Walt Disney World is shaking up one of its most talked-about vacation add-ons. If you’re planning a future trip, this matters more than you think. Starting with arrivals in 2027, Disney Dining Plans are evolving in a big way; bringing new names and new options.
A couple of months ago, MouseHouseNews.net reported about the free Disney Dining Plans that are returning for the second half of 2026. I hope you took advantage of this deal, as it ended on April 30th. However, if you are interested in purchasing a Disney Dining Plan for a 2027 trip, there’s some exciting news.
Let’s break down what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and what it all means for Disney World trips taken next year.
A Third Dining Plan Enters The Chat
For the past couple of years, Disney has kept things simple with just two options: Quick-Service and the standard Dining Plan. That simplicity is officially over.
Beginning January 1, 2027, Disney will offer three dining plans instead of two:
- Quick-Service Dining Plan (currently the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan)
- Table-Service Dining Plan (currently the Disney Dining Plan)
- Deluxe Table-Service Dining Plan (brand new for 2027)
Let’s take a look at the three plans and compare each of them.
| Quick-Service Dining Plan | Table-Service Dining Plan | Deluxe Table-Service Dining Plan |
| • 2 Quick-Service Meals • 1 Snack/Nonalcoholic Beverage • 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug | • 1 Quick-Service Meal • 1 Table-Service Meal • 1 Snack/Nonalcoholic Beverage • 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug | • 1 Quick-Service Meal • 2 Table-Service Meals • 1 Snack/Nonalcoholic Beverage • 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug |
Compared to the two current Disney Dining Plans, there is no change to the quick-service and table-service plans. The new deluxe plan simply adds onto the table-service plan by adding an additional table-service meal per night of stay.
A Refresher About Usage
The meals and snacks are awarded to each guest age 3 and up listed on your resort reservation in the form of credits. Your traveling group receives all of your meal credits up front for your entire trip. That means that if you have three people in your party and you purchase the Quick-Service Dining Plan for your three night trip, your group will receive 18 quick-service meal credits, 9 snack/nonalcoholic beverage credits, and 3 resort-refillable drink mugs on your check-in day. Someone in your group will need to manage these credits to ensure they are used however equitably you agree to use the credits, as it is possible for one person to use as many credits from this pool as they wish.
If you choose to purchase any 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. Make note that if you purchase either of the table-service plans and intend to use the table-service meal credits, be aware that some locations such as Jiko – The Cooking Place and some Character Dining such as Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White will require two of your table-service credits. This just might justify upgrading to the Deluxe Table-Service Dining Plan if you are dining at more than one of these locations.
Finally, the credits will expire at 11:59 PM on the date of check-out.
About Those Snacks
When Disney talks about snacks, what exactly qualifies? While items do vary by location, a single serving of the following items are generally considered a snack:
- 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)
Resort Refillable Mugs
Each dining plan recipient will receive a Rapid Fill resort refillable mug, which currently retails for $22.99. With this mug, you can get unlimited refills of soft drinks, tea, hot cocoa, and more. The mug is activated when you pick it up from a quick-service dining location at any Disney Resort, and it is valid for the next 14 days. If your stay is longer than 14 days, you can get it re-activated after the first 14 days.
It is important to know, however, that you cannot get a free refill of drinks with this mug inside theme parks. You will need to visit a resort quick-service location or resort pool bar for your refills.
2027 Trips Bring More Options
With this dining plan update, would you consider adding a Disney Dining Plan to your 2027 Disney World package? While some people enjoy the convenience of these packages, others have done the math and don’t see the value. As a Travel Advisor, I can help you decide whether it is right for you or not. If you are interested in working with me to book your next Disney vacation, please click the button below to visit my travel site for a quote. Together, we will map out your dream vacation.
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