Hey Howdy Hey, Becky--welcome to planDisney! You've got a friend (and fellow Disney Vacation Club Member!) in me and I am excited to answer your question today.
Our family is thrilled that dining plans are returning to Walt Disney World Resort as of January 9, 2024. We love to try out a new restaurant (or three!) every time we visit, and the dining plans give families quite a bit of flexibility to enjoy a wide variety of the dining locations around the Resort. Our current must-try is eet by Maneet Chauhan--the first Indian-inspired restaurant at Disney Springs!
There are two different plans available, so let's talk details to help you decide which best fits your family's needs!
The Disney Dining Plan allows you to experience some of the fantastic Table-Service restaurants located all around Walt Disney World Resort. This plan includes one Table-Service meal, one Quick-Service Meal, and one snack or nonalcoholic beverage for each guest ages three and up for each night of your stay. These come in the form of flexible meal "credits" that you can use however you choose during your vacation--so you could have two Table-Service meals one day, or enjoy all of your snacks in a single afternoon. Make sure you secure dining reservations for Table-Service dining so you can visit your preferred restaurants!
You can also combine credits for unique Disney experiences such as Character Dining. When our girls were younger, we often used this option, using two Table-Service meals for a special meal at Cinderella's Royal Table so they could enjoy meeting their favorite Disney Princesses!
Now for option #2. The Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan offers each guest in your party two Quick-Service meals and one snack or nonalcoholic beverage for each night of your stay. This plan is a great option if your family is always on the go, as you can just order, grab a seat, and get back to adventuring!
Both plans include a 16-ounce Resort-Refillable Mug, which I think is a great value. You can refill your mug at any time during your stay at self-service beverage stations located at all Disney Resort hotel Quick-Service locations that offer sodas, coffee, and a variety of teas. They cannot be used for refills in the theme parks, but you can bring your empty mug into the parks to fill with water throughout the day! The mugs also make great vacation souvenirs.
If you do decide to add a Dining Plan, it's easy to do from your Dashboard on the
Disney Vacation Club Member website. Click on your upcoming reservation from the "My Vacation Plans" list, and a number of options will show up for you. Simply click "Purchase Dining Plans" and you'll be able to select the plan that works best for your party!
I hope you and your family have a magical vacation, Becky! If I can help with any other questions you have, please visit planDisney again and we'll have of plenty of pixie dust awaiting.
Welcome Home!
Susan