The Ultimate Guide to Disney Dining Plans at Walt Disney World
- Lyn Prince
- May 23
- 4 min read
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation means making a lot of exciting decisions—where to stay, what parks to visit, and of course, where and how to eat! One of the most popular options for dining is the Disney Dining Plan (DDP), a prepaid meal plan that helps many guests simplify their food budgeting while enjoying delicious meals across the resort. But is it right for you?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
What Disney Dining Plans are
Types of Disney Dining Plans
What’s included
How to use dining credits
Participating locations
Pros and cons
Tips for maximizing value
FAQs
What Is the Disney Dining Plan?
The Disney Dining Plan is an optional meal package that allows guests to prepay for their meals and snacks at Walt Disney World Resort. It offers a set number of meal and snack credits that can be redeemed at over 200 dining locations throughout the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs.
This plan is only available to guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel with a vacation package that includes both theme park tickets and hotel accommodations.
Types of Disney Dining Plans (2025)
As of 2025, Disney offers two Dining Plan options:
1. Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan
Perfect for guests who prefer casual, fast, and flexible meals without the need for dining reservations.
Includes per person per night:
2 Quick-Service meals
1 Snack or nonalcoholic drink
1 Resort refillable drink mug (for unlimited refills at your hotel)
Great for: Families on the go, park-hoppers, budget-conscious travelers
2. Disney Dining Plan (Standard Plan)
Best for guests who want a mix of sit-down and quick-service dining, including character meals and themed restaurants.
Includes per person per night:
1 Table-Service meal
1 Quick-Service meal
1 Snack or nonalcoholic drink
1 Resort refillable drink mug
Great for: Guests who enjoy sit-down meals, table-service experiences, or plan character dining
What’s Included in a Meal Credit?
Quick-Service Meal Credit Includes:
1 entrée (e.g., burger, salad, rice bowl)
1 beverage (alcoholic or nonalcoholic for guests 21+)
Table-Service Meal Credit Includes:
1 entrée
1 dessert (lunch/dinner only)
1 beverage (alcoholic or nonalcoholic)
Note: Buffets and family-style meals count as a single Table-Service credit and include all-you-care-to-enjoy options.
Snack Credit Includes:
Mickey ice cream bars
Popcorn
Bottled drinks
Fruit
Bakery items
Select festival foods
How Dining Credits Work
Credits are based on nights of stay, not number of days.
All credits are loaded into your account at check-in.
You can use your credits anytime during your stay—they don't have to be used daily.
Track your credits in the My Disney Experience app.
Credits expire at midnight on the day you check out.
Participating Locations
Most restaurants across the resort participate in the Dining Plan, including:
All theme park quick-service and table-service restaurants
Many Disney Resort hotel dining locations
Disney Springs restaurants like D-Luxe Burger and Rainforest Café
Select festival booths at EPCOT (during festivals)
Pro Tip: Always check that a location accepts the Dining Plan (most do) in the My Disney Experience app or on the Disney website.
What Does It Cost?
Pricing varies by season and length of stay, but here’s a general breakdown for 2025:
Plan | Adult (ages 10+) | Child (ages 3–9) |
Quick-Service Dining Plan | ~$59.99/day | ~$24.99/day |
Disney Dining Plan | ~$94.99/day | ~$29.99/day |
Prices are per person, per night and must be added for the entire party for the length of stay.
Pros and Cons of the Disney Dining Plan
✅ Pros:
Prepaid convenience—less worry about budgeting in the parks
Great for families who plan to dine often or enjoy character meals
Use snack credits for expensive EPCOT festival items for more value
Refillable mugs save money on drinks at the resort
❌ Cons:
Must plan ahead to get maximum value
May not save money if you don’t eat full meals daily
Dining reservations required for most table-service meals
Not available to off-site guests
💡 Tips for Maximizing Value
Use table-service credits for character or buffet meals (value is higher!)
Book popular dining reservations early (60 days before your trip)
Use snack credits on high-cost items, especially during EPCOT festivals
Split meals or share if portions are large—helps use credits efficiently
Track remaining credits daily so you don’t leave unused ones behind
Use Table-Service credits for dinner rather than breakfast (higher value)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my credits with others?
Yes, but all credits are pooled under your reservation. Disney doesn’t restrict who eats what, as long as it’s within your party.
Are gratuities included?
No. Gratuity is not included with table-service meals (except for dinner shows and Cinderella’s Royal Table). Be prepared to tip 18–20%.
Can I get refunds for unused credits?
No refunds are given for unused credits. Use them before midnight on your check-out day!
What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?
Disney is very accommodating with allergies. Note them when making reservations and speak with a chef at table-service restaurants.
Final Thoughts: Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth It?
The Disney Dining Plan is a great option for guests who:
Want an all-inclusive vacation feel
Plan to enjoy character meals, buffets, or signature dining
Don’t want to worry about meal costs during their trip
Value convenience and pre-planning
However, it may not be ideal for:
Light eaters
Guests who prefer flexibility or spontaneity
Those on a tight budget
Ultimately, whether it’s “worth it” depends on how you eat and what you value. If you like structured planning and full meals, it can provide ease and enjoyment—just be sure to calculate costs versus à la carte pricing!
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