Guide to the Disney Dining Plan

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The Disney Dining Plan is a prepaid meal plan offered at Walt Disney World for guests booking a Disney Resort Package. Our Guide to the Disney Dining Plan explains what’s included in the two current plans (Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan and Disney Dining Plan), how to use them, 2025/2026 pricing, and innovative ways to get value. Plus, we consider the big question — whether you should buy one at all?

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Disney Dining Plan Explained Les Chefs De France EPCOT
Disney Dining Plan Explained

What is the Disney Dining Plan?

The Disney Dining Plan is a prepaid meal plan you can add to a Disney Resort hotel package (or a Disney Vacation Club points stay). Your meal and snack credits are loaded to your resort reservation and redeemed with your MagicBand/MagicBand+, Key to the World card, or MagicMobile.

The plan must be purchased for every guest aged 3+ on the reservation and for every night of your stay. Credits are issued per night and expire at midnight on checkout day. You can track remaining credits in the My Disney Experience app or on your dining receipts.

On occasion, Disney offers free dining packages to guests as part of their package.

Jungle Skipper Canteen Guide to the Disney Dining Plan
Jungle Skipper Canteen

Wow! Does that mean I can eat anything?

Not quite. You get a set number of meals and snacks a day, depending on which plan you book.

Where can we eat?

It depends on what plan you book.

The standard plan includes table-service; the Quick-Service plan does not. The live list is available on My Disney Experience.

However, for all plans, there are locations throughout Walt Disney World, including theme parks, Disney Resorts, and Disney Springs. You can find information on which locations accept the Disney Dining Plan on My Disney Experience. Exact locations can vary, and Disney no longer publishes an official leaflet.

What plans can I get?

When Disney brought back the Dining Plan after a several-year break, the Deluxe Dining Plan did not return. Currently, there are two plans available:

Quick-Service Dining Plan

  • 2 Quick-Service meals per night
  • 1 snack per night
  • 1 refillable resort mug per person (length of stay)

Disney Dining Plan (standard)

  • 1 Table-Service meal per night
  • 1 Quick-Service meal per night
  • 1 snack per night
  • 1 refillable resort mug per person (length of stay)

Note: Guests who have previously used the Disney Dining Plan will note that the number of snacks you are entitled to each day has been reduced.

Steakhouse 71 Guide to Disney Dining Plan: How much does it cost?
Steakhouse 71

What is a quick-service meal?

Quick-service or counter-service is Disney World’s fast-food locations. However, don’t think of just burgers and fries; a wide variety of meals is available. There are quick-service options at Walt Disney World to suit all palates. The food in some quick-service locations is better than that in table-service restaurants.

A Quick-Service meal includes a main and one beverage (alcoholic for 21+ where served). No dessert for Quick-Service meals; it was discontinued in 2017. You can also use Mobile Order in the app and pay with your Dining Plan credits.

What is a table-service meal?

A table-service meal consists of an entrée and dessert (lunch and dinner only), which will be waiter-served. You will also be able to order one beverage. You can also select from some of the stunning buffet locations across Walt Disney World.

What can I drink on the Disney Dining Plan?

Each meal includes one drink. Adults 21+ may choose beer, wine, or a cocktail where available. The Magic Kingdom does not serve alcohol at Quick-Service restaurants (table-service only there and the new Beak and Barrel Lounge). Having an alcoholic beverage does provide better value, so plan accordingly if you’re dining at the Magic Kingdom.

It is worth noting that children ten and older get charged the same as adults on the Disney Dining Plan, despite soft drinks costing considerably less than alcoholic beverages.

What is a snack?

Snacks can be pretty much anything from ice cream to popcorn to non-alcoholic drinks to small meals at food stores. You are bound to find something tasty for your snack credits. Eligible items are highlighted in shops & food kiosks.

However, watch the price as snack credits vary a lot in price. Water rarely represents a good use of a snack credit. During the festivals at EPCOT, you can get some great snack options.

A selection of sensational snacks at The Flower & Garden Festival. Epcot Festivals represent great value on the Disney Dining Plan.
Getting snacks at Epcot’s Festivals is great value

Are gratuities included?

No, these are extra and expected. For groups of 6 or more, 18% gratuity will be automatically added. There are a couple of venues where gratuities are included, and these are indicated when booking. Gratuities are not required at Quick-Service locations.

Visit our Guide to Tipping at Walt Disney World to learn more.

What is a refillable mug?

A resort refillable mug gives you free drinks at Resort Quick Service Locations. They are not valid in parks but can be used in all resorts.

DRINK TIP: If you get a quick service meal at a resort, bring your mug. You can use your mug for a drink and collect a bottle of water for later on.

Seems easy — anything else?

Well, the Disney Dining plan takes a bit of getting used to, and not everything costs one credit.

Some Table-Service locations are Disney Signature Locations, and these cost two table service credits. These are the very best locations across Walt Disney World serving outstanding food.

You can get some fantastic meals on the quick-service Dining Plan including this shrimp dish from Satu'li Canteen
Satu’li Canteen Shrimp is a quick-service meal!

OK, I have got it! Can I use my Disney Dining Plan elsewhere?

Yes, you can. Two table-Upon reviewing the text again, it appears that “table-service” and “quick-service” are predominantly hyphenated correctly everywhere they are mentioned. However, the phrase “Counter Service” was noted without a hyphen in the context of “Quick service or Counter Service.”

If you’re looking for any other potential inconsistencies, those seem to be the primary ones. The text consistently uses the hyphenated forms for “table-service” and “quick-service.” If you need a further breakdown or details, just let me know!Upon reviewing the text again, it appears that “table-service” and “quick-service” are predominantly hyphenated correctly everywhere they are mentioned. However, the phrase “Counter Service” was noted without a hyphen in the context of “Quick service or Counter Service.”If you’re looking for any other potential inconsistencies, those seem to be the primary ones. The text consistently uses the hyphenated forms for “table-service” and “quick-service.” If you need a further breakdown or details, just let me know!
service credits can be used for the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (the only Dinner Show remaining), Room Service Delivery, or Pizza Delivery. Availability depends on the resort you are staying in.

How do they know I am on the Disney Dining Plan?

Tell your server you’re using the plan and tap your MagicBand, scan your Key to the World card, or use MagicMobile. You’ll see remaining credits on your receipt and in My Disney Experience.

Toledo - Tapas Steak & Seafood
Toledo – Tapas Steak & Seafood

What about Kids?

Kid plans are available for children aged 3-9. Table service locations have special kid menus that they must choose from. Kid menus do vary significantly in quality, but overall have improved in recent years. At buffet locations, kids choose from the same selections as adults, although there is usually an extra kids’ section too.

Children ages 3–9 must order from the kids’ menu, where available. Enforcement is stricter than it used to be, so plan on kids choosing kids’ meals at Quick-Service.

Children 10 or older must purchase the adult plan. However, they must have a soft drink with their meal, and substitutions for an extra alcoholic beverage for Mum & Dad are not allowed.

What about kids under 3?

Children aged under 3 are not able to eat on the Disney Dining Plan. Usually, children will eat some of their parents’ meals, or in a buffet location, they are welcome to take their own plate. Don’t worry, they will not go hungry.

Can we visit Character Meals?

Yes, you can as long as you have table service credits as part of your plan. Character Meals represent some of the best value meals on the Disney Dining Plan; most cost one credit, but some do cost two credits.

To find out more, visit our Guide to Character Meals.

Ohana Breakfast with Lilo and Stitch is available on the Disney Dining Plan
Ohana Breakfast with Lilo and Stitch Walt Disney World Character Meals

Can we book a Disney Dining Plan for just one of us?

No. Everyone aged 3+ in the same room must be on the same plan for the entire length of stay.

What is Free Dining?

At certain times of the year, the Disney Dining Plan is available at no charge for certain Resort Reservations. This offer can be a great value. The type of Disney Dining Plan offered will depend on the resort you are staying at.

Offers vary by country of residence. In the UK, there are several offers run yearly for Disney Reservations. Free Dining usually works out great value for families of four, but you may find the Free Night Offer (traditionally offered in the New Year) is a better offer for couples.

Remember, Gratuities are not included, so Free Dining isn’t 100% free.

How much is the Disney Dining Plan in 2025?

For 2025, the per-night add-on pricing (ages 10+ / ages 3–9):

  • Quick-Service Dining Plan: $59.14 adult, $24.71 child
  • Disney Dining Plan (standard): $97.79 adult, $30.56 child

Current 2026 prices show a slight increase:

  • Quick-Service Dining Plan: $60.47 adult, $26.16 child
  • Disney Dining Plan (standard): $98.59 adult, $31.94 child

International guests may find prices quoted are different than U.S. Rates. All prices are always subject to change.

Can you save money on the Disney Dining Plan?

You need to plan your snacks and meals carefully. Venues differ significantly in price, and if you eat at the wrong restaurant or choose the wrong snack, you will lose money. Many venues no longer include the most expensive entrées, and the reduction to one snack a day has made breaking even more challenging.

In our opinion, you will probably not save money if:

  • You are a vegetarian
  • Don’t eat red meat
  • Have 10–20-year-olds (priced as adults) who won’t be able to order alcoholic drinks.
  • Do not drink alcohol.

If none of these apply with a sprinkle of fairy dust, you might break even on the Disney Dining Plan. However, to increase your chances:

  • Don’t waste any credits.
  • Choose higher-value entrées (steak, seafood) and specialty/alcoholic beverages.
  • Use snack credits at EPCOT festival booths or on bakery items and specialty drinks.
  • Oversee the value of snack credits.
  • Breakfast is usually cheaper than lunch or dinner and therefore represents poorer value.
  • Think twice about 2-credit meals; they’re usually poor value per credit on the plan.

If you can manage the above, you might break even. However, Free Dining can be a fantastic offer, but don’t forget that Tips are on top.

Farmer’s Market Vegetable Curry Not the best value on Disney Dining Plan
Vegetarian meals are not the best value on the Disney Dining Plan

Where can I find out which restaurants are included in the plan?

The easiest place to look for what restaurants are included is on My Disney Experience or the Walt Disney World website.

Do we need to book tables in advance?

Yes, you do! The most popular venues book up fast.

Anyone can book dining 60 days ahead (around 6:00 a.m. ET). Disney Resort hotel guests get 60 days plus the length of stay (up to 10 nights), which is a massive benefit for hard-to-get meals.

You probably will be able to get a Dining Reservation on the day or join a Walk Up list, but it might not be your first choice. Read our Guide to Advanced Dining Reservations.

Lamb Shank from Jiko - The Cooking Place costs 2 Table-Service Credits
Lamb Shank from Jiko – The Cooking Place costs 2 Table-Service Credits

Find Out More

We have created a Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World.

Our Guide to Walt Disney World is a great place to start planning your vacation.

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Living with the Land is a narrated boat ride where you will visit various greenhouses and learn about future agriculture innovations. Unfortunately, many of these future agricultural innovations have been highlighted for over 20 years. Presumably, the future should be here by now, or it just isn’t happening. Perhaps many of these innovations are the agricultural equivalent of the Sinclair C5? Actually, we did the Behind the Seeds Tour, and I now have a whole new perspective on this agrarian innovation. Living with the Land Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, opened in 2023. This interactive outdoor trail offers a chance to play and interact with water as it travels from the sky to the oceans and back again. It isn't the reasons why you visit EPCOT, but actually, it is great fun. Worth visiting during the day and after dark. Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana World Showcase World Showcase is a permanent world fair containing 11 pavilions, each representing a country. The pavilions surround the World Showcase Lagoon, where the nightly Luminous The Symphony of Us occurs. The show features fireworks, fountains, music, and lights. I'm not a massive fan, but many people love it. The pavilions contain architecture, attractions, shops, and restaurants you would typically find in that country. Cast Members are usually citizens of the respective countries. Theoretically, there is space for a further nine pavilions at World Showcase, but despite rumors, there has been no confirmation of additions to World Showcase. EPCOT's International Gateway, between the United Kingdom & France, provides a less hectic additional entrance and exit for the park. It can be reached from the EPCOT Resorts by walking or by boat. In addition, there is a Disney Skyliner stop. It is a great entrance if you want to be one of the first guests to ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. World Showcase Guide to Epcot For Beginners Mexico The Mexico pavilion includes the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, a "Small World-type ride" featuring Donald Duck. There had been rumors that this attraction might be updated with a new Coco theme, but it seems to have gone very quiet. The majority of the pavilion is located inside the impressive pyramid. The central indoor area of the pyramid is themed as an outdoor twilight-lit Mexican village and marketplace. Norway The Norway Pavilion is the most recent nation to be added to World Showcase in 1988. The outside of the pavilion is a reproduction of Oslo's Akershus Fortress. Norway includes the popular Frozen Ever After dark ride. This ride is exceptionally popular, and waits can be long if you do not use a Lightning Lane. Frozen Ever After Norway is also the only place at Walt Disney World to meet Anna & Elsa. China You enter this pavilion through a large triple-arched gate. An impressive replication of the Temple of Heaven is the dominant feature. China includes "Reflections of China," a Circle-Vision 360° movie exploring China's history. A new film called “Wondrous China” had previously been announced, but it seems to have been canceled. The Outpost The Outpost isn't an official EPCOT pavilion but has been around since 1983. The original EPCOT plans highlighted a future Equatorial Africa Pavilion in this area, but it was never developed. The Outpost contains some African-themed shopping and refreshment stops. However, there isn't much to see here. Germany Germany is designed to look like a German town, but with architecture from various regions. When the pavilion was initially designed, the Unification of Germany seemed a remote possibility. Many small shops sell traditional German goods. There is an impressive Model Village on the pavilion's exit towards Italy. Italy Italy features a plaza surrounded by a collection of buildings inspired by hallmarks of Italian architecture. The centerpiece is the superb reproduction of St Mark's Campanile, which is the bell tower of St Mark's Basilica in Venice. The pavilion includes several shops that sell costly gifts, including Armani products, fine crystal, wines & porcelain. The American Adventure The United States pavilion is actually called The American Adventure. The highlight is an audio-animatronic show detailing American history. Overall, there is little to see in this pavilion, but the show is rather good, although perhaps a bit too patriotic! The American Adventure Epcot World Showcase Japan Japan is made up of buildings surrounding a courtyard. The entrance to the courtyard features a 5-story Japanese Pagoda. Several Japanese gardens and pools decorate the pavilion. In many of the pools, you will find colorful Koi Fish. It is home to the only remaining Mitsukoshi Department Store in the United States. Morocco You can't haggle in Morocco, or I don't think you can. Otherwise, this pavilion is laid out to look like a traditional Moroccan market. It is one of my favorite pavilions in the World Showcase. However, the pavilion has undergone a sad decline in recent years after its operator hit financial difficulties. There are now few options, and the excellent Restaurant Marrakesh has been closed since 2020. Disney desperately needs to do something to revitalize this formerly brilliant pavilion. France France is themed to look like a Parisian neighborhood pre-World War 1. A replica of the Eiffel Tower is the highlight of the pavilion. The Eiffel Tower was reconstructed at a 1/10 scale of the original and stretches 103 feet into the air. Imagineers used forced perspective to make it look bigger than it is. There are plenty of shopping and dining opportunities in this pavilion. A panoramic film titled Impressions de France can be viewed in the pavilion, which has been recently upgraded to 4k. Running in tandem in the same theater is a Beauty & the Beast Sing-Along. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure opened in Epcot on October 1st, 2021. The attraction is in 3D and uses a trackless ride system. During the ride, you shrink to the size of a rat and cause mayhem in Gustav’s kitchen. The ride is great fun, and a personal favorite since I first rode the Disneyland Paris version. However, it will become 2D in November. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure United Kingdom The United Kingdom is designed to look like a traditional English village, which never existed. There are some interesting gardens and several shops in the pavilion. In addition, there are usually some live bands entertaining guests. However, there is little to do in this pavilion apart from relaxing. A future Mary Poppins attraction was planned but has now been canceled. Canada The Canada pavilion is designed to remind guests of the Canadian outdoors. The outstanding landscaping includes a canyon, a waterfall, gardens, and totem poles. Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360 debuted in January 2020. The film features narration by Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy. Dining and Drinking at EPCOT If you are a foodie, then EPCOT is probably the park for you! EPCOT has the most extensive selection of dining options at Walt Disney World. From snack carts to signature dining, unique dining experiences will suit any budget. There are multiple Quick Service Locations and Food Carts throughout EPCOT. Those located in World Showcase serve traditional food from the country you are in. During the various EPCOT Festivals, additional counters are serving different specialty treats. Unlike the Magic Kingdom, where alcohol is limited, EPCOT serves specialty drinks in many locations. Drinking Around the World is a popular way many adults enjoy World Showcase. There are a large number of table service restaurants at EPCOT. Check My Disney Experience for the latest information, and note that there are reviews for the majority of restaurants on this site. EPCOT's restaurants fill up, and standby lines, if they exist, can be very long. Obtaining an Advance Dining Reservation is highly recommended. Our Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World has further information. Seasonal Festivals at EPCOT Perhaps one of the very best things about visiting EPCOT is the annual festivals. No visit to EPCOT is the same, and throughout the year, the park develops a temporary new look for the yearly festivals. Increasingly, there are very few weeks that do not hold a festival at EPCOT, but over the last year, dates have shortened slightly. There are four annual festivals, each offering unique entertainment, food, and drink. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival is an annual celebration of food and drinks worldwide. The Food & Wine Festival is one of the yearly highlights at Walt Disney World and draws big crowds of locals, especially on the weekends. Located throughout EPCOT are Marketplaces serving specialty Drinks and Food. The festival used to be limited to World Showcase, but is now throughout the park. Eat to the Beat is a series of free concerts held nightly throughout the Food & Wine Festival. Acts who appear regularly include Billy Ocean, Tiffany, and Starship. Here is our review of the 2024 festival. EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Epcot International Festival of the Holidays The final celebration of the Epcot year features the holiday traditions of the 11 World Showcase nations. Live musical productions plus seasonal food & drink make this a not-to-miss event. Each night, a celebrity narrator tells the biblical tale of Christmas in the Candlelight Processional. A 50-piece orchestra and choir accompany the narrator. Epcot International Festival of the Arts The Epcot International Festival of the Arts starts the Epcot year by celebrating food, art & entertainment. The festival is the newest of the Epcot Festivals, and previous highlights have included: Food studios celebrate the culinary arts. The popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series. International musical and variety acts. Performing artists, including acrobats. Workshops led by professionals will teach different artistic techniques. Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Held annually in the spring is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Highlights include: Outdoor kitchens encircling World Showcase offer exciting food choices plus accompanying drinks. The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series Themed gardens and wildlife habitats, including a butterfly house. Disney-themed topiaries throughout the park. Annual highlights include Belle in France along with Beast, Snow White in Germany with the Seven Dwarfs, and Anna and Elsa in Norway. You can read more about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival in our review. Figment Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Read More To learn more about Walt Disney World, visit our Guide to Walt Disney World. Guide to EPCOT for Beginners
Our Guide to Animal Kingdom for Beginners contains the latest information to plan your Walt Disney World Vacation. Our family-focused tips and tricks will ensure a great vacation, whether a first-time or repeat visitor. Our Guide to The Animal Kingdom has been updated and includes all the latest information for 2025 and 2026.

3 thoughts on “Guide to the Disney Dining Plan”

  1. PegP

    Just FYI, gratuity is included on some of the meals. Cinderella’s Royal Table, The Spirit of Aloha, Hoop de Doo Review, and Mickey’s BBQ all include gratuity.

    Also, when looking at the menus on the Disney site, they don’t give prices for the buffets. The buffets are expensive. You’re looking at $100 for one adult and one child. So character buffets are a great choice to maximize the dining plan. Not so great for out-of-pocket paying.

    Reply
  2. Sarah Smith

    My husband and I are both looking into the Disney Dining Plan to determine if we should purchase it for our trip this summer. The tips in your article are really helpful in determining if we should buy the Disney Dining Plan. I especially like your advice to book tables in advance and to use the credits on lunch or dinner instead of breakfast.

    Reply

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