Does the Disney Meal Plan Save Money?
When planning a magical vacation to the Happiest Place on Earth, one of the most significant expenses is food. With so many dining options available, it’s no wonder that many travelers wonder if the Disney meal plan is worth the investment. In this article, we’ll dive into the details to answer the question: does the Disney meal plan save money?
What is the Disney Meal Plan?
The Disney meal plan is a convenient and cost-effective way to budget for meals and snacks during your Disney vacation. You can opt for a Disney Dining Plan, which includes a set amount of credit per person, per day, to use towards meals and snacks at participating restaurants, fast-casual and table service restaurants, and even at designated food carts. There are three main tiers to choose from:
- Quick-Service Dining Plan: This plan offers 2 snack credits and 1 table-service credit per person, per day.
- Standard Dining Plan: This plan provides 1 quick-service meal, 1 table-service meal, and 2 snacks per person, per day.
- Deluxe Dining Plan: This plan offers 3 meals (2 table-service and 1 quick-service) and 2 snacks per person, per day.
How to Use the Disney Meal Plan
To use the Disney meal plan, simply:
- Link your credit card to your resort reservation
- Make reservations for table-service meals using the My Disney Experience app or by calling (407) W-DISNEY (934-7639)
- Show your meal plan card at participating locations to redeem credits
Does the Disney Meal Plan Save Money?
To help you decide, let’s analyze the costs:
| Option | Cost per Adult (18+ years) | Cost per Child (3-9 years) | Cost per Child (10-17 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick-Service Dining Plan | $59.55 per day (adult), $24.53 per day (child) | $53.63 per day (child) | $59.55 per day (child) |
| Standard Dining Plan | $79.55 per day (adult), $39.53 per day (child) | $74.63 per day (child) | $83.55 per day (child) |
| Deluxe Dining Plan | $119.55 per day (adult), $59.53 per day (child) | $104.63 per day (child) | $122.55 per day (child) |
Scenario 1: Snacking and Quick-Service Meals
- With the Quick-Service Dining Plan, you’ll have 2 snack credits and 1 table-service credit per day. If you:
- Use all credits for snacks and meals, you’ll spend $24.53-$27.55 per day for a child (3-9 years) and $59.55 per day for an adult (18+ years).
- Spend more on food and snacks, you’ll lose any unused credits.
Scenario 2: Table-Service Meals and Snacks
- With the Standard Dining Plan, you’ll have 1 quick-service meal, 1 table-service meal, and 2 snacks per day. If you:
- Use all credits for meals and snacks, you’ll spend $39.53-$43.55 per day for a child (3-9 years) and $79.55 per day for an adult (18+ years).
- Spend more on food and snacks, you’ll lose any unused credits.
Scenario 3: Gourmet Dining and Snacks
- With the Deluxe Dining Plan, you’ll have 3 meals (2 table-service and 1 quick-service) and 2 snacks per day. If you:
- Use all credits for meals and snacks, you’ll spend $59.53-$63.55 per day for a child (3-9 years) and $119.55 per day for an adult (18+ years).
- Spend more on food and snacks, you’ll lose any unused credits.
Conclusion: Does the Disney Meal Plan Save Money?
The Disney meal plan can save money if you:
- Eat most of your meals at quick-service locations or snacks (Scenario 1)
- Are willing to limit your table-service meals or snacks (Scenario 2)
- Splurge on expensive meals and snacks (Scenario 3)
However, if you:
- Enjoy fine dining at table-service restaurants
- Prefer to try various dining options
- Want flexibility in your meal choices
- Don’t arrive at the parks hungry ( Disney offers snacks and snacks carts and quick-service meals are generally more affordable)
The Disney meal plan might not be the best choice for you.
Additional Tips to Save Money
- Pack snacks: Bring your own snacks to avoid buying expensive ones at the parks.
- Make reservations: Booking your table-service meals in advance can help you avoid last-minute, higher-priced options.
- Explore off-season and off-peak discounts: Traveling during off-peak seasons or taking advantage of special promotions can lead to discounts on food and drinks.
- Consider alternative dining options: Look into affordable dining options outside of the Disney World resort, such as off-site restaurants or food trucks.
In conclusion, the Disney meal plan can be a great option for those who stick to quick-service meals and snacks or prefer to plan their meals in advance. However, for those who enjoy fine dining or prefer more flexibility, the Disney meal plan might not be the best choice. Weigh your options carefully and consider alternative ways to save money on food and snacks during your Disney vacation.