Couponing to Disney

Disney Dining Plans are something to consider. Some think they are too complicated, however it doesn’t have to be. If you decide to take the plunge, know the best tips and advantages. Learn these 10 Pro Tips For Using Disney Dining Plans.

1. Find Your Perfect Plan

Disney offers 3 different Dining Plan options. For those who prefer quicker meals and more time to explore the parks, choose the Quick Service Dining Plan. For those who want to do Character meals, consider the Disney Dining Plan. For those who want quite the experience, Disney also offers a Deluxe Dining Plan.

2. Budget Friendly

For those unsure how to budget for food and want one less worry, the dining plans are worth it. Do you want to experience 2 snacks per day plus meals already paid for? Food is the last major expense of a Disney World Vacation as hotel, park tickets and travel expenses are pre-paid.

3. Dessert To Go

Sit down dining credits (Disney Dining Plan, Deluxe Plan) with a dessert at both lunch and dinner. If you are not used to having a dessert with each meal or are just too full, grab a to-go container and enjoy the treat later in your resort room. All Disney Resorts contain a mini-fridge (with exception of campsites).

4. Refillable Mug (Rapid Refill)

Each level of the Dining Plan comes with a refillable mug per person in your group. It is fun to each pick out a color. They offer many varieties of beverages at your food court including sodas, Hi-C/Powerade, Iced Tea, Hot Tea, Hot Chocolate and Coffee. This means for morning coffee drinkers, it’s free.

5. Make the most of your Credits

To maximize value, make the most of your credits. Do this by checking prices and order things you normally wouldn’t, after all its paid for. Opt for a Character Dining experience for extra Disney Magic. Now for 2017, with each Dining Plan level including 2 snacks per day, there are even more options to explore for snacking. Consider the 15 Most Expensive snacks eligible for a snack credit to maximize your value.

6. Share Food

Meals are credited at the beginning of your vacation and are yours to use as you please. This means you could split a meal with someone in your party that is a light eater. Saving up credits to stretch your budget. Many Disney Snacks are large enough to share as well.

7. Breakfast on the Dining Plan

Using your credits for a breakfast is usually a bad value. Opt for lunch and dinner options, instead paying out of pocket for a light breakfast or eating in your resort room. Unless, you eat at off times and have a late breakfast/ early dinner and choose wisely on your snack credits, you may come close to value.

8. Left Over Snack Credits

Have leftover credits at end of your trip and no time to use them? Consider using your snack credits for pre-packaged goods to bring home. These make great gifts and stocking stuffers. Goofy’s Candy Co. in Disney Springs has an excellent selection, as well as many stops on Main St USA at Magic Kingdom.

9. Left over Quick Service Credits

In the past Disney World has offered guests the ability to trade in a quick service meal for 3 snack credits. This changed with the 2017 Dining Plan updates, since they now added 2 snack credits per guest per day. Disney now allows guests to exchange a quick service credit for 2 snack credits (to be used at same location at same time). Or, consider going to your food court on the last day and grabbing some meals to go before your trip home.

10. Check for Free Dining

Certain times a year Disney World offers a free dining promotion, exclusive to certain resorts. Although it is not guaranteed historically it is in the fall, when public schools are beginning. Guests can even book rooms ahead and if a promotion comes up later, add it to their existing reservation. Always have an ear open for Free Dining.

Learn more about Walt Disney World Dining and get suggestions for where to eat, how to use the Disney Dining Plan and more.