Bethan Does Magic

The Disney Dining Plan is a popular option for guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It is designed to provide a convenient way to prepay for meals and snacks throughout your stay. While the plan offers several benefits, it also has some drawbacks.

Lets have a look at our 2 different options for 2024.

First up is the Disney Quick-Serivce Dining Plan. This will set you back £47.99 per adult per day and £19.99 per child per night. (Remember, Disney classifies a child ages 3-9)

Secondly, is the Disney Dining Plan. This will set you back £77.99 per adult per day and £24.99 per child per night. (Remember, Disney classifies a child ages 3-9)

Here are the pros and cons of the Disney Dining Plan:

Pros:

1. Convenience: The Disney Dining Plan offers convenience by allowing guests to prepay for their meals and snacks. This eliminates the need to carry cash or credit cards and provides a sense of security.
2. Cost Control: The dining plan can help with budgeting as it allows you to pay for your meals in advance. This can be especially beneficial if you’re looking to manage your expenses and avoid surprises during your trip.
3. Variety of Options: The plan offers a wide range of dining options, from quick-service meals to signature dining experiences. This allows guests to choose from various restaurants and cuisines, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
4. Potential Savings: Depending on your dining preferences and the cost of the meals you choose, the dining plan has the potential to save you money. If you typically if you’re a big eater, the plan can offer good value.

Cons:

1. Limited Flexibility: One of the main drawbacks of the Disney Dining Plan is its limited flexibility. The plan requires you to adhere to specific meal entitlements and may not be suitable if you prefer more spontaneous dining choices or want to explore dining options outside the plan.
2. Unused Credits: If you don’t fully utilise your dining plan credits, you may end up wasting money. It’s essential to plan your meals carefully and ensure that you use all the allocated credits before they expire.
3. Not Always Cost-Effective: While the dining plan can save money in certain situations, it may not be cost-effective for everyone. If you typically eat light meals or prefer to dine at lower-priced locations, the plan might end up costing you more than paying out of pocket.
4. Gratuity Not Included: The Disney Dining Plan does not include gratuity, and tipping is expected at table-service restaurants. This means you’ll need to budget for additional expenses on top of the plan’s cost.
5. Every day or not at all: When picking which dining plan is right for you, you’ll have to decide whether you want it for your entire stay or not. Theres no option to add it on for a couple of days. And this goes for everyone staying in the same room. It’s all in or all out! If one person decided they don’t want to dining plan, this is not allowed.

It’s important to consider your dining preferences, budget, and the specific needs of your party before deciding whether the Disney Dining Plan is right for you. Assessing the pros and cons can help you make an informed choice that helps with your priorities and enhances your overall Disney experience.

If you’d like help booking your Walt Disney World trip with a dining plan, I can help with that! Shoot me a message or email to get started making your magical trip come to reality.