As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
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There are other changes as well.
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Moving on with the current of the years.
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PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
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Going to DL for the first time July 2017. I am used to the WDW meal plans, but I know that DL doesn't have that. I have heard people talking about meal vouchers. What exactly are they and how do you get them?
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Originally Posted by Rebracer
Going to DL for the first time July 2017. I am used to the WDW meal plans, but I know that DL doesn't have that. I have heard people talking about meal vouchers. What exactly are they and how do you get them?
It sounds as if they come with packages through travel agents, but I've never had one.
Dining's a lot easier at DLR, btw, though of course with somewhat fewer choices with just two parks and three hotels. On the flip side, though, the parks, hotels, and Downtown Disney are so close that you barely have to budget in travel time to the restaurants!
The vouchers are DL's equivalent of a dining plan and unless they've changed it it's not worth it. You get vouchers for set amounts, you don't get change if you don't spend as much as the voucher is worth and they can't be used in Downtown Disney which is where most of the restaurants are.
The only vouchers you can get with the DL vacation packages are for the character meals. You can get a voucher that is good for use at Storytellers (Grand Californian), Minnie's Breakfast (Plaza Inn), Mickey's Surf's Up Breakfast (PCH Grill at Paradise Pier) or a voucher that is good for Ariel's Grotto or Goofy's Kitchen. Basically all you are doing is pre-paying for the meal in advance and you can only purchase one voucher for every member in your party.
I am already missing Dining Plans and Magic Bands.
Honestly, the only time I miss either of those is at the end of the night when my hands are full and I'm having to dig out my hotel room key. Otherwise, I don't miss them at all. I used to be a die hard WDW girl. Went 2 - 3 times a year. Now, I'll take 1 trip to California and Disneyland over 3 trips to WDW a year anyday.
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Right. I find the food prices in DL very reasonable, considering it's Disney. Easy to find a filling meal that can even be shared for under $15.
If you post your meal preferences, I'm sure folks here could make some recommendations.
It's also much easier to get ADRs to almost any table service place, as compared to WDW. Don't have to plan so far in advance, and ADRs for all but the most popular places can be secured a day or two in advance if you have a change of plans.
You can also pretty much get a walk up to almost any restaurant at DL, even during busier times as long as you don't mind waiting. They may not be able to seat you right away but they should be able to seat you.
They also have much healthier options than WDW. It was so nice when WDW had salads at their quick services and I don't just mean caesar salad either (I can't eat caesar salad cause of the cheese - dairy allergy). That's the only salad WDW seems to serve these days but at one point they used to have these amazing salads that you could get but now, all they want to sell is hot dogs and hamburgers. Not at Disneyland. They have so many healthy options as well as variety! And at decent prices too.
We also like the fact that you can still get a decent meal late at night.
As someone who has done both I would skip the vouchers! They were more of a hassle than a help. The only way I would consider doing them again was if I was setting my teens free and wanted to make sure they ate. We really enjoy the QS options in DL. The variety and quality outshine the QS options in WDW and considering it is such an easy walk to the DTD area it's easy to step out and grab lunch there too. Some favorites are the Chowder Bowls in DCA, Bengal BBQ skewers, Soup & Sandwich at Jolly Holiday, Fish & Chips at the Golden Horseshoe, French Toast at Flo's, and Mediterranean Skewers at Paradise Garden. Have a look at the websites but if this is a first trip I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised at how well you can eat without a reservation!
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