10 Things You Need To Know About The Disney Dining Plan

My husband LOVES the Disney Dining Plan – even more than he loves Disney. It’s a way to pre-pay for all of your meals while on vacation. And then, while you’re on vacation, you can….well, vacation.

Leave all of your worries behind you and just enjoy.

Purchase your dining plan as part of your vacation package or take advantage of “Free Dining” promotions. There are promotions throughout the year offering “Free Dining.” This is a great time to try the dining plan. When purchased, the standard dining plan costs approximately $75/day per Disney Adult (ages 10 and up) and $25/day (ages 3-9). This may sound like a lot. And it can be. There are times when we lost money purchasing the dining plan. But most times, we made money. And the ability to just order anything off the menu without counting pennies? Makes for a stress-free meal.

There are 3 different types of dining plans to consider.

• Quick Service Dining Plan – (2) Quick Service Meals per day, (2) Snacks per day.
• Table Service Dining Plan – (1) Quick Service Meal per day, (1) Table Service meal (entree and dessert) per day, (2) Snacks per day
• Deluxe Dining Plan – (3) Meals per day – either Quick Service or Table Service, (2) Snacks per day. Table service meals include (1) appetizer, (1) entree, (1) dessert.

Beverages are included. One non-alcoholic beverage is included for each meal, either quick service or table service. And new this year, one alcoholic beverage per guest 21 years of age or older is allowed where such beverages are served.

Keep track of your dining plan credits in 3 easy ways. If you haven’t already, download the My Disney Experience app. That’s the easiest place to track your meal credits. Or, at the end of your meal, check your receipt. There will be a breakdown of how many credits are left at the bottom of the receipt. And then there’s always checking at the concierge desk at your resort. They are happy to help.

Mobile Ordering is also new this year and a great convenience. Simply place your order through the My Disney Experience app. Your meal with be ready and waiting once you arrive. Just one more way to avoid the lines!

Use your Magic Band to redeem meal credits. No wallet to tote around. No more keeping track of change.

Gratuities are NOT included. And your cast member is working very hard to make your experience a magical one – so don’t forget to tip. You can add it on, at the end of your meal, when you redeem your meal credits. There is an exception to this rule — parties of 6 or more have an automatic 18% gratuity added.

You will receive a reusable resort mug for unlimited non-alcoholic beverage refills. Soft drinks, coffee, tea and hot chocolate are included. They are only good at your resort, not in the theme parks. So, leave them in the room. One less thing to carry!

You can mix and match your dining credits any way you see fit during your stay. Want to have two sit-down meals in one day? Do it. Not feeling snacks at the start of your vacation, but have a treasure trove of snack credits near the end? Purchase packaged goodies for the ride home. But remember, all dining credits expire at midnight on your last day.

Make reservations! Don’t get stuck with left-over Table Service credits because you couldn’t find anywhere to eat. Disney dining establishments book quickly. Especially if you have a “must-eat” on your list (Be Our Guest, Chef Mickey, etc.) make sure you have secured an advanced dining reservation as soon as your booking window opens.