Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth It?
To dine or not to dine… that is the question! We all want to know: is the Disney dining plan worth it?
It was recently announced that the dining plans were going to come back in 2024 (and of course, to the delight of many!). Since the reopening of the Walt Disney World resort in 2020 , the dining plans had been on hiatus, and many have been hoping for their return.
This announcement is making a lot of people happy – but do dining plans live up to the hype? Are they the right choice for you and your family?
Let’s dive in to help you make an informed decision.
What is the Disney dining plan?
First introduced in 2005, the dining plans are part of a Disney Resort Hotel package and can include a certain number of prepaid meals and snacks throughout your day. Back in the day, an 18% gratuity was included with every dining plan, and the options were plentiful. However, they have changed many times over the years.
Disney advertises it as a way to spend more time enjoying the Disney magic, and less time on meal budgeting during your stay. It’s also convenient and flexible: depending on the plan that you choose, your meals are all prepaid for. This way, you can make your restaurant reservations and plan your days with them in mind.
Disney Dining 2024 Prices and Info
Curious about the upcoming Disney dining plan? Here are the Disney dining 2024 prices as well as a few details about the 2 dining plans that will be offered:
Quick Service Dining Plan
The Quick Service Dining Plan is for quick-service locations throughout the WDW Resort for casual meals. No dining reservations will be required for this plan. It’s for all (or most) restaurants where you make an order at a counter or register, then find a seat for your party to enjoy your meal (ie.: no table service).
What’s included in the Quick Service Dining Plan?
Everyone in the party (age 3 and over) receives the following:
- 2 Quick-Service meals (per night of stay)
- 1 Snack/Non-alcoholic drink (per night of stay)
- 1 Resort-Refillable drink mug (refillable at any Disney Hotel, but not in the Theme Parks)
At the time of publication, the prices for the Quick Service Dining Plan were $57.01 US per adult, and $23.83 per child per day.
Disney Dining Plan
This is the package to buy if you want to slow down and savor sit-down meals. This option will let you enjoy both Quick-Service and Table-Service restaurants, including Character Dining locations.
What’s Included in the Disney Dining Plan?
Everyone in the party (age 3 and over) receives the following:
- 1 Quick-Service meal (per night of stay)
- 1 Table-Service meal (per night of stay)*
- 1 Snack/Non-alcoholic drink (per night of stay);
- 1 Resort-Refillable drink mug (refillable at any Disney Hotel, but not in the Theme Parks)
*Note that 2 table service meals need to be redeemed for a few dining experiences, like Fairytale Dining at Cinderella’s Castle, Be Our Guest and certain Fine dining restaurants
At the time of publication, the prices for the Disney Dining Plan were $94.28 US per adult, and $29.69 US per child per day.
Other Things to Know About The Dining Plans
Beverages
Beverages are included with each meal. Guests under 21 years of age may choose from a variety of non-alcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older (with valid identification) may substitute for beer, wine or cocktails.
Meals and Snacks Will Rollover
The number of meals and snacks allotted 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. So for example, you could decide not to use a quick service meal one day and then use 2 the next day for breakfast and lunch, or redeem 3 snacks on the same day., or combine 2 table service meals and attend special dining experiences (as stated above: Fairytale Dining, Be Our Guest, or other Fine Dining)
Non-Transferable
Meals and snacks are non-transferable between party members.
Tips & Gratuities
Gratuities are NOT included.
Book for the Entire Length of Your Stay
You also have to book the dining plan for the entire length of your stay. You cannot stay 7 nights and purchase the dining plan for only 4 of those nights. It has to be purchased for the entire stay.
Ordering for Your Kids
Guests ages 3 to 9 must order from a child’s menu when available. Guests 10 and over can order from the child’s menu, but will be charged the adult prices – although they may get a bigger portion of the said child’s menu.
The options for table-service meals are subject to availability, so make your reservations 60 days ahead of time (or within the available window). If there is no availability at your 60-day mark, keep checking, even up to the day of your visit, because people cancel very often!
Items that are more than a single serving (such as a box of doughnuts), items served in a souvenir container and items considered to be merchandise are not included.
How To Keep Track of Your Disney Dining Credits
There are 3 ways to keep track of your credits:
- View your remaining meals and snacks in the My Disney Experience app.
- Check your dining receipts. Remaining meals and snacks are printed on them.
- Ask your Resort Concierge or Guest Relations to check your credits at any time.
Things to Consider
A lot of things can go behind deciding if the dining plan is for you and your family. It is hailed by many as awesome: you don’t have to worry about the cost when you eat, which is always fun. But you still pay for that package, albeit in advance, so here are things to consider when you go.
Where you stay
If your room has a small kitchenette, or a microwave and a fridge, I encourage you to do the math to see if you should still purchase the Dining Plans. If you have access to some kitchenette amenities, you might be planning on stopping at Walmart or any grocery stores to purchase breakfast and snack options to eat in the room, or at the parks (you are allowed to bring food and snacks from outside!) which would save you a lot of money even if you also eat at restaurants and pay per meal.
The amount your family eats
Some family members always eat less than others, or some are very picky eaters. Because the plans must be purchased by the entire party or none at all, it’s a good idea to do the math. Will you really all eat 2 meals a day + a snack? It has been my experience that the senses are so overwhelmed in Disney that we are not often hungry. When I took the Dining Plan a while back, I remember not wanting to order an appetizer because I was so full already but feeling like I had to because I was going to waste the credits, so, consider this factor.
I believe almost everyone who purchases the dining plan leaves their vacation with unredeemed credits. Disney counts on this too. It’s got to be worth it for them too, otherwise they wouldn’t sell it.
Restaurants take precious park time
If you are traveling with kids who can’t sit still for longer than a few minutes, think it through. They will be surrounded by rides, parades, and characters. Having to sit down twice a day to eat, even if it’s at quick service restaurants, can sometimes be a tough sell. It’s even moreso for sit-down meals, where you can still wait 15-20 minutes before being seated, and one or two hours before the meal is done.
Table-service meals require reservations
When you plan to fit 1 or 2 table service meals in your vacation, it’s sometimes quite stressful to find availabilities for the restaurants you want. To make the most out of your Dining Plan, you will need to make restaurant reservations in advance, which can also lock you into plans for the day. It’s definitely something to consider.
So, there you have it. The Dining Plan’s comeback is awesome news, and they can be a good deal! However, we definitely suggest thinking about it ahead of time, do your math, and budget and decide if it’s right for you and your family.
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