Planning a magical trip to Walt Disney World comes with its fair share of decisions, and one of the most significant is deciding whether or not to add the Disney Dining Plan to your vacation package. The Disney Dining Plan has the potential to save you up to 30% off the cost of dining at Walt Disney World, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
While many guests find the dining plan convenient and cost-effective, others may not see the same value depending on their preferences and dining habits.
To help you determine whether the Disney Dining Plan is right for you, we’ve outlined four key questions to ask yourself before making a decision. By considering these factors and doing some basic planning, you’ll be able to determine whether the dining plan will enhance your Disney experience and save you money.
1. What Are Your Eating Habits Like?
One of the most important considerations is whether the amount of food included in the Disney Dining Plan aligns with your eating habits. Some guests find that the dining plan provides a satisfying amount of food per meal, while others may feel it includes too much or too little.
Before committing to the dining plan, take a close look at what each of the plans offers. For instance, the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan provides two quick-service meals per day, while the Disney Dining Plan includes one quick-service meal and one table-service meal per day. Both plans also include a snack credit.
If the included meals sound like just enough food to satisfy your party, the plan might be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you tend to eat smaller meals or skip meals, you might find that the dining plan provides more food than you need, making it less cost-effective. Conversely, if you think the plan doesn’t include enough food and you’ll end up ordering additional items, compare those extra costs to see if it’s still worth it.
2. Are You Planning Multiple Two-Credit Meals?
While the Disney Dining Plan can offer great value, this isn’t always the case for dining experiences that require two credits per meal, such as signature restaurants, dinner shows, or in-room dining.
If you plan to have just one signature dining experience or a two-credit meal during your trip, it might still be worth using the dining plan for the rest of your meals. However, if you’re planning multiple two-credit meals, it’s important to do the math. Typically, the cost of paying out of pocket for these meals is less than the combined value of two dining credits.
For example, if you’re eyeing character dining, room service, or a fancy night out at a signature restaurant, consider paying for those meals separately and using your dining credits on other meals to maximize value.
3. What Is Your Taste in Food?
Your personal taste in food can significantly impact whether the Disney Dining Plan is worth it for your family. One way to assess this is to compare menu prices to the plan’s cost.
To get the most value from the dining plan, guests often try to order the most expensive items on the menu. If you typically order pricier dishes like steak, seafood, or gourmet entrées, you’ll likely see substantial savings with the dining plan. However, if you prefer simpler meals like pasta, salads, or sandwiches, you may not recoup the full value of the plan, as these items tend to cost less.
Before purchasing the plan, it’s a good idea to browse the menus of the restaurants you plan to visit and see if the cost of your preferred meals justifies the price of the dining plan. Disney’s official website offers detailed menus for all table-service and quick-service restaurants, allowing you to make an informed decision.
4. Do You Enjoy Snacking?
One of the perks of the Disney Dining Plan is the inclusion of a snack credit per person per day. These snack credits can be used for a variety of treats, ranging from popcorn and bottled water to more substantial snacks like Mickey-shaped pretzels, Dole Whip, or specialty drinks.
If you love indulging in Disney’s iconic snacks, the dining plan’s snack credit can add value to your trip. However, if you tend to stick to basic snacks like bottled water or soda, you may not get the most out of this feature. It’s worth noting that using your snack credits on more expensive treats will provide better value than using them on lower-cost items.
For families who don’t typically snack or prefer to bring their own snacks into the parks, paying out of pocket for occasional treats may be a better option than relying on the dining plan.
How to Maximize the Value of the Disney Dining Plan
If you decide to add the Disney Dining Plan to your vacation package, there are a few strategies to help you get the most bang for your buck:
- Plan Ahead: Make advance dining reservations for table-service restaurants to secure your preferred dining experiences. Popular restaurants can book up quickly, so it’s important to plan ahead.
- Limit Signature Dining: Since two-credit meals offer less value on the dining plan, try to limit signature dining experiences to one or two special occasions during your trip. Paying for these meals out of pocket can be more cost-effective.
- Use Snack Credits Wisely: As mentioned earlier, save your snack credits for more expensive items like ice cream, specialty drinks, or festival treats, and pay for lower-cost items out of pocket.
- Redeem All Credits: You’ll receive dining credits based on the length of your stay, and they can be used in any combination throughout your trip. Be sure to use all your credits by the end of your vacation to maximize value.
Final Thoughts
The Disney Dining Plan can enhance your vacation by simplifying meal planning and potentially saving you money—but it’s not the best choice for everyone. To determine if it’s worth it for your family, take time to review your eating habits, dining preferences, and how often you plan to indulge in signature dining or snacks.
By comparing the cost of the dining plan to what you’d spend out of pocket, you can make an informed decision and ensure a magical, stress-free dining experience at Walt Disney World.
And remember, if you need assistance planning your trip, consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner like MickeyTravels. They can help you secure the best deals and create a customized itinerary for your Disney adventure, all at no extra cost to you!
Happy dining, and may your Disney vacation be filled with delicious meals and unforgettable memories!
