Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth It?
The Disney Dining Plan is a popular dining plan offered by Walt Disney World in Florida, Disney California Adventure Park in California, and Disneyland Resort in California. It allows guests to pre-purchase meals at select restaurants, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy meals throughout their stay. However, whether or not the Disney Dining Plan is worth it depends on several factors, including your dining preferences, budget, and the number of days you’ll be staying at the Disney resort.
What is the Disney Dining Plan?
The Disney Dining Plan is a pre-paid meal plan that includes:
- A set number of credits per person per day, which can be used at participating restaurants
- A set number of meals per person per day
- A set number of snacks and beverages per person per day
The plan is designed to help guests budget for meals, but it’s not a rigid plan that must be followed. You can customize your dining plan to fit your specific needs and preferences.
Types of Dining Plans
There are three types of dining plans available:
- Quick-Service Plan: This plan includes Quick-Service meals, such as breakfast, lunch, and snacks, and does not include table-service meals.
- Table-Service Plan: This plan includes table-service meals and must be used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Standard Dining Plan: This plan includes Standard Table-Service meals and must be used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Pros of the Disney Dining Plan
- Convenience: The Disney Dining Plan makes meal planning and budgeting a breeze, as you can pre-purchase meals at participating restaurants and save money.
- Flexibility: The plan allows you to customize your dining plan to fit your specific needs and preferences.
- Cost Savings: The plan can save you money, especially if you’re staying at a Disney resort for an extended period.
- No Expensive Restaurant Dues: Unlike some other Disney resorts, you won’t have to pay extra for dinner at many of the parks’ upscale restaurants.
Cons of the Disney Dining Plan
- Cost: The plan can be expensive, especially if you’re staying at a Disney resort for an extended period.
- Restrictions: Some Disney resorts have restrictions on the types of meals and drinks that can be used with the plan.
- No One-Use-It-Up Option: If you prefer to save some meals for the road, you’re out of luck with the plan, as you’ll have to pay for them using your own money.
- Not Suitable for Large Families: The plan can be challenging to manage if you have a large family, as it can be difficult to keep track of meals and snacks.
Types of Meals Included in the Plan
| Meal Type | Daily Allowance |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | $15 per person per person per day |
| Lunch | $20 per person per person per day |
| Dinner | $25 per person per person per day |
| Snacks | unlimited |
| Beverages (exclusive to the plan) | $6.50 per person per day |
Plan Customization Options
- Dietary Restrictions: You can exclude certain types of meals or snacks from the plan, such as those with gluten or dairy.
- Advance Dining Reservations: You can make restaurant reservations up to 60 days in advance, even if you’re not staying at the resort.
- Room Service: You can also order room service if you prefer.
Deals and Discounts
- Referral Discounts: You can earn 10% off your meal plan when you refer friends and family to the plan.
- Annual Passholder Discounts: Annual passholders can save 20% off their meal plan.
- Dining Plan Exchange: You can exchange 3 meals per person per day for 3 meals per person per day at an off-site restaurant.
Conclusion
The Disney Dining Plan can be a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy meals throughout your stay at the Disney resort. However, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons and consider your specific needs and preferences before making a decision. If you’re staying at a Disney resort for an extended period, the plan can save you money and make meal planning and budgeting easier. However, if you’re looking for a more flexible dining plan or have dietary restrictions, you may want to consider other options.
Table: Comparison of Disney Dining Plan Pricing
| Resort | Disney Dining Plan Price (per person per day) |
|---|---|
| Disney World (Magic Kingdom) | $60.00 |
| Disney World (Epcot) | $60.00 |
| Disney World (Hollywood Studios) | $60.00 |
| Disney World (Animal Kingdom) | $60.00 |
| Disney California Adventure Park | $120.00 |
| Disneyland Resort (Disneyland Park) | $80.00 |
| Disneyland Resort (Disney California Adventure Park) | $120.00 |
Buying the Disney Dining Plan at Walt Disney World’s Online Store
You can buy the Disney Dining Plan at the Walt Disney World Online Store or by calling 407-WDW- Dream (407-939-9343). The plan can be purchased for:
- Disney World: $59.99 per person per day (minimum 2-day stay required)
- Disney California Adventure Park: $120.00 per person per day (minimum 2-day stay required)
- Disneyland Resort: $80.00 per person per day (minimum 2-day stay required)
Final Tips
- Book Early: Booking the plan early can help you save money and ensure availability.
- Choose Your Diner Wisely: Some restaurants are more expensive than others, so choose your diner wisely to save money.
- Take Advantage of Discounts: Look for discounts and promotions offered by the plan, such as referral discounts and Annual Passholder discounts.
In conclusion, the Disney Dining Plan can be a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy meals throughout your stay at the Disney resort. By weighing the pros and cons and considering your specific needs and preferences, you can make an informed decision about whether or not the plan is worth it for your Disney vacation.