Walt Disney World rocked the Mickey-eared community last month when it announced the return of dining plans in 2024.
Halted during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the wake of the Disney Dining Promo Card offer, it was unclear if dining plans would be making their return as part of Disney’s phased reopening. Much to our delight, the recent announcement means guests can add a dining plan to their Walt Disney World vacation packages, and start cashing in those credits as of January 9, 2024.
- What is the Disney Dining Plan?
- What are the plans?
- How Much Does It Cost?
- How does it work?
- Where can I eat?
- What if I don’t use all of my credits?
- Can I use the dining plans with Mobile Ordering?
- How do I know my credit balance?
- Can I purchase a dining plan for just a portion of my Walt Disney World vacation?
- Is it worth it?
What is the Disney Dining Plan?
Disney Dining Plans are prepaid meal packages that run for the duration of your trip. They allow guests the flexibility to dine how they want, without having to worry about keeping money on hand or taking time out of their vacation to budget-plan their meals.
What are the plans?
Two different dining plans cater to guests who want the table-service experience, or those who’d rather eat on-the-go.
Guests can choose from two options: The Disney Dining Plan, or the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan.
Under the Disney Dining Plan, guests aged 3 and over are allocated one Quick-Service Meal, One Table-Service Meal and one snack or nonalcoholic drink for each night of their trip. Each guest is also provided a refillable resort mug to use at self-service drink stations at Disney resort hotels and quick service locations throughout their stay.
If your group is less interested in table service meals, the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan may be the right move. This plan provides each guest aged 3 and over with two Quick-Service meals and one snack or nonalcoholic drink for each night of their vacation. The Quick-Service Dining Plan also provides a refillable resort mug for each guest on the plan.
The flexibility of either plan means you can use your credits how and when you want. You may want to save table service credits for a special signature dining experience, or you may want to use your snack credits on day one to stock up on nibbles for your hotel room. Credits will carry over until the end of your vacation.
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices for Disney Dining Plans vary from year to year, and are offered at a set “per day” rate for all guests 3 years and older. Remember that credits are allocated for each night, not each day of your trip.
Be sure to ask your agent for a free quote, or how adding a dining plan to your vacation package would modify your balance.
How does it work?
When you visit a Quick- or Table-Service location, just present your server or cashier with your Disney Resort ID. This could be your MagicBand, Key to the World Card, or MagicMobile pass.
Most, if not all Table-Service servers will ask at the start of your meal if you plan to use dining plan credits.
That’s it! Part of the allure of these plans is how simple it is to use. If you’re looking to eat at specific Table-Service locations, we highly recommend advanced dining reservations to be sure you get a seat.
Where can I eat?
Participating dining plan locations can change frequently, based on availability, vendor partnerships, etc.
Be sure to check out participating restaurant lists below for the most up-to-date information:
What if I don’t use all of my credits?
Your credits are valid for the duration of your trip. If you don’t use up your allotted meals and snacks, you won’t be able to carry them over to a future vacation.
However, you can use credits at any time during your stay, so feel free to splurge at the Main Street Confectionary and load up your suitcase with Mickey treats!
Can I use the dining plans with Mobile Ordering?
Yes! Order ahead at Quick-Service locations and skip the line!
Plus, if you’re exhausted after a day in the parks, many Table-Service locations at Disney Resort hotels will let you order-out meals to enjoy in the comfort of your room.
How do I know my credit balance?
Easily keep track of how many credits you have left by tracking your meals in the My Disney Experience app.
You can also check your most recent dining receipt or ask Guest Relations to check your account.
Can I purchase a dining plan for just a portion of my Walt Disney World vacation?
Dining plans must be purchased for the duration of your vacation, for all guests aged 3 and above.
Is it worth it?
Anybody who has experienced the Disney Dining Plans could give a different answer, but we believe either plan to be exceptionally valuable to our guests. Aside from the convenience of purchasing meals ahead of time, it’s very possible to save as much as 20% on meals during your trip, depending on what you order and from where.
Not sure if it’s worth it for you? Have a conversation with one of our agents. They’ll find out more about your party, what kind of trip you’d like to have, and give a personalized recommendation as to whether or not a Disney Dining Plan is the right move for your next vacation.