Disney Dining Plan Questions | the disney food blog (2024)

UPDATED June 7, 2024

The Disney Dining Plan can be a great way for many folks to increase both the quantity and variety of their food consumption at Walt Disney World. That’s all good in our book!

But the Dining Plan does have some nuances that can be confusing to first (or second, or third) time users.

To see an overall description of Disney Dining Plans, visit our Disney Dining Plan page. Here are the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about the Disney Dining Plan to help you sort it all out.

What exactly is the Disney Dining Plan?

The Disney Dining Plan is a method of pre-paying for meals and snacks at Walt Disney World. There are two versions of the Plan for 2024. When you purchase the Disney Dining Plan, you will be issued “Dining Plan credits.”

These will be computer encoded onto your MagicBand /MagicBand+, Disney MagicMobilePass, or RFID-enabled Key to the World card (which is also your room key) via My Disney Experience.

When paying for food at a Disney restaurant, your server will scan your MagicBand /MagicBand+, Disney MagicMobilePass, or Key to the World card. Simply inform him or her that you are paying with Dining Plan credits instead of paying with cash. Dining Plan credits will be deducted from your account.

What Dining Plans are available?

In 2024, there are two different versions of the dining plan from which to choose: the Quick Service Dining Planand the standard Dining Plan.

Disney Dining Plan Eligibility

Who can purchase the Disney Dining Plan?

The Disney Dining Plan can only be purchased by guests staying at an on-site Walt Disney World owned/operated hotel. This does not include guests staying at the non-Disney-owned Swan & Dolphin Hotels, Shades of Green, or International Drive hotels.

Can I get the Disney Dining Plan if I’m not staying at a Disney hotel?

No, sorry. Only guests staying at the following hotels may purchase the Disney Dining Plan:

• All-Star Movies
• All-Star Music
• All-Star Sports
• Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
• Art of Animation
• Beach Club and Villas
• BoardWalk Inn and Villas
• Caribbean Beach
• Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower Villas
• Coronado Springs
• Fort Wilderness
• Grand Floridian and Villas
• Old Key West
• Polynesian Village and Villas
• Pop Century
• Port Orleans French Quarter and Port Orleans Riverside
• Riviera Resort
• Saratoga Springs
• Wilderness Lodge and Villas
• Yacht Club

How do I buy the Dining Plan?

The Disney Dining Plan must be purchased as part of a Disney World Vacation Package which includes your Disney Resort hotel stay.

Can I decide to get the Dining Plan after I’ve arrived at Walt Disney World?

No. The Disney Dining Plan must be added to your reservation prior to arriving at Walt Disney World, usually at least 48 hours in advance.

I already have a room reservation. Can I add the Dining Plan?

It is typically possible to add the Disney Dining Plan to an existing room reservation up until the day before your arrival. (It cannot be added upon arrival.) To discuss the particulars of your situation, call Disney directly at (407) 939-7675. Be prepared with your room reservation confirmation number.

Disney also offers the option of upgrading to a Disney Resort Hotel package that includes a dining plan via their website when logged into your My Disney Experience account. Visit “My Plans” when logged into your account to upgrade.

Disney Dining Plan Inclusions

What is the regular Disney Dining Plan?

Guests on the regular (or standard) Disney Dining Plan receive: One quick service meal credit, one table service meal credit, and one snack credit per person, per night of your package. Additionally, each member of the party will receive Refillable Resort Mug good for use during the length of the package. Children under the age of three are not eligible to participate in the plan.

NOTE: 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 choose either one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) or one single serving mixed co*cktail, beer, or wine (where offered) within their meal entitlement.

What is the Quick Service Dining Plan?

Guests on the Quick Service Plan receive: Two quick service meal credits and one snack credit per person, per night of your package. Additionally, each member of the party will receive one Refillable Resort Mug good for use during the length of the package. Children under the age of three are not eligible to participate in the plan.

NOTE: Guests under 21 years of age can choose one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered). Guests 21 and older can choose either one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) or one single serving mixed co*cktail, beer, or wine (where offered) with their meal entitlement.

What specialty non-alcoholic beverages are included in the DDP?

With the addition of alcoholic beverages and specialty non-alcoholic beverages to the DDP starting in 2018, guests are curious about what “specialty non-alcoholic beverages” includes. The language from the DDP official description lists “artisanal milkshakes, smoothies, and premium hot chocolate.” We have gathered the latest on what is precisely included in these categories.

What counts as a meal?

The definition of a meal varies depending on what time of day it is and which version of the dining plan you’re on.

For the Quick Service Dining Plan, adults and children, a breakfast meal consists of an entree and one beverage (including specialty beverages and/or alcoholic beverages — must be 21 or older for alcoholic beverages).

For the Quick Service Dining Plan, adults and children, a lunch or dinner meal consists of an entree and one beverage (including specialty beverages and/or alcoholic beverages — must be 21 or older for alcoholic beverages).

For the regular Disney Dining Plan, adults and children using their quick service credit, a breakfast meal consists of an entree and one beverage (including specialty beverages and/or alcoholic beverages — must be 21 or older for alcoholic beverages).

For the regular Disney Dining Plan, adults and children using their quick service credit, a lunch or dinner meal consists of an entree and one beverage (including specialty beverages and/or alcoholic beverages — must be 21 or older for alcoholic beverages).

For the regular Disney Dining Plan, adults and children using their table service credit, a breakfast meal consists of an entree and one beverage (including specialty beverages and/or alcoholic beverages — must be 21 or older for alcoholic beverages) OR one full buffet (including specialty beverages and/or alcoholic beverages — must be 21 or older for alcoholic beverages).

For the regular Disney Dining Plan, adults and children using their table service credit, a lunch or dinner meal consists of an entree, dessert, and one beverage (including specialty beverages and/or alcoholic beverages — must be 21 or older for alcoholic beverages) OR one full buffet (including specialty beverages and/or alcoholic beverages — must be 21 or older for alcoholic beverages).

Can I order whatever I want from the menu?

In general, yes. There may be some restrictions if a menu item is designed “for two” or includes a double entree. For example, there are occasionally HUGE pieces of meat offered at some of the steakhouses, meant for two guests to share. This could only be ordered using two guests’ credit allotments.

Overall, if you are ordering a single entree meant for one person, then it is covered on the plan, no matter how expensive. Yes, you can get $36 Prime Rib at Boatwright’s Dining Hall or the $36 New York Strip Steak at Sanaa using just a single dining plan credit.

What is a Resort Refillable Mug?

Here’s the complete scoop on refillable mugs. ALL versions of the Disney Dining Plan now come with one refillable mug for each person over the age of three in the party.

What counts as a “non-alcoholic beverage” on the plan? Can I get glowing Tinker Bell drinks? Milkshakes?

The definition of “non-alcoholic beverage” varies from restaurant to restaurant. Previously, this meant a soft drink, water, coffee, tea, juice, or milk in most cases. However, guests can order specialty beverages with the DDP. These include: Artisanal Milkshakes, Fresh Smoothies, Premium Hot Chocolate, soda, coffee, and tea. Though options still vary from restaurant to restaurant, you can get a good idea about what counts as a specialty, non-alcoholic beverage by clicking here.

Disney Dining Plan Credits

What’s a “credit”?

Credits are the unit of currency of the Disney Dining Plan. There are table service credits, quick service credits, and snack credits. In general, a credit equals one meal or snack. See “two-credit meals” below for exceptions to this rule.

What does “Table Service” mean?

A Table Service restaurant is one at which you are seated by a host/hostess at a specific table and have some portion of your meal brought to you by a server. At Walt Disney World, buffet-style meals are considered table service because of both the extensive amount of food available and the fact that a server brings your drinks and clears your table.

Generally you can, and should, makeAdvance Dining Reservationsfor table service meals.

At a table service meal, you pay your server at the end of the meal, after he or she brings you a bill.

What is a “Quick Service” restaurant?

A Quick Service (also called counter service) restaurant is one in which you place an order at a walk-up counter. (You may also use Mobile Order at participating locations.) You pay for your meal before you eat it. You are given your food on a tray which you carry yourself to a seating area. You are responsible for clearing your own table at the end of the meal. Reservations are neither required nor accepted at quick service venues. An out-of-Disney equivalent would be a fast food restaurant or a mall food court.

What is a “snack”?

There are hundreds of different snacks available in Disney’s parks and resorts, from the basic bottle of water, to international treats like Norwegian school bread. Snacks that are eligible for a Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit are identified by a little purple and white checkerboard symbol:

In real life 😉 , the logos are much smaller on the menus. This photo from an EPCOT Food and Wine Festival menus gives a good visual for how you’ll see the logo on display. (P.S. YES, you can use snack credits for many items at EPCOT’s seasonal Festivals!)

Some examples of eligible snack options are: ice cream novelty bar, cup of soup, counter-service restaurant menu side items, single-serve popcorn box, whole fruit, 12 oz coffee or tea, single-serve prepackaged milk or juice, 20 oz bottled soft drink or water, or a 20 oz fountain soft drink. However, there are higher value snack credit-eligible items that provide a LOT more bang for your buck (think Peanut Butter Cookie Pies, Caramel “Flights”, Funnel Cakes, and more). You can check out some fantastic snacks that are a GREATUse of a Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit by clicking here.

If you’re using Mobile Order in Disney World’s My Disney Experience app, you’ll find items designated as those that are Snack Credits eligible. For example, in the screenshot below from Casey’s Corner on Mobile Order, the Chili-Cheese French Fries do NOT count as a snack credit eligible item; however, the Chili, French Fries, and Baseball Brownie all have the “Qualifies as a Snack” designation.

Items such as hot dogs, corn dogs, or turkey legs are considered quick service meals, not snacks.

Tell me again how my credits are calculated?

Dining Plan credits are allotted based on the number of NIGHTS of your stay. For example, if you arrive at WDW at 10AM on Monday and leave at 7PM on Friday, even though you will have spent the better part of five days on site, you have only spent four NIGHTS at WDW. In this example, if you are on the basic (standard) Disney Dining Plan, you will receive four snack credits, four quick service meal credits, and four table service meal credits to use during your stay.

How can I tell how many credits I’ve already used?

This will be printed on your receipt for every meal: the receipt will show how many credits you’ve used and how many are remaining in your account.

You are also welcome to stop by the front desk or concierge of your hotel at any time for a printout of your dining activity.

You can also check your Disney Dining Plan credits on the My Disney Experience app.

REMEMBER: Any unused meal and snack credits will roll over each day, and will expire at midnight on day of checkout.

Remind me how to use Mobile Order with the Disney Dining Plan…

Should you choose to use Mobile Order via the My Disney Experience app, the app will automatically apply your DDP meal and/or snack credits to your order (as long as the restaurant where you’re Mobile Ordering is participating in the Disney Dining Plan).

The app will also inform you if you’ve left something out that’s included in your Disney Dining Plan meal credits, ensuring that you’re receiving the full value of your credit.

Conversely, if you want to Mobile Order and pay out of pocket NOT using your Disney Dining Plan credits, you can do that as well. You’ll just need to click “Modify” when reviewing your order and select “I don’t want to use my dining plan for this item.”

Not familiar with Mobile Order? You can learn all about it here.

Can I convert or “swap” different types of credits or inclusions?

Quick Service Meal Credit Conversions

Can I divide quick service credits to make snack credits?

This was an option in the previous version of the Dining Plan, before 2020. However, this option is no longer available within the perimeters of the latest version of Dining Plan.

We do want to note that we have seen what could be considered a variation on this rule. For example, at L’Artisan des Glaces in EPCOT, Cast Members showed us a chart that indicated that three “snack” selections off the menu there — items such as a single or double scoop of gelato, a macaron, or a croque glaces — could be combined to count as a quick-service meal credit. So…ultimately, it can be confusing and your mileage may vary at select locations. A cast member should be able to assist you in any specific location.

Can I combine quick service credits to make a table service credit?

Nope.

Table Service Meal Credit Conversions

We confirmed with a Disney World Cast Member that you may convert a table-service meal credit into a quick-service meal credit. Now, do we advise doing this? Absolutely not. That table-service credit is worth more money than a quick-service meal, and you pre-paid for it. BUT, if your plans change and you need to do this — we’ve been told that you can.

I don’t eat dessert. Can I get an appetizer instead?

When available at a table service restaurant, you may often substitute your dessert for a fruit plate, side salad, or cup of soup. It’s always worth asking your server to see if this is an option.

Disney Dining Plan Restaurants

How do I know where I can eat on the Disney Dining Plan?

You can find a list of participating restaurants for 2024 HERE. Very generally speaking, though, you can eat almost anywhere on property using the dining plan, with the notable exception of the restaurants at the Swan and Dolphin hotels. The Swan & Dolphin are not owned by Disney and do not participate in the Dining Plan.

What is a two-credit meal?

Some of Disney’s dining experiences are called “Signature Dining.” They are special, fancy, or just plain expensive. If you’re on the regular or Deluxe Dining Plan and want to dine at a signature restaurant you will need to spend two table service dining plan credits per meal.

Two-credit dining experiences include:

• Be Our Guest Restaurant
• Cinderella’s Royal Table*
• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall— LUNCH and DINNER
• Le Cellier Steakhouse
• The Hollywood Brown Derby
• The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge
• Tiffins
• The BOATHOUSE
• Jaleo by Jose Andres
• Morimoto Asia(two Table Service credits for Dinner only)
• Paddlefish
• STK Orlando
• Jiko – The Cooking Place
• Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar
• Flying Fish
• Cítricos
• Cítricos Lounge
• Narcoossee’s
• DINNER atTopolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera
• Yachtsman Steakhouse
• Story Book Dining with Snow White at Artist Point

The Dinner Show at Disney World also requires two-credits: Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue*.

*Please be aware that Advance Dining Reservations for both Cinderella’s Royal Table and Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue require pre-payment in full for these dining experiences. If you are logged into your My Disney Experience account on which you already have your Disney Dining Plan added to your vacation AND your vacation package is linked to your account, you may be able to apply your dining credits when you make your Advance Dining Reservation for either of these meals (or if you call 407-WDW-DINE to book, you may also chat with a cast member and ask if Dining Plan credits can be applied while you book). However, your mileage may vary in this circ*mstance, so be prepared to pay upfront when you make your booking and get a refund during your trip. Should your credit card be charged when you book, you can receive a refund at the restaurant when you dine there and swap out your Dining Plan credits for the experience.

At a two-credit meal, can I pay for it using one meal credit plus some cash?

No. Meals must be paid for using either all credits or all cash.

Can I use my Dining Plan credits at Character Meals?

Yes. ONE Table Service meal credit may be used for severalCharacter Dining Experiences. Theexceptions are the following, which require TWO Table Service credits:

• • Cinderella’s Royal Table
  • Akershus Royal Banquet Hall — Princess Storybook Dining* (*requires 2 credits for Lunch and Dinner; Breakfast requires 1 credit)
  • Story Book Dining with Snow White at Artist Point

What about Dining Packages?

Certain unique dining experiences such as Dining Packages (which allow guests to reserve seating for fireworks or a popular show along with their meal) may accept the Disney Dining Plan. Currently, the following Dining Packages accept Table Service credits:

• Fantasmic! Dining Package— Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  • Hollywood and Vine also accepts theDisney Dining Plan and requires 1 Table Service Credit per person
  • Mama Melrose’s also accepts theDisney Dining Plan and requires 1 Table Service Credit per person
  • Sci-Fi Dine-In also accepts theDisney Dining Plan and requires 1 Table Service Credit per person
  • 50s Prime Time Cafe also accepts theDisney Dining Plan and requires 1 Table Service Credit per person
  • The Hollywood Brown Derby also accepts theDisney Dining Plan and requires 2 Table Service Credits per person
• Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Packages— EPCOT (during EPCOT Festival of the Arts only)
  • Akershus Royal Banquet Hall accepts theDisney Dining Plan and requires 1 Table Service Credit per person for Breakfast, and 2 Table Service credits for Lunch or Dinner
  • Coral Reef Restaurant accepts theDisney Dining Plan and requires 1 Table Service Credit per person
  • Garden Grill Restaurant accepts theDisney Dining Plan and requires 1 Table Service Credit per person
  • Le Cellier Steakhouse accepts theDisney Dining Plan and requires 2 Table Service Credits per person
  • Rose & Crown Dining Room accepts theDisney Dining Plan and requires 1 Table Service Credit per person
  • Spice Road Table accepts theDisney Dining Plan and requires 1 Table Service Credit per person
• Garden Rocks Concert Series Dining Packages — EPCOT (during EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival only)
  • Akershus Royal Banquet Hall accepts the Disney Dining Plan and requires 1 Table Service Credit per person for Breakfast, and 2 Table Service credits for Lunch or Dinner
  • Coral Reef Restaurant accepts the Disney Dining Plan and requires 1 Table Service Credit per person
  • Garden Grill Restaurant accepts the Disney Dining Plan and requires 1 Table Service Credit per person
  • Le Cellier Steakhouse accepts the Disney Dining Plan and requires 2 Table Service Credits per person
  • Rose & Crown Dining Room accepts the Disney Dining Plan and requires 1 Table Service Credit per person
  • Spice Road Table does NOT accept the Disney Dining Plan for this Festival’s Dining Package

PLEASE NOTE that the following Dining Packages will accept the Disney Dining Plan when these Festivals return in 2024; however, Table Service credit requirements per restaurant will not be known until booking is announced for each Festival Dining Package (though they will likely be similar to those listed above):

• Candlelight Processional Dining Packages— EPCOT (during EPCOT Festival of the Holidays only)
• Eat to the Beat Concert Series Dining Packages— EPCOT (during EPCOT Food and Wine Festival only)

How Do I use the Disney Dining Plan at a Lounge?

NEW in 2024: You can now use Dining Plan Table Service creditsat several Disney World bars and lounges. Considering most bars and lounges offer small plates and appetizers, it might be a little confusing trying to determine how those credits can be used. Well, here is an example:the Enchanted Rose Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort has a menu that features items categorized as “Snacks” like House-made Beef Jerky and Warm Marinated Olives, but also “Appetizers,” such as Seasonal Flatbread, House-made Truffle Fries, or Charcuterie. You’ll also find Specialty co*cktails and a selection of beers and wines.

If you want to use your dining plan credits here,you must use a Table Service credit.With that credit, you could getan appetizer and a drink, but since this lounge doesn’t offer any desserts,you may not be using those Table Service credits to their full potential.

Additionally, a Cast Member shared with us that you can get an appetizer as an entree with an alcoholic beverage (for guests ages 21+), but you cannot get the specialty beverages on the dining plan. You’ll only be able to order generic beer, wine, or a simple co*cktail like a vodka soda.

So while youcanuse your Dining Plan credits at lounges, it seems like that’s not the best plan, since you’re not getting the best bang for your buck.The small plates and appetizers require a table service credit, so you could be getting a much bigger meal for the same “price” (one credit) at a regular table service restaurant. (If you really want to make the most of your Dining Plan, we recommend visiting a regular restaurant and then paying for any lounge bites or drinks out of pocket instead!)

Do I need to make meal reservations when I’m on the Disney Dining Plan?

Advance Dining Reservations are STRONGLY recommended, particularly at busy times of the year. There are no seats in the Disney restaurants held for walk-ups (though you may have luck checking the Mobile Dine Walk-up Waitlist on the My Disney Experience app). If there’s somewhere that you really want to eat, make a reservation. You can do this by calling 407-WDW-DINE, by visiting the Walt Disney World website or by usingthe My Disney Experience app. Guests are able to make a dining reservation at most Disney World restaurantsup to 60 days in advance of your meal.(Disney World Resort hotel guests may make reservations up to 60 days in advanceplusthe length of their stay up to 10 days.)

I’d like to use the Dining Plan to eat at a restaurant inside a theme park. Do I need to use a park ticket to do this?

Yes. Any time you enter a theme park you’ll need to use an admission ticket, even if you just want to eat there.

I’m on the Dining Plan. Can I eat at restaurants other than those at my own hotel?

Yes, absolutely. You can eat anywhere on property that accepts dining plan credits.

If I don’t have the Disney Dining Plan, can I still make meal reservations?

Yes, of course. Anyone is welcome to make reservations for and dine at any Walt Disney World restaurant locations.

If I don’t have the Disney Dining Plan, can I eat at the restaurants in the Disney hotels?

Yes, of course. Anyone is welcome to eat at the Disney hotel restaurants. You don’t have to be on the dining plan, staying at that particular hotel, or even staying on WDW property.

I’m looking at the Dining Plan restaurant list. I don’t see my favorite dining spot that I know has been on the plan in the past. Does this mean that they’ve stopped accepting dining plan credits?

Not necessarily. The list of restaurants participating in the Disney Dining Plan changes slightly every year. Many of the restaurants located at WDW are actually owned/operated by outside companies (Rainforest Cafe, for example). Disney has to renegotiate their agreements with these owner/operators each year. If your favorite restaurant is not on the list, this is likely because a contract has not yet been signed, not because the restaurant has been dropped from the program. It is quite rare for a restaurant that once took Dining Plan credits to stop taking them.

Disney Dining Plan Cost

Remember, you must add a Disney Dining Plan to a Disney World Vacation Package.

Standard DDP:

2024 Cost:
$94.28per adultper night ages 10 and up
$29.69 per childper night age 3 to 9
This cost is added to the regular cost of a Disney World Vacation Package.

2025 Cost:
$97.70per adultper nightages 10 and up
$30.78 per child per nightage 3 to 9
This cost is added to the regular cost of a Disney World Vacation Package.

Quick Service DDP:

2024 Cost:
$57.01per adultper night ages 10 and up
$23.83 per childper night age 3 to 9
This cost is added to the regular cost of a Disney World Vacation Package.

2025 Cost:
$59.14per adultper nightages 10 and up
$24.70 per childper nightage 3 to 9
This cost is added to the regular cost of a Disney World Vacation Package.

Prices include tax and are subject to change.

Deciding WHICH Disney Dining Plan is Best for You

The Quick Service Dining Plan seems like not enough food, but the Standard Dining Plan seems like too much. What do I do?

Any time you are on the Dining Plan, you are welcome to supplement your eating by paying for more food out of pocket. It’s quite common for guests on the Quick Service plan to supplement their dining by paying cash for a nice table service meal or character breakfast. If the Standard Dining Plan seems like too much, you’re likely to be better off getting the Quick Service Dining Plan and just buying more food as needed.

Is the Dining Plan good for vegetarians? Picky eaters? People with food allergies?

You’ll have to run the numbers yourself, but in general, the Disney Dining Plan makes the most financial sense for guests who are big eaters and who like expensive food. Vegetarian entrees are typically among the least expensive entrees on the menu.

Disney Dining Plan with Children

I don’t understand why I don’t get credits for my under-three-year-old child.

That’s just the way it is. You may have a 2-year-old with a voracious appetite who you want to put on the dining plan. Don’t do it. While theoretically you could fudge his age and say he is three, you would then be required to purchase theme park tickets for him. (Park entrance is free for the under-threes.) It will be MUCH cheaper to just buy your two-year-old his own food at the restaurants.

Can children (ages 3-9) on the Dining Plan order from the adult menu at Table Service meals?

No. Children must order from the child’s menu. The good news is that all food is for all people at the buffet-style restaurants. Although buffets have a child-friendly section with items like mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, and pizza, children are not required to limit their food choices to these items. If you have a hungry or adventurous 8-year-old, then the buffets may be a good choice for you.

Can children (ages 3-9) on the Dining Plan order from the adult menu at Quick Service meals?

No. Children must order from the child’s menu where available.

Are there places where there is no kids’ menu so I don’t have to worry about who orders what?

Yes. These are primarily quick service venues, including: Casey’s Corner, Sommerfest, Yorkshire County Fish Shop, Golden Oak Outpost, and others.

My older child (age 10 or above) doesn’t like anything on the adult menu. Can he order from the children’s menu?

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 will be happy to bring a larger-size portion of any of the food on the children’s menu. When this happens, an adult credit will be deducted from your account even though the guest is eating “kid” food.

How do I feed my 2-year-old at a buffet service restaurant?

At buffet and family-style restaurants, children under age three can “eat from your plate” for free. Don’t take this literally. You can get them their own plate of food. They can eat whatever they want. The child’s beverage is included, you don’t have to pay extra.

How do I feed my 2-year-old at a quick service restaurant?

At quick service restaurants, children under the age of three can share your meal. They will be literally eating from your plate. If you want your child to have their own food, supplemental food, or their own beverage, you’ll have to pay for this separately.

How do I feed my 2-year-old at a traditional table service restaurant?

At regular table service restaurants, children under the age of three can share your meal. They will be literally eating from your plate. If you want your child to have their own food, supplemental food, or their own beverage, you’ll have to pay for this separately.

Do I have to pay for my 2-year-old’s beverage?

At buffet and family style restaurants, no. At quick service and traditional menu-based restaurants, yes.

What’s “Free Dining“?

From time to time, Disney may announce special resort reservation promotions that offer a free Disney Dining Plan with your resort booking and theme park ticket purchase. Dubbed “Free Dining” by Disney fans, these promotions usually happen during the lower-crowd times in Disney World, like Winter and late Summer/early Fall. (See the most recent Free Dining promotion info below!)

Booking the free dining promotion cannot be combined with hotel discounts or other incentives, so getting free dining may not automatically be your most cost-effective option. It pays to crunch the numbers here as well.

Click here to read more about the Disney World Free Dining Offer.

Current Free Dining Offers

Disney Visa Cardmembers can get a FREE Disney Dining Plan!The deal applies to select arrival dates inJuly, September, and December 2024, and youmust book a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day (or longer) Disney Travel Company Package with the Park Hopper option.

Those staying at value and moderate hotels who purchase Park Hopper tickets will get a freeDisney Quick-Service Dining Planwhile those staying at deluxe hotels who purchase Park Hopper tickets will get a freeDisney Dining Plan.

To book the deal, Disney Visa Cardmembers must use their Disney Visa Card to purchase a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day (or longer) Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and a theme park ticket with a Park Hopper option—for arrivals most nights from:

• July 1 to July 31, 2024
• September 1 to September 7, 2024
• December 9 to December 21, 2024

How do I find out about free dining offers?

Keep your eyes open. There are many Disney websites, including Disney Food Blog, that run articles when free dining offers are released. Subscribe to the Disney Food Blog newsletter and we’ll tell you immediately as soon asfree dining is available.

If a free dining promotion is not offered during your vacation dates, you may get lucky and receive a “free dining PIN code” in the mail or email from Disney. To potentially get one, you would need to be signed up to receive special offers and discounts through Disney’s website.

Another potential offer is what’s known as the Bounceback Offer. When (and if) offered, these are available to anyone staying onsite at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel– all you do to get it isdial x8844 from your hotel room phone and inquire about any bounceback offers!

I already have a package which includes the Dining Plan. I just heard that free dining will be available during my travel dates. Can I take advantage of this?

Possibly. It depends on whether your particular booking qualifies. Call Disney directly as 407-WDW-MAGIC to discuss your options.

Is everyone staying at a Disney hotel eligible for free dining?

No, there are some restrictions about free dining eligibility. You have to read the fine print. In general, free dining is not available to Disney Vacation Club members using DVC points to book their stay. Also free dining is not available to guests staying at the Fort Wilderness campsites.

Tips/Gratuities on the Disney Dining Plan

Do you have to tip your server when you’re using the Dining Plan?

YES! With a few exceptions, gratuities are NOT included on the Disney Dining Plan. You will need to tip your servers at table service and buffet restaurants. Parties of six or more will automatically be assessed an 18% gratuity with their meal. Others may choose what level of tip to provide their server. Check out the complete scoop on tipping on our Tipping FAQ page.

Which meals have the tip included?

In-room private dining (room service — available only at Disney’s Grand Floridian), and Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. That’s it.

If I’m paying with credits, how do I calculate the tip?

The price that your meal would have been if you had paid cash will be noted on your receipt. You should use this number as your baseline upon which to calculate the tip you leave.

If one member of my party of six is a baby who doesn’t eat, will we still be assessed an automatic 18% gratuity?

Yes. All parties of six or more will be assessed an 18% gratuity. Everyone at the table will be tallied in this count, including children under the age of three.

Resort Hotel Logistics on the Disney Dining Plan

Can I get the Dining Plan for more or fewer days than my hotel stay?

No. The Dining Plan can only be arranged for the exact number of NIGHTS of your hotel package. The only way around this would be to split your reservation. For example, if you’ll be staying at a WDW hotel for five nights, but only want the Dining Plan for three nights (because, say, you’re going to visit Universal Studios and Sea World), you could make two different room/package reservations. One for three nights and one for two. However, be aware that your Dining Plan credits would only be valid for the package part of your stay. This means that you would only be able to use the credits on the first three consecutive days of your trip.

In a variation of this, you CAN get a package which includes the Disney Dining Plan, but has park tickets with a fewer number of days than your hotel stay. For example, you could stay for four nights, get a four night dining plan, but only get two days worth of park tickets.

Check-in time at my Disney World Resort hotel isn’t until 3PM. Do I have to wait until then to use my Dining Plan credits?

No.

You room might not be ready until late afternoon, but you can register at your hotel as early in the morning as you like. (If you’re ambitious you could do this at 4AM.) When you register, you will be given your MagicBand or RFID-enabled Key to the World card encoded with your package components such as park tickets and Dining Plan credits. Go ahead and use those park admissions and Dining Plan credits whenever you wish.

Check-out time is at 11AM. I have Dining Plan credits left and am headed out to the parks. Can I still use my credits?

Disney Dining Plan credits are good until 11:59PM on the day you check out of your Disney hotel. Feel free to continue using any remaining credits on the last day of your trip.

I’m splitting my stay between two Disney hotels. How does this impact my Disney Dining Plan use?

It’s quite common for Disney guests to divide their visit between two hotels. There are Dining Plan ramifications to doing this. Each hotel stay will be treated as an entirely separate package. This means that at midnight on the day you check out of hotel A, your dining plan credits expire for that part of your stay. Even if you’re continuing on at WDW, you can’t continue to use credits from your hotel A stay after you’ve moved on to hotel B. This may or may not matter to you, but it does mean you need to be vigilant about managing your credit use.

Can use the Disney Dining Plan for Room Service?

Yes. In-room dining (room service) is available at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Each in-room dining meal consists of one non-alcoholic beverage, an appetizer (at lunch and dinner), an entree, and a dessert. Two adult table service meals credits will be deducted from your party’s account for each in-room dining meal.

I’m going to be sharing a room with a sorority sister. She doesn’t want the dining plan, but I do, can we make this happen?

No. All guests staying in the same room must either have the dining plan or not have the dining plan.

My husband is a big eater and I am not. Can we get the Standard Dining Plan for him and the Quick Service Plan for me?

No. All guests staying in the same room must be on the same version of the Dining Plan.

Miscellaneous Questions

I have the Standard Dining Plan, can I downgrade to the Quick Service plan?

Depending on how you booked your package, it may be possible to upgrade or downgrade the type of dining plan you’ve selected. You should make any changes at least 48 hours in advance of your trip (preferably longer). To discuss the specifics of your situation, you’ll have to contact Disney directly at 407-WDW-MAGIC.

I’ve heard that breakfast can be a snack.

There are many items that qualify as snacks that are typically thought of as breakfast foods. These include some single-serving muffins, bagels, and other pastries; and side items on quick service breakfast menus. If you’re happy eating that as your first meal of the day, then you’re good using your snack credit for breakfast. However, if you want a drink to go with your muffin, you’ll have to pay for that separately. Note that you can trade a quick-service meal credit for three snacks (in a single transaction).

What happens if I want to order an appetizer or an adult beverage?

Adult beverages were not previously included on the dining plan, BUT that all changed in 2018. Now, Guests 21-and-over may order one specialty alcoholic beverage. Appetizers are not included on the quick service or basic dining plans. You are welcome to order these items, you’ll just have to pay for them separately.

Can I use my table service credits for breakfast or do I have to use them for dinner?

The dining plan is very flexible. Once you have your allotment of credits, you can use them in any order your wish. While it doesn’t make the most financial sense to do so, you are welcome to use your table service or quick service credits for breakfast, though lunch or dinner typically provides the better value from a cost perspective.

On the regular Dining Plan, do I have to use one snack, one quick service credit and one table service credit each day?

Not at all. Once you have your credits, they’re yours to use however you want, in whatever order you want.

For example, a guest on the basic dining plan staying six nights would be given six snack credits, six quick service credits, and six table service credits. If that guest wanted, he could use two table service credits at a Cinderella’s Royal Table breakfast, two table service credits at a Hollywood Brown Derby Lunch, and two table service credits at a Jiko dinner. The guest would then be out of table service credits on his first day. We’re not recommending this, but it is possible.

If I use two-credits for a meal on day one, how will I eat on day two?

You’ll pay for a meal out of pocket.

Do all members of my family have to eat together when we’re on the Disney Dining Plan?

No. Family members can eat at different restaurants at different times.

My friends are not on the Dining Plan and we are. Can we dine together?

Yes, absolutely. When making your meal reservation, make it for the entire number of people in your party, both those on the dining plan and those not on the plan. When you arrive at the table, tell your server which guests are on the plan and which are not. She or he will be able to generate two separate bills and charge the two types of guests separately, even though you’re eating at the same table.

Can I use my Dining Plan credits at the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival?

Yes! All the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival booths offer items which can be purchased with Dining Plan snack credits. In fact, the same goes for ALL FOUR of EPCOT’s seasonal Festivals. Yummmmy!

Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth The Money?

Ah, that’s the big question isn’t it? This depends completely on how you and your family usually eat while on vacation. The best suggestion is to crunch the numbers. We have a full chapter on deciding whether the Dining Plan is worth it for your family in our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book.

The chapter includes sample budget scenarios for a family on vacation for a week with or without the Dining plan, a look at how hotel discounts can impact your bottom line when it comes to purchasing the Disney Dining Plan, whether Disney’s Free Dining Plan promotions offer the best value, and more. You can get your own copy here!

We also offer the following resources:

• Click HERE to check out the PROS of the Disney Dining Plan;
• Click HERE to check out the CONS of the Disney Dining Plan;
• Click HERE for help deciding which Disney Dining Plan option is right for your group.

Visit the Disney Dining Plans page for more details and information.

Looking for MORE videos about the Disney Dining Plan? You can find our entire Disney Dining Plan playlist HERE.