Why the Disney Dining Plan is SO Worth It!

Let's start with the basics.

What's included in the Disney Dining Plan and how much does it cost per person per day?

• 1 Table-Service Meal (per night of stay) (includes 1 alcoholic/non alcoholic drink)
• 1 Quick-Service Meal (per night of stay) (includes 1 alcoholic/non alcoholic drink)
• 1 Snack/Non Alcoholic Drink (per night of stay)
• 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug (eligible for refills from self-service beverage islands at all Disney resorts)

Cost

• Adult - (Ages 10 & up) $94.30 per person per day
• Child (Ages 3-9) $26.69 per person per day

Reasons to add the Disney Dining Plan package for your next vacation to Walt Disney World!

• Allows you to pre-budget your expenses by paying ahead for your meals
• Makes vacation feel more like an all-inclusive
• Offers convenience
• Over 200 locations dining locations to choose from
• Less stress
• Better value with character meals
• You can be the YES mom/dad/grandparent when your child asks for that snack or fun drink
• Be in the moment versus worrying about post credit card bills
• You can have the MOST expensive thing on the menu, instead of going for the cheapest option

I recently had the opportunity to test out the Disney Dining Plan and evaluate the value I saved by adding it to my vacation package. Here's how I saved money during my 3 night stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge and had fabulous dining experiences that were paid for prior to even starting my vacation!

I arrived at Walt Disney World early the morning of my stay and was able to pick up my Resort-Refillable mug even prior to checking in to my resort.  I was able to enjoy soft drinks, coffee and tea at the self-service (some are freestyle machines) locations at my resort.  The Resort-Refillable mug currently is sold for $21.99. Total paid with Disney Dining Plan - $0

Dinner #1

Boma at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Included in the table service credit is one alcoholic drink and unlimited trips to the buffet.  I absolutely loved the food and atmosphere at Boma and highly recommend booking a 5:00pm dinner reservation as everything is set up and so beautiful to see!

• Total Retail Cost of Dinner: $56 per adult buffet, $15 Raspberry Mojito = Total retail with tax $75.68
• Total paid with Disney Dining Plan - $0 (gratuities are NOT included, so I did leave a $12.50 tip)

Quick-Service #1

Lunch at Primo Piato at Disney's Riviera Resort

Grilled Children Sandwich - $12.49
Angry Orchard - $10.50

• Total Retail cost with tax - $24.48
• Total paid with Disney Dining Plan - $0

Snack #1

A hot day in the park calls for a Frozen Lemonade

• Total Retail cost with tax - $6.25
• Total paid with Disney Dining Plan - $0

Quick Service #2

Lunch at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe

Fajita Platter - $15.49
Fountain Beverage - $4.49

• Total Retail Cost with tax - $19.98
• Total paid with Disney Dining Plan - $0

Table Service #2

Fantasmic Dining Package at 50s Prime Time Cafe

Included in the package is 1 Appetizer or Dessert and one entree an alcoholic drink,  PLUS a ticket to preferred seating for Fantasmic

• Total Retail Cost - $54 per person, plus an alcoholic drink (mine was $14) = total with tax $72.49 per person
• Total paid with Disney Dining Plan - $0 (tips are not included, I tipped $12.50).

Snack #2

The Mara - quick service at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Mickey Bar

• Total Retail Cost with tax- $6.70
• Total paid with Disney Dining Plan - $0

Table Service #3 

1900 Park Fare - character dining at Grand Floridian

$66 buffet per adult included one alcoholic drink (mine was $17)

• Total Retail Cost with tax = $88.37
• Total paid with Disney Dining Plan - $0 (gratuities not included, tipped $12.50)

Quick Service #3

La Cantina - Mexico Pavilion

Tacos Barbacoa -$16.00
Lime Margarita - $13.50

• Total Retail with tax = $31.42
• Total paid with Disney Dining Plan - $0

Forgot to use Snack #3, but could have used it on so many options:

• Ice Cream
• Popcorn
• Fruit
• Soda
• Mickey Pretzel
• so many more!

Total cost of the dining plan for 3 nights = $282.90
Total retail cost of food = $327.38
Total added value = $44.48 (PLUS I forgot to use a snack, so this should be more!)

Is it worth it to get the Disney Dining Plan?? YES YES YES!  You will be so happy to have the freedom to get what you WANT on the menu, rather than the cheapest thing in order to save money.

A few things to remember when purchasing the Disney Dining Plan:

• Some character/fine dining meals require 2 Table Service Credits
• Be Our Guest and Cinderella's Royal Table require 2 Table Service Credits
• Cinderella's Royal Table and Hoop De Doo Review include gratuities, everywhere else does not
• Snack credits can be used ath Festival Booths at Epcot
• You can mobile order using the Dining Plan
• All credits must be used up by midnight on the day of checkout
• You can use credits in any order
• Kids must order off the kids menu