Delight in Every Bite: The Benefits of the Disney Dining Plan. Are you planning a magical vacation to Walt Disney World? Where are you staying? What attractions will you ride? How many days should you spend in the parks? Should you add the park hopper option to your tickets? There are so many decisions to make!
And now with the return of the Disney Dining Plan (DDP) add-on option starting January 9, 2024, for vacation packages, you now have one more decision to consider. Is the Disney Dining Plan add-on worth it? Let’s explore all the possibilities.
It’s time to unlock the door to a culinary wonderland within the enchanting world of Walt Disney World with the Disney Dining Plan. Imagine indulging in delicious meals at captivating Disney-themed restaurants, savoring delectable snacks under the watchful eye of your favorite characters, and relishing in the magic of dining without a care in the world.
The Disney Dining Plan is your ticket to an unforgettable experience, offering a treasure trove of benefits that will elevate your vacation to new heights. From convenience and cost savings to a delectable array of dining options, this is your passport to a dining adventure like no other.
What is the Disney Dining Plan?
Table of Contents
The Disney Dining Plan is a pre-paid meal package available exclusively to guests staying at select Disney Resort hotels. It provides a convenient and budget-friendly way to enjoy meals and snacks throughout your Disney vacation.
How do I get the Disney Dining Plan?
The Disney Dining Plan is an optional add-on that people staying in an on-site Disney World resort can get by booking one of these things:
- A vacation package (that includes a room and tickets) online or by calling Disney
- A room-only reservation by calling Disney or having your Love of the Magic travel agent add it (this is sometimes called a “ticketless package”).
- Important Note: A Dining Plan can only be added to a ticketless package for guests with Annual Passes or Military Tickets.
- A Disney Vacation Club (DVC) reservation
How does the Disney Dining Plan work?
Choose Your Plan
Disney offers several dining plan options, each designed to cater to different dining preferences and budgets. The available plans typically include:
- Quick-Service Dining Plan: Ideal for those who prefer casual dining experiences, this plan includes two quick-service meals (entree and beverage) and 1 snack per person per night of your stay.
- (Standard) Disney Dining Plan: This plan provides flexibility with one quick-service meal, one table-service meal (entree, dessert, and beverage), and 1 snack per person per night of your stay.
Each plan includes 1 Resort-refillable drink mug – these are super cute themed 16oz refillable insulated mugs and are very popular. They include unlimited free refills on fountain drinks, coffee, and tea from participating beverage locations at Disney resorts for their length of stay up to 14 days.
2024 Dining Plan Options
| Name | Quick Service Credits | Table Service Credits | Snack Credits | 2024 price for ages 10+ | 2024 price for ages 3-9 |
| Quick-Service Dining Plan | 2 | 0 | 1 | $57.01 | $23.83 |
| Table-Service Dining Plan | 1 | 1 | 1 | $94.28 | $26.69 |
Note: You get the credits listed above for each night of your trip.
All of the credits are loaded into your account at once and can be used however you’d like during your trip (e.g., you could use 10 credits 1 day and none the following day). Gratuity is not included.
Make Reservations
Once you’ve selected a dining plan, you can make dining reservations up to 60 days in advance of your arrival. This is a critical step, especially for popular restaurants and character dining experiences, as they tend to fill up quickly.
Redeeming Your Meals and Snacks
When you arrive at a participating Disney restaurant or food location, you can redeem your meals and snacks by presenting your Disney Resort ID (MagicBand, MagicBand+, MagicMobile pass, or Key to the World card), which are all linked to your dining plan. The number of credits you use for each meal or snack will depend on your chosen dining plan and the location’s dining category.
- Quick-Service Credits: Used for quick-service meals.
- Table-Service Credits: Used for table-service meals.
- Snack Credits: Used for snacks.
Monitoring Your Credits
It has never been easier to track your dining credits while your on vacation!
Credit balances are available on the bottom of every receipt you get after “paying” for a meal or snack.
You can also find your Disney Dining Plan balance by using the My Disney Experience app – look under the “My Plans” section.
Select your resort reservation and you should then see an option for Dining Plan.
If anything seems inaccurate, please to your server, or if you have already left the restaurant you can check in at Guest Services or with a Cast Member at your hotel.
Enjoy the Flexibility
The Disney Dining Plan is designed to provide flexibility. You can use your credits as you see fit, whether you prefer to enjoy all your table-service meals at once or spread them out during your stay.
Consider Special Dietary Needs
Disney is known for accommodating various dietary restrictions, so if you have specific dietary needs or allergies, be sure to communicate these requirements when making dining reservations. This does not change just because you are on the Disney Dining Plan.
Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth It?
This may be a bit subjective. It really does depend on your family and their eating habits. Do you prefer quick meals so you can get back to the attractions and shows quickly, or do you prefer more table service where you can take your time and enjoy your meals. The Dining Plan options also include a lot of food, so take into consideration how much your family eats. There are several factors you may want to consider when making your decision.
Dining Preferences
Your dining preferences play a significant role in determining whether the Disney Dining Plan is worth it for you. If you enjoy leisurely table-service meals and character dining experiences, the plan can offer substantial savings. On the other hand, if you prefer quick-service dining or have limited interest in table-service meals, the plan may not be as beneficial.
Dining Frequency
Think about how often you plan to dine at Disney restaurants. The dining plan is most advantageous when you use all the credits it provides. If you foresee dining outside the parks frequently or have dietary restrictions that limit your options, the dining plan might not be the best value.
Convenience and Budgeting
The Disney Dining Plan offers the convenience of prepaid meals. It can be a great way to budget for your food expenses in advance, ensuring you have a handle on your vacation budget without worrying about unforeseen dining costs.
Character Dining and Unique Experiences
The plan includes character dining experiences, which can be particularly enjoyable for families with young children or those who want to meet Disney characters. If these experiences are a priority, the dining plan can be a good value.
Cost Control
For travelers who want to manage their dining expenses closely, the Disney Dining Plan provides cost control. You pay upfront, which can help you stick to a set budget throughout your trip. It also makes your trip feel like an all-inclusive, which is a nice perk!
Flexibility
The dining plan offers flexibility in how you use your credits. Whether you choose to dine at all quick-service restaurants, spread out your table-service meals, or mix and match, you have the freedom to enjoy your meals as you see fit.
What Restaurants are Included in the Plan?
The list is long, but that’s great news because it means you’ll have a lot to choose from! Here is a full list of participating quick-service and table-service restaurants in 2024.
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom Table-Service Location
These Table Service restaurants require 1 Table Service credit per person:
- The Crystal Palace
- The Diamond Horseshoe
- Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen
- Liberty Tree Tavern
- The Plaza Restaurant
- Tony’s Town Square
These Table Service restaurants require 2 Table Service credits per person:
- Be Our Guest Restaurant
- Cinderella’s Royal Table
Magic Kingdom Quick-Service Locations
- Casey’s Corner
- Columbia Harbour House
- Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
- The Friar’s Nook
- Gaston’s Tavern
- Golden Oak Outpost
- Liberty Square Market
- The Lunching Pad
- Main Street Bakery
- Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
- Pinocchio Village Haus
- Sleepy Hollow Refreshments
- Tortuga Tavern (seasonal)
Magic Kingdom Snack Locations
- Aloha Isle
- Auntie Gravity’s Galatic Goodies
- Big Top Treats
- Cheshire Cafe
- Energy Bytes
- Joffrey’s Revive
- Main Street Confectionery
- Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
- Prince Eric’s Village Market
- Storybook Treats
- Sunshine Tree Terrace
- Westward Ho
- Ice Cream Novelties, Popcorn, Pretzel, and Churro Carts
- Select pre-packaged snacks at Merchandise locations
EPCOT
EPCOT Table-Service Locations
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall — BREAKFAST
- Biergarten Restaurant
- Chefs de France
- Coral Reef Restaurant
- Garden Grill
- La Hacienda de San Angel
- Nine Dragons Restaurant
- Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room
- San Angel Inn Restaurante
- Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya
- Spice Road Table
- Teppan Edo
- Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar
- Tutto Italia Ristorante
- Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
These Table Service restaurants require 2 Table Service credits per person:
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall — LUNCH and DINNER
- Le Cellier Steakhouse
EPCOT Quick-Service Locations
- Connections Cafe
- Connections Eatery
- Crêpes À Emporter at La Crêperie de Paris
- Fife & Drum Tavern
- Katsura Grill
- Kringla Bakeri Og Cafe
- La Cantina de San Angel
- Lotus Blossom Cafe
- Refreshment Outpost
- Refreshment Port
- Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue
- Sommerfest
- Sunshine Seasons
- Tangierine Cafe
- Yorkshire County Fish Shop
EPCOT Snack Locations
- Block & Hans
- Funnel Cake Stand
- Joy of Tea
- Kabuki Cafe
- Karamell-Kuche
- The Land Cart
- L’Artisan des Glaces
- Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie
- Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea kiosks
- Sangria Sips in the Souk
- Via Napoli Snack Stand
- Ice Cream Novelties, Popcorn, Pretzel, and Churro Carts
- Select pre-packaged snacks at Merchandise locations
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios Table-Service Locations
- 50’s Prime Time Cafe
- Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine Breakfast at Hollywood & Vine
- Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood & Vine
- Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
- Roundup Rodeo BBQ
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
These Table Service restaurants require 2 Table Service credits per person:
- The Hollywood Brown Derby
- The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge
Hollywood Studios Quick-Service Locations
- ABC Commissary
- Backlot Express
- Catalina Eddie’s
- Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
- Dockside Diner
- Fairfax Fare
- PizzeRizzo
- Ronto Roasters
- Rosie’s All-American Cafe
- The Trolley Car Cafe
- Woody’s Lunch Box
Hollywood Studios Snack Locations
- Anaheim Produce
- Epic Eats
- Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction
- Hollywood Scoops
- Gelato Cart (Muppets Courtyard)
- Ice Cold Stand
- Kat Saka’s Kettle
- KRNR The Rock Station
- Market at Pixar Place
- Milk Stand
- Neighborhood Bakery
- Peevy’s Polar Pipeline
- Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea kiosks
- Ice Cream Novelties, Popcorn, Pretzel, and Churro Carts, Droid Coke Carts in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Select pre-packaged snacks at Merchandise locations
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom Table-Service Locations
These Table Service restaurants require 1 Table Service credit per person:
- Rainforest Cafe
- Tusker House Restaurant
- Yak & Yeti Restaurant
These Table Service restaurants require 2 Table Service credits per person:
- Tiffins
Animal Kingdom Quick-Service Locations
- Creature Comforts
- Flame Tree Barbecue
- Harambe Market
- Pizzafari
- Restaurantosaurus
- Satu’li Canteen
- Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes
Animal Kingdom Snack Locations
- Anandapur Ice Cream Truck
- Caravan Road
- Dino-Bite Snacks
- Drinkwallah
- Eight Spoon Cafe
- Harambe Fruit Market
- Isle of Java
- Kusafiri Bakery
- Mr. Kamal’s
- Pongu Pongu
- The Smiling Crocodile
- Tamu Tamu Refreshments
- Terra Treats
- Thirsty River Trek Snacks
- Trilo-Bites
- Warung Outpost
- Zuri’s Sweets Shop
- Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea kiosks (including Royal Anandapur Tea Company)
- Ice Cream Novelties, Popcorn, Pretzel, and Churro Carts
- Select pre-packaged snacks at Merchandise locations
Animal Kingdom Lounges
- Nomad Lounge
Disney Springs
Disney Springs Table-Service Locations
These Table Service restaurants require 1 Table Service credit per person:
- Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
- City Works Eatery & Pour House
- The Edison
- Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant
- House of Blues Restaurant & Bar
- Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
- Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante
- Morimoto Asia (one Table Service credit for Lunch only)
- Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas
- Planet Hollywood
- Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
- Rainforest Cafe
- Splitsville Luxury Lanes
- Terralina Crafted Italian
- T-REX
Disney Springs Quick-Service Locations
These Table Service restaurants require 2 Table Service credits per person:
- The BOATHOUSE
- Jaleo by Jose Andres
- Morimoto Asia (two Table Service credits for Dinner only)
- Paddlefish
Disney Springs Snack Locations
- 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck
- Amorette’s Patisserie
- B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.
- Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza
- Chicken Guy!
- Cookes of Dublin
- The Daily Poutine
- D-Luxe Burger
- Earl of Sandwich
- Marketplace Snacks
- Morimoto Asia Street Food
- Pepe
- Pizza Ponte
- The Polite Pig
- The Smokehouse at House of Blues
- Swirls on the Water
- YeSake Kiosk
Disney’s All-Star Resorts
Quick Service Meal Locations and Snacks
- World Premiere Food Court – All-Star Movies Resort
- Silver Screen Spirits Pool Bar – All-Star Movies Resort
- Intermission Food Court – All-Star Music Resort
- Singing Spirits Pool Bar – All-Star Music Resort
- End Zone Food Court – All-Star Sports Resort
- Grandstand Spirits Pool Bar — All-Star Sports Resort
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Table Service Meal Locations
These Table Service restaurants require 1 Table Service credit per person:
- Boma — Flavors of Africa
- Sanaa
These Table Service restaurants require 2 Table Service credits per person:
- Jiko – The Cooking Place
- Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar
Lounges
- Victoria Falls
- Sanaa Lounge
Quick Service Meal Locations and Snacks
- Maji Pool Bar
- The Mara
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Quick Service Meal Locations and Snacks
- Landscape of Flavors
- The Drop Off Pool Bar
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Table Service Meal Locations
These Table Service restaurants require 1 Table Service credit per person:
- Big River Grille and Brewing Works
- Trattoria al Forno
These Table Service restaurants require 2 Table Service credits per person:
- Flying Fish
Quick Service Meal Locations and Snacks
- BoardWalk Deli
- BoardWalk Pizza Window
- Carousel Coffee
- Leaping Horse Libations
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Table Service Meal Locations
- Sebastian’s Bistro
Lounges
- Banana Cabana
Quick Service Meal Locations and Snacks
- Centertown Market Grab ‘n Go
- Spyglass Grill
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Table Service Meal Locations
These Table Service restaurants require 1 Table Service credit per person:
- Chef Mickey’s
- Steakhouse 71
Lounges
- Steakhouse 71 Lounge
Quick Service Meal Locations and Snacks
- Contempo Cafe
- Cove Bar
- The Sand Bar
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Table Service Meal Locations
These Table Service restaurants require 1 Table Service credit per person:
- Rix Sports Bar & Grill
- Maya Grill
- Three Bridges Bar and Grill
These Table Service restaurants require 2 Table Service credits per person:
- Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood
Lounges
- Dahlia Lounge
Quick Service Meal Locations and Snacks
- Barcelona Lounge
- Cafe Rix
- El Mercado de Coronado
- Siestas Cantina
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Quick Service Meal Locations and Snacks
- The Chuck Wagon
- Meadow Snack Bar
Lounges
- Crockett’s Tavern
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Table Service Meal Locations
These Table Service restaurants require 1 Table Service credit per person:
- Grand Floridian Cafe
These Table Service restaurants require 2 Table Service credits per person:
- Cítricos
- Cítricos Lounge
- Narcoossee’s
Lounges
- Enchanted Rose Lounge
Quick Service Meal Locations and Snacks
- Beaches Pool Bar
- Courtyard Pool Bar
- Gasparilla Island Grill
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Table Service Meal Locations
These Table Service restaurants require 1 Table Service credit per person:
- Olivia’s Cafe
Quick Service Meal Locations and Snacks
- Good’s Food to Go
- Gurgling Suitcase
- Turtle Shack
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Table Service Meal Locations
These Table Service restaurants require 1 Table Service credit per person:
- Kona Cafe
- ‘Ohana
Quick Service Meal Locations and Snacks
- Capt. Cook’s
- Oasis Bar and Grill
Lounge
- Tambu Lounge
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Quick Service Meal Locations and Snacks
- Everything POP Shopping & Dining
- Petals Pool Bar
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside
Table Service Meal Locations
These Table Service restaurants require 1 Table Service credit per person:
- Boatwright’s Dining Hall
Quick Service Meal Locations and Snacks
- Muddy Rivers
- Riverside Mill Food Court
Lounges
- River Roost
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter
Quick Service Meal Locations and Snacks
- Mardi Grogs
- Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory
Lounges
- Scat Cat’s Club — Lounge
Disney’s Riviera Resort
These Table Service restaurants require 1 Table Service credit per person:
- Mickey & Friends Breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace
These Table Service restaurants require 2 Table Service credits per person:
- DINNER at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera
Quick Service Meal Locations and Snacks
- Bar Riva
- Le Petit Cafe
- Primo Piatto
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Table Service Meal Locations
These Table Service restaurants require 1 Table Service credit per person:
- The Turf Club Bar and Grill
Quick Service Meal Locations and Snacks
- The Artist’s Palette
- Backstretch Pool Bar
- The Paddock Grill
Lounges
- The Turf Club Lounge
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Table Service Meal Locations
These Table Service restaurants require 1 Table Service credit per person:
- Whispering Canyon Cafe
These Table Service restaurants require 2 Table Service credits per person:
- Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
Quick Service Meal Locations and Snacks
- Geyser Point Bar & Grill
- Roaring Fork
Lounge
- Territory Lounge
Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
These Table Service restaurants require 1 Table Service credit per person:
- Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
- Cape May Cafe
- Ale & Compass Restaurant
These Table Service restaurants require 2 Table Service credits per person:
- Yachtsman Steakhouse
Quick Service Meal Locations and Snacks
- Beach Club Marketplace
- Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill
- The Market at Ale & Compass
Lounges
- Ale & Compass Lounge
- Crew’s Cup Lounge
- Martha’s Vineyard
Disney World Character Dining
Character Meals require 1 Table Service credit per person:
- Mickey & Friends Breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace — Riviera Resort
- Chef Mickey’s Family Feast – Contemporary
- ‘Ohana’s Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch – Polynesian Village
- Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Cape May Cafe – Beach Club
- A Buffet with Character at The Crystal Palace – Magic Kingdom
- Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Harvest Feast at The Garden Grill – Epcot
- Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine Breakfast at Hollywood & Vine – Hollywood Studios (Breakfast)
- Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood & Vine – Hollywood Studios (Lunch and Dinner)
- Donald’s Dining Safari at Tusker House – Animal Kingdom
- Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno — BoardWalk Inn and Villas
Character Meals require 2 Table Service credits per person:
- Fairytale Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table – Magic Kingdom
- Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – Epcot
- Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White — Wilderness Lodge
Conclusion
It’s important to note that the Disney Dining Plan may not be beneficial for everyone, as it depends on your dining preferences, the number of meals you plan to have in the parks, and your group’s eating habits. To determine whether it’s a good fit for your Disney vacation, you should compare the cost of the dining plan to the cost of dining a la carte and consider your dining priorities. Additionally, the Disney Dining Plan is subject to availability and may change over time, so it’s a good idea to check the latest information on Disney’s official website or contact Disney’s guest services for the most up-to-date details.
If you’re looking to make your Disney vacation even more magical, consider the Disney Dining Plan. With the convenience and dining options it provides, you can truly delight in every bite of your Disney adventure.
************************
Are you ready to plan your vacation? It’s so easy!! A Love of the Magic travel advisor will get back to you as soon as possible so you can start planning today!
