Planning a trip to Walt Disney World is an exhilarating experience, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to deciding how to manage your meals. Enter the Disney Dining Plans—prepaid meal plans that simplify dining and can offer some substantial savings. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney enthusiast, understanding how the Disney Dining Plans work is key to making the most of your vacation.
What is a Disney Dining Plan?
You can purchase a Disney Dining Plan as part of a Disney Resort Hotel Package. It allows you to budget for your meals in advance, enjoy a range of dining options, and experience Disney’s culinary offerings without worrying about the cost at each meal. There are currently two types of dining plans, the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan and the Disney Dining Plan, each offering different features and benefits.
Dining Plans must be purchased for a Guest’s entire length of stay and for the entire party (ages 3 and up). Dining plans are unavailable for Guests under the age of 3, but kiddos may share from an adult plate at no extra charge, or an additional meal may be purchased from the menu.
The specific number of meals and snacks that you get are determined by the number of nights included in your package stay. You can redeem your meals and snacks any day during your stay, until the number associated with your package has been depleted. All unused meals and snacks and the ability to use your refillable mug expire at midnight on your package reservation checkout date.
Resort-refillable mugs can be refilled at *any* Disney Resort, not just the one where you are staying. The self-service beverage islands are usually found at Quick-Service Dining locations or some pool areas.
Types of Disney Dining Plans
Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan:
- Includes:
- Two Quick-Service meals per night of stay
- One snack per night of stay per night of stay
- One Resort Refillable Drink Mug
- Perfect For: Guests who prefer a more casual dining experience and who are on the go.
Disney Dining Plan:
- Includes:
- One Table-Service meal per night of stay
- One Quick-Service meal per night of stay
- One Snack per night of stay
- One Resort Refillable Drink Mug
- Perfect For: Guests who want a mix of quick bites and sit-down meals, including Character Meals.
What’s Included in a Meal:
Quick-Service Meal
Meals redeemed at breakfast, lunch or dinner will include 1 Entrée and 1 Nonalcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)
Table-Service Meal – Breakfast
1 Entrée and 1 Nonalcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)
-OR-
1 Buffet/Family-Style Meal and 1 Nonalcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)
Table-Service Meal – Brunch, Lunch or Dinner
1 Entrée, 1 Dessert and 1 Nonalcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)
-OR-
1 Buffet/Family-Style Meal and 1 Nonalcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)
Benefits of the Disney Dining Plan
- Convenience:
- Prepaying for meals means less to worry about during your trip. You won’t need to carry cash or credit cards for meals, and you can focus on enjoying your time in the parks.
- Budget-Friendly:
- The Dining Plan can help manage your food budget more effectively. It’s often less expensive than paying out of pocket for each meal, especially if you want to experience Character Meals, tend to order the more expensive entree choices and enjoy adult beverages.
- Variety of Dining Options:
- Disney offers a wide range of dining options, from quick-service eateries to fine dining restaurants. With the Disney Dining Plan, you can enjoy different types of meals and even try out restaurants that you might otherwise skip.
- Flexibility:
- You can use your meal credits in any order, and they don’t have to be used on the same day they’re allocated. This allows you to plan your meals around your park itinerary.
Tips for Using the Disney Dining Plan
- Plan Ahead:
- We highly recommend making dining reservations as early as possible, especially for popular Table-Service restaurants. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance.
- Understand the Credits:
- Know what counts as a Quick-Service vs. a Table-Service meal and be aware of any special dining experiences that may require more credits or additional payment. “Signature” restaurants “cost” 2 Table Service credits each.
- Snacks and Extras:
- Take advantage of the snack credits by using them for snacks and beverages throughout the parks. Some snacks can be quite substantial, so check out the snack options at each park. One tip is to use your snack credits at the food kiosks during the many EPCOT festivals. The festival options are often a great snack credit value.
- Gratuities:
- For Table-Service meals, the cost of the meal is covered by the Dining Plan, but tips are not included (except for Cinderella’s Royal Table and Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review). Plan to cover the tip separately, usually around 18-20% of the pre-tax amount.
- Check the Fine Print:
- Review the list of participating restaurants and understand any exclusions or limitations. Not all dining locations accept the Dining Plan, so it’s good to check ahead.
The Disney Dining Plan offers a convenient and often cost-effective way to manage your meals while enjoying the magic of Walt Disney World. By understanding the different plans and how they work, you can enhance your vacation experience and focus on making lasting memories with your family.
If you have any specific questions about the Dining Plans or need tips on how to make the most of it, feel free to ask!
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