The Truth About the Disney Dining Plan
While many people are beyond thrilled with the return of the Disney Dining Plan in 2024, I'd place myself more in the "cautiously optimistic" category.
Why?
Because I think a lot of travelers don't actually know what it is and how it works for them. Or against them. It all depends on your family and the kind of vacation you're looking to have.
The Disney Dining Plan is not a one sized fits all way to save money on your next vacation!
Let’s talk a little bit more about details.
There are currently two options for Disney Dining Plans: The Standard Plan, which includes both quick service and table service meals, and the Quick Service Plan, which is quick service credits only. Each plan also includes one snack per person on the plan for each night of your stay, and a refillable Resort mug. Here’s a breakdown of what that looks like.
So why should you add the Dining Plan to your vacation?
The Disney Dining Plan is not going to be for every family, but it could be for yours!
The Tastes Like Chicken (Because It Is!)
at Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom
✨ Do you wish a Walt Disney World vacation was more all-inclusive? If you love going on a cruise and having an excellent meal without having to pull out your wallet when you’ve finished, if convenience is what would add the most value to your family’s next trip, then the Dining Plan just might be for you.
✨ Are you planning to do multiple character meals? Above almost anything else, character dining gets the most bang from your Dining Plan buck. If you have a little (or just you, there’s no judgement here!) who is desperate to meet the Princesses, the Fab 5 and the crew from the 100 Acre Wood, this might be the best way to do it.
✨ Would your trip feel like more of a special occasion if you could sit down and order anything on the menu without doing the math in your head to see what it will cost you? Are there Disney restaurants that you’ve always wanted to try but were worried that they were out of your budget? This could be exactly the opportunity you were looking for!
✨ Are you interested in financing your upcoming vacation with a payment plan? By adding the Disney Dining Plan to your package, you can pay off your accommodations, tickets and meals a little at a time before you pack and head off.
Why shouldn’t you add the Dining Plan?
Kid’s Waffle Platter at All Star Music Resort
✨ If you’re a bit of a picky eater and know you’d be happiest ordering chicken fingers and french fries for each meal, you’ll wind up paying more for the dining plan than you would paying for your meals out of pocket.
✨ Are you a family that doesn’t stick to set plans very easily while you’re on vacation? If you’re a go with the flow, or the lowest wait time takes you, you might not want to set your schedule around meals. The year my family added on the dining plan, we felt like all we did was eat. We had an incredible time, but if your priorities lie with rides, entertainment or really anything other than the culinary side of Disney, you may want to skip the dining plan.
The Bottom Line
I’ve done the math all kinds of ways, and if you do wind up saving money by adding the dining plan, it’s not often by very much. So to put it simply, if you’re considering the Disney Dining Plan for your vacation as a way to maximize your budget, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend that. However if you’re looking to maximize your experience, the Dining Plan can be an incredible tool to add value to your magical vacation.
