How to Make the Most of the Disney Dining Plan

The Disney Dining Plan can add a lot of fun (and flavor!) to your Disney vacation, but is the Disney Dining Plan worth it? If you’re looking to balance convenience with value, find out my tips to make the most of the Disney Dining Plan while enjoying the best dining experiences across Disney parks and resorts.

What Is the Disney Dining Plan?

The Disney Dining Plan is an add-on meal package available for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels. It covers meals and snacks at various dining spots across Walt Disney World. There are different plans to choose from, each with its own combination of meal credits, snack credits, and even specialty beverages for those 21 and up. Knowing how it works is key to making the most of the Disney Dining Plan and understanding whether the Disney Dining Plan cost is worth it for your trip.

Types of Disney Dining Plans

Disney offers two levels of dining plans, each with different credit types to match your dining style and budget. These plans range from the basic Quick-Service-only plan to the standard Disney Dining Plan that includes a mix of Quick-Service and Table-Service meals. Both options include snacks and a refillable resort mug for unlimited soda, coffee, or tea refills at Disney Resort hotels, which is a great bonus.

Each plan has its perks and limitations, so you’ll want to pick one that best fits how you and your family plan to eat during your vacation. If you’re all about fine dining, opting for a plan with Table-Service credits would be a great choice. However, if you’re more about fast bites and saving time, the Quick-Service plan might be all you need.

Top Tips to Make the most of The Disney dining plan

Now that you’ve got the basics, here are some tried-and-true strategies for making the most of the Disney Dining Plan.

Make Advanced Dining Reservations for Popular Spots

The most popular Disney dining experiences book up fast, so make those dining reservations as early as possible. Places like Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table, and Chef Mickey’s are some of the top picks. By booking early, you ensure you’re using your Table-Service credits on high-value meals that would otherwise cost you a pretty penny. Advanced reservations also let you customize your dining to match each day’s park schedule and ensure you get the meals you want!

Understand Your Meal Credits

The amount of dining credits is per person based on the number of nights in your vacation package. You can stay informed about your dining plan credits by using the My Disney Experience App for a real-time view. You can also track your credits on the meal receipt. Any unused credits will roll over to the next day so don’t feel pressured to use them all every day. Just make sure you don’t have any left before leaving Disney property! Proper planning of when and where your family will have mealtimes will help make sure you maximize your credit usage.

Use Snack Credits Strategically

Disney’s snack game is strong, and the trick to maximizing value is using snack credits wisely. Look for snacks that cost around $5 or more. These pricier snacks give you more bang for your buck and luckily, Disney is filled with iconic treats worth every credit. Avoid using your snack credit on less expensive items such as popcorn or small individual items, even bottled water – you can get free cups of ice water at any Quick-Service location or use the water bottle refill stations around the parks.

Here are some Disney snack credit “power moves”:

• Dole Whip at Adventureland (Magic Kingdom)
• Mickey Pretzels with cheese (available at snack carts across parks)
• Epcot’s Festival snacks like pastries, sliders, and beverages during events like the Food & Wine Festival (check the menus at the booths to see what options qualify for the Disney Dining Plan)
• Giant Cinnamon Rolls at Gaston’s Tavern (Magic Kingdom)

If you’re a planner, consider creating a “must-eat” snack list before you go. This way, you won’t be distracted by smaller, less valuable snacks and can focus on the treats that make the best use of your credits.

Go for the Most Expensive Items on the Menu

When using Table-Service or Quick-Service credits, try choosing higher-cost meals to make the most of the Disney Dining Plan cost. If you’re dining at a steakhouse, go for the filet instead of a cheaper entrée. If you’re dining at a buffet, you’re likely already getting excellent value.

At Quick-Service locations, items like the BBQ Ribs Platter at Flame Tree Barbecue in Animal Kingdom or gourmet flatbreads at Pinocchio Village Haus offer better value than a basic sandwich or salad. This approach works best if you’re excited about trying Disney’s more decadent menu items without stressing over the price tag.

Don’t Forget the Beverage Options

The Disney Dining Plan includes non-alcoholic drinks with meal credits, and guests over 21 can even choose alcoholic beverages at no extra charge. Non-alcoholic drink lovers aren’t left out either—you can go for fun mocktails, specialty coffees, or Disney’s signature milkshakes.

Character Meals are a Great Value

One of the best ways to make the most of the Disney Dining Plan is to use your Table-Service credits for character dining experiences. These meals are an incredible opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters without waiting in line—and they’re packed with value since character meals tend to be some of the pricier dining experiences at Disney.

For families with young kids (or Disney fans of any age!), character meals bring the magic right to your table. Options like breakfast at ‘Ohana, Chef Mickey’s, and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall allow you to enjoy a great meal while snapping photos with favorite characters. If you were paying out of pocket, character meals would be a splurge, but on the dining plan, they’re covered by your credits, adding to the “is Disney Dining Plan worth it” factor.

Plan Your Meals and Snacks Ahead of Time

Planning may sound like a chore, but a little pre-planning can save you money, stress, and those “where do we eat now?” moments. Look up menus, decide on must-try snacks, and check out meal options ahead of time. With a list of your top dining spots, you’re less likely to feel rushed or waste credits on places that don’t excite you.

If you’re planning to hit a specific park on a certain day, note which restaurants are close by so you’re not crisscrossing the parks. And if you’re hoping to snag a spot at popular restaurants like Be Our Guest, plan those reservations around your park days to make the most of your time.

Share Snacks and Meals to Stretch Credits

One of the smartest ways to get more out of the Disney Dining Plan cost is to share meals and snacks. Many Disney snacks are generously portioned, especially items like churros, popcorn buckets, and Mickey pretzels, which can be enjoyed by two or more people. Similarly, some Quick-Service meals are large enough to share, allowing you to use one meal credit for two people in some cases.

This approach is especially helpful if you’re traveling with family or friends who have similar tastes. It’s a budget-friendly way to sample a wider range of treats and dishes without burning through credits too quickly.

Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth It?

Whether the Disney Dining Plan is worth it depends on your dining habits and how much planning you’re comfortable with. If you like the convenience of pre-paid meals, love trying new foods, and enjoy character dining experiences, the Disney Dining Plan can be a great way to enhance your trip.

However, for guests who prefer simpler meals or don’t want to make reservations in advance, paying as you go could be your best bet. To decide if the Disney Dining Plan is worth it, think about the experiences you don’t want to miss, and do a quick cost comparison based on those priorities.

How to Track Your Dining Credits

Using the My Disney Experience app is the easiest way to keep track of your dining credits. The app will show you how many credits you have left and where you’ve used them, so you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your plan without any last-minute credit rush.

Quick Tips to Make the Most of the Disney Dining Plan

Before you head off to enjoy your magical meals, here are a few quick tips to keep in mind to ensure you’re fully prepared:

• Gratuity Is Not Included (in Almost All Cases): While the Disney Dining Plan covers the cost of your meals, gratuity is usually not included at Table-Service restaurants. Be prepared to budget for tipping, especially at higher-priced spots and character dining experiences. The only exceptions are Cinderella’s Royal Table and some special dining packages where gratuity is included.
• Not All Locations Accept the Disney Dining Plan: While the majority of Disney-owned dining locations at the parks and resorts accept the dining plan, some third-party restaurants and food kiosks do not. Be sure to double-check before you go, especially if you have a reservation at a popular spot. You can always confirm by asking cast members or checking the My Disney Experience app.
• Unused Credits Don’t Roll Over: Dining credits are per night of your stay, not per day. They don’t carry over after checkout, so make sure to use them up before leaving. If you have extra snack credits, grab some goodies to take home!
• Allergy-Friendly Menus Are Available: Disney is great with food allergies and dietary restrictions. Almost all restaurants offer allergy-friendly menus, and chefs can help adapt many dishes. If you have any dietary needs, let your server know, and they’ll guide you to safe options or even prepare something special.
• Kids’ Meals: When you’re on the dining plan, kids’ Table-Service credits can only be used on kids’ menu items, but Quick-Service credits are sometimes more flexible. If you have picky eaters, don’t hesitate to ask about options.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to make the most of your Disney Dining Plan and enjoy every delicious moment.

Final Thoughts on the Disney Dining Plan

Making the most of the Disney Dining Plan can turn your dining experiences into memorable moments. With these tips, you’ll not only make the most of the Disney Dining Plan cost but also make food a major highlight of your trip. Enjoy that Dole Whip, order the filet, and soak up every tasty moment—Disney style!

Read More About the Disney Dining Plan:

• Guide to the Disney Dining Plan
• Free Theme Park Planning Pages
• Best Magic Kingdom Dining Options
• Iconic Disney Snacks
• Mobile Ordering at Disney World