Is the Disney Dining Plan worth it?

One of the most common questions I get from clients is about the  Disney dining plan.  Is it worth the extra money?  My gut reaction is to say YES...but it's not as simple as that. It really depends on your family.  Do you enjoy sitting down to family meals or are you more interested in just grabbing something as you head to stand in line for Space Mountain?  Are you a big dessert eater or do you just like to have the main course and a glass of water?   

Pork Chop and Macaroni at Be Our Guest

Disney has 3 dining plans to choose from so it's very easy to find something that will suit your family.  I usually recommend that you sit down and look at the menus of a couple restaurants that you might be interested in.  www.allears.net is a great website for this!  They have full menus with prices so you can get an idea of what it would cost your family to eat there.  Add up the cost and see how it compares to the dining plan.

To give you an example of the types of families that might choose the dining plan, here are 3 clients of mine and the plans that they chose.

1.  Quick Service Plan
$37.58 per night ages 10 and up
$14.32 per night age 3 to 9

Quick Service Dining Plan Details

Includes Per Person, Per Night: This plan includes counter service (e.g. fast food) meals and snacks at most quick service dining locations in the Walt Disney World Resort.

• Two quick service meals (entrée or combo meal, dessert at lunch and dinner and a non-alcoholic beverage)
• One snack
• One Resort refillable drink mug per person, per package

This family consisted of mom, dad and 3 teenagers.  They were only spending a few days in the parks and wanted to make the most of every minute.  None of them are big eaters but they knew they would eat at least 2 meals a day.  They quick service plan was perfect for them.  They could grab a quick meal and be on their way to the next attraction instead of wasting valuable time in a restaurant.  They also wouldn't be paying for all the extra food that they probably wouldn't eat.  This family also decided that if they did want to do a sit down meal, it would still be cheaper to pay out of pocket.

2. Plus Dining

(Value and Regular Season)
$55.59 per night ages 10 and up
$17.16 per night age 3 to 9

2012 was $51.54 and $15.02.

(Peak Season)
$56.94 per night ages 10 and up
$18.16 per night ages 3 to 9

Includes: Each person on the meal plan will receive credits for the following, per day

• One table service or buffet meal, including appetizer (for kids 3-9 ONLY, at lunch & dinner), entrée, dessert, OR full buffet, plus non-alcoholic beverage
• One quick service meal, including entrée, dessert, plus non-alcoholic beverage, OR combo meal plus non-alcoholic beverage, dessert
• One snack from a wide variety of options
• One Resort refillable drink mug per person, per package

This family consisted of mom, dad, and 2 younger children ages 6 and 8.  This family knew that their kids were too old to nap in the middle of the day, but also knew that they would really need a break from all the excitement.  A table service meal is a great way to do that.  They also knew that they wanted to do a couple of character meals.  The plus dining plan was the perfect choice for them.  They would be able to sit down at least once a day and get away from the crowds and the excitement.  It would give the children a chance to relax and recharge for the rest of the day.  Since character meals are included in the dining plan, they would be able to meet some of their favorite characters without standing in the long lines at the park!  

The plus dining plan is the most popular among my clients and everyone always comes back and says it was absolutely worth it!

California Grill Restaurant at the Contemporary

3.  Deluxe Dining Plan

(Value and Regular Season)
$99.97 per night ages 10 and up
$26.84 per night ages 3 to 9

2012 was $85.52 and $23.79.

(Peak Season)
$102.27 per night ages 10 and up
$28.91 per night ages 3 to 9

Three table service or quick service meals:

• table service includes entrée, appetizer and dessert, OR full buffet, plus non-alcoholic beverage
• quick service includes entrée, dessert, plus non-alcoholic beverage, OR combo meal plus plus non-alcoholic beverage OR combo meal plus dessert and non-alcoholic beverage

This family consisted of 2 adults and a 10 year old.  They love food and wanted to try all that Disney has to offer.  The have been to Disney several times and are more laid back when it comes to touring the parks.  The deluxe plan is perfect for them because they receive 3 meals per day.  These can be table or quick service meals.  I have to say that with the deluxe plan, it is a lot of food!  I would only recommend this plan if you plan on doing the signature restaurants that require 2 credits each.  Otherwise, unless you can eat a lot, I just don't think it's worth it.

So, I hope this has helped you a little.  Each family is different and you really have to think about what is important to you while at the parks.  Talk to your travel agent (hopefully me) and I'm sure they will help you come up with a plan that is perfect for you!