There are 10 things you need to know about the Disney Dining Plan before your next trip to Walt Disney World.
1. The Disney Dining Plan includes a Quick Service entitlement, a Table Service entitlement and 2 Snack entitlements per night of your stay. To maximize your entitlements, I recommend that you spend at least $50.50 on your meal at Table-Service Restaurants (that is the combined cost of entree, beverage {alcoholic or non-alcoholic} and dessert), $16.50 at Quick-Service Restaurants (entree, beverage) and $5.50 on each of your two snacks.
2. Character meals are one of the best uses of a Table Service entitlement. Dinner at Chef Mickey’s averages $52.19 which exceeds the $50.50 minimum that you should aim for.
3. Signature Restaurants are one of the worst uses of a Table Service entitlement. They require you to use 2 entitlements to cover the cost of your meal but you rarely will spend more than $101 (the amount you need to spend to break even). The current cost for dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table is $75 per adult and it includes the tax and gratuity. Since we value a Table Service entitlement at $50.50 without the gratuity, we would need to add 18% to it in order to do the math, making a Table Service entitlement worth $59.59. Two Table Service entitlements would then be worth $119.18 meaning that you actually lose over $44.00 per adult by choosing to spend your dining entitlements at this Signature Restaurant. If you dine for breakfast ($62 per adult), you will lose over $57.00 per adult in your party.
4. It is not a good value to use a Quick Service entitlement on breakfast since it is the least expensive meal of the day. If dining at your resort, use your refillable mug for your beverage.
5. Alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks (for those under 21) are now included for a Quick-Service or Table-Service meal entitlement (only), for all dining plans. Look for the Disney Dining logo next to beverages when ordering a meal. Examples of what is included below.
- Non- Alcoholic beverages include: Artisanal Milkshakes, Coffee, Fresh Smoothies, Premium Hot Chocolate, , Soda and Tea.
- Alcoholic beverages include: Beer, Cider, Mixed Drinks, Sangria, Specialty Cocktails and wine.
6. When you check into your resort, you are issued your entitlements at one time to use as you wish over the course of your stay. They will expire at midnight on the day that you check out. This enables you to choose if you want to use more than 1 Table Service entitlements on one day (maybe you want a character breakfast and dinner) or if you want to skip Table Service meals for a day. How you schedule your meals is completely up to you.
7. Quick Service and Table Service entitlements can be traded for 3 snack entitlement when completed in the same transaction (such as purchasing 3 bottles of water or a beverage and 2 snacks). However, this is not a good value at all and you’ll lose money should you chose to do it.
8. If you don’t want dessert at your Table Service restaurant, ask your waiter if you can substitute it for a fruit plate, cup of soup or a side salad.
9. If you are a big water drinker, order a bottled water with your Quick Service meal and also ask for a cup of ice water. You can take the bottle water with you for later in the day.
10. Snack Credits are valid on a number of prepackaged foods. If you haven’t used all of your snack entitlements by the last day of your vacation, use them to purchase prepackaged snacks that you can use for special treats at home or gifts for family and friends. You can find these in gift shops.
Learn more about Walt Disney World Dining and get suggestions for where to eat, how to use the Disney Dining Plan and more.
Janie says
I know there is a starbucks in Magic Kingdom..do they accept starbucks gift cards to pay or do you have to use your meal plan or pay out of pocket ?
Nicole says
I really just want to know where that cupcake is from. It looks so good.
Samantha says
I think it’s from the living seas in Epcot on the kids menu for deserts or at the Grand Floridian at Narcrosses again on the kids menu for desert. There may be more places but those are the ones I think I remember.
Jan Benton says
We love using the dining plan and take advantage of it on every visit. On our last visit, we chose to do the quick service plan. I missed not dining at some of the restaurants that we always enjoy, but not having to be anywhere at an appointed time worked out great for us. Many of the quick service restaurants offer a delicious and filling meal – not just a sandwich. Plus, you don’t have to tip!
Meaghan says
If you use your snack or counter service at Starbuck’s that can be an awesome deal too! We were there last week and got our coffee (usually over $5) as a snack. If you use a counter service you can get two beverage’s of your choice plus a breakfast sandwich! It worked out great for us b/c we were so full from all of the other food. =0) We also took food for the plane this way.