The Disney Dining Plan Returns in 2024. Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth It?
Disney World dining has become a destination to itself. You will find an eclectic mix of global flavors, ethnic cuisine, unique treats, sweet indulgences, healthy options, and even, fine dining experiences both around Disney World and inside the parks.
How much should you budget for eating in Disney World? How can you manage the costs? How can you do it without missing out on the smorgasbord of options Disney offers?
Disney’s answer to that question is by adding a Dining Plan to your vacation package. But is it worth it? That is what we are going to explore here.
In this article, we are going to talk about the different dining plans offered by Disney, what is included in each plan, and how it works. We are also going to compare the cost of the plan to some typical meals in Disney so you can decide if purchasing a Disney World dining plan is right for you. Should you decide to add a dining plan to your vacation package, we’ll give you some tips how to get the best value from the dining plan.
What is the Disney Dining Plan
The Disney Dining Plan (DDP) allows you to pre-purchase meals for your Walt Disney World Resort Vacation. Based on each night of your stay, each guest on your reservation receives a certain allotment (or credits) of quick-service meals, table-service meals, and snacks. The number of each is dependent upon which plan you choose.
Each guest will also receive a refillable mug that can be used at their resort. (Mug may be refilled at self-service beverage islands at Quick-Service locations at any Disney Resort Hotel. It may not be refilled in the parks.)
You will find typical theme park fare in Disney World like hamburgers and fries, but you will also discover so much more. Disney has become known for the quality of food options they offer, both in terms of cuisine and variety to please most every palate.
Disney World dining has become a destination to itself. You will find an eclectic mix of global flavors, ethnic cuisine, unique treats, sweet indulgences, healthy options, and even, fine dining experiences both around Disney World and inside the parks.
There are well over 400 different places to purchase a meal or just a grab-and-go bite in Disney World. You can find an unlimited variety of snacks to choose from like popcorn and ice cream to egg rolls and crepes. You can find a quick service meal to meet anyone’s craving from corndogs to lobster rolls.
When it comes to table service restaurants, options range from the famous Cobb Salad at the Hollywood Brown Derby, all you can eat buffet with character meet and greets at Chef Mickey’s, to 7-course meals at the renowned Victoria and Alberts, a AAA Five Diamond Award® recipient since 2000.
Some restaurants are highly themed and bursting with creativity and imagination. Others offer an abundance of guest interactions such as a chance to meet your favorite characters or dine with a Disney Imagineer.
You will also find plenty of healthy options throughout Disney World including many gluten-free and allergy-friendly items regularly on the menu. Current information on the Disney Dining Plan for 2024 can be found here.
Do I need to make advance restaurant reservations in Disney World with Disney Dining plan
While you are on vacation, not only will you will have to eat, but you won’t want to miss out on all the tantalizing treat and mouth-watering dishes available. Making Advance Dining Reservations is highly recommended.
Quick-service restaurants are the type where you place your order at counter, or mobile order through the My Disney Experience app, then take your food to your table yourself. You do not make reservations at quick-service restaurants however sometimes the lines can get very long. You can save a lot of time by Mobile Ordering your food in advance.
Table-service restaurants and full-service, sit down restaurants where you are seated and served by a waiter.
Some of the table service restaurants in Disney World are extremely popular. Advance Dining Reservations is one of the key dates you will not want to miss when planning your Disney Vacation. They can be made months in advance and many book up the first day. But not all are that popular. However, it is still recommended to make a reservation in advance.
For most dining reservations, Disney will take a credit card to secure your reservation, even if you are on the Dining Plan. It is only a hold and will not be charged unless you are a no-show. If your plans change, remember to cancel your dining reservations at least 24-hours in advance (48-hours in advance for signature dining restaurants) to avoid being charged a $10 per person no-show fee.
Current information on the Disney Dining Plan 2024 can be found here.
If you are unable to get into your favorite restaurant, keep checking back. People often change plans and cancel reservations, especially a day or two before. You may get lucky and find a cancellation.
One of the many benefits of booking your trip with a Disney Travel Planner is that many offer concierge services where they will make your dining reservations for you.
You do NOT need to have a dining plan to be able to make reservations. Nor do you need to be staying at a Disney resort. All dining reservations are open to all guests.
What are the Different Dining Plans Offered in Disney World for 2024?
Disney has 4 dining plan tiers to choose from. Each may appeal to a different type of person’s style of eating on vacation.
For meals on the go:
Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan entitles each guest (age 3 and up) to 2 quick-service meals and 1 snack per night, along with a resort refillable mug.
The most popular plan:
Disney Dining Plan (also known as the “standard” plan) entitles each guest (age 3 and up) to 1 quick-service meal, 1 table-service meal, and 2 snacks per night, along with a resort refillable mug.
The most flexible plan:
Disney Dining Plan entitles each guest (age 3 and up) to 1 quick-service meals, 1 table service) and 1 snack per night, along with a resort refillable mug.
What is Included in a Meal?
A Quick Service meal includes:
- 1 entrée
- 1 beverage
(or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)
A Table Service BREAKFAST meal includes:
- 1 entrée
- 1 beverage
OR
- 1 full buffet or
family-style meal - 1 alcoholic beverage
(guests 21+)
A Table Service LUNCH or DINNER meal includes:
- 1 entrée
- 1 beverage
- 1 dessert
OR
- 1 full buffet or
family-style meal - 1 alcoholic beverage
(guests 21+)
A Quick Service Meal is a type where you order, pick up on a tray and take it to your table.
A Table Service Meal is one in which you are seated and served.
Check for current information on the Disney Dining Plan 2024 here.
What are my beverage choices?
Beverages: Guests under 21 years of age can choose one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered). Guests 21 year of age and older can choose either one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) or one single-serving mixed cocktail, beer, or wine (where offered) within their meal entitlement.
A single-serving non-alcoholic or specialty beverage includes items such as:
- Artisan Milkshakes
- Fresh Smoothies
- Premium Hot Chocolate
- Soda, Coffee or Tea
- A single-serving alcoholic beverage includes items such as Beer, Cider, Wine, Sangria, Mixed Drinks or Specialty Cocktails
Not every restaurant has the same options so if you have your heart set on a cocktail or shake you’ll want to make sure you’re planning on eating somewhere that has those.
Note: Most beer, wine, and mixed drink beverages are included, but some exceptions apply. Guests must be 21 years of age or older and present valid ID to be served alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages may only be redeemed with a Quick-Service or Table-Service meal entitlement.
What Qualifies as a Snack?
Snack options can be found at Quick-Service restaurants, most Outdoor Carts, and select merchandise locations. A snack may include a single serving of items such as:
- Frozen ice cream novelty, Popsicle or fruit bar
- Popcorn scoop
- Piece of whole fruit
- Cupcake or pastry
- Funnel cake or churro
- Bag of snacks, candy or chips
- 20 oz. bottle of soda or bottled water
- 20 oz. fountain soft drink
- 12 oz. coffee, hot chocolate or hot tea
You can find many snack options around the parks, resorts, and at Disney Springs. There are both sweet and savory options.
You can use your snack credits to buy something like a bagel or a pastry in the morning. Use your refillable mug for coffee and call it breakfast. That still leaves you another snack credit for later in the day.
What’s Not Included in the Disney Dining Plan?
Almost every restaurant in Disney World and Disney Springs is included in the Dining Plan as well as all the restaurants at the resorts. However, there are a few things that are not included.
Gratuities for table service restaurants
Items that are more than a single serving (such as a box of donuts or a jar of peanut butter)
Items (such as popcorn or drinks) that are served in a souvenir container
Items sold from recreational rental counters
Items considered to be merchandise (such as bottle toppers, glow cubes, and bottle straps)
Special dining events offered at certain Table-Service locations
What Meals are Included for Children?
Children under age of 3 can either share a meal with an adult or dine at a buffet for no charge. However, any menu items ordered for the child are subject to normal menu prices.
Children ages 3-9 must get the same dining plan as the rest of the family. However, guests that age must order off of the children’s menu (which is available at most Disney World restaurants).
What if I Have Special Dietary Needs?
Disney is committed to accommodating guest with specific dietary needs.
Most Disney table-service and major quick-service restaurant locations offer allergy-friendly menus or allergy guides to address common allergies and intolerances. If you are making advanced dining reservations online, there is a place to indicate all food allergies. You should discuss any allergy issues and special requirements with a cast member when your party arrives at the restaurant.
Many locations are able to accommodate lifestyle requests without any special, advance arrangements. This includes those with diabetes, gastric bypass or lap band concerns. Also included are those seeking low-carbohydrate, low-fat, low-sodium, no-sugar-added or plant-based options.
For other special meals such as Kosher or Halal meals, those requests can be accommodated as well but arrangements must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Click HERE for more information or talk to your Disney Travel Planner.
Those meals are all covered under the Dining Plan. Current information on the Disney Dining Plan 2024 can be found here.
How much does the Disney dining plan 2024 cost?
The 2024 costs for the dining plan are as follows*. (Prices include tax).
Quick Service Dining Plan
- Adult: Less about $57 per day per
- Child: Less about $24 per day
Disney Dining Plan
- Adult: Less about $95 per day
- Child: Less about $30 per day
All the above plans include 1 snack per day per person over the age of 3 and a resort refillable mug that you can use at your resort. (You cannot use the mug in the parks). Current information on the Disney Dining Plan 2024 can be found here.
*Prices are subject to change without notice.
If you have purchased the dining plan, go ahead and order the most expensive items on the menu. They are covered with the plan. You’ve paid for it. Enjoy it!
Dining Plan Policies - Disney Dining Plan 2024
If you purchase the dining plan, it must be purchased for everyone on your reservation
You must purchase the dining plan for the entire length of your stay
Children 3-9 must order off the children’s menu (does not apply to buffets)
Taxes are included
Gratuities are not included and should be calculated on the full price of the meal as if you were paying cash
Your dining credits expire at midnight of your check-out day
How to Use the Disney Dining Plan
Although the total price of the dining plan is based on the number of nights in your stay, the way you use your credits is much more flexible.
For example, if you are a family of 3 and staying for 5 nights, and purchase the standard Disney Dining Plan, you will get a group total of 15 Quick Service Meals, 15 Table Service Meals, and 30 snacks to be used during the length of your stay.
How to use your Disney dining plan credits
Choose your restaurant. (For most table-service restaurants, we recommend booking as soon as the 60-day window opens.)
- Pay for your meal or snack by scanning your Magic Band.
Track it. There are three ways to do this:
- On My Disney Experience, go to the “My Resort Stay” section. Then, select “Check Dining Plan” to view the status of your dining plan entitlements—total issued, already redeemed, and still available.
- Check your most recent dining receipt.
- Visit the Resort Concierge or Guest Relations and ask about your remaining entitlements.
Quick Service Dining Plan Tips
- Quick Service restaurants do not require Advanced Dining Reservations and function like most fast-food restaurants.
- Check out the menus on the My Disney Experience app to compare offerings and prices.
- To learn more, read (Quick Service Dining in Disney World) for more information about many of the dining options available throughout the Disney theme parks.
To learn more about the many dining options available throughout Disney World theme parks, read:
Table Service Dining Plan Tips
- Most Table Service restaurants usually require Advanced Dining Reservations. Advanced Dining Reservations for Table Service restaurants can be made starting 60 days out from the date of your trip.
- The Disney Dining Plan can be used for Character Dining experiences. Most are 1 Table Service meal credit, but some require 2 Table Service meal credits, including:
- Some table service restaurants require 2 Table Service meal credits. These are known as Signature Restaurants. If you are planning on dining at a Signature restaurant, consider that when allocating how to use your credits. Some of the most popular Signature restaurants include:
- Be Our Guest (Magic Kingdom)
- Le Cellier Steakhouse (Epcot)
- The Hollywood Brown Derby (Hollywood Studios)
- Tiffins Restaurant (Animal Kingdom)
- California Grill (Disney’s Contemporary Resort)
- Citricos (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort)
- Narcoossee’s (Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort)
- The Flying Fish (Disney’s Boardwalk)
- Jiko – the Cooking Place (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
- Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera (Riviera Resort)
- Yachtsman Steakhouse (Disney’s Yacht Club Resort)
- Morimoto Asia (Disney Springs,—2 credits at dinner only, otherwise 1 credit.)
- The Boathouse (Disney Springs)
- Jaleo by José Andrés (Disney Springs)
- Paddlefish (Disney Springs)
- The Disney Dining Plan can be used for Category 2 or Category 3 seating at all Dinner Shows (subject to availability) and Category 1 seating at the 8:30 pm Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (subject to availability). Dinner shows are 2 Table service credits.
- Some restaurants package a dinner reservation with a reserved seat at a show, such as Fantasmic in Hollywood Studios, or a concert in Epcot. Those packages are a great way to get extra value from your Dining Plan credits.
If you are staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, you can order private in-room dining. (This is the only Disney-owned resort in Walt Disney World that offers in-room dining). Each private in-room dining meal on the Disney Dining Plan includes 1 entrée, 1 dessert (at lunch or dinner) and 1 beverage (alcholic for guest 21 and older). For private in-room dining, 2 Table-Service meal credits will be redeemed for each person dining.
- Pizza Pickup will also cost you 2 Table Service meal credits. You get 1 large pizza and 2 single-serve beverages (alcholic for guest 21 and older). Pizza pick up meals are availalbe at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Disney’s All-Star Music, Disney’s All-Star Sports, Disney’s Art of Animation, Disney’s Caribbean Beach, Disney’s Pop Century, and Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside Resorts.
- Be aware, Disney’s website notes that “Certain select menu items require payment of an additional amount in addition to redeeming the number of meals required at the location”. So be sure to read the menu and ask questions of your service to avoid and surprises at the end of your meal.
To learn more, read:
How to Get the Best Value from a Disney Dining Plan 2024
What is the Value of a Dining Credit?
We did some of our own math based on prices we have experienced and came up with a breakdown of what you would need to spend on your meals in 2024. In our opinion, a Quick Service credit is worth about $29. A Table Service credit is worth about $59, and a Snack credit is worth about $6. That means, to break even on the Disney Dining Plan, you’ll need to choose meals and snacks (including your beverage) that costs at least that amount.
The refillable mug currently sells for $22. We think of that as a bonus and it was not factored into the costs above. If you refill your mug a lot, you will get an even bigger value. Also, the more days you are staying, the more you will use refill it. Remember, you can use it for any soft drink, not just soda. The mug is also good for hot beverages such as coffee and tea.
Current information on the Disney Dining Plan 2024 can be found here.
Examples of meal costs
According to Disney, using the Disney Dining Plan will save you at least 15%. If you spend your credits wisely, you can save even more. However, these examples show that this is not always the case.
Here is an example of 3 different Quick Service meals and the cost if you paid cash. Compare that to the value of a meal using Dining Plan Credits. (Notice: all prices are current from time of this article. All prices are subject to change without notice.)
Example Meal B: Casey’s Corner (Magic Kingdom)
- Quick Service Meal: All-Beef Foot-long Chicago-style Hot Dog with fries $14.29
- Alcholic Beverage: Frozen Mint Julep Lemonade $ 6.49
- Total: $20.78 + 6.5% tax = $22.13
Example Meal C: La Cantina de San Angel (Epcot)
- Quick Service Meal: Taco Trio $15.50
- Alcholic Beverage: Frozen Margarita $13.50
- Total: $29.00 + 6.5% tax = $30.89
Example Meal D: Docking Bay 7 (Hollywood Studios)
- Quick Service Meal: Batuuan Beef Pot Roast $18.99
- Alcholic Beverage: Takodana Quencher $16.50
- Total: $35.49 + 6.5% tax = $37.80
From the examples above, some meals covered with the dining plan credits are a better value than others.
Let’s do that again, but this time at a Table Service restaurant.
Example Meal A: The Plaza (Magic Kingdom)
- Table Service Meal: Home-style Meatloaf $22.00
- Alcholic Beverage: Michelob Ultra Lager $9.00
- Dessert: Original Banana Split $10.50
- Total: $41.50 + 6.5% tax = $44.20
Example Meal B: Tutto Italia (Epcot)
- Table Service Meal: Chicken Parmigiana $34.00
- Alcholic Beverage: Italian Martini $18.00
- Dessert: Mocha Tiramisu $13.00
- Total: $65.00 + 6.5% tax = $69.23
Example Meal C: Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary Resort)
- Table Service Meal: Dinner Buffet (Adult) $60.00
- Alcholic Beverage: Ultimate Long Island Iced Tea $16.50
- Dessert: Included
- Total: $76.50 + 6.5% tax = $81.47
Again, you can see that, depending on what you order, you are getting a better value with some compared to others.
While you can save money with Quick Service dining, in our experience, you get a much bigger value at table service restaurants. Not all the examples above are the most expensive items on the menu, but there are less expensive options. But why not treat yourself. If you are on the dining plan, it’s all the same.
But “value” is not always the most important thing. The dining plan can be very convenient, and many guests never visit Disney without it. Whether it’s because they are saving money or simply that they can budget for their meals.
It is also very helpful if you are going with a group. If you are all on the dining plan, everyone can simply order what they like and not have to worry about splitting a bill at the end of the meal.
To help plan the perfect vacation, Disney Travel Planners are available to make sense of all the options, including if the Dining Plan is right for you. Many offer free services when you book with them. To learn more, read Disney Travel Planners.
Dining Plan Tips to maximize value
- Do order the most expensive items on the menu.
- Do go for the steak, lobster, shakes, alcohol, and orange juice. Those are often the most expensive options so take advantage when they’re on the menu.
- Do use your meals credits for dinner or lunch instead of breakfast. Breakfast is usually much less expensive.
- Do use your table service credits for Character meals—it’s usually a good value.
- Do use your credits for dining packages are generally a great use of a credit.
- Do try restaurants in the parks. They are often more expensive than those at resorts (excluding Signature restaurants).
- Do consider if the value of 2 credits is worth using them at a Signature Restaurant. It may be worth paying for those out of pocket
- Do use your snack credits for items over $6.00. Try a Dole Whip Float or a small plate dish at an Epcot festivals food stand. They are great snack values.
- Do choose a specialty or alcoholic beverage with your meal. You can also ask for cups of water. They are free!
- Do keep track of your credits as you go. If you decide to pay for an item out of pocket, be sure the cashier knows that in advance.
- Do use all your credits. If you have extra snack credits leftover, purchase some packaged snacks or even a meal for the trip home. (You can bring food through the airport, just not beverages)
More Reasons Why the Dining Plan May be a Good Choice
There are some reasons why the Dining Plan may be a good choice, even if you feel the savings is not significant enough.
If you are traveling with a group, another family, or even just a large family, the being on a dining plan can make eating out together less stressful. If you are all on the dining plan, then there is no need to worry about who ordered what or trying to split a bill. Everyone just orders what they want and its covered.
Turn your trip into an all-inclusive Disney vacation. Adding the Disney Dining Plan to your 2024 package lets you pay it off in advance and have most of your meals covered.
You can budget your food costs. By purchasing a Disney Dining Plan as part of your vacation package, you can budget your food costs in advance and even have them paid for before you even arrive in Disney World. That will make the bill at the end of your trip easier to manage.
Current information on the Disney Dining Plan 2024 can be found here.
Is the Dining Plan Worth It?
As with everything, there are pros and cons to the Dining Plan. Only you will know what will work best for you and your family.
The Pros:
- You have a better idea of what your spending on your vacation and it’s easier to stay within your budget
- It’s great when traveling with a group. There is no need to worry about who ordered what. Everyone can simply get what they like.
- If you want an appetizer and it’s not included in your plan, you can simply pay out-of-pocket. However, some restaurants may allow a swap for dessert. Ask your server.
The Cons:
- You may feel obligated to eat more than you want so you’re not wasting entitlements
- You need to keep track and make sure you are not charged a dining credit for something you prefer to pay cash for, such as an inexpensive snack
- If you don’t use all of your entitlements Disney doesn’t refund you the cost
The Answer:
Only you can decide if a dining plan is right for your family.
We hope this information was useful in helping you decide if purchasing a Disney Dining Plan is right for your vacation. For more information, you can review many of the restaurant menus to see what they offer on our Guide to Disney World Restaurants. Many include prices, although both selections and prices are subject to change. It can still help you determine what restaurant you may like to dine in and what you might expect to pay for meals there.
You can also review our overview of Disney World Quick Service Restaurants to see what options are offered in the Disney theme parks.
If you need some extra advice, this is an area where professional travel agents that specializes in Disney can help. They will know the best and most popular restaurants and help you decide the best options for you. Our friends at Destination Magic Travel have eaten at nearly all the full-service restaurants in the parks and can give you a first-hand review. Contact them today for a free quote. Current information on the Disney Dining Plan 2024 can be found here.
For more helpful planning tips, check out these articles:
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