Hi Shalene!
Welcome back to planDisney.
The
Disney Dining Plan offers such great value across Walt Disney World Resort - at the theme parks, the Disney Resort hotels and at Disney Springs, and I'm so happy it's making a return from today (9th January 2024)!
The dining plans offer great flexibility as you can use your meals and snacks however you wish. To enjoy character dining you are correct that each guest will need to redeem 2 Table Service meals, for each
character meal, so I would look at the menus and price of each one and use my Table Service meals against the most expensive, and pay cash for the other one. Your server will ask you if you are using a dining plan, and it's entirely up to you how you pay for your meal and when you use your dining plan. You won't be turned away!, but it's not permitted to split payment between dining plan and cash - if your meal needs 2 Table Service meals but you only have one left, you will be required to pay the total in cash.
The Disney Dining Plan will provide each guest, per night: 1 Table Service meal, 1 Quick-Service meal, 1 Snack and 1 drink with each meal. You will also receive a Resort Refillable Mug for unlimited refills at any beverage island at all the Disney Resort hotels (located at the Quick-Service restaurants).
Character dining is very popular so please remember to put all your dining reservations in place, up to 60 days in advance.
Please come back and visit us if you have any further questions. You can also
send me a direct question if you need any more tips on making the best use of your dining plan. We will be very happy to help you plan your magical vacation.
Sue