Goofin’ Around the World

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation comes with plenty of exciting choices—and deciding whether to add a Dining Plan to your vacation package is one of the most common questions travelers ask. If you’re wondering what’s included in the Disney Dining Plan, how it differs from the Quick-Service Dining Plan, and which option makes the…

By

Jen Keyser

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Disney Dining Plan Explained: Which to Choose?

When you vacation at Walt Disney World and stay at a Disney resort hotel, you have the option to pre‑pay for your meals using a Disney Dining Plan.

There are two choices available: the Disney Dining Plan and the Disney Quick‑Service Dining Plan. So what’s the difference, and how do you know which one is right for your family?

As a Disney travel advisor, I help clients navigate this decision all the time—and the good news is, no matter which plan you choose, you won’t go hungry.

What Is a Disney Dining Plan?

Simply put, the Disney Dining Plan allows you to pre‑pay for food during your Walt Disney World vacation. Your meals are bundled into your vacation package, which can make budgeting easier and help you feel more relaxed about food costs while you’re in the parks.

From personal experience, my family often ends up with extra Snack credits—and sometimes even unused Quick‑Service meals—by the end of our trip. We tend to eat less in the parks than we do at home, especially with all the excitement and things to do around the parks.

The Two Disney Dining Plan Options

Disney Dining Plan

For each guest in the room, per night of stay, this plan includes:

  • 1 Table‑Service Meal
  • 1 Quick‑Service Meal
  • 1 Snack
  • 1 Resort Refillable Mug (one per person, per stay)

Disney Quick‑Service Dining Plan

For each guest in the room, per night of stay, this plan includes:

  • 2 Quick‑Service Meals
  • 1 Snack
  • 1 Resort Refillable Mug (one per person, per stay)

Meal and Snack Credits

At the start of your trip, all meal and snack credits are loaded onto your My Disney Experience account to use throughout your stay. The number of credits loaded are dependent upon which plan you choose, how many nights you are staying, and how many are in your room.

How—and when—you use them is completely up to you.

Example: A family of four (two adults, and two 12-year olds) staying five nights on the Disney Dining Plan would receive:

  • 20 Table‑Service Meal Credits
  • 20 Quick‑Service Meal Credits
  • 20 Snack Credits
  • 4 Resort Refillable Mugs

What Is a Table‑Service Meal?

A Table‑Service meal is a sit‑down dining experience with a server. Many of the Table-Service restaurants feature character dining, buffets, or family‑style meals, while others offer a more traditional plated experience.

Table‑Service meals are a wonderful way to slow down, relax, and enjoy a break from the parks. Dining options range from Italian and French cuisine to African flavors and classic barbecue. Several locations both inside and outside the parks also offer opportunities to dine with Disney characters and princesses.

What Is a Quick‑Service Meal?

Quick‑Service meals are Disney’s version of counter‑service or fast‑casual dining. You order at a counter (or via mobile order), pick up your food, and find a seat.

While you’ll find familiar favorites like burgers, fries, and chicken nuggets, Disney’s Quick‑Service dining also includes elevated options such as lobster rolls, barbecue brisket bowls, and international cuisine. There are hundreds of Quick‑Service locations across the parks, resorts and at Disney Springs.

Both Table‑Service and Quick‑Service meals include a beverage. Guests 21 and over may choose a single‑serving alcoholic beverage where offered. Non‑alcoholic options include specialty drinks, milkshakes, smoothies, soda, coffee, tea, and more.

Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks!

Snack credits are one of the most fun parts of the Disney Dining Plans. On solo trips, I easily spend the day snacking my way around the parks.

Popular snack options include:

  • Dole Whip
  • Churros
  • Cheeseburger Spring Rolls
  • Mickey Bars
  • Frozen bananas
  • Starbucks beverages
  • Popcorn and bottled drinks

Snack credits aren’t limited to the parks—you can also use them at resort gift shops and Quick‑Service locations for items like a bag of Mickey pretzels, Mickey‑shaped rice crispy treats, fruit, and other packaged snacks.

Resort Refillable Mug

Each guest with either Disney Dining Plan option receives a Resort Refillable Mug to use throughout their stay. These mugs can be refilled at any Disney Resort hotel Quick‑Service location with soda, hot or iced tea, and coffee.

It’s important to note you cannot refill the Resort Refillable Mug inside the theme parks at a Quick Service like you would at the resort. Because of this, many guests choose to use them at their resort in the morning or evening rather than carrying them into the parks.

The mugs hold approximately 16 ounces (less with ice).

How Do You Use Your Dining Credits?

Using your dining credits is easy. Look for the Disney Dining Plan logo at participating food carts, Quick‑Service locations, and select merchandise locations.

You can also find Disney Dining Plan‑eligible locations in the My Disney Experience app:

  1. Tap the navigation icon at the bottom of the screen
  2. Select Dining
  3. Choose Filter
  4. Scroll to Dining Plan
  5. Select your dining plan
  6. Tap Apply to see eligible locations on the map

When ordering, let the Cast Member know you’re using a snack or quick‑service credit, then tap your MagicBand or Key to the World card to pay.

Using Table‑Service Credits

Advance dining reservations are highly recommended for Table‑Service meals. Reservations can be made 60 days in advance, starting at 6:00 AM ET, using the My Disney Experience app or DisneyWorld.com.

Some table‑service restaurants require two table‑service credits per person. It’s important to note this when planning so you don’t end up paying out of pocket unexpectedly.

A few popular two‑credit restaurants include*:

  • Cinderella’s Royal Table
  • Be Our Guest Restaurant
  • Tiffins
  • Hollywood Brown Derby
  • Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (lunch and dinner)

Gratuity is not included with the dining plan and is paid separately at table‑service restaurants.

*Subject to change. Please refer to the Disney Dining Plan website for the most up-to-date list.

Which Dining Plan Should You Choose?

The right dining plan depends on how you like to tour the parks. Consider the following questions:

  • Do you want to experience character dining?
  • Do you prefer having planned sit‑down meals during your trip?
  • Would you rather maximize ride time and keep meals quick?
  • Do you want flexibility without fixed dining reservations?

If you answered yes to character dining and planned meals, the Disney Dining Plan may be the best fit. If flexibility and quick meals are more your style, the Quick‑Service Dining Plan may be a better option.

Choosing the right Disney Dining Plan can make a big difference in how you experience your vacation.

I work one-on-one with clients to create customized Disney itineraries, including dining recommendations, reservations, and tips to make the most of every credit.

If you’d like expert guidance and stress-free planning, I’d love to help you get started.

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