5 Reasons You Should Get the Disney Dining Plan at Walt Disney World*

Wow, a Disney post on Cocktails in Teacups? It’s a rarity but I am trying to keep the magic alive on this blog and not just Livvy Bird Adventures. On occasion anyway.

Last October when we headed out to Walt Disney World we had the Disney Dining Plan for the first time ever and after three tips without one I’m not sure I go without ever again. It was awesome knowing all my food was paid for before even arriving. When we head out in May we have one week where we have the DDP where we’ll do all our character dining and a second week without as we’ll be staying with friends for 5 days and won’t be in the parks as often.

Today I’m going to share 5 reasons why the Disney Dining Plan is a must!

The Disney Dining Plan Offer
The Disney Dining Plan offer is an actual God Send! In the UK we’re so lucky the offer goes on for about 5/6 months of the year so when you book an onsite hotel and park passes you’ll get free dining. What free dining depends on the level of hotel you book. One of the Value resorts will get your breakfast, one of the Moderate resorts will get you Quick Service, one of Delux villas or resorts will get your Table Service. However you can upgrade. We’ve upgraded from breakfast only to the Table Service which includes one table service meal, one quick service meal, 2 snacks and a refillable mug at the resort. If you’re planning on staying onsite at Walt Disney World anyway it’s definitely worth booking during this window so you can enjoy the Free Dining offer.

Character Dining
The reason I prefer the Disney Dining Plan is because LM loves character dining, and character dining is incredibly expensive. Getting the Table Service dining plan means I’ll have 7 different Character Dining experiences for her that I don’t have to worry about paying for. Having tried nearly every single character dining experience on property in May we’ll be doing our favourite which 1900 Park Fare for lunch and dinner, Akershus, Cinderella’s Royal Table (which is two credits), the new Bon Voyage Breakfast and Hollywood and Vine Minnie’s themed dinner with Fantasmic package. We’ll also be doing Be Our Guest for breakfast and possibly for dessert one night so she can meet the Beast.

Disney Snacks
Snacks at Walt Disney World are legendary, everything tastes so good and a lot of it is Mickey shaped. With the standard Dining Plan you get two snack credits. It’s not only on the good snacks you can use them, you can buy drinks (yes even Starbucks) and fruit too if you fancy something healthy! I’ve put together my 5 favourite snacks at Walt Disney World to showcase some of the best. OH and if you go during Food and Wine, you can use snack credits at the booths to try all the food offerings on World Showcase. I really recommend the Mac & Cheese at Farm Fresh.

Left Over Credits Can Get Extra Snacks
At the end of your trip you may have credits left. Table service and Quick service credits can be converted into 3 snack credits and this is a great way to take gifts home for friends and family. In the Confectionery on Main Street USA there are a load of pre-packed sweets which you can use your snack credits on and take them home in your case. I think I had 15 credits left between LM and I on our last trip so we had goodies to keep us going through the Disney blues, and obviously we gave some candy to my parents for watching our cat.

Makes Budgeting Easier
Yes it does! Because once your holiday is fully paid off you’ll only have your spending money left (and tip money as that isn’t included in most restaurants). Last time I only took $500, and after tips and extra drinks from Starbucks I had over $300 left so spend which went a long way. How much you take for merch is your own decision but remember you need to keep inside your suitcase weight limit!

Netflights have put together a great infographic about the Disney Dining Plan at Walt Disney World