Community Forum

ladyg2u · 04-02-2009, 12:00 AM

This is my first trip to aruba I am so excited. I will be staying at the Mariott Ocean Club I was wondering with 5 restaurants on site is there a meal plan
available eating in aruba can become very expensive. I am looking into the Dining out Program but are the restaurants selected good restaurants. I plan on being in aruba for 4 days my friends will remain for 1 week I hope someone can advise.

New 2 Aruba

Randi · 04-02-2009, 12:05 AM

4 days, don't bother getting a meal plan. YOu will have a full kitchen so you can make things in your room. Many less expensive restaurants are within walking distance.

*Arubalisa* · 04-02-2009, 01:02 AM

I have written my thoughts on the Dine Around Plan at
http://www.aruba.com/forum/f12/dine-around-program-28664/#post97827 and http://bloggingtoaruba.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/01/is-dine-a-round.html

Imo, not worth it unless you eat A LOT, are able to eat within the confines of the program and don't care WHERE you eat.
AND like Randi said, even less worth it since you will only be on the island for a short stay.

ladyg2u · 04-02-2009, 09:02 AM

Should my friends invest in the meal plan they will be their for seven days. Thank You in Advance for all your help.

*Arubalisa* · 04-02-2009, 09:33 AM

IF your friends could eat within the confines of the program (see below) AND were planning on eating at the restaurants on the list anyway AND are BIG eaters, it may then be a good value.

Otherwise, I do not think it would be worth it. Also, for the price you are paying for the plan for dinners, the value for the VIP restaurants is imho a rip off and definitely not worth it. At some restaurants on the VIP the $36 gift certificate would only cover an entree.

ALSO, there are a fair number of surcharges for specific items.

http://www.arubadining.com/dinearound/#dineplans
"Please note the following exceptions regarding the Dine-Around Program:
Dessert not included at Amazonia and Texas de Brazil.
$ 8.50 per person surcharge at Amazonia and Texas de Brazil.
Only Japanese menu included at Blossoms.
Each dinner at AGA restaurants includes appetizer, entrée, dessert, coffee or tea, and service charge (where applicable). Beverages and surcharges for starred items are not included.
At VIP restaurants, AGA coupon entitles bearer to a $36.00 value deducted from the total dinner check, equivalent to $36.00 gift certificate, and not a 3-course meal."

ladyg2u · 04-02-2009, 02:34 PM

Thank You for all the advice I wanted to ask becasue we now know we wont be using the meal plan does the island allow anyone that has had the weight loss surgery to purchase a dinner at half price although that is considered ordering from the kids menu or are we just pay for a full meal even though they cannot begin to consume all that food.

New 2 Aruba

*Arubalisa* · 04-02-2009, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladyg2u

Thank You for all the advice I wanted to ask becasue we now know we wont be using the meal plan does the island allow anyone that has had the weight loss surgery to purchase a dinner at half price although that is considered ordering from the kids menu or are we just pay for a full meal even though they cannot begin to consume all that food.

New 2 Aruba

Now THAT is a good question.

ladyg2u · 04-02-2009, 04:28 PM

Arubalisa do you know any restaurants that charge a fee if you share a plate it would make our dining experience so much better.

Angela Munzenhofer · 04-02-2009, 10:11 PM

There are many restaurants that do not charge a fee for asking for an extra plate. Many of the guests want the extra rice or vegetables to compliment the meal so there can be a small charge of less than $5.00 for an extra serving of a side dish. Here are a few restaurants that do not charge for an extra plate:
Buccaneer, Promenade, Driftwood, Aqua Grill, French Steakhouse, La Trattoria, El Faro Blanco, Sunset Grill, and Waterfront Crabhouse that I know of from the top of my head.
Have a great trip to Aruba and enjoy Paradise!!!

*Andrea J.* · 04-02-2009, 11:19 PM

sometimes at madam janettes we order a cesar salad and split it...no additional charge

also too order an extra order of the dutch potatoes and put some of paul's steak on it from his plate....no additional charge

04-02-2009, 12:00 AM	#1 (permalink)
ladyg2u Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 47	meal plan This is my first trip to aruba I am so excited. I will be staying at the Mariott Ocean Club I was wondering with 5 restaurants on site is there a meal plan available eating in aruba can become very expensive. I am looking into the Dining out Program but are the restaurants selected good restaurants. I plan on being in aruba for 4 days my friends will remain for 1 week I hope someone can advise. New 2 Aruba Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook

ADVERTISMENT

04-02-2009, 12:05 AM	#2 (permalink)
Randi Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,516 Images: 9	4 days, don't bother getting a meal plan. YOu will have a full kitchen so you can make things in your room. Many less expensive restaurants are within walking distance. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Randi Next Aruba trip in

04-02-2009, 01:02 AM	#3 (permalink)
Arubalisa Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Boca Catalina Posts: 10,684 Images: 174	I have written my thoughts on the Dine Around Plan at http://www.aruba.com/forum/f12/dine-around-program-28664/#post97827 and http://bloggingtoaruba.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/01/is-dine-a-round.html Imo, not worth it unless you eat A LOT, are able to eat within the confines of the program and don't care WHERE you eat. AND like Randi said, even less worth it since you will only be on the island for a short stay. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Aruba Bound! ~ Blogging to Aruba ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Pictures of Aruba

04-02-2009, 09:02 AM	#4 (permalink)
ladyg2u Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 47	Meal Plans Should my friends invest in the meal plan they will be their for seven days. Thank You in Advance for all your help. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook

04-02-2009, 09:33 AM	#5 (permalink)
Arubalisa Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Boca Catalina Posts: 10,684 Images: 174	IF your friends could eat within the confines of the program (see below) AND were planning on eating at the restaurants on the list anyway AND are BIG eaters, it may then be a good value. Otherwise, I do not think it would be worth it. Also, for the price you are paying for the plan for dinners, the value for the VIP restaurants is imho a rip off and definitely not worth it. At some restaurants on the VIP the $36 gift certificate would only cover an entree. ALSO, there are a fair number of surcharges for specific items. http://www.arubadining.com/dinearound/#dineplans "Please note the following exceptions regarding the Dine-Around Program: Dessert not included at Amazonia and Texas de Brazil. $ 8.50 per person surcharge at Amazonia and Texas de Brazil. Only Japanese menu included at Blossoms. Each dinner at AGA restaurants includes appetizer, entrée, dessert, coffee or tea, and service charge (where applicable). Beverages and surcharges for starred items are not included. At VIP restaurants, AGA coupon entitles bearer to a $36.00 value deducted from the total dinner check, equivalent to $36.00 gift certificate, and not a 3-course meal." Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Aruba Bound! ~ Blogging to Aruba ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Pictures of Aruba

04-02-2009, 02:34 PM	#6 (permalink)
ladyg2u Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 47	Meal Plans Thank You for all the advice I wanted to ask becasue we now know we wont be using the meal plan does the island allow anyone that has had the weight loss surgery to purchase a dinner at half price although that is considered ordering from the kids menu or are we just pay for a full meal even though they cannot begin to consume all that food. New 2 Aruba Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook

04-02-2009, 04:28 PM	#8 (permalink)
ladyg2u Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 47	Meal Plans Arubalisa do you know any restaurants that charge a fee if you share a plate it would make our dining experience so much better. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook

04-02-2009, 10:11 PM	#9 (permalink)
Angela Munzenhofer Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Arashi & Boca Catalina for snorkeling Posts: 131	Restaurants that do not charge a fee There are many restaurants that do not charge a fee for asking for an extra plate. Many of the guests want the extra rice or vegetables to compliment the meal so there can be a small charge of less than $5.00 for an extra serving of a side dish. Here are a few restaurants that do not charge for an extra plate: Buccaneer, Promenade, Driftwood, Aqua Grill, French Steakhouse, La Trattoria, El Faro Blanco, Sunset Grill, and Waterfront Crabhouse that I know of from the top of my head. Have a great trip to Aruba and enjoy Paradise!!! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Capturing the passion and love of your special day in paradise. bellarubaphoto@yahoo.com

04-02-2009, 11:19 PM	#10 (permalink)
Andrea J. Aruba since 1979 Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: renaissance island, eagle beach, amsterdam manor/passions beach bar, Hung Paradis, alto vista chapel, madam janettes, big porch at B55 Posts: 13,256 Images: 80	sometimes at madam janettes we order a cesar salad and split it...no additional charge also too order an extra order of the dutch potatoes and put some of paul's steak on it from his plate....no additional charge Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Please, I'll have a Grande' decaf Mocha Latte' with a shot of liquid tranquilizer.