One of the aspects of your Disney World vacation that is often confusing is the dining plan. What is the dining plan, which one should I choose, and how do I use it the most effectively?? I will explain to you the aspects of the two dining plans I recommend most to families traveling to Walt Disney World, the quick service dining plan and the Disney dining plan (also called the plus dining plan).
The quick service dining plan gives each family member (over the age of 2) two quick meals and two snacks each day. The Disney dining plan gives each person one quick meal, one sit-down meal and two snacks each day.
Here are some of the common questions I am asked about these plans:
- Exactly how many credits will I receive for my stay?
- You receive credits based on the number of nights you are checked into your resort. So if you are staying four nights, then you will get four days worth of credits. For the quick service dining plan, this would be eight quick meals and eight snacks per person for your stay. For the Disney dining plan, you
would get four quick meals, four sit-down meals and eight snacks.
- You receive credits based on the number of nights you are checked into your resort. So if you are staying four nights, then you will get four days worth of credits. For the quick service dining plan, this would be eight quick meals and eight snacks per person for your stay. For the Disney dining plan, you
- How can I use my credits?
- You can use your meal credits in any way that you want. If you want to have three sit-down meals in one day, you can use those three sit-down credits in one day. Or you can have three quick meals in one day and two sit-down meals in another. And you can use your snacks whenever you like. If you want to save them until the end of your stay, and then load up on Mickey pretzels for the ride home, that’s completely fine!
- Can I use my credits for character dining?
- You can use your sit-down credits for all character dining! There is only one character meal that is a bit
different. Cinderella’s Royal Table uses two of your credits instead of just one. There are other special dining events that will use two credits too, like Le Cellier in Epcot, or California Grill at the Contemporary resort.
- You can use your sit-down credits for all character dining! There is only one character meal that is a bit
- Can I use my dining plan at my resort too?
- You can use your plan at any Disney resort, any Disney park, and in Disney Springs. There are just a few special dining events where you can’t use your dining plan. I will let you know if you are not able to use your credits for your planned meals.
- How do I know how many credits I have left?
- You can ask a cast member at any restaurant you dine in. They can let you know exactly how many credits you have left.
- Now you can also check your My Disney Experience app to see how many credits you still have.
- When can I begin using my dining plan?
- You can begin using your dining plan as soon as you check into your resort. Just remember that your dining credits do expire at midnight on the day you check out of your Disney resort!
Hopefully these tips will help you make the most of your dining plan for your next visit to Walt Disney World!!
