Disney Dining Plan!
Your Ultimate Guide to the Disney Dining Plan in 2024
Welcome back, Disney enthusiasts! We're thrilled about the return of the Disney Dining Plan at Walt Disney World Resort in 2024. The magic is back! Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure like no other during your magical vacation to the most magical place on earth!
All About the Disney Dining Plan
Since January 9th, 2024, the Disney Dining Plan offers prepaid meal credits that open the door to a world of dining experiences at Walt Disney World. Think of it as your golden ticket to explore a variety of flavors, from table service meals to quick-service delights and scrumptious snacks.
Once added to your vacation package, you'll receive meal credits that can be used throughout your stay. It seems straightforward: one meal or snack equals one credit, right? Well, not exactly. Most of the time this is the case however, there are a few table service meals or character dining experiences that will cost you 2 table service credits.
2 Plans to Choose From
Here’s a breakdown of the two dining plans to choose from: the Disney Dining Plan (Table Service Plan) and the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan.
The Disney Dining Plan includes:
1 table service meal credit per night of your stay
1 quick service meal credit per night of your stay
1 snack credit per night of your stay
1 resort refillable drink mug per guest (ages 3 and up)
The Disney Quick Service Dining Plan includes:
2 quick service meal credit per night of your stay
1 snack credit per night of your stay
1 resort refillable drink mug per guest (ages 3 and up)
What’s New for the Disney Dining Plan in 2024
This year, Disney is focusing on the Disney Dining Plan and the Quick-Service Dining Plan, bidding farewell to the Deluxe and Plus plans—though keep an eye out for future additions!
Pricing has been adjusted slightly, with adults seeing a modest increase and children enjoying some savings. And for guests aged 21 and above, Disney has sprinkled in a bit of extra magic!
Key Details to Note:
Dining plans can only be added to a Disney Resort hotel stay and tickets package. Disney Annual Pass Holders and DVC members can also add a dining plan—just chat with us for all the details.
The dining plans categorize guests as kids ages 3-9 and adults ages 10 and up.
For everyone booked under the same reservation, all must opt for the same dining plan—it can't be split among group members.
Credits are allocated based on the number of nights in your reservation and expire at midnight on your checkout date.
Guests ages 21 and above can enjoy alcoholic beverages with their dining plan.
Certain signature restaurants require two meal credits, including:
Magic Kingdom
Cinderella's Royal Table
EPCOT
Le Cellier Steakhouse
Monsieur Paul
Takumi-Tei
Hollywood Studios
The Hollywood Brown Derby
Animal Kingdom
Tiffins Restaurant
Resorts
Topolino’s Terrace (Riviera Resort)
Jiko – The Cooking Place (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
Cítricos (Grand Floridian)
Narcoossee’s (Grand Floridian)
Victoria & Albert’s (Grand Floridian)
Il Mulino (Swan)
Shula’s Steak House (Dolphin)
Todd English’s bluezoo (Dolphin)
Yachtsman Steakhouse (Yacht Club)
Flying Fish (Boardwalk Inn)
California Grill (Contemporary)
Capa (Four Seasons)
Disney Springs
The Boathouse
Paddlefish
Morimoto Asia
STK Orlando
Jaleo by José Andrés
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill
How to Make the Disney Dining Plan Worth It
If you’re going to spend the money on either of the Disney Dining Plans, you’ll need to know your break even point. We’ve put together some tips to help you get the most of the Disney Dining Plan!
Try to spring for snacks that are at least $6. This is the tipping point for those snack credits. If you want to add on extra plastic cheese at Casey’s Corner or extra frosting for your cinnamon roll at Gaston’s Tavern, pay the $1 out of pocket instead of using your precious snack credits. The app will default to using your snack credit, but you can change it. Just don’t forget!
For Quick Service credits, aim for adult entrees that cost more than $12. To get the most out of your credits, always make sure your meal comes with a side and don’t forget to order your drink to go along with it.
When it comes to Table Service Credits, the key here is landing reservations that fall into that more expensive, but not quite two credit category. Some good options are Tusker House at Animal Kingdom, Garden Grill at Epcot, or Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom.
With all that being said, get things you enjoy! Even if you’re not quite at that break even point, you don’t want to constantly be thinking about the money aspect. You purchased the Dining Plan for convenience, after all. We provide our clients with this information so they can keep it in mind, but we always recommend getting what you want so you enjoy your meals.
Here are a few additional tips for using the DDP:
Don’t forget about Mobile Order & utilize it to your advantage!
Most venues will notate which items on their menu qualify for dining plan credits.
If you’re unsure what is included, or how many credits something is, just ask the cast member. They are happy to help!
Adults, don’t forget that you can get an alcoholic beverage as your included drink at some venues. If you are wanting to indulge, this is the way to go! Then pay for a water or soda out of pocket if you also want another drink.
Don’t leave any credits on the table! Grabbing a snack for less than $6 is better than leaving a whole credit behind.
We’ll Keep You in the Loop
To stay updated on all things Disney Dining Plan, stick with us! We're here to be your personal fairy godmothers, ensuring you're always prepared for your Disney adventure. We’ll even teach you how to best use your Dining Plan to get the most bang for your buck if you end up adding one on to your Walt Disney World vacation package. We won’t let you leave any money on the table!
So, dear Disney dreamers, with the return of the Disney Dining Plan, get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey. Whether it's the convenience, flexibility, or all-inclusive feel that excites you, understanding the Disney Dining Plan is the key to unlocking its full magic.
Ready to enhance your Disney vacation with delicious delights? Consult with one of our dedicated travel advisors—they're your gateway to a dining-filled Disney World adventure. Stay tuned for more magical updates, and let the countdown to a culinary fairy tale begin!
