Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth It? Let’s Break It Down!

Written By Erica Shaffer

*If you have yet to the last blog post on the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan, that would be a good place to start before we dive into the Disney Dining Plan. It’s important to note the differences between the two plans in order to make the best decision for your trip.


One of the best parts of a Disney vacation? The FOOD. But with so many options (and let’s be honest, Disney dining can be a whole strategy of its own), figuring out how to plan your meals can feel overwhelming. That’s where the Disney Dining Plan comes in!

If you’re looking for a way to simplify your dining while still enjoying those delicious sit-down meals, including character dining, this might just be the perfect fit for you. But is it worth the cost? Let’s break it down.


What’s Included in the Disney Dining Plan?

The Disney Dining Plan includes both Quick-Service and Table-Service meal credits, making it a flexible option for families who want to enjoy a mix of casual and sit-down dining experiences. Here’s what each guest (ages 3 and up) gets per night of their stay:

  • 1 Quick-Service Meal Per Night of Stay*

  • 1 Table-Service Meal (includes character dining!) Per Night of Stay*

  • 1 Snack or Nonalcoholic Beverage Per Night of Stay*

  • 1 Resort-Refillable Mug (for unlimited refills at Disney resort hotels)**


For example, if you book a 4-night package with a Disney Dining Plan, each Guest (ages 3 and up) in your party would receive:

  • 4 Quick-Service Meals which can be used at any time during your 4-night stay.

  • 4 Table-Service Meals which can be used at any time during your 4-night stay.

  • 4 Snacks or nonalcoholic beverages which can be used at any time during your 4-night stay.


Important Information

  • Beverages are included with each meal. Guests under 21 years of age may choose from a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older with valid identification may substitute for beer, wine and cocktails.

  • Reservations at Table-Service restaurants are subject to availability and are highly recommended.

  • Two table-service meals will be redeemed from the dining plan for each person dining at a Fine/Signature Dining experience, select Character Dining experience or a Dinner Show.

  • Guests ages 3 to 9 must order from a children’s menu, where available.

  • Plan must be purchased for the entire length of stay and for the entire party (ages 3 and up).


* Specific number of meals and snacks are determined by the number of nights included in the package stay. You can redeem your meals and snacks any day during your stay, until the number associated with your package have 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 are eligible for refills from self-service beverage islands at any Disney Resort hotel Quick-Service location.


Who Is the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan Best For?

  1. Families Who Love Character Dining
    If your little ones have their hearts set on meeting Mickey while enjoying some Mickey waffles, this plan is a great value. Character meals like Chef Mickey’s or Topolino’s breakfast are included as Table Service credits! Plus, an Advance Dining Reservation (ADR) is a great way to keep littles on schedule if they’re used to eating at a certain time. It’s also a sure fire way to schedule a break out of the Florida sun to rest little legs (and grown up arms from pushing a stroller).

  2. Guests Who Want a Mix of Casual & Sit-Down Dining
    Not every meal needs to be a big production, but sometimes, you just want to sit down, relax, and enjoy a delicious meal. This plan gives you the best of both worlds!

  3. Vacationers Who Don’t Want to Stress About Dining Budgets
    Prepaying for meals means you won’t have to worry about every single menu price while you're on vacation. It’s all handled ahead of time, so you can just enjoy the experience!

  4. Foodies Who Want to Try a Little Bit of Everything
    With Table-Service credits, you can enjoy some of Disney’s best dining experiences without committing to high out-of-pocket costs. Think Le Cellier in EPCOT, ‘Ohana at the Polynesian, or a signature meal at California Grill.

What’s Not Included in the Disney Dining Plan?

  • Items that are more than a single serving (such as a box of doughnuts or a jar of peanut butter)

  • Items (such as popcorn or drinks) that are served in a souvenir container

  • Items considered to be merchandise (such as bottle toppers, glow cubes and bottle straps)

  • Special dining events offered at certain Table-Service locations


SOME RESTAURANTS WILL COST 2 TABLE SERVICE CREDITS:

  • Cinderella’s Royal Table (breakfast, lunch, and dinner costs 2 credits)

  • Be Our Guest (dinner costs 2 credits, lunch cost 1)

  • Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

  • Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Hall (lunch and dinner costs 2 credits, breakfast costs 1)

  • Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

  • Le Cellier Steakhouse

  • Yachtsman Steakhouse

  • The Hollywood Brown Derby

  • The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge

  • Tiffins

  • The Boathouse

  • Jaleo by Jose Andres

  • Morimoto Asia (dinner costs 2 credits, lunch costs 1)

  • Paddlefish

  • Jiko - The Cooking Place

  • Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar

  • Flying Fish

  • Toledo - Tapas, Steak & Seafood

  • Citricos

  • Citricos Lounge

  • Narcoossee’s

  • Topolinos Terrace ( dinner costs 2 credits, character dining breakfast costs 1)


Gratuities

  • Gratuities are not included, except for Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and Cinderella’s Royal Table.

  • An additional form of payment is needed if you add gratuity and have not provided a credit card at check-in to charge incidentals and other expenses to your room.

  • An 18% gratuity will automatically be added to your bill for parties of 6 or more.

  • An automatic gratuity charge may also be added to your bill for certain items you order that are not included in the Disney Dining Plan.


It’s important to note that not every restaurant and snack cart participate in the Disney Dining Plan. Some of these locations are:

  • Monsieur Paul

  • Takumi-Tie

  • Space 220 Lounge

  • Space 220 Restaurant

  • Oga’s Cantina

  • BaseLine Tap House

  • California Grill

  • Victoria & Albert’s

  • STK Steakhouse


Specialty Dining Packages at EPCOT during any festival will also cost 2 table service credits, per person. Those include:

  • Disney on Broadway Dining Package (Festival of the Arts)

  • Garden Rocks Dining Package (Flower and Garden Festival)

  • Eat to the Beat Dining Package (Food and Wine Festival)

  • Candlelight Processional Dining Package (Festival of the Holidays)


So. After All OF this…Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth It?

If you love character dining, sit-down meals, and the convenience of prepaying for your food, the Disney Dining Plan is absolutely worth considering. You’ll get to enjoy some fantastic meals while still having the flexibility to grab quick bites when needed.

But, if your Disney vacation is all about on-the-go eating, or if you prefer to book high-end dining experiences (which may require extra credits), you might want to consider whether an upgraded plan or paying out of pocket makes more sense.

At the end of the day, the best plan is the one that fits YOUR travel style, and that’s where I come in! If you’re not sure if the Disney Dining Plan is the right fit, I’d love to help you figure it out. Let’s make sure your Disney vacation is as magical (and delicious) as possible!

Erica Shaffer https://www.travelplannererica.com
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Is the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan Worth The Cost?