For many visitors, one aspect that truly adds to the magic of a Disney World vacation is the dining experience. Whether it’s dining with beloved characters, indulging on signature cuisine, or simply grabbing a quick bite between adventures. The Disney Dining Plan offers the advantage of prepaying for those meals.
However, is it as magical as it sounds??? Let’s discuss! First, for any Disney related travel plans, let me encourage you to utilize the service of a travel professional that specializes in Disney Destinations.
The Basics of the Disney Dining Plan
To further enhance the magic at Disney World, the entertainment giant unveiled 2 new Dining Plan options on January 9, 2024. Each plan is designed to cater to 2 distinct types of vacations.
photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn
First, each dining plan includes a number of “credits” assigned per person/night of your stay. in addition, both dining plans offer all guests a free Resort Refillable Mug. The mug ($20 in value) is refillable ONLY AT RESORTS (any resort) during your current stay. The dining plan provides unlimited refills of soft drinks, coffee, tea water and non-specialty drinks daily. Mugs are NOT refilled in theme parks.
Secondly, credits are calculated per night of stay. For example, guests staying on property for 7 days/6 nights would receive credits per dining plan x 6 with purchase.
photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if these plans add value to your vacation package. The dining plans are not built to save money. They are a convenient way to pay for food ahead of your trip.
The Disney Quick Service Dining Plan
The first option is perfect for guests who like to grab and go! Planning to purchase food at quick service/counter food locations on property? This plan might be for you! It is the cheaper of the 2 dining plans and includes:
- 2 quick service meals per guest
- 2 snacks per guest
Pricing is as follows:
$57.01/adult; $23.82/ kids aged 3-9 per night.
The Disney Dining Plan
The second option includes table service location credits. Guests who choose this plan receive:
photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn
- 1 quick service meal per guest
- 1 table service meal per guest
- 2 snacks per guest
The price of the standard Disney Dining Plan:
$94.28/adult; 29.69/kids aged 3-9 per night.
1 Table service credit includes:
- 1 entrée, 1 drink (breakfast) or
- 1 entrée, 1 drink & 1 dessert (lunch and dinner) or
- 1 buffet style dining experience & drink or
- 1 family style dining experience & drink
photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn
Finally, gratuities are not automatically included in the Disney Dining Plan. In addition, guests will be charged 2 credits at some of the more popular, expensive restaurants. For example, some of the character dining experiences in the parks and resorts are 2 credit meals. Be sure to check with your travel professional when you make your dining reservation about gratuities and credits.
Integration with My Disney Experience
Disney’s new Dining Plans are integrated with the My Disney Experience app. Guests can easily manage their dining reservations, view menu options, and track their meal credits, all from the convenience of their smartphone.
Upon check-in, ALL the credits for each person are loaded into the My Disney Experience app. The credits are available all at once as the total for all guests on the reservation.
Example: 2 adults, 5 nights, Standard Disney Dining Plan=
- 10 Quick Service Meals
- 10 Table Service Meals
- 20 Snacks
- 2 Refillable Mugs
The combined totals are viewable to each person on the reservation in the My Disney Experience App under the “Resort” link.
Using Dining Credits
Guests can use their credits as they wish throughout their stay. Choose 5 snacks in one day and none the rest, it’s up to you! The dining credits have no set order or restrictions when applied. The plan applies to the vacation as a whole and should be distributed at the guest’s discretion. Dining plan credits can even be pre-applied to advanced dining reservations that require pre-payment.
Quick service credits are used in Mobile Order at quick service locations through the App. Alternatively, guests can pay directly at the counter by Magic Band or Key Card. Eligible menu items are marked with a purple and white “DP” symbol beside them.
The same at table service locations. Let your server know you are using the Disney Dining Plan. The credits are used and removed from the total when your Magic Band or Key Card is scanned.
After purchase, your remaining credit balance is found at the bottom of your receipt. The My Disney Experience App will also update the current credits with each use.
One thing to keep in mind is that you don’t want to waste credits! For instance, lounge locations on property are NOT a good use of table service credit. The price of a full meal outweighs the cost of a small plate. Lastly, select alcoholic beverages may be included as credit for adults aged 21 years and older.
Are the Disney Dining Plans Worth the Money?
There are some factors to consider when choosing whether either Disney Dining Plan is right for you. A cost comparison between the price of the plan and how much you might reasonably spend on food is a good idea. In addition, deciding which plan fits best is important. Are you likely to eat at multiple table service locations, or are you more likely to order a quick bite most of the time?
Lastly, all guests on a reservation will automatically have the dining plan if purchased. If your party has guests with special dietary requirements, very young children, or even picky eaters, that is something to weigh against the price.
The Disney Dining Plan can be a big convenience or unnecessary spending. Ultimately, it depends on the individual travel party. Weighing the price against the cost of what you and your party might spend on food is the first step. Moreover, deciding whether a quick service plan or a table service plan fits best could make a big difference for your trip. Be sure to discuss the value and costs of the Disney Dining Plan with your travel professional.
Thinking about a trip to Disney World or any Disney destination? Start planning your trip right away by submitting a free no-obligation quote request. Alternatively, reach out to DizN Vacations. Their team of expert and experienced travel planners will help you book and build the personalized vacation of your dreams.
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