Updated on May 15th, 2024

The Disney Dining Plan is BACK but you could be making a BIG mistake with it!

You’ll be able to use your Dining Plan credits as you please on qualifying foods in a number of restaurants. But if you don’t go in with a strategy, you could end up using your precious Dining Plan credits on incredibly cheap (or not satisfying) meals. If you really want to make sure you’re getting the BIGGEST bang for your buck, using the Dining Plan to your advantage, and getting the BEST food possible with it, there is a bit of planning that needs to go into your day. And we’re here to help!

Today we’re breaking down the BEST Value Quick Service Restaurants for the Disney Dining Plan!

What Is the Disney Dining Plan?

First, let’s start with a quick Disney Dining Plan 101. Basically, with a Disney Dining Plan, you pay a set amount to get a certain number of “credits” that you use throughout your stay. You can then redeem those credits for snacks, Quick Service meals, or Table Service meals (depending on the credit type and plan type).

It’s a way to essentially pre-pay for your Disney meals and make your vacation feel more all-inclusive. Once it’s time to pay for your actual meal in Disney World, you’ll simply use your credit to cover the cost of your food, instead of paying out-of-pocket at that time (since you’ve already paid for the Dining Plan itself).

Dining Plans are pre-purchased and added onto a Disney Vacation Package (i.e. you must be staying on a Vacation Package at a Disney-owned-and-operated hotel, and have purchased at least one theme park ticket per person), so that all you have to do when you get to Disney World is head to a restaurant on the list, eat, and scan your MagicBand/card/etc. (Certain specific rules apply for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members wanting to book a Dining Plan.)

Check out our FULL Disney Dining Plan FAQ page here

Adding the Dining Plan to Your Vacation

Disney Dining Plans can be added to your Disney Vacation package right when you book, or even up to 2 days before you check in. For help with your booking, you can reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations — they’re Disney experts and can help you save money and stress when planning your next trip.

 

Here’s a look at what you can expect from the Standard Dining Plan:

• Everyone in the travel party will receive 1 Table Service meal per night, 1 Quick Service meal per night, and 1 snack/nonalcoholic drink per night of their package stay—along with 1 Resort-refillable drink mug.
• Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during the stay.
• For example, if you book a 4-night package with a Disney Dining Plan, each Guest in your party would receive 4 Table Service meals, 4 Quick Service meals, and 4 snacks or nonalcoholic beverages—which can be used at any time during your 4-night stay.

Here’s some basic information about the Quick Service Dining Plan:

• Everyone in the travel party (ages 3 and up) will receive 2 Quick Service meals per night, and 1 snack/nonalcoholic drink per night of their package stay – along with 1 Resort-refillable drink mug.
• Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during the stay.
• For example, if you book a 4-night package with a Disney Quick Service Dining Plan, each Guest in your party would receive 8 Quick Service meals and 4 Snacks or Nonalcoholic Beverages—which can be used at any time during your 4-night stay.

What does your Quick Service meal credit include, though? Well, each credit will include:

• 1 Entrée
• 1 Nonalcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)

In terms of beverages, alcoholic options will include a single serving of:

• Beer or Cider
• Wine or Sangria
• Mixed Drinks and Specialty Cocktails

For nonalcoholic beverages, a single serving includes:

• Milkshakes
• Fresh Smoothies
• Premium Hot Chocolate
• Soda, Coffee, or Tea

Note that certain things are NOT included in the Disney Dining Plans, including:

• Items that are more than a single serving (such as a box of doughnuts or a jar of peanut butter)
• Items (such as popcorn or drinks) that are served in a souvenir container
• Items considered to be merchandise (such as bottle toppers, glow cubes and bottle straps)
• Special dining events offered at certain Table-Service locations

For more details about what the plans include, see our pages below.

Click here to see our full page about the Quick Service Dining Plan

And learn more about the Standard Dining Plan here

Why Is It Important to Plan?

The Standard Dining Plan comes with 1 Quick Service meal per night, while the Quick Service Plan comes with 2 Quick Service meals per night. But those Quick Service credits can be used at a variety of restaurants throughout the parks and resorts, and not all of those restaurants (or their food items) are created equally.

At some spots, you may find very standard food items at relatively inexpensive prices (compared to other things), while other places may have MUCH more expensive items and/or much more high-quality (and tasty items).

Sure, you could use that Quick Service credit for a basic burger at a food court at a Disney World hotel, but what if instead, you could use it to get a much more delicious and upscale burger that qualifies for the same Quick Service credit? Which gives you a better value per credit? The tastier and more high-quality (and likely more expensive) one, right? Right!

That’s why using your Quick Service credits carefully is important. The restaurants below are ones that can help you get the MOST value out of that Dining Plan credit without skimping on food quality. (Note that we’re mainly focusing on lunch/dinner menu options here.)

See the full list of 2024 Disney Dining Plan participating restaurants HERE

Important Disclaimer: Food prices are subject to change. Menu options also change frequently in Disney World. Check to see if these are available and what they’re priced at during your trip. Additionally, note that this is based on the assumption that these menu options will be included as part of the Disney Dining Plan in 2024 at the restaurants below — changes in that could affect values or other details in the post.

Best Value Quick Service Restaurants in 2024

1 — Docking Bay Food & Cargo (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)

Looking for a more heavily themed environment with tasty eats that’ll again give you a good bang for your buck? Oh, and you’re in Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Head on over to Docking Bay Food & Cargo in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

This Quick Service restaurant features delicacies themed to the Star Wars universe which you’ll enjoy as you’re surrounded by all the things you’d find in a ship docking bay.

Some of the menu items here are also on the pricier side, giving you a better value for your credit. You could maximize your credit by opting for things like the Batuuan Beef and Crispy Topato Stir-fry for $18.99, Smoked Kaadu Pork Ribs for $16.99 (not our favorite but good if you like sour-based savory dishes), or Peka Tuna Poke for $17.99 (though note that this is on the lighter side).

Plus, you could add on an alcoholic drink like the Takodana Quencher for $16.50. Add that to the $17.99 Tuna Poke and you’re looking at a $34.49 value — that’s pretty great for one Quick Service Dining Plan credit.

While not all of the items at Docking Bay 7 have been total hits for us, some of them are VERY tasty. Plus, they are often much more unique than your standard theme park eats, and there’s a decent selection here with a variety of dishes available. To maximize your Dining Plan credit values in Hollywood Studios, add this restaurant to your list.

See our full page about Docking Bay 7 here!

2 — Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)

If you want unique pan-Asian counter service, Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes has it all in an open-air dining environment. You get a pretty decent portion size with these items, and while not every item will knock your socks off, we have enjoyed a number of dishes here.

Again, to maximize credit value, you may want to opt for some of the pricier options here, like the American Kobe Cheeseburger at $18.99, Sweet-and-Sour Tempura Shrimp for $16.99, and Rib Tips for $16.99.

Pair that with an alcoholic beverage like the Opici Family Sangria for $14, and that can make this meal up to a $32.99 value.

Seating is outdoors with some tables covered by canvas umbrellas. But because it is located close to two of Animal Kingdom’s most popular attractions — Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids — it can get busy during peak times. Still, we think it’s a good option for a satisfying and quick meal.

Get menu and review details for Local Food Cafes here

3 — La Cantina de San Angel (EPCOT)

A beautiful view of World Showcase Lagoon (and the fireworks at night), good portion sizes, and tasty dishes — La Cantina de San Angel in the Mexico pavilion has it ALL.

In terms of entrees on the pricier side here, you can pick up the Tacos de Barbacoa for $15.50, Taco Trio for $14.99, and some other taco options for $14.75. The Taco Trio is great for the indecisive members of your family because the Trio gives you one of each of La Cantina’s tacos — currently barbacoa, shrimp, and chicken! Plus, it includes a generous side of rice and black beans.

Add on an alcoholic beverage — they range from around $10.50 to $17 — and you could really get a good bang for your buck, potentially up to a $32.50 value.

See our full page on La Cantina de San Angel here!

4 — The Polite Pig (Disney Springs)

Note that Disney’s website seems to list The Polite Pig as Quick Service and Table Service, though it does NOT truly offer a Table Service option. We anticipate that the entrees below will be included in the Quick Service Dining Plan, but it’s possible Disney may make a change there. Be sure to check and see what is available to order on the Quick Service plan when you visit.

If you are looking for some seriously flavorful eats in Disney Springs that don’t require a reservation and are served to you fast — go to The Polite Pig, you will NOT regret it.

The Polite Pig features modern barbecue in a variety of wood-fired smoked and grilled items, and all drinks are served on tap. The owners, James and Julie Petrakis (in partnership with Chef Brian Petrakis) are already well-known in the Orlando area for their restaurants The Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder which focus on using local seasonal ingredients.

The pricier options on the menu here will really help you get the best value for your Quick Service credit. You could opt for Layla’s Ribs for $26, the Cedar Plank Salmon for $26, or the USDA Prime Brisket for $22.

Plus, there are PLENTY of cocktails, beers, and wine choices to pick from, ranging in price from $5 to more expensive options around $16. If you pair a $16 cocktail with the Ribs, you’re looking at a $42 value for your Quick Service meal — that’s pretty incredible (and the food is tasty too).

Read ALL of our reviews of The Polite Pig Here

5 — Satu’li Canteen (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)

If it’s a great quality meal you’re after with BIG portion sizes, unique dishes, a good variety of options, and customizable meals that’ll be friendly for the whole group, do NOT overlook Satu’li Canteen.

This spot is located in Pandora — The World of AVATAR in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom park, and it features customizable bowls and steamed pods (twists on bao buns) along with unique drinks and desserts.

Some options here are on the more expensive side, like the Combination Bowl: Grilled Beef and Chicken priced at $17.49, the Ocean Moon Bowl priced at $17.49, and the Chili Garlic Shrimp Bowl priced at $15.49.

Add on the Ilu Splash Margarita for $13.50 and you’ll have a meal worth around $30.99.

And it’ll be totally delicious (and probably gorgeous for your Instagram feed) too!

Click here to learn all about Satu’li Canteen

6 — Flame Tree Barbecue (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)

Flame Tree Barbecue is an incredibly popular Quick Service location in Animal Kingdom and for good reason. The dishes here (barbecue classics) can be delicious, the seating is outdoors in a beautiful environment and you can seek out the pavilions for shade, and the portion sizes are good.

Some of the higher-priced items here include the Ribs, Chicken, and Pulled Pork Sampler for $18.99, the St. Louis Rib Dinner for $16.49, and the Ribs and Chicken Combo for $15.69.

When we last had the Ribs and Chicken combo, we found the ribs to be juicy and packed with flavor. The chicken was a little dry but the barbecue sauce totally helped overpower any issues there.

Pair this meal with something like the Island Breeze drink without the glow cube ($13.50) and you could be looking at a single meal worth $32.49 — that’s a great value!

Read about Flame Tree Barbecue here!

7 — Connections Eatery (EPCOT)

Connections Eatery has some seriously tasty options, a pretty decent variety in terms of different dishes to satisfy the family, good portion sizes, lots of indoor seating (hello air conditioning!), and a slightly more upscale feel with the “real” plates and silverware used.

The dishes here are inspired by global flavors. To make the most of your credit, consider some of the pricier options like the French Bistro Burger for $13.49 (the toppings here make the dish!), and the Southwestern Burger for $13.79 (not the most delicious burger we’ve ever had in Disney World, but still a fine option).

Plus, you can add on a beer, wine, or specialty cocktail to get the most bang for your buck. The Cucumber and Thai Basil Cooler is a delicious and refreshing option for $14.50.

Adding that drink brings a total meal value here up to around $28.29.

EVERYTHING you need to know about Connections Eatery

8 — ABC Commissary (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)

ABC Commissary might be a restaurant you’ve walked past and overlooked dozens of times, but you should really stop in and see what this place is all about next time! Menu upgrades and changes made here over recent years have really elevated the food options and made it much more unique than some other Hollywood Studios spots.

Some of the pricier options on the menu include the Shrimp Tacos for $12.99, the Chicken Club Sandwich for $12.79, and the pretty fantastic Mediterranean Salad with Chicken for $12.29.

Plus, you can add on a drink like the Watermelon Margarita for $16.50 to give you around a $29.49 value.

That’s a good overall value for a restaurant within a theme park, plus some of the dishes here (like the Shrimp Tacos or Mediterranean Salad with Chicken) are delicious, substantial (in terms of portion size), and will leave you feeling totally satisfied.

Learn more about the ABC Commissary here!

9 — Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (EPCOT)

Regal Eagle celebrates American BBQ and serves up craft brews on tap. There’s indoor and outdoor seating and a variety of sauces to pick from to really add some unique touches to your meal. In the past, we’ve had some “misses” here in terms of certain dishes, but others have been spectacular.

Some of the pricier options you may want to consider here are the Memphis Dry-Rub Pork Ribs for $16.29 (nice bark and good flavor), Kansas City Smoked Half-Chicken (so tender) for $14.29, BBQ Burger (delicious!) for $14.29, and the Loaded Burnt Ends Fries for $12.99.

You can also add on a beer or specialty cocktail here, with one of the pricier options being the Tennessee Lemonade priced at $15.50.

Add the Tennessee Lemonade to something like the ribs, and you’re looking at a $31.79 value for just one Quick Service credit.

Read all about Regal Eagle here

10 — Harambe Market (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)

At Harambe Market, you’ll enter an East African marketplace to check out ribs and chicken bowls, Mediterranean-style salads, and more in an outdoor setting. What we really like here is that the options can feel healthier than your standard fried foods, and they are pretty filling with good portion sizes.

Some good options here include the Ribs & Chicken Bowl for $14.99, Ribs Bowl for $14.99, or the Grilled Chicken Bowl for $12.99. When we last had the Ribs & Chicken bowl, the ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender, the chicken was juicy with a succulent grilled flavor and smoky aroma, the rice was cooked perfectly, and the salsa added a nice lil kick without being TOO spicy. Talk about a bowl of deliciousness.

There are also some alcoholic beverages here, the most expensive of which is the Leopard’s Eye which is $16.50. That can bring the total value of your meal up to $31.49.

See FULL details about Harambe Market here

11 — Columbia Harbour House (Magic Kingdom)

Columbia Harbour House is one of our FAVORITE Quick Service spots in Magic Kingdom and it could become a favorite of yours too. There’s lovely indoor seating, particularly upstairs where some tables have a view of the Haunted Mansion and part of Liberty Square.

It can also be a little bit more relaxed (particularly upstairs) than some other Magic Kingdom spots, and the menu options here are a little more unique than certain other restaurants. And they’re incredibly tasty too.

To make the most of your credit, opt for some of the pricier options here like the Lobster Roll for $16.99 (soft bun and mayo that doesn’t overpower the lobster), New England Shrimp Boil for $15.99 (a true favorite — flavorful and lots going on!), or Grilled Shrimp Skewer for $14.29 (tons of flavor).

There aren’t any alcoholic beverage options here, which does limit the value you’ll get but for some of these more unique options, it can still be worth it. You may be able to opt for something like the Lemonade Slushy, however, which is priced at $5.99 to at least get more bang for your buck there.

Get the delicious details about Columbia Harbour House here

12 — Sunshine Seasons (EPCOT)

Last on our list is a spot with a good variety of dining options right in the heart of EPCOT — Sunshine Seasons! There are a lot of things to like about this spot. There’s plenty of seating indoors in a bright and airy environment with some fantastic attractions right nearby (namely Living with the Land and Soarin’). Plus, you’ll find a good variety of food options on the menu, making it an attractive dining location when eating with a group of people whose taste buds may not all be alike.

To get the best value for your Quick Service credit, you’ll want to opt for the pricier options like the Rotisserie Chicken for $12.79 (flavorful, tender, and good portion size), the Oak-Grilled Salmon for $13.29 (not your regular “theme park food”), or the Mongolian Beef for $13.49.

You do need to probably opt for the pricier options to get the most value out of your credit here, but the portion sizes are pretty substantial and some of the dishes can be very tasty.

There are alcoholic drink options here to pick from as well, so you can add on something like a Cutwater Bloody Mary for $11.50 to really stretch that credit.

See all of our reviews of Sunshine Seasons here

Honorable Mentions

Now, let’s quickly go through a few honorable mentions! Capt. Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has some amazing dishes, but some of those more signature items aren’t necessarily the most expensive (Thai Coconut Meatballs are $10.49, and Pulled Pork Nachos are $10.29, while the Bacon Cheeseburger is more expensive at $12.79). Still, if you are looking for a Quick Service at a hotel with some more unique dishes (those nachos are where it’s AT) consider trying this spot.

Roaring Fork at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is another good option in terms of a hotel Quick Service with dishes that are a good value and tasty. Some particular stand-outs here in terms of pricier items are the Barbecued Brisket and Burnt Ends for $18.99 (delicious!!), and the Country-Style Meatloaf for $14.99 (good, just not as flavorful as the brisket and burnt ends).

Finally, we’d like to give a quick shout-out to The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This really delivers in terms of unique Quick Service menu items that are packed with flavor. Some of the pricier items here that’ll help you stretch that credit include the Combination Bowl (shrimp and chicken) for $15.49 and the Chermoula-Spiced Shrimp Bowl for $14.49 (SO fresh and such amazing flavors).

So what’s the moral of the story here? Using your Quick Service credits wisely — at restaurants with high-quality food items, pricier food options, and alcoholic beverages to pick from — can help YOU get more out of that Quick Service credit than just a burger and a soda.

You paid for the Dining Plan, so you might as well make it worth it for you, right? Remember that, as we noted above, menu options, prices, and more can change. But the key is to know that there’s a lot more value in your credits than you might realize.

We’ll continue to watch for updates about the Dining Plan and let you know what we find. Stay tuned for all the latest updates.

Click here for our FULL page all about the Disney Dining Plan

What do you think is the best value quick service for the Dining Plan? Tell us in the comments.