The Disney Dining Plan has returned in 2024, bringing convenience and value to your Walt Disney World vacation. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney enthusiast, the Dining Plan can simplify your meal planning and potentially save you money. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about the 2024 Disney Dining Plan, including pricing.
What is the Disney Dining Plan?
The Disney Dining Plan (DDP) is a prepaid meal package available to guests staying at Disney Resort hotels. It allows you to enjoy a variety of meals and snacks at participating Disney restaurants across Walt Disney World Resort, including theme parks, resort hotels, and select locations at Disney Springs.
Types of Disney Dining Plans in 2024
For 2024, Disney offers two main dining plan options:
- Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan:
- What’s Included:
- 2 Quick-Service meals per night of stay.
- 1 Snack or Non-Alcoholic Beverage per night of stay.
- 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug per person.
- Pricing:
- Adults (ages 10 and up): $57.01 per night
- Children (ages 3-9): $23.83 per night
- Best For: Guests who prefer casual dining and want the flexibility to grab a quick bite without reservations.
- What’s Included:
- Disney Dining Plan:
- What’s Included:
- 1 Table-Service meal per night of stay.
- 1 Quick-Service meal per night of stay.
- 1 Snack or Non-Alcoholic Beverage per night of stay.
- 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug per person.
- Pricing:
- Adults (ages 10 and up): $94.28 per night
- Children (ages 3-9): $29.69 per night
- Best For: Those who enjoy a mix of dining experiences, including character dining, signature restaurants, and casual quick-service meals.
- What’s Included:
How Does the Disney Dining Plan Work?
Once you’ve added a Dining Plan to your package, each member of your party receives a set number of meal and snack credits based on the number of nights you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel. These credits are tracked electronically via your MagicBand or Disney MagicMobile app, making it easy to redeem them throughout your stay.
- Meal Credits: Can be used for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and include an entrée and a beverage (including alcoholic drinks for guests 21 and older).
- Snack Credits: Can be redeemed for a wide range of treats, from Mickey-shaped ice cream bars to popcorn, cupcakes, and specialty drinks.
- Resort-Refillable Mug: This mug gives you unlimited refills of fountain drinks, coffee, and tea at any Disney Resort hotel for the duration of your stay.
Dining Plan Perks
- Convenience: The DDP simplifies budgeting for meals. Since your meals are prepaid, you don’t need to worry about the cost each time you dine.
- Flexibility: You can use your credits in any order throughout your stay. If you want to enjoy two table-service meals in one day and quick-service the next, the choice is yours.
- Value: If you plan your dining experiences wisely, the DDP can offer good value, especially when dining at higher-end restaurants or character dining experiences.
Tips for Maximizing Your Disney Dining Plan
- Make Dining Reservations Early: Table-Service meals, especially character dining, can book up quickly. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance.
- Use Snack Credits Wisely: Some snacks, like specialty cupcakes or Dole Whip, offer more value than a standard bottle of water.
- Share Meals if Needed: Portions at Disney can be large, and sharing a meal might allow you to stretch your credits further, especially for children.
- Try Signature Dining: Consider using two Table-Service credits for a Signature Dining experience at restaurants like California Grill or Le Cellier Steakhouse.
Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth It?
The value of the Disney Dining Plan depends on your dining habits. If you enjoy sit-down meals, character dining, or simply don’t want to worry about meal prices during your trip, the DDP can offer convenience and potentially save you money. However, if you’re a light eater or prefer bringing your snacks, you might find more flexibility by paying out-of-pocket.
Final Thoughts
The Disney Dining Plan in 2024 offers a flexible and convenient way to enjoy a variety of dining experiences at Walt Disney World. Whether you choose the Quick-Service Plan or the full Disney Dining Plan, both options provide opportunities to sample some of the best food Disney has to offer while keeping your budget predictable.
As always, planning ahead is key to getting the most out of your Disney vacation, and that includes making the most of your Dining Plan. Happy dining and enjoy the magic!