• On May 9, 2020
    Ashly from MI 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 am planning a trip for WDW with a friend of mine and we have decided on the deluxe DP. I am reading many articles and trying to understand the terms of using a DDP. Should we pay out of pocket for breakfast buffets (crystal palace).

    Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Ashly! 

    I am so excited to hear of your plans to visit the Walt Disney World Resort with your friend! Some of the memories I cherish the most were made during visits with my best girlfriends.

    Staying at a Disney Resort hotel is definitely the best way to enjoy all that the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer. Guests can enjoy several exclusive benefits and turn their visits into all-inclusive experiences by adding a Dining Plan to their vacation packages. The Disney Deluxe Dining Plan is the dining plan that offers the most flexibility with 3 daily meals that you can use at any participating Quick-Service, Table-Service and Signature Dining location and even Dinner Shows.

    With a Disney Deluxe Dining Plan, for each night of their package stay, all Guests in the party ages 3 and over receive 3 meals, 2 snacks or non-alcoholic beverages and one resort refillable mug. What you get for each meal depends on the dining location where you decide to redeem your credit. If you are visiting a quick-service location you will get 1 entrée and one beverage. Please note that when you dine at a table-service location what you get for breakfast is different than what you get for lunch and dinner. For breakfast you will receive 1 entrée and one beverage. However, when you have breakfast at a buffet or family-style restaurant you receive 1 full buffet or family-style meal and 1 beverage. Meals redeemed at lunch or dinner include 1 appetizer, 1 entrée, 1 beverage and 1 dessert or a full buffet or family-style meal at dining destinations offering them for lunch and dinner.

    While using a Disney Deluxe Dining Plan I personally do not redeem Quick-Service meals, unless I have breakfast or lunch reservations at Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park. I usually have breakfast at restaurants that require 1 credit and offer a buffet, including character dining locations, and then I use snack credits for lunch and the 2 remaining meal credits are redeemed at signature dining restaurants or dinner shows for dinner. Sometimes I also redeem 1 credit for each meal of the day, but I usually find that if I eat well in the morning at a buffet, the snacks are more than enough for lunch and then I can enjoy a signature meal in the evening. It all depends on how you plan your dining according to your itinerary. 

    You will have to pay out of pocket in case you are planning on dining at a restaurant that does not participate in the Disney Dining Plan. Please note that certain dining locations like Cinderella’s Royal Table require advance payment, however upon arriving at your dining destination you can advise Cast Members that you will be using Dining Plan credits to pay for your meal and they will be glad to request reimbursement for amounts paid in advance. You are welcome to check online for a current list of participating locations that currently includes The Crystal Palace. Please note that locations are subject to change without notice. 

    Best magical wishes,
    Thiana
thumbnail image for Thiana

Meet the Panelist: Thiana, Brazil

My name is Thiana and I am a German-Brazilian sworn translator from beautiful Brazil. I am happily married to my prince charming and the proud mother of two lovely princesses. When I am not busy with work or family, you can catch me reading, running, listening to music, or planning our next Walt Disney World Resort visit. I hope to help you plan a magical Disney vacation that will be filled with wonderful memories.

Learn More About Thiana

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