One of the benefits to staying onsite at a Disney resort is that you can add a dining plan to your reservation! The dining plan is exclusive to Disney World onsite guests and gives you pre-purchased meal credits that can be used in over 100 restaurants throughout Disney World. Each guest is allotted a certain number of meal credits (depending on the specific plan purchased), per night of your stay. All guests in the room reservation must be on the same dining plan and must be purchased for the length of the stay.
Now you might have a bunch of questions about the dining plan - what is it? How much it is? What does it include? Is it worth it?
There are three different dining plans available and you can choose the one that fits your dining needs and preferences best.
1. QUICK SERVICE DINING PLAN.
Each person in the room will receive the following for the number of nights in your Walt Disney World room or package reservation:
- 2 quick service meals
- 2 snacks
- 1 refillable resort mug that can provides unlimited refills of fountain drinks, tea and coffee at any quick serve location at all Disney Resort hotels.
1 quick service meal credit includes a non-alcoholic drink and entree.
Children ages 3 to 9 must order from the children's menu. Each children's meal (1 credit) includes a drink (milk or water), entree and a side.
All unused credits will expire on midnight on the date of your check out.
Now you might have a bunch of questions about the dining plan - what is it? How much it is? What does it include? Is it worth it?
There are three different dining plans available and you can choose the one that fits your dining needs and preferences best.
1. QUICK SERVICE DINING PLAN.
Each person in the room will receive the following for the number of nights in your Walt Disney World room or package reservation:
- 2 quick service meals
- 2 snacks
- 1 refillable resort mug that can provides unlimited refills of fountain drinks, tea and coffee at any quick serve location at all Disney Resort hotels.
1 quick service meal credit includes a non-alcoholic drink and entree.
Children ages 3 to 9 must order from the children's menu. Each children's meal (1 credit) includes a drink (milk or water), entree and a side.
All unused credits will expire on midnight on the date of your check out.
2. DISNEY DINING PLAN. ** Most popular **
Each person in the room will receive the following for the number of nights in your Walt Disney World room or package reservation:
- 1 quick service meal
- 1 table service meal
- 2 snacks
- 1 refillable resort mug that can provides unlimited refills of fountain drinks, tea and coffee at any quick serve location at all Disney Resort hotels.
1 quick service meal credit includes a non-alcoholic drink and entree.
1 table service meal credit can be used for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
For breakfast, the credit includes one entree and non-alcoholic beverage OR one buffet or family-style meal (will vary depending on the restaurant.
For lunch and dinner, the credit includes one entree, one dessert and one non-alcoholic beverage OR one buffet or family-style meal.
Children ages 3 to 9 must order from the children's menu. Each children's meal (1 credit) includes a drink (milk or water), entree and a side.
All unused credits will expire on midnight on the date of your check out.
Each person in the room will receive the following for the number of nights in your Walt Disney World room or package reservation:
- 1 quick service meal
- 1 table service meal
- 2 snacks
- 1 refillable resort mug that can provides unlimited refills of fountain drinks, tea and coffee at any quick serve location at all Disney Resort hotels.
1 quick service meal credit includes a non-alcoholic drink and entree.
1 table service meal credit can be used for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
For breakfast, the credit includes one entree and non-alcoholic beverage OR one buffet or family-style meal (will vary depending on the restaurant.
For lunch and dinner, the credit includes one entree, one dessert and one non-alcoholic beverage OR one buffet or family-style meal.
Children ages 3 to 9 must order from the children's menu. Each children's meal (1 credit) includes a drink (milk or water), entree and a side.
All unused credits will expire on midnight on the date of your check out.
3. DELUXE DINING PLAN
Each person in the room will receive the following for the number of nights in your Walt Disney World room or package reservation:
- 3 meals (regardless quick service or table service)
- 2 snacks
- 1 refillable resort mug that can provides unlimited refills of fountain drinks, tea and coffee at any quick serve location at all Disney Resort hotels.
Children ages 3 to 9 must order from the children's menu. Each children's meal (1 credit) includes a drink (milk or water), entree and a side.
All unused credits will expire on midnight on the date of your check out.
Each person in the room will receive the following for the number of nights in your Walt Disney World room or package reservation:
- 3 meals (regardless quick service or table service)
- 2 snacks
- 1 refillable resort mug that can provides unlimited refills of fountain drinks, tea and coffee at any quick serve location at all Disney Resort hotels.
Children ages 3 to 9 must order from the children's menu. Each children's meal (1 credit) includes a drink (milk or water), entree and a side.
All unused credits will expire on midnight on the date of your check out.
SNACKS
Look for this icon to confirm which items can be eligible for your snack credit.
Some locations will permit swapping your dessert for a snack item.
Common eligible snack items that can be redeemed include a single serving
of the following items:
- frozen ice cream novelty, popsicle or fruit bar (yay Mickey bars!)
- popcorn scoop
- 12 oz coffee, tea or hot chocolate
- pre-packaged milk or juice
- piece of whole fruit (apple, banana, orange)
- bag of snacks (potato chips, pretzels, grapes, carrots, apples, etc...)
- 20 oz bottle of Coca Cola, Dasani water, etc.
- 20 oz fountain drink
Look for this icon to confirm which items can be eligible for your snack credit.
Some locations will permit swapping your dessert for a snack item.
Common eligible snack items that can be redeemed include a single serving
of the following items:
- frozen ice cream novelty, popsicle or fruit bar (yay Mickey bars!)
- popcorn scoop
- 12 oz coffee, tea or hot chocolate
- pre-packaged milk or juice
- piece of whole fruit (apple, banana, orange)
- bag of snacks (potato chips, pretzels, grapes, carrots, apples, etc...)
- 20 oz bottle of Coca Cola, Dasani water, etc.
- 20 oz fountain drink
NOT INCLUDED in any of the Dining Plans
- Alcoholic beverages
- Items that are larger than a single serving
- Items served in a souvenir container (eg. popcorn buckets or souvenir drink containers)
- Items from recreational rental counters
- Merchandise (eg. Mickey straws, bottle toppers, glow cubes)
- Special dining events offered at table service locations.
- Gratuities at table service restaurants (except at dinner shows, private in room dining and Cinderella's Royal Table.)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Items that are larger than a single serving
- Items served in a souvenir container (eg. popcorn buckets or souvenir drink containers)
- Items from recreational rental counters
- Merchandise (eg. Mickey straws, bottle toppers, glow cubes)
- Special dining events offered at table service locations.
- Gratuities at table service restaurants (except at dinner shows, private in room dining and Cinderella's Royal Table.)
QUICK SERVICE LOCATIONS
Quick Service locations are located at each Disney resort hotel so it's perfect for a quick stop for breakfast, during the day or in the evenings for a quick snack or meal. They are also located throughout each park (including the water parks) and in Disney Springs so there is always a place to eat when you need to break for a meal. No reservations are required for quick service restaurants.
TABLE SERVICE RESTAURANTS
Table service restaurants are located in moderate and deluxe resorts, at Disney Springs and include character dining experiences. Not all restaurants offer all three meals on the dining plan as some will only offer lunch or dinner as a part of the dining plan. Advance reservations are required for table service meals and can be made 180 days in advance of your arrival. A credit card guarantee is required for the reservation but you can change or revise the reservation anytime. Cancel 24 hours in advance of your reservation to avoid a $10 per person no show/cancellation fee.
We took advantage of the table service credits to dine at character meals as much as we could! Not all of these characters are available to meet in the parks, plus no need to wait in line to meet with characters. :)
- 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian to meet with Cinderella, Prince Charming, her step mother Lady Tremaine, and her ugly stepsisters Drizella and Anastasia! It was an all-you-can enjoy full dinner buffet with wide assortment of dining choices. You can also meet the characters for breakfast for the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast.
- Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary Resort. Meet with Chef Mickey himself and his culinary team including Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck. Another all-you-can enjoy full dinner buffet. Chef Mickey's also offers a character breakfast and brunch dining experience.
- Ohana at the Polynesian to meet with Lilo and Stitch, Mickey and Pluto.
 Chef Mickey's (Contemporary Resort) |  1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian) |  Ohana (Polynesian Resort) |
Other character dining experiences that are included in the table service credit:
- Minnie's Beach Bash at Cape May Cafe at the Yacht & Beach Club
In the theme parks (park admission is required):
- The Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom) - breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Fairytale dining at Cinderella's Royal Table (Magic Kingdom) - 2 table service credits required for breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Chip 'n Dale's Harvest Feast at Garden Grill (Epcot)
- Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Epcot, Norway pavilion) - breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Disney Junior characters at Hollywood & Vine (Hollywood Studios) breakfast, lunch and meet Minnie's Seasonal Dining for dinner
- Donald's Dining Safari at Tusker House (Animal Kingdom) for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Minnie's Beach Bash at Cape May Cafe at the Yacht & Beach Club
In the theme parks (park admission is required):
- The Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom) - breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Fairytale dining at Cinderella's Royal Table (Magic Kingdom) - 2 table service credits required for breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Chip 'n Dale's Harvest Feast at Garden Grill (Epcot)
- Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Epcot, Norway pavilion) - breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Disney Junior characters at Hollywood & Vine (Hollywood Studios) breakfast, lunch and meet Minnie's Seasonal Dining for dinner
- Donald's Dining Safari at Tusker House (Animal Kingdom) for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Filet Mignon at Le Cellier SIGNATURE DINING EXPERIENCES are also available on the dining plan offering an elegant and authentic table service dining experience. Choose from traditional African, Mediterranean, Indian and other cultural options to premium steaks and seafood cuisines. Signature dining experiences required 2 table service credits to be redeemed (but definitely worth using 2 credits for any of these experiences!) but gratuities are not included and must be paid separately.
- Jiko - The Cooking Place (Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jambo House)
- Flying Fish (BoardWalk Inn and Villas)
- California Grill (Contemporary)
- Citrico's (Grand Floridian)
- Narcoossee's (Grand Floridian)
- Artist Point (Wilderness Lodge)
- Yachtman Steakhouse (Yacht and Beach Club)
In the theme parks (park admission is required) for lunch or dinner:
- Le Cellier Steakhouse (Epcot, Canada pavilion)
- Tiffins (Animal Kingdom)
- The Hollywood Brown Derby (Hollywood Studios)
- Jiko - The Cooking Place (Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jambo House)
- Flying Fish (BoardWalk Inn and Villas)
- California Grill (Contemporary)
- Citrico's (Grand Floridian)
- Narcoossee's (Grand Floridian)
- Artist Point (Wilderness Lodge)
- Yachtman Steakhouse (Yacht and Beach Club)
In the theme parks (park admission is required) for lunch or dinner:
- Le Cellier Steakhouse (Epcot, Canada pavilion)
- Tiffins (Animal Kingdom)
- The Hollywood Brown Derby (Hollywood Studios)
DINNER SHOWS are also available on the dining plan where you can
enjoy a family-style dining meal experience with a themed dinner
show. Dinner shows require 2 table service credits but are located in
Disney Resorts so theme park admission is not required. Gratuities
are also include in the price/ table service credits. Advance reservations
are required for all dinner shows.
- A Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show (Polynesian Resort)
- Mickey's Backyard BBQ, seasonal (Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground)
- Hoop-Dee-Dee Musical Revue (Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground)
PRIVATE IN-ROOM DINING
Table service credits can be used for private in-room dining at select deluxe resorts and in room pizza delivery at all value resorts (All Stars resorts, Art of Animation and Pop Century) and select moderate resorts (Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans). Two table service credits per person will be redeemed.
DISNEY SPRINGS
Several restaurants in the Disney Springs area are also included in the dining plan. No theme park admission is required to dine in Disney Springs and parking is also free.
Our favourite dining experience in Disney Springs was Morimoto Asia, a Pan-Asian restaurant featuring creations from Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Read about our experience here. Morimoto Asia is 1 table service credit for lunch, and 2 table service credits for dinner.
enjoy a family-style dining meal experience with a themed dinner
show. Dinner shows require 2 table service credits but are located in
Disney Resorts so theme park admission is not required. Gratuities
are also include in the price/ table service credits. Advance reservations
are required for all dinner shows.
- A Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show (Polynesian Resort)
- Mickey's Backyard BBQ, seasonal (Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground)
- Hoop-Dee-Dee Musical Revue (Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground)
PRIVATE IN-ROOM DINING
Table service credits can be used for private in-room dining at select deluxe resorts and in room pizza delivery at all value resorts (All Stars resorts, Art of Animation and Pop Century) and select moderate resorts (Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans). Two table service credits per person will be redeemed.
DISNEY SPRINGS
Several restaurants in the Disney Springs area are also included in the dining plan. No theme park admission is required to dine in Disney Springs and parking is also free.
Our favourite dining experience in Disney Springs was Morimoto Asia, a Pan-Asian restaurant featuring creations from Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Read about our experience here. Morimoto Asia is 1 table service credit for lunch, and 2 table service credits for dinner.
BENEFITS OF ADDING A DINING PLAN
- No need to worry about budgeting for food costs during your trip. Your food is paid in advance and you can use the credits however you wish during your stay.
- If you have leftover credits at the end of your stay, you can trade them in for snack credits and redeem that for snacks that you can take home with you.
- Food costs savings vs paying out of pocket for the same meals. Save about 10% per adult on the quick service dining plan, 15% per adults on the dining plan and 25% per adult on the deluxe dining plan.
- Experience all the wonderful dining and culinary experiences that are offered throughout Walt Disney World without worrying about the cost! Experiences are treated equally with credits vs a per person cost.
Disney periodically offers promotions throughout the year, including the most popular, "Free Dining Promotion" during slower times of the year. With the free dining promotion, guests staying at a value resort receive free quick service dining plan, with the option to upgrade to the dining plan for the difference in cost. Guests staying at a moderate or deluxe resort can receive free dining for all guests in the same room. This promotion can net significant savings on your package and provide you with many dining experiences you may not have considered. Even without the promotion, a dining plan can provide you with upfront savings on the cost of food, and then you have the option and freedom to select from a variety of dining experiences your family will enjoy most.
I would love to hear your thoughts about your dining experiences at Disney World! Which are your favourite restaurants and experiences! Any must do's on your list??
If you have questions, let me know! I would love the opportunity to help you with your dining options!
- No need to worry about budgeting for food costs during your trip. Your food is paid in advance and you can use the credits however you wish during your stay.
- If you have leftover credits at the end of your stay, you can trade them in for snack credits and redeem that for snacks that you can take home with you.
- Food costs savings vs paying out of pocket for the same meals. Save about 10% per adult on the quick service dining plan, 15% per adults on the dining plan and 25% per adult on the deluxe dining plan.
- Experience all the wonderful dining and culinary experiences that are offered throughout Walt Disney World without worrying about the cost! Experiences are treated equally with credits vs a per person cost.
Disney periodically offers promotions throughout the year, including the most popular, "Free Dining Promotion" during slower times of the year. With the free dining promotion, guests staying at a value resort receive free quick service dining plan, with the option to upgrade to the dining plan for the difference in cost. Guests staying at a moderate or deluxe resort can receive free dining for all guests in the same room. This promotion can net significant savings on your package and provide you with many dining experiences you may not have considered. Even without the promotion, a dining plan can provide you with upfront savings on the cost of food, and then you have the option and freedom to select from a variety of dining experiences your family will enjoy most.
I would love to hear your thoughts about your dining experiences at Disney World! Which are your favourite restaurants and experiences! Any must do's on your list??
If you have questions, let me know! I would love the opportunity to help you with your dining options!
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