The Dining Plan is the second level of dining options at Walt Disney World (one step above Quick-Service and one step below Disney Deluxe Dining) and is a very common choice by many of the resort guest. The plan provides one quick-service meal, one table service meal, and one snack for each night staying in a Disney Resort hotel. If you are staying for 8 nights then you will receive 8 days of dining per person.  This plan provides a great deal of food for everyone in your party.

Just Enough for Everyone

The Quick-Service (counter service) meals include an entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage (no dessert for breakfast). For breakfast the Table Service includes an entree and non-alcoholic beverage or a breakfast buffet. For lunch or dinner a Table Service meal includes an entree, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage or one full dinner buffet and for children (ages 3-9) the plan includes an appetizer from the kids menu.

Disney Dining Plan Suggestions

The Disney Dining plan is a great deal when visiting the resorts. It can save you time and money as you plan ahead and know where you are going to eat and the cost is already covered. You are not limited on what you order for your main entree and you get a dessert with each non-breakfast meal.

If your goal is to dine with characters, the Disney Dining Plan can be used to your advantage. Character dining is considered a table service and does not require any additional cost. However, specific shows/meals do require additional table service. For example, a guest can use the Disney Dining Plan for Cinderella’s Royal Table, but it will cost 2 table services from your plan. Guests can also use the dining plan for signature restaurants, dinner shows, and private in-room dining, but this will equal two table services for each dining occasion.  Dinner show examples include Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

Disney Dining Plan Drawbacks

This plan offers plenty of food during your stay. If you are sharing your quick-service meals for breakfast and lunch with those in your party, and using a table-service for dinner you won’t have room for snacks. But they are there to be used. If you find you have not managed the snacks well prior to the end of your stay, you can request all points be converted to snacks and use them to purchase items that travel well such as novelty rice cereal Mickey treats, single-serving bag of snacks, whole fruit, or drinks you can pack in your checked luggage.

The meal plans offered by Disney provide ample amounts of food to quell any appetite. Plan to make dining reservations as early as 180 days in advance of your arrival. Character dining, dinner shows, and other special events can book up quickly. Making reservations will allow you to get the most out of your Disney Dining Plan. Look for special discounts, free dining plans, and other options when booking your reservations with Disney.

What are your thoughts on the dining plans offered by Disney? Do you like them or think they are wasteful? Feel free to post your opinions or questions below.