you can go out to the savanna overlook and look through special night vision binoculars at the animals on the savanna in the dark. If you keep your Sanaa reservation, ask for a table by the window so you can see the animals nearby. (also get the bread service with all 13 dips and share around the table, and try the butter chicken and shrimp durban)

If you can't get Cali Grill for arrival night, how about switch out Jiko for Narcoossee's? Then you can see the fireworks from there and the electrical water parade too. Since you aren't going to MK until your last day, this helps give you a great beginning.

 

[Yujailec]

My MDE app party is 6 people.

After a lot of feedback and reconsidering of my own I've decided not to do 3 meals each day and try to stick to 2 meals and if necessary, snacks in between to hold us off til the next meal.

I don't mind leaving the parks for meals as we have our own transportation but how a signature meal work if we want to go back to the parks for the night time shows? For example, on day 2 (AK) would I have enough time, leaving around 6 to come back for ROL?

I'm definitely going to drop one of my choices from Day 2. I am leaning towards doing an early lunch at Satu'li Canteen since I'll be at the park and then leaving the park around 6pm once we're done with all attractions to have dinner at Sana'a and returning only to see ROL.

For Day 3 (EP) Garden Grill doesn't have any ADR available. Any other suggestions for breakfast? Does anyone have experience with Les Halles Boulangerie and Patisserie? I'm thinking I could possibly do this with snack credits or stick to the resort's food court. I was considering Les Chefs de France for dinner, any feedback on this one? It may be a little easier on this day to leave the park for dinner since the resort is just a walk over the bridge? Should I consider Flying Fish on this day, instead?

Day 4 (HS) Dinner doesn't worry me at all, we will be done at the park early enough to go back to the resort relax and then go for dinner. I do want to go back for Fantasmic though. HBD doesn't have any ADR at this time, I've read HS doesn't have many dining options. Any suggestions for dinner near this park?

Day 5 (MK) I currently have a 9:55A at BOG but I just came across an opening at Crystal Palace at 10:20A should I make the switch? I am pretty open food wise, I just wanted to experience the beast's castle. For dinner, I really wanted to do Ohana since I've read such great things but again, no ADR available. I am considering Narcoossee's or Citricos, is one better than the other? Again, I am debating if I'll have enough time to do a signature meal and be back in time for Happily Ever After.

I am thinking of moving Boma to arrival date, however, I was also considering Trail's End, Whispering Canyon or Beaches and Cream on this day... Any thoughts?

SO many great places, so little time! I wish I had started making my ADRs earlier, most of these harder to get ADR are not available now. I've pretty much booked what is available and worked my plans and itinerary around it. I am actively checking for cancellations but since it's not guaranteed, I would like to have some back ups set.

 

[Yujailec]

Treat your body as the life's engine it is and you'll probably be here long enough to annoy your children and have your grandchildren as your defenders.

I really love this!

I am an adventurous eater but not necessarily a big eater, if I have a big breakfast that usually holds me off until dinner time. I am also mostly vegetarian (I do eat seafood on occasion) but I do have a couple of men in my party with big appetites.