Of course lots of us love staying in the ‘Disney bubble’ (I know we do) but if you do you have to face one awful reality – eating on site is more expensive than eating off site!
Disney give many different dining options, from snacks and quick service meals, to buffets, character meals, and signature dining. We are all different and we all have different tastes – and budgets – so advising on dining is a tricky one. One thing I would always recommend is costing it out before you go and deciding on whether or not to purchase one of the dining plans.
Dining plans allow you to purchase credits in advance that can be used in restaurants throughout Walt Disney World. At certain times of the year they are also offered as ‘free dining’ offers. The important thing to note is that dining plans can only be purchased if you are staying on site.
All plans are worked out on the basis of the number of nights you are staying. So stay 7 nights and you get what is listed below x 7 for each guest. Each plan also includes 1 resort mug per person which can be refilled with soda/coffee at any resort.
So, what are they?
Quick Service Dining Plan (QDSP): This is the basic plan and gives you the following:
2 x Quick Service meals (main plus drink)
2 x snack credits
Disney Dining Plan (DDP): This is what people tend to think of when they think of the dining plans and is their most popular plan. You get the following:
1 x Quick service meal (main plus drink)
1 x Table Service meal (main, dessert, drink)
2 x snack credits
Deluxe Disney Dining Plan (DDDP): This is the top one and be warned, it includes a LOT of food.
3 x Table Sercice meal (main, dessert, drink)
2 x snack credits
Which one is for you?
Well that all depends on how much food you want and WHERE you want to eat.
Fast food: this is a bit misleading, but this is what is classified as quick service. It is counter service food where you order at the counter and seat yourself. However, if you are now thinking ‘oh, McDonald’s food’ you couldn’t be far wrong. Yes, you can get burgers and fries, but there are SO many more options – especially at Epcot where you can get international food. You do not tip at these locations
Waiter service restaurants: these are your table service meals. You are seated, order from the waiter and the food is brought to you. On the plan you do not get starters, but you can order and pay for these in addition to using your credits. Some restaurants are classed as signature dining and require you to use 2 table service credits. You do need to tip here.
Buffets: these are also classed as table service meals. You are also required to tip here.
Character meals: these are all classed as table service meals and can be either waiter service or buffet. If you are planning on doing a lot of character meals this might make the DDP or DDDP better options for you.