Walt Disney World just announced that the Disney Dining Plans will be coming back for stays starting on or after January 9, 2024.
The Walt Disney World dining plan is a popular option for many visitors to the park. It offers a way to prepay for meals and snacks, which can make budgeting and planning for a Disney vacation much easier. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the Disney dining plan, including its benefits, how it works, and some tips for making the most of it.
What is the Walt Disney World Disney Dining Plan?
The Walt Disney World Dining Plan is a pre-paid meal plan that is available to guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels. With the dining plan, guests can enjoy a variety of meal options at over 200 participating restaurants throughout the resort, including table service, quick service, and snack locations.
Benefits of the Disney Dining Plan
The Disney dining plan offers several benefits to visitors. One of the biggest advantages is that it can help you save money on your food expenses. By prepaying for your meals and snacks, you can budget for your food costs ahead of time and avoid any surprises or unexpected expenses during your trip.
How does the Dining Plan work?
There are two different dining plan options to choose from, each with its own set of credits that can be redeemed for meals and snacks. The plans are based on the number of nights you will be staying at a Disney Resort hotel and can be added to your vacation package with an arrival day on or after January 9, 2024. Here are the current options:
Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan
Pricing for Adults (Ages 10+) $57.01 USD per person per night
Pricing for Children (Ages 3 to 9) $23.83 USD per person per night
This plan includes:
two quick-service meals*, per person, per night of your stay
one snack per person, per night of your stay
a Resort refillable drink mug.
Disney Dining Plan
Pricing for Adults (Ages 10+) $94.28 USD per person per night
Pricing for Children (Ages 3 to 9) $29.69 USD per person per night
This plan includes:
one quick-service meal*, per person, per night of your stay
one table-service meal**, per person, per night of your stay
one snack per person, per night of your stay,
a Resort refillable drink mug.
It's important to note that both of the dining plans also come with a refillable drink mug, which can be refilled at any Disney Resort hotel quick-service location.
*Quick-service meals are defined as meals that do not require a reservation and are typically ordered at a counter service location.
**Table-service meals are defined as meals that require a reservation and are typically served at a table with a waiter or waitress.
How to use your Dining Plan credits
Using your dining plan credits is easy. Simply present your MagicBand, MagicMobile or resort key card at the time of purchase and the appropriate number of credits will be deducted from your account. If you are using a table-service credit, you will need to make a reservation in advance and let the restaurant know that you will be using your dining plan credits.
When Can I Use My Credits and When Do They Expire?
One of the best things about the Walt Disney World Dining Plans is the flexibility it offers. The credits can be used throughout your stay, and they don't have to be used in a particular order. As soon as you check in to your Disney resort, your dining plan credits are available for use, and they are valid until midnight on the day of your check-out.
If you have leftover credits at the end of your trip, don't worry. You can use them until midnight on the day you check out. So if your flight is later in the day, you can still use your dining plan credits for lunch before you head to the airport.
It's important to note that dining plan credits cannot be used for gratuities, and they are non-transferable. So if you have any unused credits at the end of your trip, you won't be able to give them to a friend or family member.
Tips for getting the most out of your Dining Plan
Make reservations in advance: For table-service meals, it's important to make reservations in advance, especially for popular restaurants like Be Our Guest and Cinderella's Royal Table.
Keep track of your credits: You can check your dining plan credits at any time by logging into your My Disney Experience account or using the My Disney Experience app.
Try new things: With so many restaurants to choose from, don't be afraid to try something new! Disney is known for its unique dining experiences, so why not try something outside of your comfort zone?
Important Information
Beverages are included with each meal.
Guests under 21 years of age may choose from a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older with valid identification may substitute for beer, wine and cocktails.
Reservations at Table-Service restaurants are subject to availability and are highly recommended.
Two table-service meals will be redeemed from the dining plan for each person dining at a Fine/Signature Dining experience, select Character Dining experience or a Dinner Show.
Guests ages 3 to 9 must order from a children’s menu, where available.
Plan must be purchased for entire length of stay and for the entire party (ages 3 and up).
Overall, the Walt Disney World Dining Plan offers a great way to save money and enjoy some of the best dining experiences at Walt Disney World. Whether you opt for the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan, you'll be sure to have a magical dining experience that will create memories that last a lifetime.
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be overwhelming, but with the help of a knowledgeable and experienced Disney Travel Agent like Jeremie at Playcation Travel, you can rest easy knowing that every aspect of your trip is taken care of. From booking your resort accommodations to securing dining reservations and fast passes, Jeremie is dedicated to making your vacation stress-free and magical. Don't hesitate to request a quote to start planning your dream Disney vacation today!