The Disney Dining Plan Explained?

Is the Disney dining plan worth it? Will I eat that much food? What is it? These are all questions that may go through your head when you are planning a Disney vacation, so we wanted to take a minute to give you the scoop on all the Disney Dining plans in hopes that it helps you pick which plan is right for you. Although we can’t tell you in a generic blog post if one, in particular, is right for your family. The travel professionals at Wish Upon Afar can discuss the specifics for your family and help you make that decision.

So let’s start by giving you a little lingo that typically goes along with all the Disney dining plans:

TS – Table Service – can be used to describe a type of restaurant or sometimes an individual credit/meal. A table service restaurant is one which you walk in and sit down to order. Don’t forget to check out my top 5 character dining picks.

QS – Quick Service/Counter Service – can be used to describe a type of restaurant or sometimes an individual credit/meal. A quick service restaurant is one which you walk up to a counter and order your food and bring it to your table to eat.

ADR – advance dining reservations – Dining reservations are needed for most table service restaurants and can be made starting at 6 months in advance. If you are staying on property you or your travel professional will be able to make your reservations for the entire trip on the 6-month pre-check-in date, if you are staying off property you will need to make the reservations 1 day at a time.

BOG – Be Our Guest – probably the most sought after dining in all of Walt Disney World, Be Our Guest is a table service dining location in the Magic Kingdom at night and a quick service for breakfast and lunch (they actually take ADR’s for breakfast, lunch, and dinner). You will want to let your travel professional know right away if you want this location.

CRT- Cinderella’s Royal Table – you know that big castle when you walk into the Magic Kingdom, and you have probably heard people say, “We are eating in the castle” well this is where they are talking about. CRT is a 2 credit meal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and it books up rather quickly as well.

General Disney Dining Plan Information

The Disney dining plans are sold with a package for your entire stay (you cannot get the dining plan for one day). You must be staying on Disney property. Everyone in the room is required to be on the same dining plan. Children under 3 do not get the meal plan, they are welcome to share with adults or other children. Children under 3 eat free at buffets and family style restaurants. You get credits per night of your stay, so if you are staying 6 nights and 7 days you will get 6 nights of credits. The resort refillable mug can be used in the resort only (not in the parks) for your entire stay. You can use it for soft drinks, coffee, and hot chocolate. The “Credits” or meals may be used however you want but must be used by midnight the day you check out, so if you want to use three TS credits in one day and three QS credits the next that is fine, you can even save all of your snack credits for the day you leave to bring home and extend the magic a little. QS adult credits include an entree, side, and a drink. TS credits include an entree, dessert, and a drink or a combo meal which includes some sort of side. Most character meals are one table service credit, there are a few however that are two including CRT. Dinner shows and some other signature restaurants are also two credits.

Different Plans Offered

Quick Service Dining Plan:

This is the most affordable upfront dining plan offered and what it includes is two QS credits, and two snack credits per night of your stay and a resort refillable drink mug per person. Adults 21 and older may get one alcoholic beverage with each quick service meal, where available. Each person under 21 may get 1 specialty drink (not including souvenir cups) with each quick service meal, where available.

Plus Dining Plan/Dining Plan:

This is the most common and in my opinion, the best value dining plan offered. It includes one QS credit, one TS credit, and two snack credits per night of your stay. It also includes a resort refillable drink mug per person. Adults 21 and older may get one alcoholic beverage with each quick service and table service meal, where available. Each person under 21 may get 1 specialty drink (not including souvenir cups) with each quick service and table service meal, where available.

Plus Dining Plan/Dining Plan:

This is a brand new option!  This option includes 2 credits that can be used for quick service or table service. You can read about why this plan may fit your family here.  It also includes a resort refillable drink mug per person. Adults 21 and older may get one alcoholic beverage with each quick service and table service meal, where available. Each person under 21 may get 1 specialty drink (not including souvenir cups) with each quick service and table service meal, where available.

Deluxe Dining Plan:

With this plan, you get three table service OR quick service credits and two snacks per night of your stay. It also includes a resort refillable mug per person. Adults 21 and older may get one alcoholic beverage with each quick service and table service meal, where available. Each person under 21 may get 1 specialty drink (not including souvenir cups) with each quick service and table service meal, where available.

Snack Credit Information:

With all of the meal plan options, you have 2 snack credits per person, per night. You are able to “trade in” 1 quick service meal for 3 snack credits if you would like. With so many options for snacks, I am sure everyone will find something they love.

We hope this helps you navigate the world of Disney Dining plans. If you have any questions feel free to comment below or over on our facebook page. Don’t forget when you book your vacation package with Wish Upon Afar our agents help you walk through the entire process and answer any and all questions you have. Contact us today.

travel@wishuponafar.com

We Exist to provide each client with a highly knowledgeable travel professional dedicated to providing personalized service with attention to even the smallest detail.