Planning meals for your Walt Disney World trip can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re feeding little appetites and keeping an eye on the budget. A common question we get is, “Do I need to purchase a Disney Dining Plan?”
The answer is, it depends on your specific needs. However, it is important to remember, no matter what you do, you have to eat. There’s a huge value to having food and beverage taken care of in advance. Don’t deal with receipt tracking, budgeting your money nightly, saying no to certain treats. Another way to keep your Disney vacation stress-free is to just add a Disney Dining Plan.
Let’s break down what to expect and how to make the most of your dining dollars.
Disney Dining Plans Are Back – What You Need to Know
Good news: The Disney Dining Plans are back! There are two main options:
- Quick-Service Dining Plan: Great for families who prefer casual dining. You get 2 quick-service meals and 1 snack per night of your stay, plus a refillable drink mug.
- Disney Dining Plan: Includes 1 quick-service meal, 1 table-service meal, and 1 snack per night, plus the refillable drink mug.
Bonus: Kids 3-9 can get a free dining plan when you purchase plans for guests 10 and up with a Disney Resort package!
Pay-As-You-Go or Dining Plans?
Dining plans simplify budgeting—you prepay and avoid surprises. But they can come at a premium and require some planning to get the best value. This is where we shine, we have tips and advice to keep your Disney budget in check, while giving you the tools to enjoy the magic.
If flexibility is your jam and you want to choose on the fly, paying as you go might be better, or Disney’s Quick Service Plan. Just remember to factor in snacks and quick meals to keep those preschoolers fueled. Our guide to ordering groceries to your Disney Resort Hotel is helpful.
Bonus: Download our Disney Dining Guide which includes smart Disney budgeting tips such as the breakdown of what you can expect to pay our of pocket for Disney snacks, quick service meals, character meals, and drinks.
Snacks That Keep Everyone Smiling
Speaking of snacks, they’re a must for little ones between meals. Mickey-shaped pretzels, Dole Whip, fresh fruit, and popcorn are crowd-pleasers and easy on-the-go treats.
Packing or ordering some familiar snacks from home never hurts either.
Bonus: Download our Disney Dining Guide which lists snack favorites and tips and tricks like where to get free water at Disney World.
Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs): Your Secret Weapon
Popular table-service restaurants book up fast. ADRs open 60 days before your trip, so set reminders and snag those spots early, especially for character dining and favorites like Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table.
Bonus: Download our Disney Dining Guide which guides you through all of our smart Disney budgeting tips and tricks.
Need help deciding which dining plan or budgeting method works best for your family? Reach out at letstravel@thewdwguru.com—we’re here to make Disney dining deliciously simple!
Next up: What to pack to keep your family comfy and happy during your Disney days.
Don’t forget: Download your “Ultimate WDW Planning Checklist for Families” for meal planning and more!
Guru Travel is an Earmarked by Disney Authorized Travel Agency.
Book your Disney vacation with a travel agency that’s been specially designated as an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Unlike some other agencies, many of our agent’s extensive knowledge of the Disneyland® Resort, Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Cruise Line®, and Adventures by Disney® can help you get the most of your vacation.
And, the assistance of our Travel Professionals can help you customize a Disney vacation that’s right for you, your family and your budget.
