Walt Disney World has announced major changes for when they reopen in July 2020 – including suspending the Disney Dining Plan! For all the details, please see our post on Walt Disney World Reopening Information!
The Disney Dining Plan at Walt Disney World is a popular option for many guests. But is it right for your Walt Disney World vacation? The answer depends on a variety of factors. Let’s start with an overview of exactly what the Dining Plan is.
Disney Dining Plan Overview
There are four dining plans – the Quick Service Dining Plan, the Disney Dining Plan, the Disney Dining Plan Plus, and the Deluxe Dining Plan. In most cases, when someone refers to the “Dining Plan,” they are referring to the second dining package, aka the “Disney Dining Plan.” The Dining Plan is only available for guests age 3 and up.
Dining Plans can be added to a package that includes park admission.
Here is what each plan includes:
Quick Service Dining Plan
Two quick service credits, and two snack credits per person, per night. Also includes one resort refillable mug per person. Guests age 21+ can choose either one non-alcoholic beverage or one glass of wine, beer or a cocktail (where available) for each meal. People under 21 can choose a non-alcoholic beverage including specialty drinks such as smoothies or milkshakes. The cost for 2019 Quick Service Dining Plan is $52.49 per night per adult (ages 10+), and $23.78 per night per child (ages 3-9).
Disney Dining Plan
One table service credit, one quick service credits, and two snack credits per person, per night. Also includes one resort refillable mug per person. Guests age 21+ can choose either one non-alcoholic beverage or one galls of wine, beer or a cocktail (where available). People under 21 can choose a non-alcoholic beverage including specialty drinks such as smoothies or milkshakes. Guests age 21+ can choose either one non-alcoholic beverage or one galls of wine, beer or a cocktail (where available). People under 21 can choose a non-alcoholic beverage for each meal including specialty drinks such as smoothies or milkshakes. The cost for 2019 Disney Dining Plan is $75.48 per night per adult (ages 10+), and $27.98 per night per child (ages 3-9).
Disney Dining Plan Plus (NEW!)
Two meal credits (can be used for either quick service or table service), and two snack credits per person, per night. Also includes one resort refillable mug per person. Guests age 21+ can choose either one non-alcoholic beverage or one galls of wine, beer or a cocktail (where available). People under 21 can choose a non-alcoholic beverage including specialty drinks such as smoothies or milkshakes. The cost for 2019 Deluxe Dining Plan is $94.61 per night per adult (ages 10+), and $35.01 per night per child (ages 3-9).
Deluxe Dining Plan
Three meal credits (can be used for either quick service or table service), and two snack credits per person, per night. Also includes one resort refillable mug per person. Guests age 21+ can choose either one non-alcoholic beverage or one galls of wine, beer or a cocktail (where available). People under 21 can choose a non-alcoholic beverage including specialty drinks such as smoothies or milkshakes. The cost for 2019 Deluxe Dining Plan is $116.24 per night per adult (ages 10+), and $43.49 per night per child (ages 3-9).
Quick Service meals include an entree or combo. Table service meals include an entree and dessert (dessert is only at lunch and dinner) or full buffet. Snacks consist of almost any individual serving item valued at $5 or less. So you can use your snack credits for Mickey Bars, Popcorn, bottled water, or even breakfast items like muffins.
Gratuities are not included on the Dining Plan. Guests can choose to pay the gratuity with cash or credit card, or use your MagicBand to charge to your room account.
The Disney Dining Plan May NOT Be For You If:
Do you think that table service meals just take time away from riding ALL THE RIDES?
Are you only planning one or maybe two table service meals during your trip?
Maybe there are picky or light eaters in your family? Do you have kids that eat one or two bites and declare they are full? Disney portions are HUGE and can easily be split between two (or more) people.
Do you prefer a flexible touring style and don’t want to be tied down to dining reservations?
These are all reasons why the Dining Plan may not be the right choice for your family. Or why you may wish to consider the Quick Service Dining Plan instead of the Disney Standard Dining Plan.
The Disney Dining Plan Likely IS For You If:
Are you a “foodie”? Do you enjoy getting to try new restaurants and different cuisines?
Do you love knowing that your meals are paid for in advance?
Are you a person that needs to be sure that you will have at least one meal per day where you can sit, relax, and have a conversation with your family?
Do you snack during the day?
If all or most of the above are true, then the Disney Dining Plan is likely a good bet for your family. Do you want to enjoy more than one table service meal per day or want to experience Signature Restaurants (that use two table service credits per person)? Then the Deluxe Dining Plan may be something to consider!
Need Hard Data?
We get it! While I am not a numbers girl, Disney Park Princess Sharla loves a spreadsheet. If you want to see evidence whether or not the Disney Dining Plan would be a good choice for your family, check out Dis Trip Planner. (Not sponsored, we just like the site!) This calculator allows you to enter where you will be dining and what you are likely to order, and tells you if which dining plan, if any, will work for your family.
Keep in mind that the calculator cannot quantify the peace of mind that comes with knowing your meals are paid for ahead of time!
“Free” Dining
Ahhhh, the famous “Free Dining” discount. Historically, Walt Disney World has offered the Dining Plan for “free” during select dates, usually in the fall, when guests book a package that includes at least a 3-night stay and a park hopper pass. Why do I keep putting “free” in quotation marks? Because while the Dining Plan is free, what this means is that the room and park admission are at full price.
So if the “Free” Dining Plan is the only discount available for your dates, by all means, go for it! But if there are multiple discounts for your dates, be sure to check all of them. “Free” Dining may not be the best deal! For more information, check out this post on discounts.
The Disney Dining Plan can be a welcome addition to a Disney vacation. But it is not right for every family. Does your family use the Dining Plan? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments!
