When planning a Walt Disney World vacation, one of the most common questions I hear is: “Should I add a Disney Dining Plan?” Every family I have ever spoken with has asked that same question. I myself have debated whether it’s a smart investment or just an unnecessary expense. But here’s my honest take as someone who knows how quickly meals add up in the parks: the dining plans that Disney offers are so very worth it. Still not sold?? In this blog, we will be discussing the Disney Dining Plan (one of two dining plans that Disney offers). This plan includes 1 Snack, 1 Quick Service Meal, and 1 Table Service Meal per night of stay. The other dining plan is the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan where you receive 1 Snack and 2 Quick Service Meals per night of stay.
Convenience
Let’s start with convenience. Picture yourself just having arrived to your resort. You did it! You made it to the most MAGICAL place on Earth, only to realize you’re with some of the HANGRIEST people on Earth. You’ve been running around at the airport or trying to not make that extra stop in the car and now you have become Snow White’s grumpiest dwarf. Imagine you booked the dining plan, no worries…you can run to the nearest eatery and grab a bite without stressing about “already” having to spend money. The “All Inclusive” feel of the dining plan is what sold my husband on adding it to our Disney package…and I don’t think we will ever go back. There’s something so freeing about arriving into the Walt Disney World “bubble” knowing that your meals are already taken care of. Instead of pulling out your card every time you order a meal or doing the mental math on whether you should split an entrée, you simply get to live in the moment and enjoy the experience. It feels almost like an all-inclusive vacation, which instantly takes the stress out of dining. On our most recent trip, we decided to use TWO of our table service credits at Storybook Dining at Artist Point, and it DID NOT disappoint! This one meal out of pocket would have cost 2/3 of the total price of the dining plan per adult. And with the dining plan we got this table service meal, a quick service meal, and a snack..all in the same day.
Pro Tip: If you check in later in the day like we do and don’t need to use all of your credits for that night of stay, you can bank them and use them another day! This will come in handy if you’re visiting EPOCT during the Food and Wine Festival (more to come on that in a sec).
Value
This brings us to (in my humble opinion) the most obvious reason to choose the meal plan…the value! It’s truly undeniable (if you plan it right). Many table-service meals, especially character dining, cost as much or more than what you’d spend on a daily dining plan credit. A single character meal can easily run over $60 per adult, and that doesn’t even include the drinks or dessert. With the dining plan, those higher-priced meals are covered, meaning you’re often saving money while enjoying some of Disney’s most magical dining experiences! Who doesn’t love that?? Our favorite foodie day is BY FAR Animal Kingdom. Tusker House is a MUST DO for us every trip. We have visited for breakfast and lunch, but not dinner (we are a family that eats dinner later than most, so Animal Kingdom is usually closed by the time we’re ready to sit and eat). On our most recent trip, we also ate at Satu’li Canteen. After riding Flight of Passage, we stumbled into the canteen for the very first time. I had heard so many rave reviews I knew immediately I wanted to give it a go. I’m so glad we did, because their Cinnamon French Toast with blueberry cream cheese, passion fruit anglaise, and sausage was honestly the best surprise. It was warm, sweet, and just the right mix of flavors. The kind of breakfast that makes you pause for a second and think, yep, this is the perfect way to end a ride like that.
Time Saver
One of the biggest hidden perks of the Disney Dining Plan is the ability to meet characters at meals instead of waiting in long lines inside the parks. Character dining experiences let you sit down, enjoy a delicious meal, and have Mickey, Minnie, the princesses, or even Stitch come right to your table. No standing in the hot sun, no sacrificing ride time, and no juggling tired kids in a queue. It’s the perfect way to get those signatures in your autograph book while still making the most of your park day. With the dining plan, those magical moments are already included. Our boys LOVE meeting the characters; the way my 1-year-old’s face lights up when he sees “Gicky Gouse” will be etched into my mind forever. A definite core memory, and I truly don’t know if I would have those memories if we didn’t have the dining plan because I am not a “wait in line for characters” mom. I would rather be waiting in line for a ride than a rushed meet-and-greet experience. When we go to character meals, the interactions are so personable, and at some restaurants, we see the characters MULTIPLE times. Our favorite character meal has to be 1900 Park Fare (and the strawberry soup….incredible).
Snacks
Let’s talk about snacks. The dining plan includes snack credits, and these aren’t just for chips or bottled water. You can use them for iconic Disney treats like Dole Whip, churros, Mickey pretzels, or even festival items at EPCOT. That’s right…hello, snacking around the world. Those yummy booths in the World Showcase offer flavorful and gourmet bites in exchange for SNACK CREDITS. I know. Mind blown. Snack credits make it easy to indulge without guilt, and for families with kids, they’re lifesavers when someone gets hungry between rides.
One Final Win…
Now, some people worry about flexibility, and yes, you’ll want to plan out your meals to make the most of your credits. But that’s not necessarily a drawback, it’s an opportunity to secure reservations at must-do restaurants ahead of time. With planning, you’ll walk into your vacation with peace of mind, knowing you’ve already locked in incredible dining experiences.
Another hidden benefit? No more “sticker shock.” Disney menus can be overwhelming, and without the dining plan, it’s easy to second-guess whether you should order what you really want. With the plan, you simply pick your meal, relax, and enjoy without worrying about the price tag.
Even picky eaters or light eaters can benefit when you consider the variety Disney offers. From buffets with endless options to quick-service spots that cater to all tastes, it’s easy to find something everyone in your group will enjoy. And if someone doesn’t use every single credit, you can still stock up on packaged snacks before leaving the parks.
In the end, the Disney Dining Plan isn’t just about food, it’s about peace of mind, value, and curating memories. For families who want to experience the magic without constantly worrying about budgets or prices, the plan is a game-changer. You can add a Disney Dining Plan to your package and make payments on it until 30 days prior to check-in.
So, worth it or waste? For me, it’s absolutely worth it. With the right planning, the Disney Dining Plan not only saves you money but also adds an extra layer of magic to your trip. After all, Disney food is part of the experience, and with the dining plan, you can savor every bite.
Dining Plan Special Offers
At times, Disney runs special offers on dining plans. Make sure to check out my Disney Mini Site for the most up to date promotional information!
Grab my FREE “Ultimate Walt Disney World Foodie Guide” Here!
Need help planning your next Disney vacation (and those delicious meals)?
✨ Want help figuring out if the Disney Dining Plan is right for your family and how to get the most out of it? That’s exactly what I do! I’ll help you plan dining that matches your family’s style, maximize the value of your credits, and make sure you don’t miss out on the best experiences. That means I wake up at 5:30 am with a plan and strategy to get you your most wanted reservations. Let’s make your Disney vacation as magical (and stress-free) as possible. Complete my Trip Questionnaire below, and we’ll start planning today! ✨
The Traveling Moms Collective 
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