Disney Dining Plan 101: Is It Worth It for Your Family?
The Disney Dining Plan (DDP) is back, and for many families, it’s a must-have when planning a Walt Disney World vacation. But is it the right choice for your trip? In this guide, I’ll break down how the dining plan works, what’s included, and whether it’s worth the cost for your family.
What Is the Disney Dining Plan?
The Disney Dining Plan is a prepaid meal plan available to guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel with a vacation package. It allows you to enjoy meals across the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs without worrying about paying out of pocket each time you dine.
Types of Disney Dining Plans
Disney offers two dining plan options:
- Quick-Service Dining Plan
- 2 Quick-Service Meals per night of stay
- 1 Snack per night of stay
- 1 Resort Refillable Mug
- Best for: Families who prefer casual dining and fast, convenient meals.
- Disney Dining Plan
- 1 Table-Service Meal per night of stay
- 1 Quick-Service Meal per night of stay
- 1 Snack per night of stay
- 1 Resort Refillable Mug
- Best for: Families who enjoy sit-down meals, character dining, and signature dining experiences.
How Much Does the Disney Dining Plan Cost?
Prices for the 2024 Disney Dining Plan are:
- Quick-Service Dining Plan: ~$57 per adult, ~$24 per child (ages 3-9) per night
- Disney Dining Plan: ~$94 per adult, ~$30 per child (ages 3-9) per night
Prices are subject to change, and children under 3 eat for free when sharing from an adult’s plate.
Pros of the Disney Dining Plan
✅ Convenience – Meals are prepaid, making budgeting easier. ✅ Character Dining Savings – Great for families wanting to meet characters without waiting in lines. ✅ All-Inclusive Feel – Enjoy your meals without worrying about prices. ✅ Use of Snack Credits – Perfect for grabbing park-favorite treats like Dole Whip and Mickey Pretzels.
Cons of the Disney Dining Plan
❌ Not Always a Money Saver – If your family doesn’t eat large meals, you may not get full value. ❌ Table-Service Requires Reservations – Popular restaurants book up fast, requiring advance planning. ❌ Limited Flexibility – Dining credits must be used within the trip duration and don’t roll over.
Who Should Get the Disney Dining Plan?
The dining plan may be worth it if: ✔️ Your family enjoys multiple character meals and table-service restaurants.✔️ You like the convenience of prepaid dining.✔️ You plan to maximize the meal credits with higher-priced entrees and snacks.
It may not be worth it if: ❌ You prefer quick, light meals or plan to share dishes. ❌ You like dining off-property or bringing your own snacks. ❌ You don’t want to plan dining reservations months in advance.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
The Disney Dining Plan can be a fantastic addition to your vacation if you love dining experiences and character meals. However, if your family prefers a more flexible or budget-friendly approach, paying out of pocket may be the better option.
Want help planning your Disney vacation and making the best dining choices? Let Shelby help create a magical experience for your family by clicking here for a free vacation quote!
