Disney Dining Plans 101
When it comes to planning a vacation to Walt Disney World Resort, the options can be overwhelming. From selecting the perfect resort to choosing the right ticket package, every decision counts in creating the ultimate magical experience. One often overlooked gem that can significantly enhance your stay is the Disney Dining Plan. Designed to provide convenience, flexibility, value, and savings, the Disney Dining Plan adds an extra dash of enchantment to your visit. In this blog post, we’ll explore why adding a Disney Dining Plan to your Walt Disney World Resort package is a wise choice for every Disney enthusiast.
Good news if you’re traveling in 2024 and beyond! With Walt Disney World stays beginning on January 9, 2024, you can add a dining plan to your Walt Disney packages.
Convenience
Vacations are meant to be stress-free and full of fun, and the Disney Dining Plan makes sure of that. With the plan, you won’t have to worry about budgeting for meals or carrying cash around the park. Instead, you’ll receive dining credits that can be used at various restaurants, quick-service locations, and snack stands throughout the resort. It’s a seamless system that allows you to focus on creating magical memories with your loved ones rather than fretting over meal expenses.
Flexibility
Disney understands that every family’s vacation needs are different, which is why they offer different tiers of the Disney Dining Plan. Whether you’re a foodie looking to indulge in unique dining experiences or a family seeking quick and easy meal options, there’s a plan that suits your preferences. From Quick-Service Dining Plans to Deluxe Dining Plans, you can customize your package to match your style and itinerary, ensuring that you get the most out of your dining experience.
Value
One might wonder if the Disney Dining Plan is truly worth it, and the answer lies in the value it provides. Dining at Walt Disney World Resort can get pricey, especially with character dining experiences and themed restaurants. However, with the dining plan, you can prepay for your meals at a discounted rate, making it more cost-effective than paying for each meal individually. Furthermore, the plan often includes extras like refillable resort mugs and snack credits, adding more value to your overall package.
Savings
One of the biggest advantages of adding a Disney Dining Plan to your resort package is the potential for savings. By prepaying for your meals, you lock in the current prices, safeguarding your budget from any future price hikes. Additionally, you can plan your dining expenses ahead of time, allowing you to allocate your vacation funds more efficiently. With the peace of mind that comes from knowing your meals are covered, you can focus on exploring the attractions and enjoying the magic.
How much does the average person spend on food at Walt Disney World?
Our research shows that the average person spends around $60 to $80 per day on food at Walt Disney World. However, this can vary depending on factors such as dining preferences, the number of meals consumed, and whether the person is on a dining plan or not. Here’s a breakdown of potential expenses:
- Quick-Service Meals: Quick-service meals, which include items like burgers, sandwiches, and salads, typically cost around $15 to $20 per adult meal, and $8.00 to $14.00 per child.
- Table-Service Meals: Table-service meals, offering a more immersive dining experience with waiter service, can range from $20 to $60 or more per meal, depending on the restaurant’s theme and menu.
- Snacks: Snacks such as popcorn, ice cream, and beverages can cost around $5 to $10 each.
- Character Dining: If a person chooses to indulge in character dining experiences, prices can be higher, ranging from $30 to $70 per person, depending on the restaurant and time of day.
- Alcoholic Beverages: For those who enjoy alcoholic beverages, prices can vary, with a single drink costing around $10 to $15 or more.
- Specialty Treats and Souvenirs: While not strictly food expenses, some guests may choose to spend on specialty treats or snacks unique to the Disney parks, as well as souvenir food items, which can add to the overall food budget.
It’s important to note that the prices mentioned above are approximate and can fluctuate based on the specific restaurants and dining locations chosen. To save on food expenses, some guests opt for Disney Dining Plans, as they can provide a prepaid and discounted approach to dining throughout the trip. Nevertheless, whether on a dining plan or not, guests have plenty of choices when it comes to dining at Walt Disney World, ensuring that there’s something to suit every taste and budget.
The Dish on Disney Dining Plans – You have 2 choices
Disney’s Quick Service Dining Plan offers a delightful balance between convenience and flexibility. Perfect for guests who prefer to spend more time exploring attractions and less time on sit-down meals, this plan includes two quick-service meals and two snacks per person, per night of stay. Quick-service meals can be redeemed at a vast selection of restaurants and kiosks throughout the parks and resorts, where you can savor a variety of delectable options from burgers and sandwiches to salads and international cuisines. With the Quick Service Dining Plan, families can enjoy on-the-go dining without compromising on taste or quality, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a fast-paced and adventurous vacation.
For a more immersive and gourmet culinary experience, the Disney Dining Plan offers a delectable array of options that cater to both food connoisseurs and families alike. This plan includes one quick-service meal, one table-service meal, and two snacks per person, per night of stay. The table-service meals grant access to a wide range of restaurants, including character dining experiences and themed eateries, where guests can relish mouthwatering entrees, delectable desserts, and unique beverages. Additionally, the Disney Dining Plan allows guests to enjoy more leisurely meals, perfect for unwinding after a day filled with magical adventures. Whether you’re looking to dine with beloved Disney characters or indulge in gastronomic delights, the Disney Dining Plan promises an unforgettable culinary journey that enhances the overall enchantment of your Walt Disney World vacation.
The Delicious Details
1. Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan
2024 Cost:
- $57.01 per adult, per night of stay
- $23.83 per child (3-9), per night of stay
For families on the go all day, this is a fast and easy meal plan option—especially when you have little ones in tow.
With the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan you can dine at a variety of Quick-Service locations when you’re ready to stop and enjoy a casual meal. Just order at a counter or register and then find a seat—no dining reservations required!
What’s Included
Everyone in the party ages 3 and over receives the following:
- 2 Quick-Service Meals (per night of stay)*
- 1 Snack/Nonalcoholic Drink (per night of stay)*
- 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug**
* Specific number of meals and snacks are determined by the number of nights included in the package stay. Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during your stay. Unused meals and snacks will roll over day to day and expire at midnight on day of checkout. Meals and snacks are nontransferable between party members.
** Resort-refillable mugs are eligible for refills from self-service beverage islands at any Disney Resort hotel Quick-Service location.
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.
- Guests ages 3 to 9 must order from a children’s menu, where available.
- Plan must be purchased for entire length of stay and for the entire party (ages 3 and up).
Dine and Snack at Your Own Pace
Remember, meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during your stay.
For example, if you book a 4-night package with a Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, each Guest (ages 3 and up) in your party would receive 8 Quick-Service meals and 4 Snacks or Nonalcoholic Beverages—which can be used at any time during your 4-night stay.
2. Disney Dining Plan
2024 Cost:
- $94.28 per adult, per night of stay
- $29.69 per child (3-9), per night of stay
Want to slow down a little and savor special family moments over sit-down meals—or watch the kids light up during Character Dining? Then the Disney Dining Plan is the perfect choice to experience classic dining options at both Quick-Service and Table-Service restaurants, including Character Dining locations.
This option allows you to easily plan meals around your family’s schedule: Quick-Service when you’re on the go and Table-Service when you’re ready to savor the moment.
What’s Included
Everyone in the party ages 3 and over receives the following:
- 1 Quick-Service Meal (per night of stay)*
- 1 Table-Service Meal (per night of stay)*
- 1 Snack/Nonalcoholic Drink (per night of stay)*
- 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug**
* Specific number of meals and snacks are determined by the number of nights included in the package stay. Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during your stay. Unused meals and snacks will roll over day to day and expire at midnight on day of checkout. Meals and snacks are nontransferable between party members.
** Resort-refillable mugs are eligible for refills from self-service beverage islands at any Disney Resort hotel Quick-Service location.
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 entire length of stay and for the entire party (ages 3 and up).
Dine and Snack at Your Own Pace
Remember, meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during your stay.
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 Table-Service meals, 4 Quick-Service meals and 4 snacks or nonalcoholic beverages—which can be used at any time during your 4-night stay.
How to Get A Dining Plan
Guests of Disney Resort hotels can choose one of the Disney Resort Hotel Packages that includes one of the dining plans, which offer the convenience and flexibility of prepaid dining at over 200 locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort. In addition to the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, we also offer the Disney Dining Plan.
How to Use Your Dining Plan
Simply present your valid Disney Resort ID (MagicBand, Disney MagicMobile pass or Key to the World card) to your server or cashier at participating restaurants.
If you have special dietary requests, please mention them when ordering. You may also speak with a chef or manager.
If you are dining with another party that’s also on a dining plan, please notify the cashier which meals and snacks should be redeemed for each party.
You can redeem your meals and snacks in any order during your stay, until the number of meals and snacks associated with your package has been depleted. All unused meals and snacks and the ability to use your Resort-refillable mug expire at midnight on your package reservation checkout date.
How to Keep Track
Your dining plan usage is electronically linked to your reservation. Keep track of your remaining meals and snacks in 3 ways:
- View your remaining meals and snacks in the My Disney Experience app.
- Check your dining receipts. The remaining meals and snacks are printed on them.
- Ask your Resort Concierge or Guest Relations to obtain them at any time.
As a reminder, unused meals and snacks will roll over day to day and expire at midnight on day of checkout.
Important Information
Dining plan locations are subject to change without notice or liability. Dining plan meals and snacks are not sold separately, are nonrefundable, nontransferable and have no cash value. Theme park admission is required for some dining locations. Operating hours, menus, Characters, entertainment, participating locations, components and terms are subject to change without notice. Dining plan meals and snacks are based on the number of nights of your package stay at your Disney Resort hotel. The owners of the Walt Disney World Resort shall not be responsible for the non-utilization of package components due to refurbishing, capacity, closures, inclement weather or any circumstance beyond their control.
As you embark on your journey to the most magical place on Earth, don’t overlook the benefits of adding a Disney Dining Plan to your Walt Disney World Resort package. The convenience of not having to worry about meal budgets, the flexibility to tailor the plan to your needs, the value of discounted prepayments, and the potential for savings all make the Disney Dining Plan a must-have for an enchanting and hassle-free vacation. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney enthusiast, the Disney Dining Plan will undoubtedly add an extra sprinkle of pixie dust to your adventure, making it a truly unforgettable experience for the whole family. So, let the culinary magic unfold as you dine like royalty in the midst of your favorite Disney stories!
