One of the biggest mistakes that people make when visiting Walt Disney World is failing to plan for all their meals – but, that doesn’t have to be you! With so many different restaurants and specialty treats throughout the parks and resorts, eating is half the fun and, for many guests, the 2024 Disney Dining Plan makes it all a bit simpler. Plus, let’s face it…it’s not cheap to eat at Disney World, so the ability to pre-pay for all your food before you even set foot on Disney property can be a major perk.

Currently, there are two different Disney Dining Plans available for guests who book a Disney vacation package in 2024 – the Standard Dining Plan and the Quick Service Dining Plan. But, how do you know which one is right for you? Well, if you’re hoping to experience all of the different dining options in Disney World (including character meals!), you’ll likely want to consider the Standard Dining Plan. Here’s everything you need to know before you book!

What is the Disney Dining Plan?

The Disney Dining Plan (also referred to as the Standard Disney Dining Plan) is designed for guests who want to experience all of Disney World’s dining options. The meals included in this dining plan can be redeemed at over 200 restaurants throughout the Disney Parks and Resorts, making it easy to find a place to eat whether you’re looking for a quick bite or want to slow down for a sit-down meal.

With the Disney Dining Plan, each person in your travel party will receive a predetermined number of Table Service meal credits, Quick Service meal credits, and snack credits for each day of your Walt Disney World vacation. So, you can redeem your credits at any participating dining location at any point during your trip without having to whip out your wallet or keep track of how much you’ve spent since you pre-paid for them.

It’s important to note that the Disney Dining Plan can only be booked as part of a Disney vacation package, which means that you’ll need to stay at a Disney World Resort hotel and book your park tickets as part of the package.

What Is Included In The Disney Dining Plan?

When you purchase the Standard Disney Dining Plan in 2024, anyone in your travel party over the age of 3 will receive one Table Service meal, one Quick Service meal, and one snack or nonalcoholic beverage credit for every night of your stay. Plus, each person will also be able to pick up a resort refillable mug that can be refilled at your hotel’s quick service location anytime throughout your stay.

So, for example, if you’ve booked a 3-night hotel stay, each person in your party (ages 3 and up) will have three Table Service meal credits, three Quick Service meal credits, and three snack credits to use at any point throughout your trip. But, what exactly is included in a meal, and what qualifies for a snack?

Table Service Meals

Table Service meal credits can be used for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner at any participating table service restaurant in Walt Disney World. However, what’s included in each meal differs based on when you’re redeeming the credit. With breakfast, a table service meal credit will enable you to order one entree and one non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage (if you’re over the age of 21). However, if you’re redeeming your table service meal credit for brunch, lunch, or dinner, you’ll be able to order one entree, one dessert, and one non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage (again, if you’re over the age of 21). If you choose a brunch, lunch, or dinner location that serves meals buffet or family-style, you’ll be able to try everything on the menu and order a non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage.

Of course, keep in mind that advanced dining reservations are recommended at all Disney World table service restaurants. Same-day reservations and a walk-up waitlist may be available, however, the only way to guarantee yourself a table is to book a reservation.

Quick Service Meals

Quick Service meal credits used for breakfast, lunch, or dinner will entitle you to one entree and one beverage (including alcohol for those 21 years and older). Every quick service restaurant has its own unique menu, but you can expect to find entrees like burgers and fries, pizza slices, salads, and more. And, when it comes to drinks with your meal, you can order things like milkshakes, fresh smoothies, sodas, beer, sangria, and even specialty cocktails with the dining plan (note that this also applies to beverages ordered at table service restaurants with a table service meal credit).

Snack Credits

Finally, snack credits can be used at any quick service restaurant, most outdoor food carts in the parks, and select merchandise locations throughout Disney World. You can expect to redeem your credits for things like ice cream, popcorn, fruit, pastries, and more.

What Is NOT Included In The Disney Dining Plan?

While a lot is included, it’s important to know what’s not included in your Disney Dining Plan in 2024 before you book. According to Disney, you cannot redeem your quick service meal, table service meal, or snack credits for the following:

• Items that are more than a single serving (such as a box of doughnuts or a jar of peanut butter)
• Items (such as popcorn or drinks) that are served in a souvenir container
• Items considered to be merchandise (such as bottle toppers, glow cubes, and bottle straps)
• Special dining events offered at certain Table-Service locations
• Gratuities (except for meals at Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and Cinderella’s Royal Table)

How Much Does the Disney Dining Plan Cost?

The Standard Disney Dining Plan currently costs $94.28 per adult, per day and $29.69 per child (ages 3 to 9), per day.

How Does The Disney Dining Plan Work? 

To use your Standard Disney Dining Plan, you’ll first need to pick a participating table service or quick service restaurant in the parks or resorts that you’d like to dine at. We’ve got the full list of restaurants where meal and snack credits can be redeemed below!

Using the Disney Dining Plan at a Table Service Restaurant

For table service restaurants, the first step is to get a dining reservation. Dining reservations open 60 days in advance and are highly encouraged for any restaurant in Disney World. Same-day reservations and walk-up waitlists may be available but aren’t guaranteed. Once seated, you’ll decide what you want to eat and place your drink, meal, and dessert order. Then, when it’s time to pay, you’ll have your server scan your MagicBand, Disney MagicMobile pass, or Key to the World Card. Note that gratuities are not included in the cost of the Disney Dining Plan, so you will need to either apply the tip to the credit card linked to your room reservation or provide an additional form of payment.

Using the Disney Dining Plan at Quick Service Restaurants

For quick service restaurants, you’ll need to choose a participating restaurant, and then decide what you want to eat and place your order. Keep in mind that you can order at the counter or mobile order through the My Disney Experience app if you’d prefer to skip the line. When it’s time to pay, you’ll just need to scan your MagicBand, Disney MagicMobile pass, or Key to the World Card and that’s it! The same process applies when you use the dining plan to buy a snack as well.

Using the Disney Dining Plan For Snacks

To keep track of how many meal and snack credits you’ve used or have left, you can look at the “My Resort Stay” section in the My Disney Experience app, check the bottom of your most recent dining receipt, or visit the Resort Concierge or Guest Relations to ask. While your meal and snack allotment is based on how many nights you’re staying, you can use your credits at any point during your stay. Any unused meals and snacks roll over day-to-day and don’t expire until midnight on the day you check out of your hotel.

Participating Restaurants

So, where exactly can you eat with the Standard Disney Dining Plan in 2024? Here’s the FULL LIST of participating meal and snack locations in the Walt Disney World theme parks, hotels, water parks, and Disney Springs:

Magic Kingdom

Table Service

• Be Our Guest Restaurant (requires two table service meal credits)
• Cinderella’s Royal Table (requires two table service meal credits)
• The Crystal Palace
• The Diamond Horseshoe
• Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen
• Liberty Tree Tavern
• The Plaza Restaurant
• Tony’s Town Square Restaurant

Quick Service

• Casey’s Corner
• Columbia Harbour House
• Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
• The Friar’s Nook
• Gaston’s Tavern
• Golden Oak Outpost
• Liberty Square Market
• The Lunching Pad
• Main Street Bakery
• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
• Pinocchio Village Haus
• Sleepy Hollow
• Tortuga Tavern

EPCOT

Table Service

• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (lunch and dinner require two table service meal credits)
• Biergarten Restaurant
• Coral Reef Restaurant
• Garden Grill Restaurant
• La Hacienda de San Angel
• Le Cellier Steakhouse (requires two table service meal credits)
• Nine Dragons Restaurant
• Rose & Crown Dining Room
• San Angel Inn Restaurante
• Spice Road Table
• Teppan Edo
• Tokyo Dining
• Tutto Italia Ristorante
• Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria

Quick Service

• Connections Cafe
• Connections Eatery
• Crêpes À Emporter at La Crêperie de Paris
• Fife & Drum Tavern
• Katsura Grill
• Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe
• La Cantina de San Angel
• Lotus Blossom Cafe
• Refreshment Outpost
• Refreshment Port
• Regal Eagle Smokehouse
• Sommerfest
• Sunshine Seasons
• Yorkshire County Fish Shop

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Table Service

• 50’s Prime Time Cafe
• Hollywood & Vine
• The Hollywood Brown Derby (requires two table service meal credits)
• Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
• Roundup Rodeo BBQ
• Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

Quick Service

• ABC Commissary
• Backlot Express
• Catalina Eddie’s
• Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
• Dockside Diner
• Fairfax Fare
• PizzeRizzo
• Ronto Roasters
• Rosie’s All-American Cafe
• The Trolley Car Cafe
• Woody’s Lunch Box

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Table Service

• Rainforest Cafe
• Tiffins Restaurant (requires Two Table-Service meal credits)
• Tusker House Restaurant
• Yak & Yeti Restaurant

Quick Service

• Creature Comforts
• Flame Tree Barbecue
• Harambe Market
• Pizzafari
• Restaurantosaurus
• Satu’li Canteen
• Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe

Disney Springs

Table Service

• The BOATHOUSE (requires two table service meal credits)
• Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
• City Works Eatery & Pour House
• The Edison
• Enzo’s Hideaway
• House of Blues Restaurant & Bar
• Jaleo by Jose Andres (requires two table service meal credits)
• Mario & Enzo’s Ristorante
• Morimoto Asia (requires two table service meal credits)
• Paddlefish (requires two table service meal credits)
• Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas
• Planet Hollywood
• Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
• Rainforest Cafe
• Splitsville Dining Room
• Teralina Crafted Italian
• T-REX

Quick Service

• 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck
• Amorette’s Patisserie
• B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.
• Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza
• Chicken Guy!
• Cookes of Dublin
• D-Luxe Burger
• The Daily Poutine
• Earl of Sandwich
• Marketplace Snacks
• Morimoto Asia Street Food
• Pepe by Jose Andres
• Pizza Ponte
• The Polite Pig
• The Smokehouse at House of Blues
• Swirls on the Water
• YeSake Kiosk

Disney World Resorts

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

Quick Service

• End Zone Food Court
• Grandstand Spirits

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Quick Service

• Intermission Food Court
• Singing Spirits Pool Bar

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Quick Service

• Silver Screen Spirits Pool Bar
• World Premiere Food Court

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Table Service

• Boma – Flavors of Africa
• Jiko – The Cooking Place (requires two table service meal credits)
• Sanaa

Quick Service

• Maji Pool Bar
• The Mara

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Quick Service

• The Drop Off Pool Bar
• Landscape of Flavors

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Table Service

• Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
• Cape May Cafe

Quick Service

• Beach Club Marketplace
• Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Table Service

• Big River Grille & Brewing Works
• Flying Fish (requires two table service meal credits)
• Trattoria al Forno

Quick Service

• BoardWalk Deli
• BoardWalk Pizza Window
• Leaping Horse Libations
• Carousel Coffee

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Table Service

• Sebastian’s Bistro

Quick Service

• Centertown Market Grab & Go
• Spyglass Grill

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Table Service

• Chef Mickey’s
• Steakhouse 71

Quick Service

• Contempo Cafe
• Cove Bar
• The Sand Bar

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Table Service

• Maya Grill
• Rix Sports Bar & Grill
• Three Bridges Bar & Grill
• Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood

Quick Service

• Barcelona Lounge
• Cafe Rix
• El Mercado de Coronado
• Siesta Cantina

Disney’s Fort Wilderness

Table Service

• Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (requires two table service meal credits)

Quick Service

• The Chuck Wagon
• Meadow Snack Bar
• Trail’s End Restaurant

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Table Service

• Citricos (requires two table service meal credits)
• Grand Floridian Cafe
• Narcoosee’s (requires two table service meal credits)
• 1900 Park Fare

Quick Service

• Beaches Pool Bar & Grill
• Courtyard Pool Bar
• Gasparilla Island Grill

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Table Service

• Olivia’s Cafe

Quick Service

• Good’s Food to Go
• Gurgling Suitcase
• Turtle Shack Poolside Snacks

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Table Service

• Kona Cafe
• ‘Ohana

Quick Service

• Capt. Cook’s
• Oasis Bar & Grill

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Quick Service

• Everything POP Shopping & Dining
• Petals Pool Bar

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Quick Service

• Mardi Grogs
• Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory
• Scat Cat’s Club – Cafe

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Table Service

• Boatwright’s Dining Hall

Quick Service

• Muddy Rivers
• Riverside Mill Food Court

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Table Service

• Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera (requires two table service meal credits)

Quick Service

• Bar Riva
• Le Petit Cafe
• Primo Piatto

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Table Service

• The Turf Club Bar and Grill

Quick Service

• The Artist’s Palette
• Backstretch Pool Bar
• The Paddock Grill

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Table Service

• Ale & Compass Restaurant
• Yachtsman Steakhouse (requires Two Table-Service meal credits)

Quick Service

• The Market at Ale & Compass

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Table Service

• Geyser Point Bar & Grill
• Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
• Whispering Canyon Cafe

Quick Service

• Roaring Fork
• Geyser Point Bar & Grill

Note that two table service meal credits can also be redeemed for in-room dining at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (you’ll receive 1 entrée, 1 dessert with lunch and dinner, and 1 non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage). Additionally, you can use the Dining Plan for Pizza Pick-up at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. This will count for two quick service meals.

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

Quick Service

• Avalunch
• Cooling Hut
• Lottawatta Lodge
• Warming Hut

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

Quick Service

• Leaning Palms
• Lowtide Lou’s
• Snack Shack
• Surf Doggies
• Typhoon Tilly’s

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

• ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill

How To Book The Disney Dining Plan

The Standard Disney Dining Plan can be added to any Disney Resort Hotel Package booked through Disney’s website or over the phone. To book your vacation package, you’ll need to visit the Walt Disney World website and follow the prompts to make a Disney hotel reservation. From there, be sure that you have “package” selected on the room rates page, and go through the steps to book your hotel and theme park tickets. As you go, there will be an option to add on a dining plan, where you will then select the Disney Dining Plan. Once you have everything selected, you’ll input your payment information and confirm your vacation package details.

Of course, keep in mind that you can add the Dining Plan to your vacation package at any point before your trip. To do this, you can edit your reservation in your My Disney Experience account or call to speak with a Cast Member.

Tips For Maximizing The Value Of The Disney Dining Plan

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World in 2024 and have opted to buy the Disney Dining Plan, you’ll need to plan carefully and make sure you’re using your credits wisely. Here are some tips to help you maximize the value of your Disney Dining Plan.

Look for the Best Value Quick Service and Table Service Restaurants

When you’re choosing restaurants to visit during your trip, it’s important to consider the value you’re getting for your credits. Some restaurants offer more expensive or higher-quality meals than others, and using your credits at these restaurants can help you get more bang for your buck. Some of the best value quick service restaurants in Disney World include:

• Columbia Harbour House (Magic Kingdom)
• Connections Eatery (EPCOT)
• La Cantina de San Angel (EPCOT)
• Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (EPCOT)
• Sunshine Seasons (EPCOT)
• ABC Commissary (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
• Docking Bay Food & Cargo (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
• Flame Tree Barbecue (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
• Harambe Market (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
• Satu’li Canteen (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
• Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
• The Polite Pig (Disney Springs)

And, some of the best value table service restaurants in Disney World include:

• Garden Grill Restaurant (EPCOT)
• La Hacienda de San Angel (EPCOT)
• Tusker House Restaurant (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
• Topolino’s Terrace (Disney’s Riviera Resort)
• ‘Ohana (Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort)
• Boma (Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge)
• Morimoto Asia (Disney Springs)
• Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Disney Springs)

We suggest researching the restaurants and menus in advance and opting to purchase the most expensive meals on the menu every time you dine for the best chance of maximizing your credits (or even saving some money!). For example, instead of getting a salad at a table service restaurant, order the steak since it’s a much pricier option.

Use Your Snack Credits Wisely

In addition to meals, your Disney Dining Plan 2024 also includes snack credits that can be used at various locations throughout the parks. To get the most out of your snack credits, look for items that are more expensive than others.  For example, a specialty Dole Whip is priced at $7.99 and costs one snack credit, but a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar is priced at only $6.25 and also costs one snack credit. Using your snack credits on more expensive items can help you get more value out of your dining plan.

To get the most value out of your snack credits, look for snacks that cost more than $5.

Book Advance Dining Reservations 60 Days Before Your Trip

The only way to guarantee yourself a seat at any table service restaurant in Disney World is to have a dining reservation and these can book up fast for popular restaurants! For the best chance at getting a table at the restaurants you want to eat at (and when you want to eat), we recommend setting an alarm and being ready to book your reservations online 60 days in advance. This is when advance dining reservations open for all guests, so you’ll need to be quick to secure the most competitive reservations!

It’s also worth noting that guests with a Disney World hotel reservation get a bit of an advantage and can book dining reservations for the entire length of their stay 60 days before their check-in date. This means that you’ll have early access to some reservations!

However, if you’re planning your trip less than 60 days out or are unable to get a reservation at all the restaurants you want to dine at during your vacation, don’t lose hope! Keep checking online for any last-minute openings. On the day of your visit, you may also be able to join a walk-up waitlist if it’s available.

Don’t Let Your Credits Go To Waste

One of the biggest mistakes people make with the Disney Dining Plan is letting their credits go to waste. Make sure you’re keeping track of how many credits you have left, and use them up before your trip is over. Disney Dining Plan credits expire at midnight on the day you check out of your hotel so be sure to plan your meals ahead of time and use all of your credits before you leave even if it means stocking up on snacks that you can travel with.

Do Your Research Before You Book

Finally, before you book your Disney Dining Plan, it’s important to do your research and make sure it’s the right choice for you. Consider your eating habits and preferences, as well as your budget, to determine if the dining plan is worth it. The Dining Plan may be convenient, but it certainly isn’t for everyone…especially if you end up losing money!

Additionally, all of Disney’s table service restaurants, quick service restaurants, and even some snack locations post their menus and prices online, so we suggest doing the math in advance. Go online and add up how much your meals and snacks would cost based on what you’ll most likely order and see how that compares to the cost of the dining plan. This will give you a good idea of whether the Disney Dining Plan 2024 is worth it for you and your family.

So, there you have it – a complete overview of the Disney Dining Plan. If you’re considering Disney World’s Quick Service Dining Plan, be sure to check out our full post breaking down all the details to help you compare and decide what’s best for your next Disney World vacation!

Comments

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