The Disney Dining Plan Primer

So every time I am talking to a family about their Disney vacation, the question comes up... "So, exactly what IS this dining plan all about?".  Even some people who have done their own Disney-research have questions because, let's face it, it can be a bit complicated.  So let's break it down and spend a few posts talking about this great feature, the Disney Dining Plan.

I think the first thing to do is get a few definitions out of the way.  If I start talking about the signature table service that takes two credits, I might get a few blank stares.  So let's go....

The Disney Dining Plan - The dining plan (regardless of which version) is a way for resort guests to pre-purchase their dining, usually at a nice discount, during their Disney stay.  I like the concept of pre-payment because I know that my money has been spent, and I don't need to worry about my budget or the bill during the vacation...I can just have fun.  On a recent stay, I found that we saved about 30% off the menu prices.  Restaurants on the plan aren't located only in the 4 parks, but also at the resort hotels as well as Downtown Disney.

With Pluto at Chef Mickey's

 

 

 

Table Service Meals - These are dining experiences in restaurants where you are seated by a host, and you have a waiter or waitress serving you.  These restaurants can have the air of elegance, they can have a special theme (1950's, Octoberfest, Drive-in movies), or have character meet-and-greet experiences with Mickey, Princesses, and others.  Table Service Meals in the dining plan feature your non-alcoholic drink, entree or buffet, and dessert. 

Quick Service Meals -   Locations where you  place an order with a cashier and pick up your food at a counter are called Quick Service Meals.  Now I know the first thought is --- Fast Food.  And while you may be right to the extent of how the food is served, the food offerings go way beyond burgers, hot dogs, and chicken nuggets.  Some of our favorite places offer fish and chips, barbequed ribs and chicken, and pork chops with mashed potatoes.  Quick Service Meals come with non-alcoholic beverage, entree, and dessert.

Snacks from Boulangerie Patisserie

Snacks - Yes, who doesn't love a good snack.  Snacks are items from restaurants, specialty shops, street kiosks, and snack bars that range from a bottle of water to some of the most decedent desserts you've ever tasted. 

Credits - These are simply the way to keep track of how many of your meals/snacks you've used during your stay.  Depending on the plan you've chosen and the length of your stay, the number of credits available to you will vary.  We will talk more about these later, but for now, let's say that typically every time you enjoy a meal or a snack, you will use 1 credit from your plan.  (There are exceptions which we will talk about later)

ADR's - Advance Dining Reservations.  Reservations for the Table Service Meals are taken up to 180 days in advance of your arrival date.  I know this seems like a long way off, but trust me, there are restaurants that fill up 180 days out.  That is why when I work with a client, I am on the phone at 7:00 a.m. exactly 180 days away making ADR's for our families.

Whew.....that's a lot, and I'm just getting started.  Next time, we will talk about the different plans, and how you can structure just how many Table Service, Quick Service, and Snack credits you get with each plan.

In the meantime, if you have any questions on the Disney Dining Plan or any other Disney topic, feel free to write to me.

Have a Magical Day !!

Karen
karen@mymickeyvacation.com
www.mymickeyvacation.com