Adding the Disney Dining Plan to your vacation package is a great way to pre-pay for your food, so that you don't have to worry about out of pocket costs while on vacation. Here are some secrets on how to best take advantage of your dining plan.
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Babies and toddlers aren't covered.
Children 0-2 years old can't get their own dining plan credits. At non-buffet meals, you have to order a separate children's meal which is not covered by the DDP, or share some of your food with them. Packing lunches and snacks helps supplement meals too.
Dine outside the Parks for more variety.
There are so many restaurants to choose from at WDW that each day and each vacation can be very different. There are even more dining selections available at the resorts and Disney Springs. You can ride the monorail to the Magic Kingdom area resorts to find some of the best table service meals on property. Disney Springs also has many great restaurants that accept the Disney Dining Plan. Ask your Kingdom Konsultant agent for a list of restaurants that accept the DDP.
There are actually 5 types of Dining Plans.
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Disney Quick Service Dining Plan - Gives each guest 2 quick service credits, and 1 snack Credit per night.
Disney Dining Plan - Gives each guest 1 table service credit (including most character meals), 1 quick service credit, and 1 snack credit per night.
Disney Dining Plan - Gives each guest 1 table service credit (including most character meals), 1 quick service credit, and 1 snack credit per night.
Deluxe Dining Plan - Gives each guest 3 dining credits for either quick service or table service meals, and 2 snacks, per night.
Guests on the dining plan also each get a refillable Disney drink mug to use at the resort!
Premium Package - Gives each guest the same credits as the Deluxe Dining Plan, plus additional perks such as rounds of golf, and dinner shows.
Platinum Package - Includes the same dining credits as the Premium Package, plus gives the guests In-Room Dining service, unlimited use of recreational activities such as water sports, fishing excursions, golf, dinner shows, signature dining, spa treatments, Cirque Du Soleil tickets, unlimited use of child care centers, parasailing and more.
Beat the meal rush.
Eating at non-traditional times, especially with quick service meals, will avoid long lines and crowds. This will save you more time to enjoy the attractions. Attraction wait times go down during meal times, parades, and fireworks, too.
Tell Disney about your dietary needs.
Call the restaurant directly, or tell your server if there are any allergies or diet restrictions that they must know about for your party. Disney will accommodate for all guests needs; all you have to do is ask. There are good allergy-free and vegetarian options available in every Park. Sometimes, even the chef will come out to talk to you in person.
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Sometimes, you can trade 1 QS credit for 3 snack credits in the same transaction. If you pick wisely, you can get more for your money by trading one breakfast meal - which would be about $12, for three snacks, which could be about $25. I like to take snack credit foods back to the room in the morning, such as muffins. This policy is subject to change, and not accepted everywhere. A Cast Member will be able to help you with this on location.
Don't lose hope on those hard to get reservations!
We strongly suggest booking your dining reservations 180 days before travel to up your chances of getting your top choices. If you don't get them, keep checking the site often. Travelers change their plans a lot, so spots do open up. As a last resort, call Disney Dining the same day, and ask if there are any cancellations. You can also ask your Kingdom Konsultant agent to help you book your reservations if you're not sure how.
Love to experience new food and drinks from around the world? Check out Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival. It's an amazing annual event! If you have any questions, or want to add the Disney Dining Plan to your trip, just ask your Kingdom Konsultant agent and we would be happy to help.
- Agent Summer
