BIG NEWS TODAY! Booking is now open for 2018 Disney World vacation packages…but this year specialty beverages — including alcoholic drinks for guests 21-and-over and milkshakes and other options for guests of any age — are available with the 2018 Disney Dining Plans.
You may already be well aware that booking a Disney World Vacation Package (also called the Magic Your Way package) means you’re eligible to add the Disney Dining Plan to your vacation.
But with Disney Dining Plan pricing changes, alcohol being added to the plans, and more, we’ve got a lot to chat about today.
But first, an overview… Just click any of the links below for full details for the 2018 Plans (and keep an eye on the pages for pricing updates, too!)
2018 Disney Dining Plans and Updated Prices
Quick Service Dining Plan
Entitlements for the 2018 Quick Service Dining Plan include the following for each guest (ages 3 and over) per night of your package stay:
- Two Quick Service Meals (includes one entree and a beverage)
- NEW FOR 2018: Guests under 21 years of age can choose one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered). Guests 21 and older can can choose either one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) or one single serving mixed cocktail, beer, or wine (where offered) with their meal entitlement.
- Two Snacks
- One Refillable Resort Mug
2018 PRICE Per Night: $52.49/adult
(an increase from $48.19 in 2017), $21.75/child age 3-9
Brown Derby Lounge Margarita Flight
Standard Dining Plan
Entitlements for the 2018 Standard Dining Plan include the following for each guest (ages 3 and over) per night of your package stay:
- One Table Service Meal (includes one entree, one beverage, and one dessert OR one full buffet)
- One Quick Service Meal (includes one entree and one beverage)
- NEW FOR 2018: Guests under 21 years of age can choose one non-alcoholic beverage with their Quick Service and Table Service meal (including specialty beverages where offered). Guests 21 and older can can choose either one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) or one single serving mixed cocktail, beer, or wine (where offered) within their meal entitlement.
- Two Snacks
- One Refillable Resort Mug
2018 PRICE Per Night: $75.49/adult
(an increase from $69.35 in 2017), $25.80/child age 3-9
Rose and Crown Cider and Black
Deluxe Dining Plan
Entitlements for the 2018 Deluxe Dining Plan include the following for each guest (ages 3 and over) per night of your package stay:
- Three Meals (redeemable interchangeably at Quick Service or Table Service locations)
- NEW FOR 2018: Guests under 21 years of age can choose one non-alcoholic beverage with their Quick Service and Table Service meal (including specialty beverages where offered). Guests 21 and older can can choose either one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) or one single serving mixed cocktail, beer, or wine (where offered) within their meal entitlement.
- Two Snacks
- One Refillable Resort Mug
2018 PRICE Per Night: $116.24/adult
(an increase from $106.68 in 2017), $39.90/child age 3-9
Be Our Guest Restaurant
You can learn all about the Disney Dining Plan here.
Changes to the Plan for 2018
Well, well, well… the rumors are true! In case you didn’t notice above ;-D, guests selecting a 2018 Disney Dining Plan may now order one specialty beverage per meal. Guests 21-and-over may order one specialty alcoholic beverage or specialty non-alcoholic beverage and guests of any age may order one specialty non-alcoholic beverage.This applies to meals at both Quick Service and Table Service locations.Specialty non-alcoholic beverages may include:
- Artisanal Milkshakes
- Fresh Smoothies
- Premium Hot Chocolate
- Soda, Coffee, or tea
Red Velvet Peppermint Shake at Hollywood Studios
Specialty alcoholic beverages may include:
- Beer or Cider
- Wine or Sangria
- Mixed Drinks and Specialty Cocktails
Raspy Old Fashioned at Raglan Road in Disney Springs
As always, information is subject to change. We will keep our Disney Dining Plan Page updated accordingly.
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Disney Dining Plan Cost Analysis
Well, I have to be honest. I thought the cost difference was going to be MUCH more substantial than this when alcohol and specialty beverages were added in. Less than $10 difference across the board on all Dining Plans in 2018 is pretty much in line with the annual Disney Dining Plan increases we’ve seen in past years, and having alcohol and specialty beverages in the mix means we’re talking about assigning a much higher value to the dining plan than in previous years.
I’ll be crunching some numbers today. In previous years, the numbers showed the dining plan to pretty much be a wash in terms of value — unless you ordered the absolutely most expensive item on every menu and used every single dining credit allotted. Now, I’m guessing you’ll have a little breathing room as to value if you’re ordering alcohol with every meal. While there still won’t be massive savings, at least it doesn’t look like there will be massive losses with the dining plan, either, which is what I expected when imagining the costs that would go along with adding alcohol to the dining plan.
Watch this space! And chime in!
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What are your thoughts? Happy/Not Happy at the addition of alcohol to the dining plan? Does this make you more likely to book the dining plan for your visit? What about value — do you think the costs are in line with what’s offered? Let us know in the comments below!Many thanks to Sue at Small World Vacations for the heads up!
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Will this apply to those 2018 DDPs purchased before this announcement? Thanks
Very interesting and I like the addition. I am on vacation in Disney so having a nice adult drink with dinner is always an addition I will be taking advantage of…
I will play the other side of this argument. What about those that do not want it?
Are they now force fed to pay an additional 5-6 bucks for a milkshake?
Seems like Disney is force feeding this to people and for some (Again not me) but for some it maybe not be welcomed at all.
I’m interested. But does this plan include accomadations for people with food allergies? How will they be be considered? Please advise. Thanks!!
My family has used the dining plan since it started. We love that we don’t have to worry about paying for meals & snacks as we go. We will not use the specialty drink/alcohol addition. I think it should be an optional add on. I would rather save $6 than pay for something that we will not use.
It’s probably not a bad deal if you do want the adult drink but if you don’t it’s an almost 9% increase in the DDP. I would also want details on what “wine” is included. Good wine or “cheap wine”? LOL!
This stinks for our family. We always get the standard DDP. It will cost us an extra $24 per day but only my husband may be interested in the alcoholic drink. That’s a pricey drink for $24!
Yay! My husband loves a beer with dinner and he’ll be happy to hear about it. Two questions, though. Would I be able to use my credit if he wants a second beer? And I take it champagne isn’t included? Thanks! 🙂
As someone who isn’t a drinker, I think our currently planned trip in September will be the last time we go with the dining plan. It has been getting more and more expensive, and less of a value. I’ve liked the convenience of pre-paying for meals, but I’ll be doing it by buying gift cards ahead of time instead of paying for something I’m not going to use.
It’s just like all of the desert parties and the monorail progressive dinner.. because they assume you will drink, it is priced accordingly.. so we won’t ever be taking part.
Good lord. I don’t drink alcohol and if you are on the dining plan there is already to much food. I cannot see adding a milkshake or smoothie as a drink.
Good point, Carol. I bet it’s some box wine. If it’s any wine by the glass, then fine. Probably mixed drink would be your best bet.
Agree price change to include alcohols not fair for those who don’t drink. Probably to complicated to have 2 price tiers . 1 for drinking n 1 for nondrinlers
They should offer the alcohol as an add on. It should not be required to pay the extra $$ for it if you aren’t going to use it.
Not happy at all in my case. My family is pretty much water addicted and we, the parents, do not drink alcohol or barely. There should be an option with and without beverages. This pretty much seals the deal about us not taking a dining plan for our January trip in 2018.
The thing about it. If you can get someone to order one alcoholic beverage, they will get two or three. That increases sales. I also wonder about someone not ordering a beverage at all to order an alcoholic beverage for another guest at their table. If you order a coke, you can’t also get a beer without paying extra.
We do not drink alcohol. Should be a separate plan for people who want an alcoholic beverage!
Quick question: If I’m eating at a location that requires two dining credits, do I get two alcoholic beverages?
It’s an ok idea but some guest don’t want an alcoholic beverage and some of those NA specialty drinks can be quite filling. And would the souvenir glass be included for kids. More importantly with the inclusion of alcoholic bev, will this finally put an end to the FREE dining plan offer, because that just makes it more expensive for the rest of us.
Happy with the changes. And the price difference is fair. Good one! 😉
I think it’s “value-added” to the dining plans. They raise the prices every year no matter what so at least with this year’s increase you’re getting an extra benefit with all the meals – both QS and table service. Either way you’d be paying more with the annual increase; now you’re getting an adult beverage many would have ordered anyway as part of the plan. Mimosa with breakfast? Yes, thank you! 🙂
It’s too bad those of us who spend $2200 per year on Florida Resident passes as a family cannot enjoy Disney Dining Plans. It’s also a shame we do not get 60 day access to the Fast Pass but only 30. We are here all year long, spending money- how about giving us a deal? We have passes at Busch Gardens as well and they allow us to buy “All Day Dining Deals”.
While I don’t drink, my kids will love the added shake option. Aside from that dining was a sure bet to increase in price. They raise prices on everything every single year so I don’t necessarily see the issue on raising the cost a few $$s. I’m honestly shocked it’s only $10, I was expecting quite a bit more for the DDP, which is what we tend to do.
I’m actually happy about it, but I may see this a bit different than most.
I think Disney was expecting an uproar about alcohol being served at BOG. When that didn’t happen & proved to be profitable, they added alcohol at the other TS locations in MK.
Well…no major uproar there either, so while others may not agree, I think this may be an interesting way to introduce beer & wine at MK counter service locations. I expect that you may have some guests who get a little upset when they go to a MK quick service location and can’t get the beer (or wine) that they paid for in their dining plan.
Just my take on things…Or wishful thinking 🙂
RE:Quick question: If I’m eating at a location that requires two dining credits, do I get two alcoholic beverages?
Do you get two entrees or two desserts at that location? No. So you shouldn’t get two alcoholic beverages.
I think its great news! We’re in UK and got the DDP free as part of the package which we have already booked for our trip next year, so we don’t have to pay the increase. Its not often we’re on the “winning” side of a price hike 🙂
As DFB points out, the price increase is in line with previous years’ increases, so at least this time around you’re seeing what that increase is covering – for $8 per day, you’re getting 2 alcoholic drinks which is great value.
I do agree though that they could have made it optional so possibly not the fairest way for non-drinkers.
It seems to be turning in to an eating park instead of amusement park! Every two feet there is a food stand. Not helping the obesity crisis in the US
Is this two alcoholic drinks per day (one with table service meal and one with counter service meal) or one per day?
Thanks.
Since it says it applies to Quick Service locations as well, does that mean we could get one of the individual wine or beer bottles from the cold case as our drink?! Just booked my trip today for next year and I am pumped they finally added this!!
It disappoints me, we do not drink therefore my credits are paying for it that doesn’t benefit me at all.
Last year they took away the dessert in order for you to get an extra snack credit but they still increased the price, so telling me I can get a shake or smoothie (which I’d rather have as a snack not dessert) is worth the $6 increase.
Like you I will be crunching numbers before I book my next trip and buying the new dining plan. Although it was convenient and I enjoyed using it!!!
It’s an OK addition, I would rather see it changed to where you could choose a dessert, appetizer, or alcoholic/specialty beverage. That way it would appeal to everyone and those that don’t drink could still feel like they were getting something for the increase.
Does the 2018 plan really include 2 snacks per day? That’s a good deal if it does.
I like this idea, but I think Disney is making it unfair for people who do not drink alcohol. They should really follow what most cruise ships do nowadays. One, all, or none of the adults on the reservation can add a drink package to their reservation. I gladly shelled out money for an a drink package on my last few cruises and would totally do it in Disney.
Prices for the dining plan increase every year. At least this year there is a substantial “add” for an increase that is about the same as usual. We use the dining plan because it does save us money as the entrees we want to order usually are the most expensive things on menu. It makes financial sense for us, but for many others that isn’t the case. Although the dining plan isn’t the deal that it was years ago (when tax, gratuity and appetizers were included!) it works for many people for different reasons. We always have extra charges for alcohol as we order it even though it isn’t included so I am happy about the change. I use my beverage credit for coffee with dessert. If you don’t like the price or entitlements, or you think it’s too much food, the solution is simple-don’t buy it.
Erin – yes that is the case. A alcoholic drink can be chosen for EACH meal entitlement.
Is Be Our Guest no longer accepting the dining plan in 2018? The dining reservation page shows “X” for standard plan.
I think the prices are to high. For the volume they do each day I know the vendors give them discounts and have never seen them past down to us. We save for 2 years in order to come and bring our family of 8-11 and it’s getting out of hand. As a DVC member you would think we would at least get a break on food since we pay dues all year for hotel stays.
So, already a good tip seems to be purchase non-alcoholic drinks with money and use the DDP drink for the alcohol if you’re going to have more than one. Much better value. Not sure if they’ll allow it though.
Perhaps an odd question, but how does this work for people who booked with the 2017 Dining Plan for a visit next year (I booked my trip with Dining Plan about a month ago, but will be travelling in September 2018)?
Re: Perhaps an odd question, but how does this work for people who booked with the 2017 Dining Plan for a visit next year (I booked my trip with Dining Plan about a month ago, but will be travelling in September 2018)?
You don’t get the 2017 DP in 2018. You get the plan that is offered for the time you are going. So you’ll be paying for the more expensive plan in 2018.
Hello!
We plan to do several character meals. Would an adult beverage be included with the buffet/character meals? The description of the Full Buffet does not include the blurb about an Alcoholic Beverage–ekkkk
I realize not all of the buffets have a bar, but it seems some do.
Thank you!
***************
Each Table-Service meal includes (for lunch or dinner):
1 Entrée
1 Dessert*
Non-alcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older—2018 plan only)
-OR-
1 Full Buffet** or Family-Style Meal
Just we need, traveling on a scooter Thru Disney avoiding the people who aren’t watching where they are going because they are preoccupied with their cell phones,ignoring their children and now chances are good they are drunk. I always felt the prices for alcohol kept people under control,now they are “giving”it away!
Stacy — I’m guessing that’s an oversight on Disney’s part, but we’ll need to see how it plays out.
Brad — Usually it takes a while (until December sometimes) for the full 2018 Dining Plan Restaurant List to shake out.
Alex S — They used to do a drink package like that at the parks, and we were wondering if that was the form this alcohol addition was going to take. Apparently not. But, to be fair, the plan increased about the same amount as it does every year. But I can see why some would be upset that those who drink alcohol get “extra” and those who don’t are left with the same situation as normal. But remember, specialty beverages are included — like milkshakes.
Jen H — They switched that last year in the 2017 plan. They took away the dessert on the counter service meal and added an extra snack in its place.
Ah, but DebC that isn’t true though.
I booked before the new prices were announced, with the UK Free Dining offer and upgraded to the normal plan from the QS one (so I was billed the 2017 price), I’m not paying anywhere close to the 2018 price for the Dining Plan, even taking into account the difference in price between the QS and normal Dining Plan.
Erin — Most likely.
Gary — Two.
Teri — Nope; just one if you’re dining at a two-credit restaurant.
Connie — He should be able to use your credit if he wants a second beer, but then you’ll need to stick with water or pay for your non-alcoholic beverage out of pocket. One credit = One beverage, alcoholic or not.
Jill C — I understand what you’re saying, but know that the cost for the plan would have gone up anyway. So you’d need to take that into account. So maybe it’s only a $12 beer ;-D