Hi, Paul! Thank you so much for visiting us here at planDisney with your question.
My favorite thing about the Disney Dining Plan is indeed makes budgeting for meals and snacks easy, I can imagine even more so for such a wonderful extended stay. However, I am going to share with you a little trick I have used in the past for myself when I did not have the Dining Plan. Listed on the Walt Disney World Resort Website is every
Table Service and Quick Service restaurant. There is also a link to each dining location's menus where you can see the current offerings and prices. In the pale blue box next to the restaurant's photo, you can find the menu link, which is a little menu icon with a fork and spoon on it with the words "view menu" beside it. Keep in mind; these are subject to change. You will be making Advanced Dining Reservations for the table service locations, so you already know which of those you will be visiting. You have an idea of what you may want to eat, and the pricing is right there for you. You can choose between breakfast, lunch, and dinner, depending on what meals each location offers. For the Quick Service locations, I researched which ones we may be dining at depending on my family's food preferences. I also thought of what my family's favorite snacks are and noted the price of those too.
For example, if you have an Advanced Dining Reservation for dinner
Le Cellier Steakhouse, you can click on the
menu link, and go to the dinner menu. I think I would love to have the Le Cellier Filet Mignon! I would note that price for myself and choose what I think the other family members would enjoy. Don't forget any appetizers, beverages, and gratuity. Once you get an idea of how much everything will cost you, you can then purchase
Disney Gift Cards for the amount you estimate you will spend. The Gift Cards will then be your dining plan that you can use to pay for your food items. You are also eligible to purchase
Quick Service Dining Cards you are able to use for the first ten days of your visit at participating Quick Service Dining locations.
I hope this helps, Paul! Please come back and revisit us here at planDisney if you have any other questions.
Have a magical day!
-Rachel