There are many factors to take into play when deciding on what dining plan you should choose for your Walt Disney World vacation. If you plan on enjoying many of Disney’s restaurants during your trip, the Deluxe Dining Plan is the way to go. Not a fan of having to sit down for meals and prefer a more laid-back approach to meals, then consider the Quick Service Dining Plan
Walt Disney World offers three different dining packages; the Quick Service Dining Plan, the Disney Dining Plan and the Deluxe Dining Plan. Only guests staying onsite at a Disney resort can purchase a dining plan and add it to their package. While the dining plans are only available for guests aged 3 and older, children under the age of three are allowed to eat off of a parent’s plate or can eat for free at any of the buffet restaurants throughout Disney.
One of the best features of the dining plans is that you don’t need to worry about using all of your dining credits up each day as they roll over to the next day. Want to use all your credits in one day? Go for it! Saving all your credits for your last day, Disney says, “Have fun!” You have control over how you use your meal credits!
You have the ability to keep track of your credits through your My Disney Experience app. You will also see the credits used as well as the entitlements you have left on your receipt after each meal.
An important thing to keep in mind is that not all restaurants are only one credit. Disney’s Signature Dining restaurants such as the ever-popular Cinderella’s Castle are two credits. A Disney specialized travel agent can give you a breakdown of exactly what restaurants you can expect to use more credits at than others.
While the different dining plans do offer slightly different packages; the basic breakdown of what everyone receives in any package is:
- One Refillable Resort Mug- you can use this mug throughout the length of your stay to get free drink refills at any of the many drink stations available at all the Disney resorts.
- Dining Credits- Depending on what dining plan you choose each person will be given an allotment of dining credit per night.
- Two Snack Credits- These include a wide variety of choices available all throughout Disney; from popcorn to Dole Whips…and Starbucks coffees for Mom and Dad! Look for the Snack Credit icon next to snacks on all menus.
Quick Service Dining Plan
With this plan, you will receive two quick-service dining credits per night along with your mug and two snacks. Each quick service credit will include one drink (alcoholic if available and guest is over twenty-one or non-alcoholic), an entrée, and if available a dessert.
Disney Dining Plan
Having the Disney Dining Plan will allow you one table service meal and one quick service meal per night, along with your mug and two snacks. The table service meal includes one drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and one full buffet or family-style meal as well as any meal labeled with the Disney Dining Plan symbol on your menu (you’ll find a huge array of meal options to be available with the Disney Dining Plan.)
Deluxe Dining Plan
The Deluxe Dining Plan is the most comprehensive dining plan available at Disney World. You will receive three dining credits per night to be used however you would like. For example, use them at three table service restaurants one day – or – use two at table service restaurants and one at a quick service one day – or – use three at quick-service locations one day. Also, the Deluxe Dining Plan will afford you the luxury of having a dessert with your table service meal.
No matter what dining plan you decide on make sure you make your reservations 180 days before your arrival to ensure you get exactly the reservations you would like. Happy Dining!
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