The Dining Plan Dilemma
|
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!
Continue scrolling to learn about the different dining experiences you may find at the Walt Disney World Resort, and also check out the latest foodie news! |
* Requires 2 table service credits per person/per meal; ** You may use table service credits for counter service meals.
How the dining plan 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!
rapid refill mugs
snacks and special events
Common Dining Plan Questions
|
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.
|
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. |
Want 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!
Healthy and Happy
Dining Experiences
For 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 when selecting a package at a Signature Dining restaurant (*); and (1) credit for all other table service restaurants.
Hollywood Studios - Fantasmic!
- Hollywood & Vine
- Mama Melrose
- Brown Derby*
- Tusker House
- Tiffins*
- Illuminations at Rose & Crown
- Garden Rocks - Flower and Garden Festival
- Eat to the Beat Concert Series - International Food & Wine Festival
- Candlelight Processional - International Festival of the Holidays
- Dinner packages are available during these special events at various EPCOT restaurants.
Fun Options, No Dining Plan Needed |
Special Celebration Packages |
|
Dessert Parties
For a premium price, guests can enjoy dessert and VIP seating at select entertainment shows! Animal Kingdom
|
Special Celebration Cakes
|
Disney Dining News
A Taste of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
By: Disney Destinations
November 21, 2019
Located along the Old Port Royale promenade, Sebastian's Bistro at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is a great spot for Guests to try on their next visit. The restaurant is open for dinner and offers delicious dishes inspired by Latin and Caribbean flavors.
Guests an enjoy an order of the Caribbean Pull-apart Rolls with guava butter, onion jam, and Jamaican jerk oil? They can also try the Coconut Shrimp and Grits. And if they're craving a cocktail before dinner, they can stop by Banana Cabana and have one of their signature drinks, like the Caribbean Smuggler or Mariner’s Mojito.
And while Guests are at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, they can catch a ride on Disney Skyliner for a quick flight toDisney’s Hollywood Studios® to explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or Epcot® to take in a viewing of “Epcot Forever.”
For more information and to make reservations, visit the Sebastian’s Bistro page on the Walt Disney World Resort website.
November 21, 2019
Located along the Old Port Royale promenade, Sebastian's Bistro at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is a great spot for Guests to try on their next visit. The restaurant is open for dinner and offers delicious dishes inspired by Latin and Caribbean flavors.
Guests an enjoy an order of the Caribbean Pull-apart Rolls with guava butter, onion jam, and Jamaican jerk oil? They can also try the Coconut Shrimp and Grits. And if they're craving a cocktail before dinner, they can stop by Banana Cabana and have one of their signature drinks, like the Caribbean Smuggler or Mariner’s Mojito.
And while Guests are at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, they can catch a ride on Disney Skyliner for a quick flight toDisney’s Hollywood Studios® to explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or Epcot® to take in a viewing of “Epcot Forever.”
For more information and to make reservations, visit the Sebastian’s Bistro page on the Walt Disney World Resort website.
|
|
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop Set to Reopen
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop Set to Reopen at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
By: Disney Destinations
December 11, 2019
Bring out the spoons and get ready to return to one of the most popular restaurants at Walt Disney World® Resort! That’s right, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop is set to reopen at Disney’s Beach Club Resort on Dec. 26, 2019. The popular restaurant will return with those classic fan-favorite flavored sodas, malted milkshakes, hot-off-the-grill items, and of course the beloved Kitchen Sink.
When Beaches & Cream Soda Shop reopens, Guests will find even more room to enjoy those diner dishes and desserts. As part of an improved layout and enhanced experience, the restaurant has expanded to offer more space, inviting returning fans and first-timers more opportunities to scoop up a spot. In addition, a fresh new look embraces the timeless charm of an old-fashioned soda fountain. Throughout the playful eatery are subtle pops of color found within its beach-inspired design. Soft shades of teal, almond and rose adorn the walls and décor, along with accents of yellow and blue. Colorful, decorative balls reminiscent of beach balls are scattered throughout, while a collection of blue, amber, and pink beaded glass globes hang overhead highlighting the center of the space. At the counter, bistro-styled barstools are situated in front of scalloped aqua tiles and rose-colored banquettes line the tables along the wall. And prominently situated near the counter is a tall, bright jukebox, a staple within this turn-of-the-century soda fountain, featuring hits that span the decades. Framed antique mirrors and artwork of Mickey and friends at the beach complete the space.
In addition to all of these colorful transformations, Guests will find a number of new items sprinkled throughout the menu, including a Seared Salmon Filet Sandwich (with bacon aïoli, lettuce, and tomato on a house-baked multi-grain bun), a French Dip Sandwich (topped with crispy fried onions and swiss cheese and served on a toasted French roll), and a selection of loaded tots like the Sock Hop Topped with cheese sauce and green onions. There’s also a plant-based loaded tots with plant-based chili, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions. Another plant-based option on the menu will be the Plant-Based Burger featuring a plant-based patty with plant-based mayonnaise and caramelized balsamic onion jam on a house-baked multi-grain bun.
And to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth, there are plenty of sweet treats on the menu, including the popular specialty shakes and sundaes as well as seasonal cheesecake and Old Fashion Apple Pie! And another new dessert is COOKIE FRIES! This yummy dish comes with marshmallow cream, chocolate, caramel, and strawberry dipping sauces and it’s not just delicious, it’s plant-based too! And of course, if Guests are up to the challenge, they can take on the famous Kitchen Sink sundae with scoops of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookies and cream, and mint chocolate chip ice cream smothered in every topping available!
Reservations are now live for bookings starting on Dec. 26, 2019. For more information or to make reservations, visit the Walt Disney World Resort website.
December 11, 2019
Bring out the spoons and get ready to return to one of the most popular restaurants at Walt Disney World® Resort! That’s right, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop is set to reopen at Disney’s Beach Club Resort on Dec. 26, 2019. The popular restaurant will return with those classic fan-favorite flavored sodas, malted milkshakes, hot-off-the-grill items, and of course the beloved Kitchen Sink.
When Beaches & Cream Soda Shop reopens, Guests will find even more room to enjoy those diner dishes and desserts. As part of an improved layout and enhanced experience, the restaurant has expanded to offer more space, inviting returning fans and first-timers more opportunities to scoop up a spot. In addition, a fresh new look embraces the timeless charm of an old-fashioned soda fountain. Throughout the playful eatery are subtle pops of color found within its beach-inspired design. Soft shades of teal, almond and rose adorn the walls and décor, along with accents of yellow and blue. Colorful, decorative balls reminiscent of beach balls are scattered throughout, while a collection of blue, amber, and pink beaded glass globes hang overhead highlighting the center of the space. At the counter, bistro-styled barstools are situated in front of scalloped aqua tiles and rose-colored banquettes line the tables along the wall. And prominently situated near the counter is a tall, bright jukebox, a staple within this turn-of-the-century soda fountain, featuring hits that span the decades. Framed antique mirrors and artwork of Mickey and friends at the beach complete the space.
In addition to all of these colorful transformations, Guests will find a number of new items sprinkled throughout the menu, including a Seared Salmon Filet Sandwich (with bacon aïoli, lettuce, and tomato on a house-baked multi-grain bun), a French Dip Sandwich (topped with crispy fried onions and swiss cheese and served on a toasted French roll), and a selection of loaded tots like the Sock Hop Topped with cheese sauce and green onions. There’s also a plant-based loaded tots with plant-based chili, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions. Another plant-based option on the menu will be the Plant-Based Burger featuring a plant-based patty with plant-based mayonnaise and caramelized balsamic onion jam on a house-baked multi-grain bun.
And to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth, there are plenty of sweet treats on the menu, including the popular specialty shakes and sundaes as well as seasonal cheesecake and Old Fashion Apple Pie! And another new dessert is COOKIE FRIES! This yummy dish comes with marshmallow cream, chocolate, caramel, and strawberry dipping sauces and it’s not just delicious, it’s plant-based too! And of course, if Guests are up to the challenge, they can take on the famous Kitchen Sink sundae with scoops of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookies and cream, and mint chocolate chip ice cream smothered in every topping available!
Reservations are now live for bookings starting on Dec. 26, 2019. For more information or to make reservations, visit the Walt Disney World Resort website.
We Would Love to Help You Visit Your Favorite Destination Soon!
|
|
Colleen262-894-3338
|
Carrie262-470-0476
|
carrie.adventurer@gmail.com
colleen.adventurer@gmail.com |