Disney Dining Plans Explained

When going on vacation, sometimes we just want to let go and not worry about counting pennies. It is for this very reason that the Disney Dining Plans are so desirable to many people. The idea is that you worry about paying for food upfront so that when you arrive to Walt Disney World, all you need to do is select the food you want without a worry in the world. However, there are many questions surrounding the Disney Dining Plans. Let’s break it down.

There are currently two options of the Disney Dining Plan. The main difference between the two options is that one allows you to eat at the more formal Table-Service restaurants, while the other option is more geared towards families that are good with eating at Quick-Service restaurants. Both options provide you with a refillable mug that can be used during your stay at any of the Disney Resorts Collection Hotels, although it is important to note this mug is only refillable at Disney Resort Quick-Service locations. The mug is not refillable inside the parks. Now, take a side-by-side look at the two dining plan options:

Note that each guest age 3 and up on your reservation will receive these items for each night’s stay as part of a Walt Disney World package (not including the refillable mug… each person will receive 1 and you re-use it). Therefore, if your reservation has your family staying at a Disney resort for 3 nights and you chose the Quick-Service plan, each guest will receive 6 Quick-Service Meals, 3 Snacks or Nonalcoholic Beverages, and a Resort-Refillable Mug. You are free to use your dining credits whenever you want, as they are awarded at check-in. Just beware that if you blow through all your dining credits on the first day, you’ll be digging for your wallet and paying for meals once you run out of those credits. On the flip side, the dining credits are good for the entirety of your vacation. They expire at 11:59 PM on the day of your check-out.

A common question revolves around the snacks. What exactly is considered a snack? Generally speaking, a single serving of the following items would be considered a snack (items vary by location):

• Frozen ice cream novelty, popsicle, or fruit bar
• 2 scoops of hand-scooped ice cream
• One scoop of Popcorn (single-serving box)
• Piece of whole fruit
• Single-serve bag of snacks
• 20-ounce bottle of soda, including bottled water
• 20-ounce fountain drink (soda)
• Single-serve coffee, hot chocolate, hot tea, milk or juice
• Cup of soup
• Add on toppings or sauces (such as a side of cheese dipping sauce)

If you choose to purchase either of the Disney Dining Plans, it is important to know that you must purchase it for the entirety of your stay and for everyone who is in your reservation party. Also, all guests who are between 3 and 9 years old must order off the children’s menu. Finally, if you purchase the Disney Dining Plan and intend to use the Table-Service Meal credits, be aware that some locations such as Be Our Guest Restaurant and some Character Dining locations will require two of your Table-Service credits.

This brings us to perhaps the most important piece of information about the Disney Dining Plans: Pricing. Unfortunately, the cost of the dining plans is not exactly cut and dry, as it is tied directly to the number of nights on your Disney vacation package. As such, you will want to get pricing information from the Walt Disney World website while planning your vacation or check with your travel agent. Sometimes you are able to take advantage of a special offer that includes the Disney Dining Plan free. If you do end up with a dining plan, please remember that gratuities are not included with the cost of the Disney Dining Plans. Please do remember the hard working cast members when you dine by tipping accordingly, and be sure to stay tuned to Mouse House News for more Disney Vacation News and Reviews For Disney Adults. Don’t forget the .NET at the end of our web address!