Disney Dining Plans are available for guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort. This add-on option allows guests to pre-pay for their food and then redeem food credits as they please. There are 3 levels of the Disney Dining plans to choose from: Quick-Service, Standard Disney Dining Plan and the Deluxe Dining Plan.
2018 introduced the inclusion of Alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks with a Quick-Service or Table-Service meal entitlement (only), for all dining plans. Therefore guests can choose options such as: Artisanal Milkshakes, Coffee, Fresh Smoothies and more for non-alcoholic choices. Mixed Drinks, Wine, Beer and more are included for Alcoholic options for guests 21+.
Many guests want to know, is the dining plan worth it? Let’s crunch some numbers and see. Do note, Disney World has confirmed a price increase for children on the dining plan starting in 2019, as reflected below. First learn prices and what you get. Then, see the Dining Plan scenarios based on a Family of 4.
Dining Plan Costs & What You Get Per Person/Per Night of Resort Stay:
- Disney’s Quick-Service Dining Plan
Cost: $52.49 per night ages 10 and up & $23.79 ($23.79 for 2019) per night age 3 to 9 (No cost for kids under 3)
Two Quick-Service Meals (These are also called Counter Service meals) & Two Snacks
One Resort Refillable Drink Mug good for unlimited drink refills at your resort for the duration of your stay. - The Standard Disney Dining Plan
Cost: $75.49 per nights ages 10 and up & $27.98 ($27.98 for 2019) per night ages 3 to 9 (No cost for kids under 3)
1 Table-Service meal, 1 Quick-Service meal & 2 Snacks
One Resort Refillable Drink Mug good for unlimited drink refills at your resort for the duration of your stay. - The Deluxe Dining Plan:
Cost: $116.25 per night ages 10 and up & $43.49 ($43.49 for 2019) per night ages 3 to 9 (No cost for kids under 3)
3 Table-Service or Quick-Service Credits (this is the only plan that allows you to redeem your Table-Service credit at a Quick-Service location) & 2 Snacks
One Resort Refillable Drink Mug good for unlimited drink refills at your resort for the duration of your stay.
Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children age 3-9)
Quick Service Scenario
Breakfast: Eat In Room (Dining Plan, use your refillable mugs for coffee, tea, lemonade, hot chocolate)
Snack 1: 4 Mickey Pretzels ($6.59 each) = $26.36
Lunch: Columbia Harbour House (Magic Kingdom) 2 combo platters at $12.49, 2 kid’s Mac & Cheese at $6.99, 4 Odwalla Lemonade slushes at $5.99 = $62.92 (+ tax)
Snack 2: Pineapple Float ($5.99 each) = $23.96
Dinner: Satu’li Canteen (Animal Kingdom) Grilled Beef Bowl & Fish Bowl at $13.99 ea., 2 kids Cheeseburger Steamed Pod at $7.99, 2 Pandoran Sunrise (non-alcoholic) at $4.49, 2 Sangria’s at $10.00 = $68.45
Total (No Dining Plan): $181.69
Quick Service Dining Plan Cost Per Day: $152.56
In this scenario, a family of 4 would come ahead with the Quick Service Dining Plan. However, the tipping point is the premium drinks. The dining plan allows guests to have a milkshake and more with lunch or dinner, plus Alcoholic drinks for 21+. If this is not something you will utilize, the dining plans may not be worth it.
Standard Dining Plan Scenario
Breakfast: Eat In Room (Dining Plan, use your refillable mugs for coffee, tea, lemonade, hot chocolate)
Snack 1: 4 Mickey Pretzels ($6.59 each) = $26.36
Lunch: ABC Commissary (Hollywood Studios) Shrimp Platter $12.49, BBQ Platter $18.49, 2 Kid’s Cheeseburgers $7.19, 2 slushes at $5.99, 2 glasses of wine at $9.00 = $75.34
Snack 2: Pineapple Float ($5.99 each) = $23.96
Dinner: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Character Dining = $166.00
Total (No Dining Plan): $291.66
Disney Dining Plan Cost Per Day: $206.94
In this scenario again the Dining Plan comes ahead. The tipping point here is the Character meal. If adding Character Meals are of interest to you, the Disney Dining Plan is worth it.
*All prices are prior to Tax & Tip.
Learn more about Walt Disney World Dining and get suggestions for where to eat, how to use the Disney Dining Plan and more.