Disney Dining Plan Overview
One of the best things about visiting Walt Disney World is the FOOD!
That’s why Disney offers the Disney Dining Plan to its resort Guests. There are three different plans to choose from, and each one allows you to pre-pay for your meals as part of your vacation package.
But the Disney Dining Plan can be a bit confusing, which is why we’re here! This page will answer all of your questions — from who can get the dining plan to the differences in the three plans to what a “snack” entitlement is!
GETTING STARTED: Booking the Disney Dining Plan
Can anyone book the Disney Dining Plan?
No. The Disney Dining Plan is only available to those with Resort Packages. This means you have to be staying at a Disney Resort, and you must have park tickets linked to your stay.
The only exception to this rule is for Disney Vacation Club Members. DVC Members are able to book the dining plan without theme park tickets.
Does this mean Annual Passholders cannot book the Dining Plan?
No! Annual Passholders are welcome to book the Dining Plan with a Resort Stay — in this case their tickets are the annual passes which should be linked in your My Disney Experience Account.
How many days do I get the Dining Plan for?
The Disney Dining Plan is solely based on the number of nights of your stay, and not the days on your ticket.
For example, you could be staying for 5 nights, but only purchase 3 day tickets, and you’d have 5 days worth of Dining Plan Entitlements.
Can I add the Dining Plan once I arrive?
No. The Disney Dining Plan must be booked at least 24 hours in advance and cannot be added once you arrive.
However, if you book a package or resort stay initially, and decide to add the dining plan later, you may call and add a Dining Plan to an existing reservation.
Can I book the Dining Plan for just the adults in the family and just share with our kids?
The Disney Dining Plan must be booked for EVERYONE on the Reservation. There is a difference in pricing for kids (age 3-9) and adults (anyone 10 and older), and children under 3 do not need a dining plan.
Additionally, all Guests must have the SAME Dining Plan. You cannot book the Deluxe Dining Plan for one guests and the Quick Service Plan for the rest. (Keep reading to learn about the different plans!)
Kids under 3 can eat off their parent’s plates, or at a buffet you can get them their own plate. However if you want anything extra — like milk or a kid’s meal — you’ll have to pay out of pocket. You’re free to bring in snacks and items for them as well!
That said, portions at Disney are very generous, so you often can share with your toddler without any issue.
UNDERSTANDING THE THREE DISNEY DINING PLANS
The Three Levels of the Disney Dining Plans are:Â
What is the difference in the Dining Plans?
Each of the three Dining Plans offer various amounts of “entitlements” per person, per night. (We will get deeper into what qualifies for each entitlement — keep reading!) Because of this, they also vary in cost, with the Deluxe Dining Plan being the most expensive.
Quick Service Disney Dining Plan Entitlements (per person, per night):Â
- 2 Quick Service Meals
- 2 Snacks
Basic Disney Dining Plan Entitlements (per person, per night):
- 1 Table Service Meal
- 1 Quick Service Meal
- 2 Snacks
Deluxe Disney Dining Plan Entitlements (per person, per night):
- 3 Meals (May be used at Quick-Service or Table-Service restaurants)
- 2 Snacks
For example, if you are staying for 4 nights and using the Standard Disney Dining plan, each person would receive 4 Table Service Meals, 4 Quick Service Meals, and 8 Snacks.
Additionally, every Guest, regardless of Dining Plan, will receive a Refillable Mug that can be used to sodas, coffee, and tea at the Resorts. To learn more about the Refillable Mugs, click here. (ADD LINK)
What is the cost of each Disney Dining Plan?
For 2020, the Disney Dining Plans costs are as follows:
Quick Service Disney Dining Plan:
- $55.00 per night per adult (ages 10 and up)
- $26.00 per night per child (age 3-9)
- $78.01 per night per adult (ages 10 and up)
- $30.51 per night per child (age 3-9)
- $119.00 per night (ages 10 and up)
- $47.50 per night (age 3-9)
Please note that tax is included, but gratuity is not. An 18% gratuity will be added to each table-service meal when using the Dining Plan, and will need to be paid at the time of the meal.Â
To learn more about each specific Disney Dining Plan, use the following links:
UNDERSTANDING YOUR ENTITLEMENTS
The biggest question many people have about the Disney Dining Plan is what their entitlements include and where they can be used. Note, you can use them in whichever order you’d like — for example you could use 3 snacks in one day, and only 1 snack the next.
Let’s take a look at what is included for each entitlement!
SNACKS:
Snacks are single-serving items that are available at Quick-Service Restaurants, Outdoor Carts, and some merchandise locations.
Examples of snacks include:
- Popcorn
- Ice Cream Novelties
- Bottled Beverages
- Single Sides (ex. an Order of Fries) at Quick Service Restaurants
- Sweet Treats from Bakery Cases (ex: Rice Krispie Treats, Cookies, Cupcakes, Pastries)
- Certain Food Items & Non Alcoholic Drinks at Epcot Festival Kiosks
Note: Alcoholic Beverages and Souvenir containers (such as Sippers or Popcorn Buckets) cannot be purchased with Snack Credits.
Items that qualify as Snack Credits will be notated with a Disney Dining Plan Logo on the menu.
QUICK-SERVICE MEALS:
You can redeem your Quick-Service Meal entitlements at the over 50 Participating Quick Service Locations.
Quick-Service Locations are generally restaurants with walk-up counters where you’ll order your food (or pick it up from Mobile Order), and then find a seat after.
With each Quick Service Meal Entitlement you’ll receive:
- 1 Entrée (including any accompanying sides)
- 1 Beverage (includes specialty drinks such as milkshakes and alcoholic beverages where available)
Starters, desserts, and additional sides can be added by paying out of pocket, or using Snack Credits.
TABLE-SERVICE MEALS:
You can redeem your Quick-Service Meal entitlements at the dozens of Participating Table Service Locations.
Table-Service Restaurants are full-service restaurants, meaning you will be seated with a Host/Hostess waiting on your table. Meals include a la carte menus, family-style, and buffet dining.
Unlike snacks or Quick-Service Entitlements, Table-Service Meal Entitlements vary by plan.
On the Basic Disney Dining Plan, each Table-Service Meal Entitlement will include:
- 1 Entrée (with accompanying sides)
- 1 Dessert (Lunch and Dinner Only)
- 1 Beverage (Includes Specialty Beverages and Alcoholic Drinks)
-or-
- 1 Family Style or Buffet Meal (Includes all-you-care-to-eat food and standard drinks. You can also order a alcoholic or specialty beverage.)
Additional alcoholic beverages, sides, or appetizers may be purchased out-of-pocket.
On the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan, each Table-Service Meal Entitlement will include:
- 1 Appetizer
- 1 Entrée (with accompanying sides)
- 1 Dessert (Lunch and Dinner Only)
- 1 Beverage (Includes Specialty Beverages and Alcoholic Drinks)
-or-
- 1 Family Style or Buffet Meal (Includes all-you-care-to-eat food and standard drinks. You can also order a alcoholic or specialty beverage.)
Additional alcoholic beverages or sides may be purchased out-of-pocket.
What are Signature Table-Service Meals?
Certain meals and restaurants are known as “Signature,” meaning they are more expensive and more elegant fare. You are welcome to use your Disney Dining Plan to eat at Signature meals, but it’s important to note that each Signature meal will require TWO Table Service Entitlements per person.
What happens if I don’t use all of my Disney Dining Plan Entitlements?
Unused entitlements will NOT be refunded, so it’s important to use all of them to get your money’s worth. If needed, Table-Service Entitlements can be redeemed for Quick-Service meals. Additionally, you can exchange a Quick-Service Meal for 3 snacks at some locations.
