Disney’s Dining Plan Costs $95 Per Day — Will It Actually Save You Money?
Written by
Sarah Li Cain
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Rebekah Evans
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Coming up with a food budget at Disney can feel overwhelming, given all the options available. The Disney Dining Plan, available for those staying at on-site hotels, costs $94.28 per day for adults. Yes, it sounds like a huge chunk of money. But in some cases, it can be worth it.
Also find out if Disney’s annual pass is worth the money.
What Does the Plan Include?
Essentially, when you purchase this plan, you’re getting credits for food and snacks, which typically includes two meals, a drink per meal and a snack or select drink per day. The plan also comes with a refillable mug you can use at resorts.
Keep in mind that you need to purchase a dining plan for the entire trip. So if your reservation is for five days, it comes to a total of $475 per person. Any gratuities aren’t included.
Is It Worth It?
When asking if the plan is worth it, it depends on how much you eat and what you use your credits for.
For those who aren’t going to eat a lot, it’s probably not worth it. However, if you carefully plan out the food and drinks you order, you can squeeze more value out of the $95 price tag. Plus, children between the ages of three and nine only pay $26.69.
Whether the dining plan is worth it will depend on other factors like how many people are going and if you want to prioritize convenience.
“I believe the biggest benefit of purchasing Disney Dining is removing the worry of how much money you need for food while at Disney,” said Nanci Benson, founder of Nanci’s Enchanted Adventures. “It also enabled us to eat at restaurants we normally wouldn’t have been able to afford.”
For example, many choose to use their credits at character dining options or purchase snacks to eat later (like days when you’re extra hungry). There are a lot of ways in how you can use your credits, even at Epcot during their festivals.
Benson said for her family with two adults and four children, it helped to remove some of the overwhelm with budgeting for meals during their Disney vacation. She also said it’s beneficial for those going to Disney for five or more days, giving you the opportunity to explore various dining options in all the theme parks and Disney Springs.
There’s Another Alternative
For a more budget friendly version, there is also the Disney Quick Service Dining.
“You get two counter service meals and a snack each night of your stay,” Benson explained.
This plan is significantly less at $57.01 per adult per night and $23.83 for ages three to nine. You’re more limited in your dining options (themed dining venues are out of the question) but it can save you money.
When deciding how you want to budget for food, think about your family’s eating preferences. If all of you really like the thought of sitting in a nice restaurant at the end of a long day, the Disney Dining Plan may be the way to go. With either dining plan, it’ll take some upfront work to be sure you’re getting the most value out of it.
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