Welcome, Disney enthusiasts! If you're planning a magical journey to the Happiest Place on Earth, then you're in for a treat – quite literally! Today, we're diving into the enchanting world of the Disney Dining Plan. Whether you're a seasoned Disney-goer or embarking on your very first adventure, understanding the ins and outs of this dining program can enhance your experience and add an extra sprinkle of pixie dust to your trip. From the basics of the plan to essential terms and must-try snacks and restaurants, I've got you covered with everything you need to know. So, grab a seat and get ready to feast your eyes on a smorgasbord of Disney dining delights!
Adding a Disney Dining Plan to your vacation package is easy! Because dining plans can only be added online or over the phone with a Disney cast member, the most efficient way to add the Disney Dining Plan to your reservation is to speak with your travel agent who is also able to add it on. A dining plan must be added to a Walt Disney World Resort Package that includes both a Disney Resort hotel stay and theme park tickets. For Annual Pass Holders/ DVC members, dining plans may be added to qualifying Disney Resort hotel stays. There are two types of dining plans returning to Walt Disney World Resort, the Disney Dining Plan (table service) and the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan.
At the time of this guide being written, this is what is included in each dining plan. When you book your Disney World Package with me, I will update you on any changes to the plans and help you identify which plan is the best fit for your party.
The number of credits is based on the number of nights within the reservation with an allocated number to use each day. Any daily credits remaining or unused at the end of each day will roll over to the next day until the dining plan expires, so you don’t need to use up each day’s allotment.
Here are the number of credits each dining plan offers:
Disney Dining Plan:
1 Table-Service Credit
1 Quick-Service Credit
1 Snack Credit
1 Resort Refillable Mug
Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan:
2 Quick-Service Credits
1 Snack Credit
1 Resort Refillable Mug
Once your dining plan has been added to your reservation, work with your travel agent to strategize a meal plan for your vacation. This involves identifying preferred table service restaurants for reservations and scheduling quick-service restaurants into your itinerary. A carefully curated meal plan enhances the efficiency of your dining plan, particularly in maximizing snack credits during your vacation. As your vacation begins, utilize the My Disney Experience App, your Magic Band, and meal receipts to keep track of your dining plan credits.
TERMS TO KNOW: Here are some common terms used in relation to the dining options when at Walt Disney World Resorts:
Advance Dining Reservation (ADR) - Visitors can secure reservations for a particular restaurant and time slot for their meal up to 60 days before they arrive. As these reservations tend to fill up quickly once available, it’s recommended to seek the help of your travel agent to ensure your family gets the dining reservations they desire.
Character Dining - This is a unique dining experience where guests can enjoy a meal while Disney characters visit their table. Guests can take a break from their meal for pictures and fun interactions with their favorite characters.
Disney Check - Appearing on a menu as a green Mickey head with a check mark in it, this symbol indicates a child menu item that has been approved by a team of nutritionists. These meals meet specific requirements allowing families to make the most nutritional choices for their family during a vacation where it is easy to splurge on some not-as-healthy treats.
Disney Dining Plan (DDP) - The Disney Dining Plan, sometimes referring to the overall dining plan program, is a Walt Disney World Resort optional package add-on that allows pre-purchased meal credits to be used during their stay. The dining plan returns to Disney World in 2024 with two options, the Disney Dining Plan and Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan.
On-Property - Also sometimes referred to as “on-site”, this term refers to the 43 square miles owned by Walt Disney World Resort. The opposite then, “off-property,” refers to anything outside of these 43 square miles.
Quick-Service - This dining option involves guests either using mobile order or placing an order at a register and then taking their meal to a nearby table to enjoy. Compared to table-service restaurants, this type of meal is significantly quicker, offering a more efficient dining experience for guests.
Signature Dining - An upscale table-service restaurant where you will find a premium dining experience. Because of its more sophisticated atmosphere, these restaurants have a dress-code to match their first class service.
Table-Service - A full-service Walt Disney World Resort restaurant where you are served by a waiter/waitress. This term would also include any buffet style restaurants.
CLIMATE: The climate at Disney World plays a significant role in shaping the dining experience for guests. With a subtropical climate, the region experiences warm temperatures throughout much of the year. This weather allows for a variety of outdoor dining options, where guests can enjoy their meals in the open air. The climate also influences the type of cuisine offered, with refreshing and tropical flavors often featured in many of the dining options. However, the majority of table-service restaurants are located indoors allowing for uninterrupted service during rain or providing a welcomed break with air conditioning for those braving the Florida sun.
MONEY/CURRENCY (CREDIT CARDS, DEBIT CARDS, TIPPING, ATMS): Using a dining plan on your Disney World vacation eliminates the need for frequent payments, as your meals can be covered with pre-purchased credits, offering guests an almost all-inclusive experience. These credits can be conveniently used through the My Disney Experience App or by scanning their Magic Band. The app also serves as a tool to monitor credit usage, while meal receipts display the remaining balance.
It’s crucial to note that gratuities are not included for table-service restaurants and must be paid separately. Guests are responsible for gratuities, with an automatic 18% gratuity added for groups of 6 or more at table-service restaurants. While the customary gratuity rate in the US ranges from 15% to 25%, the standard rate in Disney World is 18%.
CELLPHONE APP & MAGIC BAND: Make sure your cell phones are charged up and the My Disney Experience App is downloaded as it will be your best friend while utilizing your dining plan during your Disney World vacation. The My Disney Experience App will be where you access your dining reservations, make your quick-service mobile orders, and track your meal and snack dining plan credits.
Along with your cellphone, make sure your magic band is also charged and ready to go. This wristband will allow you entry into the theme parks, hotel room, and even allow you to pay using your dining plan credits or charging to your room. Utilizing both the My Disney Experience App and Magic Band ensures a smooth and seamless Disney vacation experience for your family.
5 DISNEY FOODIE FAST FACTS
1. Bubble gum is unavailable for purchase at any of the Disney World Resorts, theme parks, or even mini golf courses. This policy is in place to support a clean and pristine atmosphere.
2. In EPCOT, The Land Pavilion is responsible for growing over thirty tons of fruits and vegetables yearly. All this produce is used throughout Walt Disney World Resort’s restaurants.
3. Gratuities are not included in either of the dining plans. Parties are expected to take care of those separately.
4. There are over 200 dining locations within Walt Disney World Resort property where guests can redeem their dining plan credits.
5. Over 3 million Mickey Ice Cream Bars are sold at Walt Disney World Resort every year.
5 MUST-TRY WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT SNACK ITEMS:
1. Seasonal Treats: Every season brings a new round of sought-after snacks and treats available throughout the entire Walt Disney World Resort including the theme parks. Snack smart and use your dining plan credits to get a taste of the season!
2. Dole Whip: Initially a pineapple-flavored soft serve, this beloved frozen treat has evolved into various fruit flavors and creative combinations. Dole Whip has become a favorite among Disney guests, with many considering a Dole Whip snack break an essential part of their complete Disney vacation experience!
3. Churros: Discover churros at every Disney World theme park, and even at Disney Springs! With a sugary crispy exterior and a soft, warm, and fluffy inside, this sweet treat is the ideal mood lifter for a long day at any Disney Park.
4. Mickey Ice Cream Bars/Pretzel: Discover these timeless treats scattered across Walt Disney World Resort which are ranked as the classic Disney vacation snacks. The Mickey Ice Cream Bar features a hard chocolate shell with a creamy vanilla interior, while the versatile Mickey Pretzel, available in various forms, offers the option to enjoy with cheese or icing for an extra touch of delight!
5. Bucket Popcorn: Recognized as Walt Disney’s preferred snack, Disney popcorn is freshly popped at all four Disney World theme parks. Besides the yummy salty snack, what has fans returning for more are the limited-edition specialty popcorn buckets released during special occasions and seasonal events.
TOP 5 WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT PROPERTY RESTAURANTS:
1. Topolino’s Terrace- Flavors of the Riveria: Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends is known as one of the best character dining breakfasts in all of Disney World. Located at the top of Disney’s Riveria Resort, this dining experience is sure to impress any family with the Disney Dining Plan.
2. O’Hana: This family restaurant is located in the Polynesian Resort and is known for its all-you-can-eat family-style service. This table-service restaurant is currently included in the Disney Dining Plan.
3. Steakhouse 71: Situated on the first floor of the Contemporary Resort, this restaurant is celebrated for its timeless American steakhouse offerings. Excitingly, both the steakhouse and its lounge are part of the returning dining plan at Disney World!
4. Sanaa: Just inside the Kidani Village section of the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, this restaurant serves up African cuisine with even better views of the savanna. This restaurant is included in the Disney Dining Plan.
5. Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’: Conveniently located at Disney Springs, this restaurant serves up some real southern comfort food. This location can get pretty popular as it is a part of the Disney Dining Plan, so make sure you make reservations!
As you prepare for your magical journey to Disney, armed with the knowledge of the Disney Dining Plan, I hope you're feeling as excited as I am about the culinary adventures that await you. From savoring iconic Disney snacks to dining at top-notch restaurants, your taste buds are in for a treat!
If you have any questions or need assistance planning your Disney vacation, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'm here to sprinkle a little extra magic on your trip and ensure that every dining experience is nothing short of unforgettable. Now, go forth and indulge in the flavors of Disney – bon appétit!
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