Dining Plan

[lantern5]

We feel that paying an adult price when our 13 year old autistic son, who could perhaps manage a kids meal but would never cope with an adult meal would be a waste of money. Has anybody any ideas or experiences? I am sure there must be cases of somebody in a family or group who for some reason cannot eat normal diet, but the family have still used the plan?

[mazz]

i've never used the plan but have eaten in disney with a 11yr old who was too old for the kids menu and like you i felt that he ate so little it was unacceptable for me to pay an adult price for his meal
in most resturants i had a discreet word and explained the situation and they accomodated with a reduction in price

with the dining plan i understand it's very different as it must be booked for every member of your party, personally i would email them and explain your concerns, i'm sure they must have a back up for guests who have specific special dietary requirements

[loadsapixiedust]

I have read on another board about Disney allowing parents of children with special needs (particular reference to autistic children) being allowed to opt out of the Dining Plan for them and just pay out of pocket for their meals. It might be worth a call to verify if this is the case, may be too late if you have already booked and included the Dining Plan.

I'm sure there are many situations where one family member could have issues with the food on the Dining plan, so there may well be a precedent for this.

[Bartswife]

We are in a similar situation. I feel we will get nowhere near our monies worth from the plan, I regret getting it now but its our first visit and it seemed the easiest option to go for. I am wondering about paying OOP for dinner places where Ashley won't eat much and using his credits for a breakfast buffet in our hotel for him which is a meal he does enjoy in a hotel. The other options we have gone for buffets where he can tuck into the childrens or adults selection.

[lantern5]

I had an e-mail from Disney and they said we would still need to buy an adult plan for our son. Of course that could be somebody not really understanding and writing a standard reply.We're still deciding whether to go ahead, so I'll post any updates if the travel agent has any success.

[Holly-Millie]

I had the same problem. I have a 10 year old daughter who could easily eat a childs but what I did is if she wanted a adult Appetizer and a childs Ontray. I would ask if she could swap and every time they said yes of course but don't let that stop you buying it. Its defiantly worth it!

[PLUTOXX]

yea i dont think thats fair at all. my friend was saying that (not on the dining plan) when she asked for a kids portion of chips at her hotel (coz the large was just too big) they said she couldnt have it!!! hmmmmm......

[mainecoon lover]

I have never had the dining plan but last year we had to pay adult prices for her. Several of the CM'S siad they would only charge us a child's price as she clearly only ate as much as a five year old.
This year will be diffrent as she eats more than me. Which is a great improvment for her. I will now gladly pay adult prices for her.