The Disney Dining Plan has returned, and it’s a huge hit with guests at The Magic for Less Travel. Let’s review reasons to love the dining plan. This pre-paid option makes it easy to take advantage of all the delicious snacks and dining options available throughout the parks and resorts. There are two Dining Plan Options to choose from, and you can read more about each one on our blog. Below, we’ll dive into why so many guests add it to their Walt Disney World vacation packages.
Easier Budgeting
One of the biggest perks of the Dining Plan is knowing your meals are already covered at a fixed price. Do you dread that sinking feeling at the end of a great meal when the bill arrives at your table? Now you can just sit back and relax! Want to order the steak? Go for it! Whether it’s enjoying an alcoholic beverage with dinner or saying “yes” when your child asks for a fun specialty drink, the Disney Dining Plan allows you to indulge without hesitation. You will have the peace of mind knowing you won’t have any surprise expenses during your trip.
Another key feature of the Dining Plan is that it’s flexible. You don’t have to use your credits in a rigid, pre-planned way. Feel like splurging on a signature dining experience one night and keeping it casual with quick service the next? You can! This flexibility allows you to tailor your dining to match the flow of your vacation without feeling tied down to a schedule.
One thing many guests love about the Dining Plan is the ability to plan a trip around those special meals without worrying about cost fluctuations. With so many options to choose from, having a pre-paid dining plan can help simplify decisions while keeping you on budget. If you’re someone who likes to be fully immersed in your vacation, having meals prepaid helps you stay in that magical mindset without being jolted back to reality by a large check at the end of each meal.
Dining Is Part of the Experience
The Disney Dining Plan opens a world of dining possibilities. How about breakfast with princesses at 1900 Park Fare, or lunch with Winnie the Pooh and friends at The Crystal Palace? Place your order in 11 different languages as you eat your way around the World Showcase at Epcot. You can even use your dining credits for more unique experiences like Cinderella’s Royal Table located inside Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney World Resort offers so many fun and different dining opportunities. Even if you don’t plan to visit the parks each day, there will be a resort dining location near you that accepts the dining plan.
For guests looking to make the most of their dining credits, a pro tip is to plan your table service meals at dinner or lunch. Generally, dinner and lunch menu prices are higher than breakfast, meaning you’ll get more value out of your table service credits when dining in the evening.
Another part of Disney dining is the atmosphere. Some restaurants go beyond offering great food and create a fully themed experience that makes every meal memorable. For example, dining at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant puts you in a classic drive-in theater, complete with retro cars as seating and 1950s sci-fi clips playing on the big screen. At Garden Grill, dine with Chip, Dale, and some other Disney pals while you slowly rotate over the Living with the Land attraction. The ambiance at these dining locations adds another layer of fun and immersion to your overall experience.
Snack Credits for Everyone
The sights and smells of all the delicious snacks and treats found in the parks are one of the best parts of a day at Walt Disney World. With both Dining Plans, snack credits come included. Whether you enjoy a savory Mickey pretzel or a sweet Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy treats without worrying about added costs. (And don’t worry – there are way more options than just those two Mickey-shaped examples!) Epcot’s many festivals are a great place to use snack credits, which are constantly outdoing themselves with the many innovative and creative treats available throughout the park. Who wants to try a pickle milkshake?
Snack credits also give you a chance to explore hidden gems in the parks that you may not have noticed otherwise. A little kiosk tucked away in Animal Kingdom, for example, might serve up some of the most incredible pastries or savory snacks you didn’t know existed!
Another insider tip for snack credits is to use them wisely during special events and festivals. During Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival or Flower & Garden Festival, you can redeem snack credits at festival booths to try new and exciting dishes from around the world. It’s a great way to sample a variety of flavors without spending extra money.
Free Resort Mug for each member of your family
Another bonus that comes with the Disney Dining Plan is the resort refillable mug. Valued at over $20, this mug allows for unlimited refills of fountain drinks, coffee, and other drinks at any Disney resort. It’s normally a great value for any stay longer than a couple of days, but with the Disney Dining Plan, it’s included! This is a convenient perk that makes your stay a bit more enjoyable, especially when you’re grabbing a drink on the go. This mug can be filled at any Disney resort location for the entirety of your stay.
Additionally, the refillable mug can become a fun souvenir for many guests. The design changes from year to year, so many Disney fans love to collect these mugs as a reminder of their magical trip.
The Dining Plan is a Great Value
While the upfront cost of the Dining Plan may seem like a lot, it can save you money, especially if you plan to dine at Disney’s more expensive restaurants. Families or larger groups can see significant savings compared to paying out of pocket.
For those traveling with kids, character dining can be a great value with the Disney Dining Plan and is a great reasons to love the dining plan. Meals like breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace or dinner at Hollywood & Vine are included with your dining credits. That means you can meet characters without the added cost and get incredible value from your plan. Plus, no waiting in line for character photos!
The agents at The Magic for Less have crunched the numbers and put together some incredible resources for our guests. We will send you tips with the best snacks, quick service meals, and table service meals to get the most out of your Dining Plan purchase. We can even help you book those hard-to-get dining locations!
In the end, the Disney Dining Plan isn’t just about convenience—it’s about making your Walt Disney World vacation feel like an all-inclusive trip. The peace of mind that comes with it make it a fantastic choice for so many of our guests. Whether you’re looking for a great meal or just want an easy, stress-free trip, the Disney Dining Plan offers an incredible value that enhances the overall experience.
