Hey there, Mia, and welcome to planDisney! I am so happy that you've found us today with this great question about using a
dining plan at Walt Disney World Resort! It's no secret that I love using a dining plan during my vacation, so let's dive into what makes it so great!
Mia, you're going to love the convenience and value of the
Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan. It's such a treat to be able to plan in advance for your meals and snacks, and it makes your vacation feel more all-inclusive. For me, it's great to be able to relax at mealtimes and stay in the moment, since I know I've already taken care of the bill! As far as getting the best bang for your buck, let's start with your Resort-Refillable Mug, then move on to some of my favorite dining locations for meals and snacks.
You can use your Resort-Refillable Mug not only at your Disney Resorts Collection hotel, but at any Disney Resorts Collection hotel during your visit! The fountain drink machines are typically located near quick-service dining locations and pool bars. You can fill your mug with anything from coffee to soda to tea to water. I don't bring my mug into the Disney Theme Parks, however, because they can't be refilled there. The savings you get from using your mug for beverages during your stay will add up so quickly!
When it comes to dining, you can actually go ahead and check out menus and pricing of items you'd like to order. Head to the
My Disney Experience Mobile App and search for specific dining locations or use the map to locate restaurants in areas you plan to visit. These items and prices are subject to change, but you'll get a good idea of the cost of what you'll order, and you can compare it with the cost of your dining plan. Your meals will include an alcoholic beverage for adults over 21, so adding that to your meal will increase the overall value of your meal.
I have found meals at
The Polite Pig in
Disney Springs to be a particularly great use of quick-service meals. If you're into seafood, check out
Columbia Harbor House at
Magic Kingdom Park for their popular Lobster Roll (note: alcoholic beverages are not available at quick-service dining locations in Magic Kingdom Park).
Yak and Yeti Local Food Cafes at
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park has some amazing options like a Kobe Beef Cheeseburger and Firecracker Shrimp.
When it comes to snacks, you'll want to look for items with a higher value, like Mickey Pretzels, ice cream sundaes, and large Starbucks drinks. Lower value items would include popcorn refills and bottled water, so you might consider paying for those separately.
Talking about all of this delicious food has made me hungry! If you'd like any more recommendations on where to find amazing meals and snacks, please stop back by!
Bon appetit!
Jennifer