How To Make The Most Of Your Disney Dining Plan

Dining at Disney is truly part of the vacation experience for many guests. With the Disney Dining Plan, guests don’t have to worry about budgeting for their meals. This prepaid addition to your vacation makes the trip feel all-inclusive. And with Disney offering promotions like kids eating free, adding the Disney Dining Plan can be a great way to make your vacation extra magical. Whether you choose the Standard Disney Dining Plan, or the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, there are ways to make the most of it. If you are thinking of adding the dining plan to your upcoming vacation, then continue reading for some of our tips.

Standard Dining Plan Vs. Quick Service

The Disney Dining Plan includes one quick-service meal, one table-service meal, and one snack for each person, per night of your stay. The Quick-Service Dining Plan includes two quick-service meals, and one snack per person per night of your stay. Both plans are great, and both can work for guests in different ways. Each meal includes an entree and an alcoholic beverage or non-alcoholic specialty beverage. Snacks are typically under ten dollars and include things like pretzels, ice cream, and other treats. Look for the purple Disney Dining Plan logo next to the snacks or ask a Cast Member if you’re unsure. Each dining plan also comes with a reusable mug that can be refilled at Disney resorts for free during each day of your stay.

Utilize Your Snacks Wisely

In order to make the most of your plan, utilize your snacks wisely. You’ll want to choose things that will give you the most value, so look for large portions and higher price tags. You can also grab packaged snacks that you can take home with you or bring back as gifts for others. Another option is to use a snack credit during a quick-service meal for a dessert, so you can add onto your meal and have unique options that way.

Don’t Forget Your Drink

In order to get more bang for your buck, don’t forget that your meal includes an alcoholic beverage or specialty non-alcoholic beverage. If you eat at your Disney resort food court you can grab a bottled beverage free of charge and still use your refillable resort mug for another drink.

Use Your Refillable Mugs

Don’t forget to grab your refillable resort mugs upon checking in! These mugs are for everyone on your reservation, and they will allow you to get free drinks at your resort food court for the entire duration of your stay.

Reserve Character Dining Experiences

If you are choosing the standard Disney Dining Plan then booking character dining experiences will give you more bang for your buck. These meals are more expensive than others, so be sure to take advantage of the fact that it’s all prepaid and choose experiences like Garden Grill and Chef Mickey’s!

How do you make the most of your dining plan during your vacation? We want to hear your tips and tricks in the comments below!

Featured Photo: Emily Murray.