Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth It in 2024?

Which Disney World Resort hotel is the best fit for your family? What are your MUST-RIDE attractions in the theme parks? How many days should you plan to spend in Disney World?

The Walt Disney World Main Gate

Yep… there are LOTS of decisions that need to be made when it comes to planning a Walt Disney World vacation. And, with the 2024 return of the Disney Dining Plan for vacation packages, you’ve now got one more thing to consider: Is the Disney Dining Plan vacation add-on WORTH IT?

So, we’re digging into that topic to help you decide. There’s a LOT to cover here, and we’re going to start with a basic introduction to the Disney Dining Plan:

What is the Disney Dining Plan?

Disney Dining Plans are an optional add-on to a Disney World Vacation Package (which also includes your Disney World hotel room). This means that the Disney Dining Plan is exclusive to guests staying in a Disney World Resort hotel. Disney Dining Plans are pre-purchased, so all you have to do when you get to Disney World is head to a restaurant that accepts the Disney Dining Plan and… well, EAT!!

Steakhouse 71 Stack Burger

Then to pay, you simply scan your MagicBand, Key to the World card, or Disney MagicMobile pass so the appropriate number of “Credits” — the unit of currency of the Disney Dining Plan — are deducted from your allotment. The meal receipt will show how many credits you’ve used and how many are remaining in your account. (You can also check your Disney Dining Plan credits on the My Disney Experience app.)

There are TWO versions of the Disney Dining Plan to choose from for 2024: that Standard Disney Dining Plan (simply called the Disney Dining Plan) the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan.

Plate Mickey on the Table at Garden Grill!

Let’s talk about inclusions…

Disney Dining Plan (Standard)

As stated on the Disney World website, inclusions for the Standard Disney Dining Plan are as follows:

- 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.
- Beverages are included with each meal. Guests under 21 years of age may choose from a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older with valid identification may substitute for beer, wine and cocktails.

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.

Quick Service Disney Dining Plan

As stated on the Disney World website, inclusions for the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan are as follows:

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.
Beverages are included with each meal. Guests under 21 years of age may choose from a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older with valid identification may substitute for beer, wine and cocktails.

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 Counts as a Meal?

At Table Service restaurants*, a meal is made up of an entrée, plus a dessert (for lunch and dinner only), OR a full buffet (where applicable). As noted above, a beverage (including alcohol and specialty drinks) is included as well.

Boma Buffet in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

*Signature (fine dining) Restaurants, select Character Meals, and other unique dining experiences require TWO Table Service credits; and you can learn about credit requirements for each restaurant here.

At Quick Service restaurants, a meal is comprised of either an entree OR a combo meal.

Trio Platter at Columbia Harbour House

As noted above, a beverage (including alcohol, where available, and specialty drinks) is included as well.

What Counts as a Snack?

Oooh, BOY… THIS is my favorite topic. SNACKS!

Carrot Cake Cookie at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The delicious Carrot Cake Cookie you see above is eligible with a Disney Dining Plan snack credit.

And so is this MASSIVE Funnel Cake from Sleepy Hollow Refreshments!

Chocolate-Hazelnut Banana Funnel Cake

And guess what? So is the decadent Brownie Sundae at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor!

Plaza Brownie Sundae in Magic Kingdom

Can’t go without your favorite Starbucks drink on vacation? ANY SIZE Starbucks drink with ANY of your preferred add-ins is snack credit eligible!

Fun fact: Coffee tastes BETTER by a Castle!

And these are just a glimpse! With so many options, though, you need more guidance. And that’s where the Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit Logo comes in. Whenever you see THIS on a menu or sign…

Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit Logo

… that little purple and white checkerboard symbol tells you that you’re good-to-go, because it means that the designated item is Snack Credit eligible! And I do want to stress the word “little.” For instance, in this photo of the Glacier menu at Main Street Confectionery, you’ll spot the purple squares right next to the prices.

Glaciers at Main Street Confectionery

Good thing they’re a little easier to see in person. 😉 Oh, and you may also use Mobile Order to purchase a snack item.

Snack Credit Items Designated in Mobile Order

If so, just look for the “Qualifies as a Snack” text below the name of the item.

Learn how to use Mobile Order at Disney World HERE

What is a Refillable Resort Mug?

Everyone in your traveling Party receives a Refillable Resort Mug with either version of the Disney Dining Plan. Refillable Resort Mugs are good for refills from self-service beverage stations at any Disney Resort hotel Quick-Service location (whether you are staying at that particular hotel or not) for the entire length of your trip.

100th anniversary Refillable Resort Mug

We’re talking soda (Coke products), coffee, iced and tea, and hot cocoa throughout your whole trip! Plus, you get to keep the mug as a little souvenir to use again when you get home as a fun way to remember your vacation! (The out-of-pocket cost for a Refillable Resort Mug, BTW, is $21.99.)

We’ve got everything you need to know about Disney World Refillable Resort Mugs here.

What is Different About the Disney Dining Plan for 2024?

The Disney Dining Plan was most recently available in 2020. Following the Resort’s temporary closure in response to the global health crisis, the Disney Dining Plan was suspended upon the reopening of Disney World.

A reopened Magic Kingdom in July 2020

Now that the Disney Dining Plan is back (as of January 9, 2024), there are a few aspects that are different from when it was previously available.

Versions of the Disney Dining Plan

As noted above, there are TWO versions of the Disney Dining Plan from which to choose: the Standard Disney Dining Plan (simply called the Disney Dining Plan) the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan.

Previously, guests could choose from FOUR versions; however, the Disney Dining Plan PLUS and the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan did not return for 2024.

Cost of the Disney Dining Plan

The cost for the Standard Disney Dining Plan for 2024 is $94.28 per adult, per night (ages 10 and up), and $29.69 per child, per night (ages 3 to 9). This cost is added to the regular cost of a Disney World Vacation Package.

When the Standard Disney Dining Plan was last available in 2020, the cost was $78.01 per adult, per night, and $30.51 per child, per night.

Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom

The cost for the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan for 2024 is $57.01 per adult, per day, and $23.83 per child (ages 3 to 9), per day. This cost is added to the regular cost of a Disney World Vacation Package.

When the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan was last available in 2020, the cost was $55.00 per adult, per night, and $26.00 per child, per night.

With both versions of the Plan, the Adult price has seen an increase, while the Child price has seen a decrease.

Inclusions of the Disney Dining Plan

When you refer back to the inclusions of each version of the Disney Dining Plan listed above, you may notice that ONE Disney Dining Plan snack credit is included per guest for each night of their stay.

The Citrus Swirl at Sunshine Terrace in Magic Kingdom

When the Plan was previously available, Plan participants received TWO snack credits per guest for each night of their stay.

Restaurants Participating in the Disney Dining Plan

The list of participating restaurants that accept Disney Dining Plan meal and/or snack credits has changed for 2024; however, the lists always tends to change from year to year to recognize new restaurants and remove closed ones. For instance, the new Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been added as a 1-credit Table Service option.

Howdy, Partners! Step Inside Roundup Rodeo BBQ!

That said, something new and noteworthy about the 2024 list is that several Disney World bars and lounges now accept Table Service credits on the Disney Dining Plan!

Enchanted Rose Lounge in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Additionally, a few Character Meals that previously required ONE Table Service credit now require TWO Table Service credits: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (for lunch and dinner only), and Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White.

Snow White at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

These join Cinderella’s Royal Table, which already required two Table Service credits. (The remainder of Character Meals, including Breakfast at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, require just ONE Table Service credit.)

Click HERE to find a full list of 2024 Disney Dining Plan Restaurants and Meal Credit Requirements

The Pros of Purchasing the Disney Dining Plan

There’s a reason Disney fans were so excited to hear about the return of the Disney Dining Plan. It’s because there are a lot of great things about it! Let’s run down the pros to purchasing a Disney Dining Plan.

Convenience

Because the Disney Dining Plan is a pre-paid option to enjoy your meals and snacks, you don’t have to think about out-of-pocket costs when you dine!

Menu at Trattoria al Forno

With the exception of gratuities (which are NOT included in the Disney Dining Plan), it’s as easy as making your Advance Dining Reservations (for Table Service restaurants), showing up, chowing down, and scanning your MagicBand, MagicBand+, or Key to the World Card to use your meal or snack credits. Easy peasy!

Variety

No matter whether you choose the Standard Disney Dining Plan (which includes one Table Service meal and one Quick Service meal per night) or the Quick Service Plan (which includes two Quick Service meals per night), you can choose from a HUGE variety of restaurants all over the Disney World theme parks, hotels, Disney Springs, and BEYOND!

Potjie Inspired Pork Vindaloo from Sanaa

Guests who have previously visited Disney World can take an opportunity to visit some favorite restaurants from their last trip and try some new-to-you locations. New Disney World visitors may be surprised by the various cuisines and dining atmospheres that can be enjoyed. The large number of eateries that accept Disney Dining Plan credits encourages a lot of folks to try new things… it’s something of a “hidden benefit” to the Plan!

Character Meals

Oh, and the above variety of participating restaurants we just mentioned? That includes Character Meals! Character Meals in Disney World are a HUGE dining highlight for lots of guests! And why shouldn’t they be?

Farmer Mickey at Garden Grill in EPCOT

Whether you’re young or young at heart, it’s tough to think of a better accompaniment to your meal than a hug from Mickey Mouse or a conversation with a Disney Princess as you dine. One thing character meals AREN’T, though, is inexpensive. You can really maximize Table Service credits on the Disney Dining Plan at a Character Meal. (The proof is in the pudding — you can check out the prices for each Character Meal here.)

Here’s the rundown…

The following Character Meals require 1 Table Service credit per person:

Mickey & Friends Breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace — Riviera Resort
Chef Mickey’s Family Feast – Contemporary
‘Ohana’s Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch – Polynesian Village
Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Cape May Cafe – Beach Club
A Buffet with Character at The Crystal Palace – Magic Kingdom
Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Harvest Feast at The Garden Grill – Epcot
Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine Breakfast at Hollywood & Vine – Hollywood Studios (Breakfast)
Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood & Vine – Hollywood Studios (Lunch and Dinner)
Donald’s Dining Safari at Tusker House – Animal Kingdom
Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno — BoardWalk Inn and Villas

The following Character Meals require 2 Table Service credits per person:

Fairytale Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table – Magic Kingdom
Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – Epcot
Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White — Wilderness Lodge

Click HERE for MORE about EVERY Character Meal in Disney World!

Use Your Credits YOUR Way

You can use your Dining Plan credits ANYTIME and in ANY WAY. You can also use them on the day you check in and the day you check out. Here’s a scenario: If you use two meal credits per day, on a 6 night trip that means you can enjoy twelve different restaurants for your meals.

The Grand Ballroom in Magic Kingdom’s Be Our Guest Restaurant — A 2-Credit Signature Restaurant

But remember, YOU can choose how and when to use each meal credit, and you are not obligated to use them on any certain day or in any certain order. So if you have the Standard Disney Dining Plan and would like to try a Signature Restaurant or see a Dinner Show (both of which require 2 Table Service credits, as opposed to one), you can do that!

Ditto goes for snack credits! If you are simply too full from one of your meals and aren’t up for a snack following your feast, save it for the next day and enjoy TWO snacks. While we’re on that topic…

ALL. THE. SNACKS.

The amount of snacks eligible as a “snack credit” around Disney World may surprise you! You’ll find eligible options that cost up to $8.00 (and even more in some cases)!

Mickey Ice Cream Bar!

In fact, you’ll find OODLES of items at the food booths during EPCOT’s seasonal Festivals that are snack credit eligible!

Grilled Vegetable Bruschetta — Snack Credit Eligible item at the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival!

And to our “use it your way” point above, lots of folks on the Disney Dining Plan enjoy saving up snack credits to make a full meal out of several snacks around EPCOT.

Getting Ready for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival? Click HERE!

Specialty Beverages — and Alcoholic Drinks — are Included

As noted above, alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, and cocktails) are included in the Disney Plan Plan for of-age guests — and, yes, that includes Quick Service restaurants that serve alcohol (which, BTW, is most of them, though you will only find alcohol at Table Service restaurants in Magic Kingdom).

Painted Lemur at Sanaa

Those who are not of-age or opt not to imbibe can enjoy specialty beverages such as milkshakes, smoothies, and various “mocktails.”

Refillable Resort Mugs

As a reminder, every member of your traveling group receives a Refillable Resort Mug on the Disney Dining Plan.

Self-service Beverage Station

You can really work up a thirst having fun in the parks (not to mention in the Florida heat), and a lot of guests find this inclusion to be a great benefit… especially for those who love to enjoy soda while on vacation!

The Cons of Purchasing the Disney Dining Plan

Of course, where there are PROS, there is also the FLIPSIDE. Let’s run down some of the CONS of the Disney Dining Plan.

Planning, Planning, and More Planning…

For some folks (self included!), lining up several Table Service (or sit-down) restaurants for each day of their vacation is a joy.

Take a seat at Homcomin’ by Chef Art Smith

For others? Not so much.

And we’re not just talking about simply picking where you’d like to eat and booking Advance Dining Reservations 60 days ahead of your meal. What about when you’re actually in the parks? What if you land a spot in a Virtual Queue for, say, TRON Lightcycle / Run in Magic Kingdom that conflicts with a mealtime that you’ve previously scheduled?

Is TRON on your MUST-RIDE List?

First, the good news: in the TRON scenario mentioned above, Cast Members are often able to assist in instances such as these. That said, it’s still one more factor that needs to be considered. And if being locked into too many places sounds enough like regular life to you than a vacation, well… adding the Standard Disney Dining Plan (which includes one Table Service credit per night of stay) simply may not be a fit for you.

Learn the ins-and-outs of Advance Dining Reservations HERE

Now, we should remind that there is another option here: the Quick Service Dining Plan includes two Quick Service restaurant credits per night of stay… no Advance Dining Reservations required!

Chili Garlic Shrimp Bowl at one of the BEST Counter Service Restaurants: Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom

For some, it may not be so much a matter of whether A Disney Dining Plan is right for you so much as WHICH Disney Dining Plan is right for you. You might find it helpful to fully consider both options.

The Cost of the Disney Dining Plan

Here is a simple truth about the Disney Dining Plan: it’s more convenience-based than savings-based. And for many, the pre-paid aspect alone is enough of a bonus to purchase the Disney Dining Plan. That said, if you don’t know the ins-and-outs of MAXIMIZING the Disney Dining Plan, you may well be paying MORE for what you eat and drink using the Plan than what you might by paying out of pocket.

Is the Disney Dining Plan picking up the bill? Then MAKE THE MOST OF IT.

Fortunately, we have a few resources for you: First, we have this page right here.

And we also have a brand new DFB Guide to Maximizing the Disney Dining Plan so you can make the most of it!

Mezzo Metro Pizza at Via Napoli

Furthermore, even paying completely out of pocket, depending on where you dine and what you order, you may very well be able to eat delicious foods in fun and lovely settings and be completely satisfied at less cost per day. In fact, if you visit this page, scroll down to “Awesome Disney World Eats on a Budget” to find some of our favorite suggestions!

DFB Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Vacation

Remember… Adult Pricing Starts at Age 10

Why is “10” the magic number when it comes to the Disney Dining Plan? Because, as is the case with Disney World theme park tickets, anyone age 10 or older is considered an Adult on the Disney Dining Plan. The thing is… what if your 10-year-old (or your 11- or 12-year old) doesn’t have an adult-sized appetite just yet?

A WHOLE LOTTA FOOD at EPCOT’s Garden Grill!

You will have already paid the Adult price to potentially see some of that food go to waste.

Or what if your mini me still prefers Chicken Strips, mac and cheese, and other items that are typically available on Kids Menus, but are not on the regular entree list?

WE LOVE Chicken Strips, too!

As we’ve discussed previously, this fairly common occurrence is treated on a case by case basis. Technically, adults (anyone age 10 or over) are supposed to order from the adult menu and kids (ages 3-9) are supposed to order from the kids’ menu. In practice, if an older child (or actual adult) doesn’t like any of the food on the adult menu, the server may be able to bring a larger-size portion of any of the food on the children’s menu. That said, when this happens, an adult credit will be deducted from your account even though the guest is eating “kid” food.

These are questions only you can answer when it comes to your kiddos, but they are something to keep in mind when you’re determining the value of the Disney Dining Plan for your family.

Alcohol is Included

“Wait a minute,” you may be thinking… “How can alcohol being included be both a PRO AND a CON??” Well, this has to do with exactly what we mentioned above. Clearly your 10- (or 11-, or 12-, and up to your 20-) year-old can’t drink alcohol. Now, it is true that they can enjoy a specialty drink like a yummy milkshake or a fun mocktail with each meal on the Disney Dining Plan.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Milk Shake at 50s Prime Time Cafe

But dollar for dollar, alcoholic drinks– cocktails, beer, and wine — typically offer the highest price value on the Plan versus what you would pay out of pocket. If you have members in your group who can’t or simply prefer not to imbibe (or prefers not to imbibe at EVERY SINGLE MEAL), that’s an automatic strike — for lack of a better word — against being able to maximize the value of the Plan.

Need tips on maximizing the Disney Dining Plan? Click HERE!

Sooo… Is the Disney Dining Plan WORTH IT?

Well, here’s the thing… it all depends on what you want for your vacation. We’ve presented several factors above that ultimately boil down to individual preferences (do you love planning your dining and figuring out how to maximize your vacation dollars in advance, or do you prefer to wing it?), family specifics (what are the ages of everyone in your group, and will your pre-teen be ready to eat several full-sized adult meals?), and personal budgets (maybe you don’t want to spend as much on food and drinks as the Disney Dining Plan costs… and that’s okay. Perhaps you’d rather splurge on several days of Lightning Lane Multi Passes Passes to ride all your must-do attractions instead).

What we’ve aimed to do here is present you with all of the necessary information along with both sides of the Disney Dining Plan coin, so you can make the decision that’s best for your traveling group. And if you need a little more help, you can check out our list of Disney Dining Plan FAQs here, and our Ultimate Guide to the Disney Dining Plan video from our DFBGuide YouTube Channel below!

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