The Disney Meal Plan, also known as the Disney Dining Plan, is a prepaid meal package that has become a popular choice for families visiting the Walt Disney World Resort. This plan allows guests to enjoy a wide array of dining options at over 200 locations throughout the resort. But how exactly does it work? This article will provide a comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know about the Disney Meal Plan.
The Disney Meal Plan, or Disney Dining Plan, is a prepaid meal package available to guests staying at Disney Resort hotels. It offers two options: the Quick-Service Dining Plan and the standard Dining Plan, which include a certain number of meals and snacks per day based on the type of plan. You purchase the plan as part of your Disney Resort Hotel Package or with Disney Vacation Club points, and you can use it at various dining locations within the Disney parks and resorts. To maximize its value, make dining reservations in advance, use your credits wisely, and consider sharing meals.
What is the Disney Meal Plan?
The Disney Meal Plan is a prepaid meal package that can be added to a Walt Disney World vacation package. This package includes a Disney Resort hotel stay and theme park tickets. It is exclusively available to Disney Resort hotel guests and offers two options: the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan and the Disney Dining Plan.
Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan
The Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan is ideal for families who prefer casual meals on the go. This plan includes:
- 2 Quick-Service Meals per guest (ages 3 and over), per night of your stay
- 1 Selected Snack per guest (ages 3 and over), per night of your stay
- 1 Refillable Resort Mug per guest
Disney Dining Plan
The Disney Dining Plan is perfect for families who enjoy sit-down meals and character dining experiences. This plan includes:
- 1 Quick-Service Meal per guest (ages 3 and over), per night of your stay
- 1 Table-Service Meal per guest (ages 3 and over), per night of your stay
- 1 Selected Snack per guest (ages 3 and over), per night of your stay
- 1 Refillable Resort Mug per guest
How to Purchase a Disney Meal Plan
To purchase a Disney Meal Plan, you need to book a Disney Resort Hotel Package or use Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points. The Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan costs $57.01 per adult, per day, and $23.83 per child (ages 3 to 9), per day. The Disney Dining Plan costs $94.28 per adult, per day, and $29.69 per child (ages 3 to 9), per day.
How to Use the Disney Meal Plan
Once you’ve purchased the Disney Meal Plan, you can use it at various dining locations within the Disney parks and resorts. However, it’s important to note that not all dining locations accept the Disney Meal Plan. You can check the list of participating restaurants on the Disney website or app.
Tips to Maximize Your Disney Meal Plan
To get the most value out of your Disney Meal Plan, here are some tips:
- Make dining reservations in advance to secure spots at popular restaurants.
- Use your table service credits at expensive restaurants to get the most value.
- Opt for higher-priced snack items to maximize your snack credits.
- Share meals when possible as some quick service meals are large enough to share.
- Monitor your credit usage to ensure you’re using them effectively.
- Consider paying out-of-pocket for some meals if the dining plan isn’t providing enough value.
In conclusion, the Disney Meal Plan can provide a convenient and potentially cost-saving dining option for your Disney vacation. However, it’s essential to understand how it works and how to maximize its value to ensure it’s the right choice for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I have leftover meal credits on my Disney Meal Plan?
Unused meal credits from your Disney Meal Plan do not roll over to the next day. It’s important to plan your meals effectively to ensure you maximize the use of your credits daily.
Can I use my Disney Meal Plan on the day of check-out?
Yes, you can. Your Disney Meal Plan is valid until midnight on the day you check-out. So, you can still enjoy your meals on your departure day.
Can I use my meal credits for meals for guests not on the Disney Meal Plan?
Yes, you can. The meal credits are not assigned to specific individuals on the plan, so you can use them to purchase meals for guests not on the Disney Meal Plan.
Can I upgrade my Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan to the Disney Dining Plan after purchase?
Yes, you can upgrade your plan, but you must do so at least 48 hours before your check-in date. You cannot downgrade or alter your plan after check-in.
Are gratuities included in the Disney Meal Plan?
No, gratuities are not included in the Disney Meal Plan. However, an automatic 18% gratuity charge will be added to your bill for parties of 6 or more at table-service restaurants.
