Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? The Disney Dining Plan is a popular option that simplifies meals, saves time, and can even save money during your vacation. Whether you’re a foodie or just want convenience, here’s everything you need to know about how it works and if it’s worth it for your family.
How Does the Disney Dining Plan Work?
The Disney Dining Plan is a prepaid meal package available to guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel for at least 2 nights. You can purchase it with just the hotel or with tickets as a full package. It allows you to enjoy meals, snacks, and beverages at hundreds of locations across Walt Disney World without worrying about paying out-of-pocket during your trip.
Here’s the basic idea: each person in your group receives a set number of dining credits per night of your stay. They can then be used at participating restaurants. Dining credits are divided into 3 categories; Quick-Service (counter-service meals), Table-Service (sit-down restaurants), and Snack credits (think popcorn, specialty non alcoholic beverages, ice cream, or a Mickey-shaped pretzel).
For families, this plan takes the stress out of budgeting for meals. You can pick the plan that fits your needs:
- Quick-Service Dining Plan: Perfect for those who want fast and casual meals.
- Disney Dining Plan: Includes a mix of sit-down and quick-service meals.
All plans also include a refillable resort mug for unlimited soft drinks, coffee, and tea at any Disney resort hotel.
What Restaurants Use the Credits?
Wondering where you can use your credits? The good news is that the Disney Dining Plan covers most dining options, from theme park favorites to resort dining options. You’ll find everything from character meals to international cuisine at EPCOT.
Table-Service credits can be used for family-friendly character dining experiences, like breakfast with Mickey and friends at Chef Mickey’s or the magical dinner at Be Our Guest. These dining moments are perfect for creating unforgettable memories with your kids.
Quick-Service credits work at counter-service locations like Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Magic Kingdom or Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom. These are excellent for grabbing delicious meals while on the go.
Dining credits can also cover some unique extras, like mobile order snacks or adult beverages at some locations. They can even be used for most items at Epcot’s many festivals.
Is the Dining Plan Worth It?
This is the million-dollar question! The Disney Dining Plan can be worth it for some families but not for everyone.
Here are a few scenarios where it might work for you:
- You love Disney’s dining experiences: If dining with characters or trying unique themed restaurants is a big part of your vacation, the plan can save you money.
- You want to budget ahead: Paying for meals in advance lets you stick to your budget without worrying about surprise costs.
- Your family enjoys hearty meals and snacks: If your family likes eating multiple full meals and snacks each day, you’ll likely see good value.
However, if you prefer smaller meals or plan to pack your own snacks, you might not use all your credits, which means the plan won’t be as cost-effective. My advice? Look at Disney menus and estimate what your family would typically spend to see if it’s a good fit. Even better, let’s work together to see if its right for your family.