Are you a massive foodie like me? I absolutely adore exploring various types of cuisine and treating myself to the incredible dining experiences available at Disney!

If you're dreaming of a magical adventure at Disney World and can't decide if the Disney Dining Plan is right for you, look no further because you've hit the jackpot!

Disney Quick Service Dining Plan

If you're eager for quick and easy options to make the most of your fast-paced Disney vacation, look no further! This fantastic plan includes all the amazing perks listed below for each night of your stay. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

• 2 Quick Service Meals per night

• 1 non-alcoholic/alcoholic beverage per meal

• 1 select snack or drink

• 1 resort refillable mug

The cost is $57.01 per adult per day, $23.83 per child per day!

Disney Dining Plan

If you're ready to kick back, relax, and indulge in the delectable delights at Disney's array of venues, then you absolutely must take a look at this incredible plan! Each night of your stay includes all the amazing perks listed below. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

• 1 Quick Service Meal

• 1 Table Service Meal

• 1 non-alcoholic/alcoholic beverage per meal

• 1 select snack or drink

• 1 resort refillable mug

The cost is $94.29 per adult per day, and $26.69 per child per day!

How do I choose a plan?

If you're feeling indecisive about whether to make a dining plan purchase, let's kickstart your excitement with a solid plan! Begin by creating a delicious list of all the incredible dining adventures you want to embark on. If you need a little inspiration, don't hesitate to explore my other blogs linked below to ignite your taste buds. I've even categorized the quick service and table service dining options for your convenience. As Maui would say... You're Welcome!! Let's make this decision-making process a deliciously fun journey!

Animal Kingdom

Epcot

Hollywood Studios

Magic Kingdom

Once you figure that out, you'll be thrilled to discover where those perfectly fit in: whether it's the lightning-fast quick service or the luxurious table service!

Next, let's dive into the exciting topic of money! Imagine this: you and your fabulous party of 2 adults and 2 children embarking on a magical 7-day Disney vacation! Now, if you opt for the quick service dining plan, you're looking at a total of $161.68 per day or $1,131.76 for the entire week. But wait, if you go for the table service plan instead, it will be $241.96 per day or $1,693.72 for the whole 7 days! It's your call, as only you hold the key to your budget. Personally, I must say, both options do involve quite a sum of money.

When it comes to value, I've crunched the numbers and it breaks even! For our family of three - two adults and a child, we're looking at $215.27 per day for the dining plan option. If we indulge in a delightful quick service breakfast at Riviera Resort with the most expensive meals and two extra drinks (don't forget, kids' meals include drinks), it would cost just $43 plus tax. For lunch, we just munch on snacks at the park, costing only $22 plus tax. For dinner, enjoy a table service experience. Most places set us back $100-$150, there are a few gems like Via Napoli, where we can dine for just $60. So as you can see, it all evens out! So, if you're keen on sticking to a budget, this may be the way to go! You pre-pay and your meals are taken care of, so that is one less stressor. But keep in mind, this may not be enough food for the all day snackers.

Here are some amazing tips to guide you in making the absolute best decision for this choice!

1. Great news! If your little one is under three years old, there's no need to buy a meal plan for them!

2. If you're eager to experience the magic of Character Dining or indulge in signature dining, go for it! Just keep in mind that it will require 2 table service meals per person.

3. The resort refillable mug is exclusively valid for use within the resort premises. Please note that refills for the mug are not available at the park. Additionally, guests are limited to one refill per hour.

4. Snacks consist of popcorn, pretzels, ice cream, bottled water, and drinks.

5. Don't forget to check your receipt to view your remaining meal balance! 🎉

6. Just like any other dining reservations, you can book them at the 60 day mark to secure your spot.

7. You cannot use either dining plan option at the Epcot festival booths.

8. Look at the menus and pick restaurants where you are going to get the most value for the buck.

9. Gratuities are not included with the dining plan, so remember, you will receive a bill for the gratuity and any extras not included in the plan.

Wow, when it comes to the Disney Dining plan, there is so much to consider! I absolutely adore the freedom of choosing where to dine, which is why I usually opt out of the dining plan. I feel that the plan can be somewhat restrictive since not all restaurants and booths accept it. For me, paying for meals as I go allows for more flexibility and can even end up being more cost-effective than purchasing the plan. And let's not forget, if you use the dining plan for a character meal, you'll need to sacrifice two table service meals for just one character experience! This might limit the number of meals covered for the remainder of your trip, potentially impacting your budget if that was your reason for choosing the plan. While some may not mind and prefer dining off-property, for others, this could be a total deal-breaker!

Whether you choose to treat yourself to the dining plan or not, rest assured that you're making a fantastic decision either way!