We have been waiting eagerly since the parks reopened in 2021 for the announcement of the return of the Disney Dining Plan, or as it was known - the DDP. Well, good news! We finally have a date!
Guests who visit Walt Disney World and stay at Disney World Resort can purchase the Disney Dining Plan starting January 9th, 2024. You can start booking these vacation stays with the Dining Plan on May 31, 2023, so let’s get cracking and break down all of the information about the Disney Dining Plan and all of the new changes!
What is a Disney Dining Plan?
The Disney Dining Plan is a meal package offered by Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Designed to enhance the overall vacation experience, the dining plan allows guests to prepay for a certain number of meals and snacks per day, providing convenience and cost savings during their stay.
Think of it as pre-paying for your meals.
The Disney Dining Plan is available to resort guests who book a vacation package to Walt Disney World, and it is perhaps the most divisive Disney tip among experts. It seems you either love the Disney Dining Plan for its value and convenience, or you don’t care for it and find it to be a waste of money and food. (Our in-house team is among those that can’t agree!)
Some important things to note, when you book a dining plan, everyone in the room must be booked on the same package and must be using the same type of ticket. Kids under 3 years old may share from an adult plate at no charge, or a meal may be purchased from the menu for them. You can’t purchase the dining plan for a child under the age of 3. Guests ages 3-9 must order from a children’s menu where available.
Why Would You Want the Disney Dining Plan?
The Disney Dining Plan offers various advantages for guests. Firstly, it provides convenience and predictability, as most dining expenses are prepaid, which means you won’t have to carry cash or worry about individual meal costs. It also allows guests to try different dining experiences and explore a wide range of restaurants and cuisines within the Walt Disney World Resort. Eat out of your comfort zone!
The Disney Dining Plan also allows you to let your hair down and be fun! When you are actively trying to stay on budget and calculate through your vacation you’re not only not having fun, you’re likely not being fun because you probably say “no” to a lot of things. When you’re on the DDP it’s already paid for and there are no surprises, so if they want a milkshake, be fun mom and say yes!
It's worth noting that the Disney Dining Plan is subject to availability and specific terms and conditions may apply. It's recommended to review the official Walt Disney World website or consult with a travel agent to get the most up-to-date information and understand the current offerings and pricing.
See the most up to date information on the Disney Dining Plan here.
Different Types of Disney Dining Plans
The Disney Dining Plan offers several options to cater to different dining preferences and budgets. The newly revised plan coming in 2024 has less options than what was available previously, so be sure to check with your travel agent before your trip for the latest information regarding the Disney Dining Plan.
Let's explore the different plans available -
Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan
This plan is ideal for guests who prefer quick and casual meals. It includes two quick-service meals (entree and non-alcoholic beverage), one snack per day and one refillable cup to use at your resort.. Quick-service locations are usually counter-service restaurants where you can grab a bite on the go.
Think fast food. But it’s Disney, so good fast food.
Disney Dining Plan
The standard Disney Dining Plan offers one quick-service meal, one table-service meal, one snack per day, and one refillable cup to use at your resort. Table-service meals allow guests to sit down and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience at various restaurants throughout the parks and resorts.
Table Service restaurants are places where you are served, and yes, this includes character dining!
Important to note that any time you are dining at a Table Service restaurant you have to allot about 2 hours of your day due to transportation, check in, etc.
How Does the Disney Dining Plan Work?
Using the Disney Dining Plan is relatively straightforward. Upon arrival, guests receive a certain number of dining credits based on the length of their stay and the dining plan selected. These credits can be redeemed at participating restaurants and can be used for meals, snacks, and beverages.
The DDP counts the days of your stay, not the number of park ticket days you have, so if you have 10 days at a Disney resort you will have 10 days on the Disney Dining Plan.
You can also use your credits whenever you want during the length of your stay! If you want to spend 3 days worth of Table-service credits in one day, live your best life! The credits all go into a pool for you to spend whenever and however you want.
Unused credits will expire at midnight on your checkout day. Don’t leave unused credits!!
What is a Snack Credit?
A snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan is a benefit that allows guests to redeem a designated snack item at various locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort. The snack credit is one of the components included in the dining plan and provides guests with a convenient way to enjoy quick bites or treats during their visit.
Definition of a Snack: A snack, as defined by the Disney Dining Plan, can include a wide variety of food and beverage items. Examples of snacks can range from a piece of fresh fruit, a bag of popcorn, a Mickey-shaped ice cream bar, a pretzel, a bottle of water, a specialty drink, a cupcake, a dole whip, or even a small portion of a quick-service meal item.
What is a Good Use of a Snack Credit?
A good snack credit is something that is a good bang for your buck. A great use of a snack credit is spending it on anything $7 or more. Snack credits really make it or break it when it comes to the value of the Disney Dining Plan.
Some examples of great snack credit usage are milkshakes, ice cream sundaes, dole whip floats, and other fun and “naughty” treats that are filling, fun, and expensive! Another great use of a snack credit is Starbucks. Any Starbucks beverage can count as a snack, so go with the largest size, with all of the syrups, and of course, topped with whipped cream!
Do you love EPCOT festivals? Most items in the outdoor kitchens count as snack credits! You can save up your snack credits for your EPCOT day or… FUN FACT: You can use a Quick Service meal credit as 3 snack credits instead, but they all have to be in one purchase.
What is a Bad Use of a Snack Credit?
Yes, there is such a thing as bad uses of snack credits. That extra side of cheese for your pretzel? That bottle of soda? That box of popcorn? All will cost you a snack credit! Opt instead to pay for these items. And don’t forget, you can absolutely bring in your own water, soda, and snacks!
As long as the items you bring in don’t contain alcohol, loose ice, or glass, Disney is perfectly okay with it.
What is the Difference Between Quick-Service Meals and Table-Service Meals in Disney World?
Quick service dining and table service dining are two distinct dining experiences offered in Walt Disney World. Quick service dining, also known as counter service, provides a more casual and efficient way of dining. Guests typically approach a counter or kiosk to place their orders, and the food is served quickly. The menus at quick service locations tend to offer a variety of convenient and familiar options like burgers, sandwiches, and salads. With self-seating available in indoor or outdoor areas, quick service meals are designed for guests who prefer a faster dining experience, allowing them to maximize their time in the parks.
On the other hand, table service dining provides a more traditional sit-down experience. Guests make advance dining reservations, especially for popular restaurants or those offering character dining experiences. Upon arrival, they are seated at a table where a server takes their orders and delivers their meals. Table service restaurants offer a wider variety of menu options, including appetizers, entrees, desserts, and beverages. The menus often feature diverse cuisines and specialty dishes, providing guests with a chance to explore unique flavors. The dining duration at table service restaurants is typically longer, allowing guests to savor their meals and enjoy the ambiance of the restaurant.
Can You Use Disney Dining Plan with Character Meals?
Yes, the Disney Dining Plan can be used for character meals at Walt Disney World! Character meals are dining experiences where Disney characters visit your table for photos, autographs, and interaction while you enjoy your meal. These meals are popular among families and provide a memorable experience.
Using your Table Service Credit for character meals is an excellent use of the credit because you can get a great value. Some Table Service Restaurants like Sci-Fi Dine In has entrees under $20, making it affordable to pay out of pocket, but character buffets like Chef Mickey’s cost over $60 for an adult!
When using the Disney Dining Plan, character meals require the use of table service credits. The number of credits needed may vary depending on the specific character meal and dining location. Some character meals may require one table service credit, w