One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is if the Disney Dining Plan is worth it. Here are 5 Ways To Determine If The Disney Dining Plan Is Worth It:
Do you want to eat a table service meal everyday of your trip?
The Disney Dining Plan includes 1 Table Service entitlement per night of your Disney Resort stay. Do you want to spend 1-2 hours a day in a Disney restaurant or would you rather grab something from the Quick Service Restaurants (30 minutes if you don’t go during peak times) and spend more time riding the attractions?
If you answer yes, the Disney Dining Plan might be worth it for your family.
Do you normally eat dessert with every meal?
The Disney Dining Plan includes dessert with both your Quick Service and Table Service entitlement. Some restaurants will allow you to swap the dessert for a bowl of soup if you ask. But if you were paying for these meals as you go, would you order dessert every time?
If you answer yes, the Disney Dining Plan might be worth it for your family.
Do you drink soda or tea?
If you are a soda/tea drinker, the Disney Dining Plan caters to you and even provides you with a refillable mug that you can use at your Disney resort’s Quick Service location. However if you are a water drinker, you will not get as much value from this plan especially if you are okay with drinking the Florida water. The beverages on the Disney Dining Plan can be used for bottled water, but fountain water is free. If you were paying for your meals as you go then you would save about $10 at the Table Service restaurants if you ordered ice water instead of soda. It is not a good value to order ice water if you have the Disney Dining Plan.
Do you have young “Disney adults” who won’t be able to eat an adult portion of food?
A “Disney adult” is someone who is 10 years or older. Is your tween going to be able to eat $41.00 worth of food at a Table Service restaurant (this includes the cost of the beverage, entree and dessert)? That is the amount you have to spend in order to break even on the cost of the Disney Dining Plan. I know for us it was cheaper to pay as we go and let Emily either order off the kid’s menu or let her order adult portions of the kid’s entrees (an adult portion of Mac and Cheese was only $5 more than the kid’s meal).
Are you planning on multiple character meals?
Almost of the character meals at Walt Disney World are either buffets, served family style or have a flat rate no matter what you order. If you are planning on multiple character meals, the Disney dining plan is a good value for your family.
Don’t miss these 10 Mistakes People Make With The Dining Plan.
Learn more about Walt Disney World Dining and get suggestions for where to eat, how to use the Disney Dining Plan and more.
Tiha says
If we purchase the Dining Plan, we carefully plan our meals to maximize our money. If you plan well, you can come out ahead.