The Dining Plan Dilemma
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One of the most common debates our clients encounter is whether or not to add a dining plan to their Walt Disney World Vacation package. The need for a dining plan differs for everyone. Some swear by it and others are vehemently against it. To the left you will find downloadable brochures of each dining plan you may choose from. Below is a helpful comparison chart, to give you an at-a-glance idea of each plan. Talk with your personal Adventurer to determine if a dining plan is for you!
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Common Dining Plan Questions
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Babies 0-2 years, are they included on the dining plan?
No ... well, mostly no. Disney does not consider "babies" as a chargeable guest. The idea that your toddler at age 2 is "free" is exciting right? But, then when you see there are no credits for the little one, it freaks some out -- how is your baby supposed to eat? While not included in the dining plan, your little ones ages 2 years or under simply eat off of the parents plate. Be aware, if you choose to order an entree, drink, etc. for your little guest -- an additional charge will need to be paid on a case by case basis. Does everyone on the reservation have to get the dining plan? Yes, every guest registered on a vacation package will be charged for a dining plan if included in that package.
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Do I need to make reservations?
A common question we encounter from clients is - do you really need to make reservations? The answer typically is YES! However, how many reservations made is dependent on you and your family. We highly recommend that you do take advantage of the opportunity to make reservations in advance, especially for the restaurant experiences you do not want to miss out on. If you find there’s only a handful that interest you, and you could take or leave the rest, then make reservations for just those places. Going by the seat of your pants for the rest, is certainly acceptable, even if not highly advised. If your family is comfortable eating wherever you land at that moment - then by all means, skip advanced reservations. In this situation however, be aware that it can be hard to find table service restaurants with openings. Still not worried? Then I encourage you to remember this little gem - walk-in’s to a table service restaurants are best had at off-peak hours (typically 2:30-4:30pm) or near the very end of the dining hours. |
Understanding Your Dining Plan Credits
* Requires 2 table service credits per person/per meal; ** You may use table service credits for counter service meals.
- Snacks and Special Events
- Mug
- Planning/how it works
Dining Credit Allocation
Dining Plan credits are given based on the number nights of your stay. It’s important to understand that credits are not tracked per person, rather they will be pooled together. A word of caution that there is nothing stopping you from using more than what you’re ‘allotted’ per night. It can be very easy to use up quick service and snack credits in a few days without realizing you have done so. This error can leave you with only table service credits and having to pay out of pocket for the remainder of your counter service meals and snacks for the rest of your stay. Credits will be available from your point of check in, to midnight the day you check out.
Getting the Most Value
When it comes to using your credits whether it’s Table Service (that offer entree options), Quick Service, or Snacks - keep in mind that your best value is when ordering more expensive meals and snacks. We strongly encourage not wasting credits on breakfast, if it can be avoided as most table service and quick service breakfast menu's do not come close to the value of a dining credit. Instead we recommend using snack credits for breakfast, or consider order a small grocery delivery for breakfast/snack items.
Snack Credits
These credits swing from one extreme to the next with many clients. Either they are spent far too fast (poor planning) or forgotten entirely and left to waste (poor planning again). Some good ‘do’s’ or ‘don’ts’ of snack credits are:
Dining Plan credits are given based on the number nights of your stay. It’s important to understand that credits are not tracked per person, rather they will be pooled together. A word of caution that there is nothing stopping you from using more than what you’re ‘allotted’ per night. It can be very easy to use up quick service and snack credits in a few days without realizing you have done so. This error can leave you with only table service credits and having to pay out of pocket for the remainder of your counter service meals and snacks for the rest of your stay. Credits will be available from your point of check in, to midnight the day you check out.
Getting the Most Value
When it comes to using your credits whether it’s Table Service (that offer entree options), Quick Service, or Snacks - keep in mind that your best value is when ordering more expensive meals and snacks. We strongly encourage not wasting credits on breakfast, if it can be avoided as most table service and quick service breakfast menu's do not come close to the value of a dining credit. Instead we recommend using snack credits for breakfast, or consider order a small grocery delivery for breakfast/snack items.
Snack Credits
These credits swing from one extreme to the next with many clients. Either they are spent far too fast (poor planning) or forgotten entirely and left to waste (poor planning again). Some good ‘do’s’ or ‘don’ts’ of snack credits are:
- Don’t waste a credit on an inexpensive and/or less-than-stellar treats such as pieces of fruit or a bottle of water or soda.
- The use of snack credits particularly at kiosks during EPCOT's many festivals is a great value!
- Snack credits are great for breakfast on the go.
- Still have a lot of snack credits left at the end of your trip. Use those credits to purchase snacks to take home!
Healthy and Happy |
Dietary Needs |
Menu's and PricingWant to know more about what pricing is like at each restaurant? Check out Things To Do> Dining on My Disney Experience. Select a restaurant, and then View Menu. Offerings and pricing is readily available!
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Character Dining |
Dinner Shows |
Signature Dining |
Special Dining PackagesFor a premium price, guests can enjoy dinner and VIP seating at select entertainment shows! If using dining plan credits, this experience would require (2) table service credits.
Hollywood Studios - Fantasmic!
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Fun Options, No Dining Plan Needed
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Dessert Parties
For a premium price, guests can enjoy dessert and VIP seating at select entertainment shows! Animal Kingdom
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Special Celebration Cakes
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