Not having to cook always makes everything more magical.  Then, make most of the food in the shape of Mickey's head, and you get the best day ever. 

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Breaking down your meal plan choices can feel daunting.  Many people wonder is it worth the money?  

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Yes or No to the Meal Plan

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For myself, I am a huge proponent of the Meal Plans offered by Disney.  The main factor that contributes to that is my desire not to have to worry about spending in this area.  I personally do not want to stress about if we are spending too much on cheeseburgers each meal.  I like the freedom that the Meal Plan allows me to order like I am a Rockefeller and get the extras that I would skip during my everyday life.  At the end of each trip, I have always felt like I "out ate" the Meal Plan.  Especially with the addition of Alcoholic Beverages as your drink, I made great use of my money.  

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I have also stayed off the property and brought sandwiches, bought chicken tenders to share, and counted every penny.  There were some definite perks because while everyone else was flocking to long lines, my family was snacking away inline on sandwiches and chips.  We made our lunch and then ate together at a restaurant for dinner.  I was more cautious about what I ordered and ordered the largest portion for the cheapest price.  This is a totally doable option but takes more daily planning on your part.  

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My Personal Choice

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Between the 2 options, I definitely preferred having the Meal Plan.  We had already paid for everything in advance, which allowed us to eat like Kings without worrying about money. 

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Originally my sister and I decided that we would pay out of pocket for any food items that would not maximize our dining credits.  However, we quickly abandoned that idea when we realized ordering a salad with an alcoholic beverage still allowed us to come out ahead.  

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Even if I ordered a salad and a coke for one meal

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To help you decide if the Meal Plan is the best for you, I divided your planning into the types of Meal Plans offered and what each Dining Type looks like.  

 

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Meal Plans:

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Quick-Service Dining Plan

• 1 Refillable Drink Mug (Resort use only)

• 2 Quick-service meals and 2 snacks or drinks

• 2 snacks or drinks

 

Standard Disney Dining Plan

• 1 Refillable Drink Mug (Resort use only)

• 1 Quick-service meals

• 1 Table-Service Meal

• 2 snacks or drinks

• Note:

  • Signature Dining meals will utilize 2 Table-Service Meals

  • Gratuities (tips) are not included unless noted by the restaurant

 

Deluxe Dining Plan

• 1 Refillable Drink Mug (Resort use only)

• 3 Meals composed of Quick Service/Table Service all at your choosing

• Quick-service meals

• Table-Service Meal

• 2 snacks or drinks

• Note:

  • Signature Dining meals will utilize 2 Table-Service Meals

  • Gratuities (tips) are not included unless noted by the restaurant

 

 

 

 

Types of Dining:

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Snacks

• Snacks can be found all around the parks and usually on items that are $5 or less.  There are some items that provide you with greater value, but will always have the  icon

 

Counter Service / Quick Service

• Each Quick service meal includes 1 Entrée (with sides if listed alongside the entrée) and 1 snack (can be an extra side, drink, dessert, or alcoholic drink).  This is the only option that allows you to use the snack portion of your meal for alcohol and one of the best new changes to the meal plan.

 

Casual Dining

• Table-Service Meal

  • 1 Entrée, 1 Dessert, 1 Beverage
    or

• 1 Full Buffet or Family-Style Meal

 

Fine/Signature Dining

• Each meal from a Signature Dining restaurant includes:

  • 1 Appetizer, 1 Entrée, 1 Dessert, 1 Non-alcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)

• Two Table-Service meals for each Signature Dining restaurant meal ordered will be redeemed from each person’s meal plan balance.

  • Jiko, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Dinner)

  • Flying Fish Café, Disney’s BoardWalk (Dinner)

  • California Grill, Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Dinner)

  • Citricos, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort (Dinner)

  • Narcoossee’s, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort (Dinner)

  • Artist Point, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (Dinner)

  • Yachtsman Steakhouse, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts (Dinner)

  • Le Cellier Steakhouse, Epcot (Lunch & Dinner)

  • Monsieur Paul, Epcot (Dinner)

  • The Hollywood Brown Derby, Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Lunch & Dinner)

  • Fulton Crab House, Disney Springs (Lunch & Dinner)

  • The Dining Room at Wolfgang Puck Grand Café, Disney Springs (Dinner)

  • The BOATHOUSE Restaurant, Disney Springs (Lunch & Dinner)

• The dress code for Signature Dining restaurants is Resort casual.
  Not permitted in dining room: tank tops, swimsuits or swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cutoffs, torn clothing of any kind or T-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics.

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