Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Why I love the Disney Dining Plan!

There is tons of debate on the web as to whether or not the Disney Dining Plan is worth it. In my opinion, it varies from person to person and their individual vacationing style. I personally love it, and here are my reasons why!

- It's all paid for ahead of time.

The Disney Dining Plan is a package addition and needs to be paid in full 30 days prior to arrival. That means all my food is paid for and I don't have to worry about it when I'm there. I've done trips without it and honestly, it's a big pain to pay for my food every time and worry about not going over budget. (PS- gratuities for tase service restaurants are not included. That needs to be paid at the time of service.)

- Snacks!

One of the most fun parts is all the great snacks you can try. Pretty much anything under $6 is considered a snack credit on the dining plan and there are so many wonderful things. You can even use snack credits for items during the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot.

- The ability to order the most expensive meal on the menu and not feel guilty for spending that much $ on one meal.

I'm a money-saving budgeter. Even when I try to splurge and not think about the cost, I do. I can't help it! But when we have the Disney Dining Plan, I can order anything I want with no worries.

- I like to save $.

The Disney Dining Plan can definitely save you some money. Many will say it doesn't for them, and that is true. If you are a light eater and share meals, don't like to order dessert, or if character and family style all-you-care-to-enjoy type of meals do not appeal to you, the plan is not the best option. But we love to eat! And we love buffets and family-style meals. If you have kids aged 3-9, you definitely save a nice chunk of money! The kids plan is really cheap! And new for 2018, adults aged 21 and over can order an alcoholic beverage with every meal! That's a great perk!!

And if you need a quick run down of what the Disney Dining Plan is, here you go!

There are 3 plans to choose from:

The Quick Service Dining Plan includes 2 counter meals per night of your trip for each person on the reservation, as well as two snacks per night and a refillable mug for the resort’s beverage station. Counter meals consist of a non-alcoholic or specialty beverage, or an alcoholic beverage for guests over 21 years of age, and an entrée. These meals are ordered at a podium and are ready within a few minutes. You can choose from a wide variety of restaurants with varied cuisines. Snack credits can be used on a variety of things, such as popcorn, soft pretzels, ice cream bars, beverages, coffee, etc…


The Disney Dining Plan includes 1 table service meal per night, 1 quick service meal per night, 2 snacks per night, and a refillable mug for the resort’s beverage station. Table service meals include most character meals, buffets, and a la carte restaurants all around Disney’s parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. Meals include a non-alcoholic or specialty beverage, or an alcoholic beverage for guests over 21 years of age, and an entree and dessert. Gratuity is not included. Guests must pay that separately. Signature meals use two table service credits. Quick service meals are ordered at a counter and when ready, presented on a tray. They include a non-alcoholic or specialty beverage, or an alcoholic beverage for guests over 21 years of age, and an entrée. There are many locations all around the Disney property. Snack credits can be used on a variety of things, such as popcorn, soft pretzels, ice cream bars, beverages, coffee, etc…

The Deluxe Disney Dining Plan includes 3 meal credits per night of the package that can be used for either counter meals or table service, as well as 2 snacks per night and a refillable mug for the resort’s beverage station.