Are we using the Disney Dining Plan today?

Young kids in your party? Character dining is one of the biggest value points of adding the Disney Dining Plan.

As fresh offers drop and beloved restaurants reopen their doors, Disney dining is at the top of our minds. In addition to setting our alarms 60 days out to book Advanced Dining Reservations, we’re budgeting our time and money for what we want to eat, and when.

And while images of dole whips spin through our heads, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with tiers and pricing that come along with eating on property.

Enter: The Disney Dining Plan.

We’ve gone over the Disney Dining Plan before, breaking down options, cost and guidelines. But for Disney newcomers or those who haven’t used one before, it can be difficult to figure out if adding a dining plan is right for you.

Advocates of the Disney Dining Plan almost universally celebrate its convenience. Whether you’re eating at a quick service window or a signature dining restaurant, you can leave your wallet (and calculator) in the room.

Simply let your server know that you’re using the dining plan, and credits will be deducted from your overall balance. You don’t have to worry about choosing one entree or another just because of price – and you might even try something outside of your comfort zone because of it!

Plus, if you’re ever unsure of how many credits you have left, simply check any dining receipt or your My Disney Experience app for your balance.

One of our top reasons for adding the Disney Dining Plan is the flexibility with how and when you can use your credits. Your plan may allow for a set number of snacks, drinks and meals per day, but you’re free to use them as you please.

“You get to eat at your own pace,” said MVT Agent Holly. “Want to eat two counter service meals one day, and two table service the next? You can do it!”

Just as your park plans change, so can your meals. You may find your group is ravenous after a morning of rope dropping, and decide to splurge on several quick service meals you hadn’t planned on. Or – if you’re like us and constantly monitor open dining reservations – you might snag a hot ticket dinner slot and want to use your credits there, instead. So long as you have credits in your “bank,” you call the shots.

Plus, because plans come with refillable resort mugs for each guest, you don’t have to think twice about “drinking your credits” each time you go back for more coffee or soft drinks at the resorts.

And while your dining credits are only available for the length of your stay, it’s become something of a rite of passage for guests with excess snack credits to stock up on prepackaged eats to save for the journey home.

So the real question: “Is the Disney Dining Plan right for ME?”

There’s no blanket answer to suit all types of travelers and all types of trips, but there are certainly groups we believe would get excellent value from adding a dining plan.

Agent Jessica says she recommends younger families consider the option, not just for convenience and flexibility, but also for overall cost.

“Character meals for kids ages 3-9 is by far the biggest value on the plan,” she said. These meals come with some of the most magical, interactive experiences on property, and for the cost of a dining credit or two, some of the greatest memories you can take home, as well.

On the flip side, Agent Holly believes that the Disney Dining Plan is a crucial option for adults, families and even large groups who may be looking for that “all-inclusive” experience. Not having to think about the bill or even carry your purse really lets you stay in the moment and enjoy the magic. Holly understands the appeal of all-inclusive resorts and cruises, and the dining plan has potential to give those perks without limiting the menus or mealtimes.

When in doubt, though, ask your agent if they feel a dining plan is the right choice for you and your trip. Plus, whenever free dining plan offers come around, our agents keep you at the top of their lists to be sure you know what’s available and that you’re getting the best possible deal.