Hi there, Hannah, and welcome to planDisney! You're arriving in just a few days, and now is a great time to familiarize yourself with dining plans. If you decide to add it to your vacation package, you can do so up to 48 hours before your arrival.
Hannah, there are lots of details to understand about
dining plans, and I'm excited to dig in with you. I love using dining plans because I've found that they add value to my vacation in the form of savings as well as peace of mind in budgeting ahead of time. There are two different dining plans: the Quick-Service Dining Plan and the Disney Dining Plan. The main difference is that the Quick-Service Plan includes two quick-service meals per day, and the Disney Dining Plan includes one table service meal and one quick-service meal per day. Each includes a resort refillable mug and one snack per day. Most dining locations accept dining plans, and there are specific items on some menus that will not be available.
Think of a quick-service meal as "fast casual," where you order at a counter, pick up your food, and find a table in a seating area. A quick-service meal includes an entree and a drink. Adults aged 21 and older may order an alcoholic beverage where available. For example, at
Backlot Express, you can order a Cuban Sandwich, which comes with plantain chips, and a chardonnay. Sides, desserts, and some specialty adult beverages are not included.
Table service meals are more traditional seated dinner experiences. They might have a buffet, serve family-style, or feature a typical menu where each person orders an entree. Buffet and family-style meals will be all-you-care-to-eat from a pre-set menu. Where there is a menu, you'll select an entree from the entree section, a dessert from the dessert section, and a beverage (can be alcoholic if you're 21 or over). At
Sanaa, the vegetable curry with chicken is fabulous, and you can't go wrong with the Giraffe Tower Mousse for dessert. One of my favorite things at Sanaa, however, is the Indian-style Bread Service appetizer that is not included in the dining plan. When I order something that's not included, like an appetizer or drink, it just goes on my bill, and I pay for it along with the gratuity since that is not included. A few restaurants require two table service meals from the dining plan.
Here are some rapid-fire tips for you! I should note that many dining locations can accommodate dietary restrictions, so please inform your server if anyone in your party has a specific need. If you ever have questions about the menu, like what's included or possible substitutions, the Cast Members at the restaurant will be able to help you understand your options. While alcoholic beverages are not refillable, you'll enjoy refills of most other drinks like soda and tea. To get the most value out of your dining plan, I suggest ordering an adult beverage whenever possible and ordering the pricier items on the menu that you might otherwise avoid when paying cash. If you're not starving at mealtime, consider sharing quick-service meals. Be on the lookout for snacks with a higher dollar value rather than using your snacks for popcorn refills and bottled water. Use the Mobile Food & Beverage Order feature (available to all Guests) to order ahead and save you time when you're ready to eat. Make Advance Dining Reservations to ensure you have a dedicated place to eat and relax. Check out restaurant menus ahead of time to understand if a dining plan will provide a good value for you.
I hope this is helpful to you! Please stop back by with any other questions you have!
Bon appetit!
Jennifer