Kilimanjaro Safaris; Animal Kingdom; AA
  • On Jan 8, 2015
    Callie from GA Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I'm looking into coming to Disney World in May with my parents and kids. Is the dining plan really worth the extra money?

    Hi, Callie! I love having the opportunity to travel with the grandparents - it's such fun to see them enjoy their grandchildren.

    The value of the dining plan really depends on how your family eats their meals or how you like to budget for your vacation. For example, if you are someone who likes to have most of the expenses taken care of before you travel, paying for the dining plan is a great way to knock out your food budget in advance, knowing just how much it will cost for the number of meals you'll be receiving on the plan. 

    There are also some families who find it actually saves them money. They will scope out the online menus, compare prices of various menu items, and plan to order ones at the higher end to make the most of their money.

    For others, the plan is more food than they normally would eat. I just talked to somone leaving the parks after Christmas who had 15 snack credits left due to a family illness while on vacation. They were stocking up on snacks to take home with them, but she felt that even with everyone well, they might have still ended up with some snack credits left.

    If you have big eaters, it might absolutely be worth it to you. We tend to share meals or order appetizers and dessert instead of a big meal, so it's rare when we consider the dining plan. So think about how your family does dining on vacation, and weigh the options from your perspective.

    Happy planning!
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Meet the Panelist: Anna, New Jersey

My name is Anna and I am a retired teacher with a J.D., a proud Navy wife with 30+ years of experience, mom to three daughters and a son-in-law, and grandmom to three tiny Disney fans. I have planned vacations for all sorts of special occasions and celebrations, but I really enjoy DVC vacations, helping military families, and assisting those with special dietary needs.    Learn More About Anna

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