Is The Disney Dining Plan Worth It For You?

You’re planning your Disney adventure and you’re wondering…is the Disney Dining Plan (DDP) worth it for you?

The Disney Dining Plan is a pre-paid meal plan, allowing you to pre-pay for your meals and know, right up front, your dining budget.

Some people swear by this plan and won’t travel to Walt Disney World any other way.

Some say it’s a waste of money.

Me? I say there are advantages and disadvantages to both.

Disney Dining Plan – What is it?

The Disney Dining Plan is a pre-paid meal plan that allows you to know up-front dining costs. Once you arrive at your resort your account (and MagicBand) is loaded with the appropriate amount of meal and snack credits that you have already paid for in advance.

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.

Deciding on the plan that’s right for you is half the battle. And there are advantages to each one. Here is a quick primer so you can see which plan is the best for your party. 

But is it all worth it?

Say Yes to the Disney Dining Plan

Say yes to the Disney Dining Plan if you…

• Have Disney adults (anyone age 10 and up) who LOVE food. Once my boys turned 13 we saw lots of savings with the DDP. They eat. Constantly. They managed their own snack credits and without concern for prices, tried anything they wanted to try on the menu at sit-down restaurants. Foodies love this plan. And one of my sons, especially, is an adventurous foodie. That said, if your 10-12 year old is not a big eater, and can share entrees with you? It’s not much of a deal at all.
• Like to budget in advance. My husband loves the plan because once we check-in he knows that everything is already paid for. No surprises on the credit card when we get home. Aside from souvenirs. And even then, I buy discounted Disney cards at Target or Costco for souvenirs to keep the surprise purchases at bay.
• Want to 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! One non-alcoholic beverage is included in your meal plan at the parks, resort and participating restaurants.
• Want to take the time to explore food and enjoy. If you like to have sit down meals, the DDP is especially nice to have. Just make sure you make dining reservations. The popular establishments get booked in a hurry.

Say No to the Disney Dining Plan 

Say No to the Disney Dining Plan if you…

• Have a  Disney Kid is any child between the ages of 3 and 9. (For most kids) Their meals are (typically) off the kids menu, as their plan is a little cheaper. I say “typically” because there have been times when the cast member serving us has suggested something off the main menu when a kid looks tired of chicken nuggets or PB&J. I’ve never asked to order off the Big Boy Menu, it has always been offered when they’ve overheard us negotiating with our child. And I wouldn’t count on this option, as there are different policies at different locations.
• Are traveling with dieters. Any picky eaters or dieters are going to have a struggle at some places finding things that will satisfy their palate.
• Have any light eaters in your party. On trips with just my daughter, the DDP is rarely a savings. At least once a day, we can share an entree and be quite satisfied. For the two us, there is just too much food on a Disney Dining Plan.

  

The best way to know if the Disney Dining Plan is worth it for you is to do your homework. Scan menus. Rough out a budget. Then make your decision.

Of course, if you time it right, you may run across a deal that  offers free dining. Then? It’s a no-brainer!