Understanding the Disney Dining Plans - 2012

Author: Diva Planner

Did you know that you can make your Walt Disney World vacation all-inclusive? That’s right – you can have your accommodations, tickets and even meals all paid before you even arrive!

Disney has great meal plan options for every family! However, with the meal plan options often comes confusion. Here is some insight into each meal plan to help you choose which is right for your family!

First of all, let’s talk vocabulary. In each meal plan are various meal options.

Table Service Meal – this is a sit-down meal and requires advanced reservations. A table service meal includes an entrée (or one full buffet), dessert (lunch or dinner), and a non-alcoholic beverage. If you are interested in character meals, relaxing meals, dinner shows or in-room dining – then you need to choose a dining plan that includes table service meals.

Quick Service Meal – this is the equivalent to ‘fast food’ in the regard that you go up to the counter, order your food and get it right away. A quick service meal includes an entrée, a dessert (lunch or dinner) and a non-alcoholic beverage. This is great for families that want to experience everything Disney has to offer without spending an hour at a restaurant.

Snack – this is exactly as it sounds, a snack to power you through your day at Disney! It goes beyond a piece of fruit or popcorn – included in snacks are ice cream bars, cookies, pastries, beverages and much more! Just look for the Disney Dining Plan purple logo to see if it is included on the dining plan.

Refillable Mug – this is a mug that you can use at your Disney resort food court to fill up on beverages throughout the day.

Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan

This is the least expensive option – which is great for those families on the go. Included in this dining plan are 2 quick service meals and 1 snack per person, per night of stay. Also included is a refillable mug for each member of your family.

Disney Dining Plan

This is the most popular option as it allows for some flexibility – yet time to enjoy some excellent meals. Included in this dining plan is 1 table service meal, 1 quick service meal and 1 snack per person, per night of stay. Also included is a refillable mug for each member of your family.

Disney Deluxe Dining Plan

This is the most expensive – yet most expansive option. This option is great for those families seeking three meals a day, or those wanting to take advantage of dinner shows and signature meals, as these meals use 2 table service dining ‘credits’ or meals. Included in this dining plan are 3 meals (table service or quick service) and 2 snacks per person, per night of stay. Also included is a refillable mug for each member of your family.

So how does the dining plan actually work? First, make sure that if you have chosen a plan that includes table service meals, you make advanced reservations. These can be made 180 days prior to your arrival date.

Once you arrive at your Disney resort, you will be given your room key – which also acts as your park ticket and dining plan voucher. Once you go to a restaurant, they will ask if you are on a dining plan. If you say yes, they will ask for your party’s room keys in order to deduct that meal from your dining plan. At the bottom of your receipt (which each family member will receive), there will be a tally for the number of dining credits you have remaining. (Note: Make SURE to keep track – the last thing you want is to lose those credits!)

Another thing to note is that your credits are based on the number of nights you are staying. For example, if 2 adults and 2 children (ages 6 and 8) are staying for 5 nights and are using the basic dining plan – they would each have 5 table service meals, 5 quick service meals and 5 snacks to use throughout their stay. They can be used in any combination up to midnight of the day of their departure! And if you are left with a number of snack credits at the end of your stay – head to the stores to stock up on cookies and other goodies to take home to keep your vacation alive a little while longer!

(If this is still confusing – contact Megan Biller at Glass Slipper Concierge to help plan your vacation and she can help you choose what dining plan is right for your family. Beyond that, she will make all of your dining reservations and help you understand how to use the dining plan once you get to Disney!)