How To Dine The Disney Dining Way

There are a number of ways to dine at Walt Disney World.

With about 150 dining options available, both sit-down and counter service, there is so much to consider.

How much money should I budget?

Who has the best pizza?

Can we satisfy the adventurous eaters in our party?

We don’t have time to waste. Where can we get a quick, healthy bite?

How To Disney Budget

First, you need to decide on a budget. We like to plan on one sit-down dining experience a day. This gives us a chance to relax, get away from the crowds and truly enjoy our Disney vacation. But there are many who are just as happy to eat on the go. Luckily, there are options for both mindsets.

1. Bring Your Own – Soft sided coolers work best but as long as your cooler is no larger than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high (61cm x 38cm x 46cm) you can bring it in. Sandwiches, fruit, hummus and chips, and vegetables will keep you fueled and ready to go. There are plenty of shaded areas to spread out and relax. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
2. Counter Service – From pizza and hot dogs to gourmet sandwiches and clam chowder, you’ll find something for everyone. There is even mobile ordering available to save time! Plan to spend about $8.00-$14.00 per meal.
3. Table Service – With amazing choices that will satisfy the pickiest of eaters to the most adventurous, there are almost 100 sit-down dining experiences to choose from. Reservations are highly recommended. You can make them on the My Disney Experience App or call 407- WDW-DINE (407) 939-3463. Plan to spend anywhere from $15-40+ per individual entree.
4. Signature Dining – This is Table Service dining with pizzazz. Think top sushi chefs in the world.  Flavors from exotic locales. Melt in your mouth filet of beef. Reservations will guarantee you a seat for a memorable dining experience. Prices vary widely. You can spend as little as $18 for the famous Cobb Salad at Hollywood Brown Derby to $110 for the finest Kobe beef at Victoria & Albert’s. Can’t go wrong with either choice!

So Many Choices, So Little Time

Spend a little, spend a lot, there are yummy choices for every palate.

One of our favorite ways to sample the cuisine is touring the kiosks and counter service options around World Showcase EPCOT. We love the udon in Japan, hummus in Morocco and crepes in France. Wash it all down with Mango Green Tea Smoothie (China) or the best margaritas in the (Walt Disney) World (Mexico).

For a great, comprehensive list of menus with current pricing, click here.

Want An All-Inclusive Experience? Try The Disney Dining Plan

My husband like to pay for our trips, in advance. Only then can he relax while on vacation. That’s why we like the Disney Dining Plan.

There are three tiers to consider.

1. Quick Service Dining Plan – (2) Quick Service Meals per day, (2) Snacks per day.
2. Table Service Dining Plan – (1) Quick Service Meal per day, (1) Table Service meal (entree and dessert) per day, (2) Snacks per day
3. 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.

Prices vary by time of year and must be purchased with a vacation package.

Another thing to consider is that the Disney Dining Plan is not for everyone. We are now traveling with two teenage boys. We MAKE money with the dining plan and their giant appetites. However, when my daughter and I take a girl’s trip? We skip the dining plan. Too much food for the two of us. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide what’s right for your family. 

Have a Disney dining tip or question? Please share in the comments below!